The Levee Event Center at Franklinton (formerly the L.A. Catering Event Center) is located on the west side of the city. Near the Scioto River, The Levee is on the grounds of Columbus, Ohio’s original settlement, the community of Franklinton, and specifically where the levees were placed during repeated flooding in the early 1900s. The Levee Event Center is named to honor the rich history of Columbus and the individuals who paved the way for the compassionate and thriving city that we enjoy today. During the Great Flood of 1913, proceeding floods in 1904 and 1906, the worst disaster in Columbus’ history, the Franklinton community suffered a significant loss when the Scioto overflowed, broke through the levees, claimed nearly 100 lives, and destroyed homes and businesses on Columbus’ Westside. At the time, LifeCare Alliance, known then as the Instructive District Nursing Association, led by Jane Tuttle, was put in charge of relief efforts, including the police and rescue crews. During the floods, the nurses upheld the vision of LifeCare Alliance Founder, Catherine Nelson Black, “taking care of those no one else pays any attention to…” by serving those who were sick, homebound, and overlooked—and today, The Levee Event Center continues to support that same mission. Located onsite, and owned by, LifeCare Alliance, all catering and event proceeds go directly to help serve over 30,000 central Ohioans with critical health and nutrition services 365 days a year. Learn more about LifeCare Alliance at www.lifecarealliance.org.
As we recognize the significance of the ground beneath our event center, let us not forget that the forbearers rebuilt a thriving industrial community. Today we celebrate the revitalization of Franklinton as one of central Ohio’s trending, urban communities. We are thrilled to offer the community quality, customized, and local event experience right in the heart of the community, paying homage to those who have lived, and those who continue to live, in “the bottoms” (Franklinton).
L.A. Catering is the exclusive, onsite caterer at The Levee, both located at 670 Harmon Avenue, with headquarters rooted in the Franklinton community for more than ten years. The Levee Event Center is conveniently located north of the Scioto River, with Greenlawn Avenue on the south, and accessible to I-70 and I-71.