In 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Hansen started construction of what is known today as The M Solvang. It was originally opened as an apartment building known as Solvang Guard. The word guard translates to a building or buildings placed in a square with an open courtyard. The building was constructed along Danish provincial architectural lines, with Viggo Brandt-Erichsen, Solvang sculptor and artist responsible for the architectural planning.
Then in 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Hansen announced the opening of Solvangs first motel, converting the apartment/house structure into a motel.
Mr. and Mrs. Hansen felt that there was a definite need in Solvang for motel accommodations considering the fact that thousands of tourists visit Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley each year.
Therefore, the traditional Danish-style building was converted into a motel to accommodate the influx of tourism.
In 1999, gardens were added and the name was changed to the Solvang Gardens Lodge. Now, The M Solvang has taken over and is currently in the process of restoring the motel's original 1950s Danish mid-century modern appeal.
