In 1977, the Kapok Tree Corporation donated 38 acres (150,000 m2) to the City of Clearwater with the stipulation that a performing arts center be built on the property.

At its inception, a group of dedicated volunteers in the community stepped forward to organize the effort and obtain the necessary resources for its completion.

The center's main name recognizes Richard B. Baumgardner, the founder of the Kapok Tree Corporation.

The facility is a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired building with Taliesin Associated Architects, led by William Wesley Peters doing the design work.

Each year, over 350,000 adult and young audience members visit Ruth Eckerd Hall for performances ranging from world-renowned classical artists and dance companies to Broadway musicals and pop stars.