A historic California city as soon as referred to as dwelling by Dolly Parton is split over plans to rework an previous lumberyard into an Airstream resort. Solvang residents are pushing again towards the proposed glamping vacation spot, arguing that its trailers, pool, and different facilities would conflict with the Danish-inspired structure that has made the Santa Ynez Valley group a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. Whereas builders have described the undertaking as a lodging idea, no less than one native critic believes it will extra intently resemble a “trailer park” in the course of downtown Solvang.
The proposed growth would carry in a single day lodging to an previous lumberyard that has remained unused for years. Based on the Daily Mail, Solvang’s undertaking standing checklist says the property could possibly be redeveloped right into a glamping resort that includes Airstream trailers. The recognizable aluminum trailers would function lodging for guests.
The proposal reportedly additionally consists of two lodge suites, a visitor facilities middle, a swimming pool, restrooms, showers, and a lookout tower, based on Santa Barbara County information outlet Noozhawk. Nevertheless, some residents imagine the undertaking will not be appropriate with the city’s established look.
“If it appears like a trailer park and it gleams like a trailer park, despite the categorization of a lodging, it’s a trailer park,” Dennis Beebe, president of the Santa Ynez Valley Residents Council, mentioned. “I discover it utterly inappropriate for downtown Solvang.”
The resort has not acquired remaining approval. It should undergo one other pre-application overview earlier than starting the formal growth allow course of.
Locals Say The Design Does Not Match Solvang
Solvang is understood for its Danish-style buildings, windmills, bakeries and walkable downtown space. The group’s distinctive look is a serious a part of its id and tourism business. The town’s Design Overview Committee thought-about the glamping proposal throughout a latest assembly, the place residents questioned whether or not the undertaking included sufficient of Solvang’s recognizable architectural components.
One resident reportedly in contrast its look to “an previous West army fortress.” Others have been involved about how the proposed pool might have an effect on individuals dwelling close to the property.
Committee member Jennifer Johnson questioned whether or not neighbors can be compelled to listen to friends utilizing the pool all through the day. She mentioned she didn’t need to be “listening to Marco Polo for hours on finish.”
Johnson additionally made it clear that the resort’s Airstream lodging didn’t personally attraction to her. “Even when I used to be going to go tenting, which I did all my life rising up, I might by no means go in an Airstream,” she added.
Developer Plans To Revise The Proposal
Phil Stevens, who represents the consumer behind the Airstream undertaking, indicated that the event group had heard the criticism. Stevens mentioned the group would put together a revised plan designed to “strike a greater stability.” It stays unclear which components could possibly be modified earlier than the proposal returns for an additional overview.
The developer might probably alter the design, format, or visible options in response to issues about compatibility with the encompassing group. Nevertheless, no particular revisions have been included within the obtainable report.
The subsequent model will possible obtain shut consideration from residents who imagine any main growth within the downtown space ought to protect the city’s European-inspired ambiance. For now, the property stays an previous lumberyard somewhat than a development website.
The Lumberyard Has Impressed Controversy Earlier than
The most recent dispute will not be the primary time a proposed redevelopment of the lumberyard has brought about concern in Solvang. In 2022, plans for a Mission Resort and Condominium Undertaking have been introduced for the location. That proposal included taller buildings and an automatic parking construction. Residents opposed components of the design, arguing that the undertaking might alter the character of their city.
Builders responded by lowering the variety of parking areas and cutting down the buildings. Regardless of these modifications, the lodge and house undertaking finally didn’t transfer ahead.
Dolly Parton As soon as Referred to as Solvang House
The controversy has gained added consideration due to Solvang’s connection to Dolly Parton. The late nation music legend as soon as lived in a small farmhouse within the space. The property later turned a vacation spot for followers enthusiastic about seeing a chunk of Parton’s historical past.
Parton died at age 80 after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer,” based on her publicist, Marcel Pariseau. She was reportedly surrounded by family members on the Vanderbilt-Ingram Most cancers Heart in Nashville. Her nephew and longtime head of safety, Bryan Seaver, introduced her dying on Instagram.
“Dolly opened doorways for singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from each stroll of life,” he mentioned. “By her instance, we believed something was potential. Our household and the group she has entrusted along with her legacy will work diligently to make sure her spirit will dwell with us eternally.”
