The donation, headed by Leonard Davis and Merrill Bank, grew to $10 million before 1992, and the two remain on the center's committee.

The center was built on the former site of Connie Mack Field, spring training home of the Kansas City Athletics until 1962 when it was replaced by West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium.

[2] The grand opening was held in September 1992, a gala that included performances and speeches from Burt Reynolds, Ella Fitzgerald, Lily Tomlin, and more.

[4] To date, the center has opened the door to the performing arts for more than 2 million school children as well as thousands of economically disadvantaged senior citizens, minorities and community groups.

On March 26, 2018, the West Palm Beach City Commission approved plans for expanding the center to be completed in summer of 2020.