The facility is situated at the primary vehicular entrance to the College and Arch Abbey and, as such, is a highly visible feature on the campus. In addition, the building sits in the shadow of the Saint Vincent Basilica, which is the spiritual and physical heart of the campus. The siting and orientation of the Center reinforces its role as a gateway to the campus and opens up to the entrance of the Basilica on the opposite hillside.

The building is constructed of materials that are compatible with the existing historic campus context, including brick, stone, and metal roofing. The plan of the facility has been articulated to accommodate the diversity of uses, while allowing each to function independently of the other. In addition, the building and adjacent site has been designed using sustainable principles, as a means of maximizing the operational efficiency of the facility and minimizing its environmental impacts upon the existing landscape.