The City of Morganton proposes to keep the Welcome Center open on a regular basis for both train passengers and other visitors. The historic station must be moved off the railroad right of way to prevent interference with future freight storage tracks. The proposed station site includes two buildings currently occupied by two active businesses. Both businesses would need to be relocated and the buildings torn down to make room for the station. The renovated station would include a 20-passenger waiting room in one half of the building with space available for offices, a visitor's center or some other use in the remaining half.
Plans call for renovating the building and moving the railroad museum into the freight section.
The passenger area would be renovated and returned to its original use. Because the building and property are owned by Norfolk Southern, the property would need to be acquired or leased long term. Additional improvements will be needed to improve safety, drainage and accessibility. The renovated station would contain a 20-passenger waiting room. A new freight siding would be constructed east of the station and a 22-space parking lot would be constructed where the current siding is.