New Orchard, Chicken Coop, and Raised Beds Build on a Decade of Sustainability and Culinary Innovation
(CLEVELAND, Ohio) — The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is investing in the next chapter of one of the city’s most distinctive sustainability initiatives with a significant refresh of its 19,000-square-foot urban farm, a green space that has supplied fresh ingredients, supported pollinator health, and showcased urban agriculture since its launch in 2015.
The farm, operated by Levy, the convention center’s culinary partner, produces a variety of herbs, including Thai basil, thyme, rosemary, and lavender, for use in menu offerings at the facility, and maintains seven beehives that yield an average of 100 pounds of honey annually. The honey is incorporated into dishes prepared by Levy’s culinary team and is also presented as gifts to event clients.
The latest enhancements are designed to increase production, improve the guest experience, and reinforce the convention center’s longstanding commitment to sustainability.
New features include:
- A small fruit-tree orchard, with a combination of approximately 12 cherry, apple and pear trees.
- Raised cedar planting beds, which will replace galvanized steel beds, to increase the farm’s growing capacity, enhance the visual appeal, and make maintenance easier.
- A new chicken coop to accommodate 12 to 14 chickens, adding another educational and agricultural component to the urban farm experience.
In addition to its extensive herb production, the farm also grows limited quantities of vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, eggplant, carrots, and tomatoes.
“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.”
Guests can view the growing space through the convention center’s “Farm Stage” viewing area, which overlooks the farm from the ballroom pre-function space. The plot is also visible from Mall C, providing both visitors and the public with a surprising glimpse of agriculture in an urban setting.
The latest improvements ensure that the farm will continue serving as a source of fresh ingredients, a conversation piece for meeting planners and attendees, and a visible reminder that innovative sustainability initiatives can flourish in even the most unexpected environments.
“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,” said Michael Campo, general manager of Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “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.”
About the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, meetings, and special events. Following a $50 million renovation completed in 2024, the center offers flexible, premier event space, with two ballrooms including a 32,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 50 state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and expansive exhibit halls designed to accommodate events of every scale. Managed by Legends Global, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland serves as a vital hub for business, commerce, and community engagement throughout Northeast Ohio, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
For more information, visit www.clevelandconventions.com.
