The University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) on Sapelo Island recently completed two major housing projects to signal its continual commitment to sustaining the institute’s role as a hub of coastal science. 

“We are a destination to come work in barrier islands, particularly in salt marshes and estuaries,” explained UGAMI Director Merryl Alber, professor of marine science in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.  

While fieldwork and laboratory facilities are central to UGAMI’s mission, one often-overlooked factor underpins its success: housing. Without safe, reliable accommodations, the institute could not host the many groups that sustain its research and education programs. 

That reality recently spurred UGAMI to complete a full interior renovation of its historic South End Apartment dormitory and the installation of new, energy-efficient cottages to replace decades-old trailers used as residential facilities. 

Preserving Sapelo’s history throughout renovations 

Decades of salt air and coastal weather had worn down the apartments that housed hundreds of students each year. While UGAMI’s facilities crew kept them operational, the building’s flooring had deteriorated, and it became clear that a complete interior renovation would be necessary. 

“We had a blank canvas,” Alber said. “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.” 

The result blended historic character with modern comfort. 

Transporting builds onto an island without land access 

The trailers — primarily used to house research technicians, visiting graduate students, and undergraduate interns — averaged nearly 30 years in age and required total replacement to comply with safety standards. 

The upgrade was both a logistical and technological challenge. With no land access to Sapelo, each cottage had to be built in two halves on the mainland and then barged to the island. 

“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 said. “But because these were heavier, they needed to come to a different dock during the highest tides of the month.” 

With the logistical hurdles overcome, the cottages are a major step forward; they’re climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and elevated on piers to withstand flood surges. The cottages now provide safe, modern housing for students and researchers during extended stays. 

Broader impacts 

For Alber, the renovations are about more than comfort. 

“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,” she said. 

With modern apartments and resilient cottages, UGAMI can continue welcoming the next generation of scientists and preserve its reputation as one of the world’s premier sites for barrier island and salt marsh research. 

“That’s been a really important goal of mine,” Alber said. “I’m really, really happy that we’re getting there.” 

The UGA Marine Institute also is a valuable state resource, and the University System of Georgia has a long-term lease for the purpose of conducting scientific research and educational activities at the site.  

The apartment dormitory project was funded through a state budget allocation in combination with UGA funds. Phase I of the trailer replacement was funded through the UGA Office of Research, the Office of the Provost and UGAMI. Phase II, involving construction of additional cottages, has been identified as a priority by UGA for FY27. 

“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,” said Chris King, interim vice president for research. “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.”