In 1977 founder Mark E. Taylor, and other investors secured an option on the building and land (l5.5 acres) of the former Littleton High School, located at 411 Mosby Avenue, Littleton, North Carolina. The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center Board of Directors was established in 1978 and its first formal action was to name Mark E. Taylor the center's Executive Director and to name the theater in his honor.

From 1978 through 1982 a limited number of stage performances were held at the center using the old school auditorium and stage.

In 1981 the State of North Carolina allocated $25,000 for the renovation of the building, and in 1982 the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center applied for a mortgage on the facility with a $40,000 down payment. In 1983 the center paid the balance on the mortgage plus the $40,000 borrowed for down payment.

Lakeland continued to grow under Mark's steady hand until his sickness and eventual death in 1990, leaving a void that resulted in a downturn for the theater's productions and financial status. In 1991 Bob Haltenhoff was appointed to an unexpired term of one of the directors and named Chairman of the Board of Directors. Haltenhoff, who had helped establish a Small Business Incubator and new town library, brought his business knowledge and experience to the board and soon money was raised for the difficult task of repairing various areas of the building. 

He and the Board of Directors were also faced with the leadership and technical gap created by Mark E. Taylor's death. After failing to find a replacement for Taylor it was decided to leave the technical and production aspects of the theater to a committee. This Production Committee would have complete say in the production of shows. These dedicated people, such as Ruth Morgan, Cheryl Sebrell, Douglas Wright and many others held Lakeland together through many years. 

In 1997, Wally Hurst was contacted to fill the open position of Managing Director. Wally, who was raised in Warrenton, NC but at the time lived in California, had left a resume with Lakeland several years earlier. Hurst brought with him a wealth of knowledge. He not only was an attorney and lobbyist in the state of California but he also had been active in theater at Duke University and various community theaters in California. With Wally's involvement, also came the talents of his lovely wife Maria and for over 14 years, the Hurst team carried Lakeland through times good and bad.

In 2011, due to the strain of the down turned economy and the continuing needs of an aging facility, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to once again return to being an all-volunteer organization. Under extreme financial duress and with increasing age of the buildings, a plea was sent out to the community to help preserve this integral part of the community. Over the ensuing months, hundreds of local folks took up the task of sprucing up the building and grounds. The recurring theme of tireless volunteers and generous community members has kept Mark Taylor’s dreams for a cultural arts center in Littleton alive.

Most recently, a sequence of remarkable events has initiated the next chapter for Lakeland. In 2018, John DuVall was hired as Artistic Director, bringing years of theatrical experience with him from Toledo, Ohio. In 2019, Deb and Ed Fitts and the Ed Fitts Charitable Foundation reached an agreement to purchase the building and grounds from Lakeland, with plans to renovate the entire property. A 1957 graduate of Littleton High School, Ed has returned to his hometown with the goal of working with the community to revitalize Littleton. Along Main Street, Daphne’s Coffee Shop, Main Street Wines and the acclaimed Blue Jay Bistro have brought energy to the heart of town. With the investment in Lakeland, Deb and Ed have shown their belief that an arts center can be a community connector and economic engine for the area. 

Adjacent to Lakeland, the old school is also being renovated and expanded. A progressive new school, Littleton Academy, will open in the fall of 2022. Students will have access to Lakeland, and in years to come will not only learn about the arts, but have the opportunity to participate in every aspect as well. Mark Taylor would no doubt be proud.