The project is an elevated structure to house an IFAS Biological Research Station. Construction will occur on the footprint of the existing hotel and new impervious surfaces will be very limited. The station is a site to help enhance conservation and improve management of natural resources up and down the Gulf Coast.

An existing building, the old Gulf Side Motel, is currently being renovated. The new facility will house a bivalve culture facility, administrative offices for faculty, staff and students, classrooms and dormitories, Allen said. The goal of this station is to communicate science to the public that can improve local communities and enhance the quality and economic value of these critical natural resources. CHW is providing land surveyor and mapping, civil engineering, and construction administration services.