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The University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) situated on Sapelo Island has recently finalized two significant housing initiatives to demonstrate its unwavering dedication to upholding the institute’s position as a center of coastal science.
“We serve as a location to conduct research in barrier islands, especially within salt marshes and estuaries,” articulated UGAMI Director Merryl Alber, a marine science professor in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
While fieldwork and laboratory resources are pivotal to UGAMI’s objectives, one frequently overlooked element bolsters its effectiveness: lodging. Without secure, trustworthy accommodations, the institute would struggle to host the numerous groups that support its research and educational endeavors.
This reality recently motivated UGAMI to undertake a complete interior overhaul of its historic South End Apartment dormitory and to install new, energy-saving cottages to replace decades-old trailers that served as residential facilities.
Honoring Sapelo’s heritage throughout renovations
Years of exposure to salt air and coastal weather had degraded the apartments that hosted hundreds of students annually. Although UGAMI’s maintenance team kept them functional, the flooring had become worn, indicating that a total interior renovation was essential.
“We had a clean slate,” Alber remarked. “It was truly wonderful to be able to renovate those apartments. We had students residing in the apartments, and the architect consulted with them about their preferences and needs.”
The outcome combined historical charm with contemporary comfort.
Transporting structures onto an island without land access
The trailers — predominantly used to accommodate research technicians, visiting graduate students, and undergraduate interns — averaged almost 30 years in age and necessitated complete replacement to meet safety regulations.
The upgrade posed both logistical and technological obstacles. Lacking land access to Sapelo, each cottage had to be constructed in two sections on the mainland and then transported to the island via barge.
“We’re quite accustomed to orchestrating barges and moving items over. That’s essential for any sort of construction endeavor,” Alber noted. “However, due to their weight, they required arrival at a different dock during the highest tides of the month.”
With the logistical challenges addressed, the cottages represent a significant advancement; they are climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and elevated on piers to endure flood surges. The cottages now offer secure, up-to-date housing for students and researchers during extended visits.
Wider implications
For Alber, the renovations symbolize more than mere comfort.
“We draw researchers, not just from UGA but from across the state and indeed from all over the nation. Previously, they came despite the living conditions,” she shared.
With contemporary apartments and resilient cottages, UGAMI can continue to welcome the upcoming generation of scientists and maintain its reputation as one of the world’s leading venues for barrier island and salt marsh research.
“That’s been a very important objective of mine,” Alber expressed. “I’m extremely pleased that we are progressing in that direction.”
The UGA Marine Institute also serves as a vital state asset, with the University System of Georgia holding a long-term lease aimed at conducting scientific research and educational initiatives at the site.
The apartment dormitory project was financed through a state budget allocation along with UGA funds. Phase I of the trailer replacement was supported by the UGA Office of Research, the Office of the Provost, and UGAMI. Phase II, which involves the building of additional cottages, has been recognized as a priority by UGA for FY27.
“For over 70 years, the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island has been the premier destination for research in salt marsh ecology, attracting many of the foremost researchers in the field,” stated Chris King, interim vice president for research. “I’m delighted that we’ve successfully completed this enhancement to UGAMI’s residential facilities, ensuring that both current and future students, scientists, and staff have suitable accommodation on the island. I’m thankful to Dr. Alber for her leadership in this initiative, our facilities team in the Office of Research for their diligence and commitment, and our partners in the Georgia Legislature and the Office of the Provost for their generous financial backing.”
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