The Central Methodist Church broke ground on what is now Southside Preservation Hall in 1909. Designed by W.C. Meador, the sanctuary was completed in 1911 by the famous construction company Butcher and Sweeney. In 1922, Porter Hall, which now houses the ballroom, was built on the northeast corner of the property. The three-story education building was added in 1923. In 1949, with the addition of air conditioning, acoustic tiles were used to cover the pressed-tin barrel-vaulted ceiling in the sanctuary. A two-story wing was added in 1954, and in 1955 Pearl Nored Fincher donated the Martha Nored Chapel (now the Rose Chapel) in memory of her mother. The building was originally scheduled for demolition, but was instead sold to the Panther Boy's Club (note: this was before girls were allowed to be members) for $125,000 in 1972. The club built a boxing ring in the sanctuary, Porter Hall became a small gym, and the chapel and education building were used mostly for storage. The two-story wing housed the Panther Teen Dance Center and offices.

Unable to finance needed renovations, the Panther Boys and Girls Club requested permission to bulldoze the buildings in 1995. When the impending demolition came to the attention of the Fairmount area, members of the preservation community banded together and formed the Southside Preservation Association. The building was donated to SPA by the Boys Club. Countless volunteer hours have been spent clearing tons of debris from the building. Graffiti has been eradicated. Broken and boarded windows are being replaced. Fresh paint and landscaping are bringing new life to this beautiful building and they continue in their restorative measures every day through partnerships with organizations and countless hours of community service and volunteer work.