Lester Palmer Municipal Auditorium was United States President John F. Kennedy's destination on November 22, 1963, when he was assassinated in Dallas.

In the late 1990s Austin's primary symphony orchestra, opera group and ballet company were brought together by the need for a high-quality permanent performance venue.

With the slowing economy in 2002–3, the Long Center Board of Trustees, major donors, community arts leaders, and staff began researching methods to decrease project costs.

In order to reduce costs and decrease the environmental impact of the renovation, 95% of material from the pre-existing Palmer Auditorium was recycled and incorporated into Phase I of the Long Center.

The aluminum panels used to construct the Palmer Auditorium roof were reused for the exterior finish and wall decorations of the Dell Hall.