Cleveland Convention Center Refreshes 11-Year-Old Urban Farm

The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is investing in a significant upgrade to its 19,000-square-foot urban farm, adding new production capacity and educational elements to the sustainability initiative that has supplied fresh ingredients since 2015.

The farm, operated by Levy Restaurants, currently produces herbs including Thai basil, thyme, rosemary, and lavender for use in culinary operations, maintains seven beehives yielding approximately 100 pounds of honey annually, and grows limited quantities of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, eggplant, carrots, and tomatoes.

New Features Boost Production and Guest Experience

The refresh includes three major additions:

- A small fruit-tree orchard with approximately 12 cherry, apple, and pear trees
- Raised cedar planting beds replacing galvanized steel beds to increase growing capacity and improve aesthetics
- A new chicken coop designed to house 12 to 14 chickens

The farm's honey is incorporated into dishes and presented as gifts to event clients, while visitors can view the growing space through a "Farm Stage" viewing area overlooking the farm from the ballroom pre-function space. The plot is also visible from Mall C, providing public visibility of urban agriculture.

Industry Commitment to Sustainability

"The urban farm has always represented our belief that sustainability and hospitality can thrive together," said Jude Feyedelem, general manager for Levy Restaurants at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. "Over the past decade, the farm has become an integral part of the convention center's sustainability story, demonstrating how venues can creatively incorporate local food production, environmental stewardship, and guest engagement into their operations."

Michael Campo, general manager of Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland for Legends Global, called the enhancements an expression of the facility's broader philosophy. "The urban farm is one of the most compelling expressions of what we believe a world-class convention center can be, a place where innovation, sustainability, and genuine hospitality converge," Campo said. "These enhancements reflect our shared commitment with Levy to continuously raise the bar for our clients and guests, while reinforcing Cleveland's reputation as a city that thinks boldly about the future. We're proud to steward a facility that doesn't just host exceptional events but sets the standard for how venues can lead with purpose and create a lasting impact."

The convention center completed a $50 million renovation in 2024, adding a 32,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 50 meeting rooms, and expanded exhibit halls.

Why It Matters

As convention centers increasingly compete on sustainability credentials and unique guest experiences, the Huntington's farm expansion signals how venues can differentiate through functional, visible agricultural operations that support both sourcing goals and storytelling for event planners.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors