Dolly Parton once lived in Solvang, which is now at the centre of a development dispute. (Photo: Getty Images)
A plan to transform part of a picturesque California town known for its Danish-inspired architecture and once home to Dolly Parton into an Airstream “glamping” resort has sparked fierce opposition from residents, with one critic branding the proposal a “trailer park” and calling it “completely inappropriate” for the historic community. The proposed development would turn the former Solvang Lumberyard in Solvang, Santa Barbara County, into a resort featuring 31 Airstream units, two hotel suites, a lobby, bar and lounge, a pool, showers, restrooms and a lookout tower. But residents and members of the city's Design Review Committee have questioned whether the development fits the character of the town, particularly because local rules call for architecture reflecting Solvang's historic Spanish Mission-style surroundings.
‘If it looks like a trailer park... it’s a trailer park’
The proposal was discussed by Solvang's Design Review Committee during a pre-application review, where concerns were raised over its design and compatibility with the surrounding area. Dennis Beebe, president of the Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council, was among the strongest critics of the project. “If it looks like a trailer park and it gleams like a trailer park, in spite of the categorization of a lodging, it’s a trailer park,” Beebe said, as reported by Noozhawk. “I find it completely inappropriate for downtown Solvang.” The proposed development is planned for the 2.19-acre former Solvang Lumberyard property at 1783 and 1793 Mission Drive. While the developers have presented the project as a lodging and glamping destination, critics argue that the collection of shiny aluminum Airstream trailers would clash with Solvang's distinctive architectural identity.
Residents question Airstreams and ‘military fortress’ tower
Residents say the proposed Airstream resort does not fit Solvang’s historic Danish-inspired character. (Photo: Getty Images)
The Airstream units were not the only feature to come under scrutiny. Resident Susan Belloni questioned how the proposed accommodation units would relate to the town's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. “So, I don’t see that 31 mid-century design Chinese aluminum Airstream trailers have anything in common with Spanish colonial revival architecture,” she said, according to Noozhawk. Another concern was the proposed lookout tower, which one resident compared to an “old West military fortress.” Committee member Jennifer Johnson also objected to the concept. “Even if I was going to go camping, which I did all my life growing up, I would never go in an Airstream,” Johnson said.
Developers agree to go back to the drawing board
Phil Stevens, who represented the applicant, acknowledged the concerns surrounding the design. Stevens said the project team would develop a new proposal in an attempt to “strike a better balance” between the resort concept and Solvang's architectural character. The project still has to undergo another pre-application review before the developers can move into the development permit process.
Why Solvang is so protective of its character
Locals have criticised the planned lookout tower, with one resident comparing it to an Old West fortress. (Photo: Getty Images)
Solvang is famous for its Danish-inspired buildings, windmills, bakeries, shops and wine tourism and is often described as the “Danish capital of America.” The town's unusual European-style streetscape has helped make it a major tourist attraction in California's Santa Ynez Valley. Dolly Parton also once lived in Solvang, and the small farmhouse associated with her has become a tourist attraction. That tourism appeal is also at the heart of the debate over the proposed Airstream resort. Supporters of new development could argue that additional accommodation would bring more visitors and spending to the town, while opponents fear that developments that do not reflect Solvang's established architecture could ultimately weaken the very identity that draws tourists there.
Another development row at the same site
The former lumberyard has been at the centre of development controversy before. In 2022, a proposal for a Mission Hotel and Apartment Project at the site drew opposition from residents concerned about tall buildings and an automated parking structure. Developers subsequently attempted to scale down the project, including reducing the number of parking spaces and the size of the buildings, but it ultimately failed to materialise. The latest proposal has now reopened the debate over what kind of development belongs in the historic tourist town. And with 31 gleaming Airstreams, a pool and a lookout tower planned for the former lumberyard, critics are making it clear they do not want Solvang's Danish charm replaced by what they see as a luxury version of a trailer park.
End of Article
