HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20190114_TIMSCCstrxn.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Shawn Gillen, City Manager
912.472.5070
sgillen@cityoftybee.org
Construction Begins for New Marine Science Center Site on Tybee Island
Tybee Island, Ga. – (January 14, 2019) Effective immediately, the City of Tybee Island will begin grading and construction at the site for the new Tybee Island Marine Science Center
in the north beach area parking lot off Meddin Ave. The building location will be north of the parking lot, and the public can expect the north end of the lot along with the northern-most
beach crossover to be closed during this project. Safety fencing and signage will be installed to keep the area enclosed. Between 30 and 40 parking spaces are expected to be unavailable
as a result.
The City will be working with the contractor, West Construction, to ensure impacts of construction are kept to the minimum possible in order not to inconvenience visitors, businesses,
and organizations that provide cultural experiences in that area.
The north beach area was selected after several previous studies and research as the best location for the new center. Most recently, an ad hoc committee was authorized by City Council
to help oversee the project plans which has been meeting since March of 2018. Maria Procopio, Director of the center, said, “Tybee Island acts as the gateway to the Atlantic for hundreds
of thousands of visitors each year. This expanded facility will enable the science center to capture more of those visitors to educate and cultivate responsible stewardship.” Board
President Cathy Sakas added, “The center's board of directors have been working on attaining a larger facility for over ten years and are grateful to the City of Tybee Island for standing
behind the project and adding value to the beach experience.”
The current Marine Science Center at the base of the ramp to the Parker Pier and Pavilion on the island’s south end will continue in operation until they are able to move into the new
facility. The old building will then be used by the City for services needed closer to the south beach area. The final use has yet to be determined.
Elevation drawings of the new building are shown here. In addition, the last presentation to the City’s Planning Commission was made on November 17, 2017, and that document, which includes
more detail and conceptual drawings, can be downloaded from the web at http://weblink.cityoftybee.org/weblink/0/edoc/29642/Planning%20Commission%20Presentation%20(2)%2011.13.17%20optimized.pdf.
Construction is estimated to complete in February of 2020. Move in will finish about a month later, with the building opening to the public as soon as possible after.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee
Post Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs.
Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest,
the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off
the Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs,
and making sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.
org/.
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