Belmont Abbey College’s planned Visual and Performing Arts Center blends Gothic and modern architecture in a $60 million facility that will be used by the college and community arts groups including the Charlotte Symphony, Gaston Symphonic Band and Holy Angels. (Photos provided)BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College is setting the stage for a new home for its acclaimed theater group, The Abbey Players, its popular concert series and a host of community arts organizations that use its facilities.
The college has selected a site in the heart of campus for its new $60 million Visual and Performing Arts Center and has released conceptual drawings that reveal a picturesque blending of Gothic and modern architecture.
“The Visual and Performing Arts Center will be a vibrant embodiment of the Benedictine values of hospitality, community and tradition, providing a dynamic space that nurtures creativity and growth,” said Adam Caruthers, studio principal at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, the architect on the project. “Designed to inspire both students and the greater public, it will serve as a lasting resource that strengthens bonds and reflects Belmont Abbey’s commitment to tradition and fostering a vibrant community.”
In the heart of campus
The new center will offer a vibrant venue for theater, dance, visual and performing arts, exhibitions and a variety of educational and cultural events. Designed to be both beautiful and functional, the facility will feature versatile performance spaces that enhance audience experience and support a range of artistic disciplines.
A site for the state-of-the-art facility has been selected along Abbey Lane – the main campus thoroughfare – between the Science Building and Stowe Hall. The location was chosen based on accessibility, parking, traffic flow and utility access, and also reinforces the college’s commitment to integrating the arts into campus life.
Conceptual renderings released by Little present a design that honors Belmont Abbey College’s Catholic heritage and Benedictine values, blending traditional Gothic architectural elements with a modern aesthetic. The result is a welcoming, inspiring space designed to elevate artistic expression and community connection.
The updated $60 million project cost reflects the full scope of the ideal center, which includes a 1,000-seat theater, a full stage with backstage areas, control and mixing rooms, rehearsal space that can be covered, storage, a loading dock and a workshop. Additional features will include a dance studio, secondary rehearsal space and an art gallery.
“This performing arts center is not only a transformative addition to the college, but also a vital cultural resource for the greater Gaston County community,” said Phil Brach, vice president of college relations at Belmont Abbey College and a representative of the Community Leaders’ Advisory Committee. “Our vision is a shared one – by dedicating over 50% of the facility’s use to community groups, we’re creating a space that will truly serve and enrich the entire community.”
The Gaston County Arts Advisory Committee, which includes more than 40 local leaders and college representatives, played a role in the planning process. Their research, surveys and visits to other performing arts centers have ensured the new facility will reflect community needs.
A center for the community
A range of community organizations have plans to use the new center, including Gaston Dance, which plans to host three annual performances at the venue, while the Charlotte Symphony hopes to bring its first-ever concerts to the county. The Gaston Symphonic Band aims to present its annual concert series there, and the Gaston County Art Guild plans exhibitions in the gallery. Holy Angels anticipates hosting art shows and its annual residents talent show there.
As plans move forward, Belmont Abbey and Little will continue to work closely with community leaders to finalize designs and begin construction.
Belmont Abbey College’s commitment includes hosting the facility on its main campus, operational costs, fundraising, and a pledge to make the facility accessible to local organizations and residents. The project is being funded through North Carolina state grants, private donations and community partnerships, including $9 million the North Carolina General Assembly allocated in October 2023.
— Sarah Bolton, Belmont Abbey College, and Catholic News Herald
