Gaston County straddles Interstate 85 and in such position constantly serves as a conduit for northern traffic heading south and southern traffic heading north. To host and accommodate this passing parade of the motoring public as they go their way through Gaston County, it became obvious to the county that a visitors' center located prominently on Interstate 85 could serve two purposes - familiarize the public with the history and economy of Gaston County and to direct weary travelers to local food and lodging facilities in Gaston County.

The site of the new building is located on a knoll directly on I-85 in plain view of passing traffic. The 5,500 square foot facility provides office space for the Gaston County Travel & Tourism Board and the Gaston County Economic Development Commission, an exhibit hall for economy-related exhibits, reception desk and directories of nearby food and lodging facilities for travelers and a conference room for use by various boards and county related businesses. The building is located on approximately two acres of virgin land leased from the nearby historic Belmont Abbey College which is a prominent member of the community. As a result of the significant influence of Belmont Abbey College on the community, the building was designed to be compatible with the general design of the college. Considerable effort was made to reflect certain architectural features of the college in the selection of materials, fenestration and massing of the building.

Construction is scheduled to be complete and the building occupied within fifteen months of the competitive bidding process. Total construction and furnishing of the facility is projected to be approximately $1,000,000.