The Winston-Salem Southbound Railway Freight Warehouse and Office was designed by Wilmington, NC architect, Joseph F. Leitner, and built in 1913 by New Bern , NC contractors, Rhodes & Underwood. Until 1985, it served as the headquarters for the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway, an 89-mile line to Wadesboro that originated under the leadership of prominent local industrialists. The spur linked Winston-Salem to larger rail systems of the state and region. The building’s significance lies in its association with the development of rail transportation in Winston-Salem, which enabled the phenomenal success of local industry during the early 20th century.