Resource Management and Science Facility

In 2017, hurricanes severely damaged Virgin Islands National Park, impacting its facilities. In response, the National Park Service advanced its mission to protect the territory’s cultural and natural resources by opening the new Resource Management and Science Facility and Housing.

Salas O’Brien provided comprehensive engineering design services for 6,000-square-foot artifacts storage and office facility and 6,000 square feet of residential housing. Our team designed the new buildings to withstand hurricane-force winds and incorporated sustainable design strategies, including solar power, solar water heating, cistern water collection, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. The site posed challenges such as saltwater corrosion, potential flooding, hurricane impacts, high utility costs, and limited maintenance resources. Our team overcame all hurdles, and the project received the 2025 AIA South Carolina Framework for Design Excellence Award.