The University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) on Sapelo Island has finished two significant housing renovation projects aimed at strengthening its position as a center for coastal science research. The upgrades included a full interior renovation of the historic South End Apartment dormitory and the installation of new, energy-efficient cottages to replace aging trailers.
UGAMI Director Merryl Alber, professor of marine science in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, said, “We are a destination to come work in barrier islands, particularly in salt marshes and estuaries.” She emphasized that while laboratory and fieldwork facilities are important to UGAMI’s mission, safe and reliable accommodations are essential for supporting visiting groups involved in research and education programs.
The renovated apartment building had suffered from decades of wear due to exposure to salt air and coastal weather. Although maintenance crews kept the facility operational over the years, deteriorating flooring made a comprehensive renovation necessary. Alber described the process: “We had a blank canvas. It was actually really nice to be able to redo those apartments. We had students living in the apartments, and the architect talked to them about what they liked and didn’t like, and what they needed.”
During renovations, care was taken to preserve the historic exterior while modernizing the interior for increased longevity.
The replacement of residential trailers posed logistical challenges because Sapelo Island does not have land access. Each new cottage was constructed in two sections on the mainland before being transported by barge during high tides. “We’re very used to coordinating barges and bringing things over. That’s what we have to do for any kind of construction project,” Alber explained. “But because these were heavier, they needed to come to a different dock during the highest tides of the month.” The new cottages are designed for climate resilience, with features such as elevation on piers for flood protection.
Alber noted that upgraded accommodations help attract researchers nationwide: “We attract researchers, not just from UGA but from throughout the state and really all over the country. Before this, they came despite the living conditions.” With improved housing options now available, UGAMI expects continued growth as an important site for barrier island and salt marsh research. Alber added, “That’s been a really important goal of mine. I’m really, really happy that we’re getting there.”
UGAMI is considered an important state resource operated under a long-term lease by the University System of Georgia for scientific research and educational activities at Sapelo Island.
Funding for these projects came from several sources: state budget allocations combined with university funds supported renovations at South End Apartment; Phase I trailer replacement received funding from UGA’s Office of Research, Office of the Provost, and UGAMI itself; additional cottage construction is planned as part of UGA’s FY27 priorities.
Chris King, interim vice president for research at UGA stated: “For more than 70 years, the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island has been the world’s top destination for research in salt marsh ecology, attracting many of the leading researchers in the field. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to complete this upgrade to UGAMI’s residential facilities and ensure that current and future students, scientists, and staff have adequate housing on the island. I’m grateful to Dr. Alber for her leadership in this project, our facilities team in the Office of Research for their hard work and dedication, and our partners in the Georgia Legislature and the Office of the Provost for their generous financial support.”
