The Barrier That Resulted in Opportunity
Infrastructure is often measured by what it prevents. In Franklinton, one piece of infrastructure can also be measured by what it makes possible.
Today, the Franklinton Floodwall helps protect thousands of residents and businesses from flooding while supporting parks, trails, cultural destinations and new investment throughout one of Columbus' most historic neighborhoods.
A Community Shaped by Flooding
For much of its history, Franklinton lived with the threat of flooding.
In March of 1913, severe flooding from the Scioto River devastated Columbus after days of heavy rainfall and a levee failure. It is reported that almost 100 people lost their lives, mostly in the neighborhood of Franklinton just west of downtown Columbus; more than 20,000 people were left homeless, and hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed. In total, the flood reportedly caused over $110 million in damage, equating to nearly $4 billion today.
Unfortunately, the Great Flood of 1913 was not the city’s only major flooding event in the 20th century. In January of 1959, heavy rain on top of existing snow and ice caused another levee failure, resulting in additional loss of life and widespread evacuations.
In response, local, state and federal leaders implemented measures to reduce flood risk. Yet by the 1980s, most of Franklinton was still designated as a floodplain, limiting development opportunities and causing property values to decrease. This made property improvements financially difficult for many residents and businesses, which left very few with the ability to make repairs, leading to deteriorating and even abandoned properties.
The Franklinton Floodwall: A Long-term Solution
To provide lasting protection, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recommended a floodwall and levee system in 1986. After years of planning and funding efforts, construction began in 1993. The project was completed in 2004 as the West Columbus Local Flood Protection Project, creating a seven-mile-long barrier around the Franklinton area.
Designed by B&N and other local firms for the USACE, the structure helps protect the Franklinton and Scioto Peninsula from future flood events and eliminates the need for flood insurance in many portions of the protected area. The project also reversed the area’s floodplain designation, creating new opportunities for investment and redevelopment.
B&N provided multiple design services for various components of the project, including final plans, specifications and quantity and cost estimates. The floodwall protection system combined concrete I-wall and T-wall construction, earthen levees, stormwater pump stations and other infrastructure that work together to manage floodwater and protect the surrounding community.
Just as important, the project was designed to fit within the urban environment. Textured concrete surfaces, extensive landscape plantings and recreational amenities such as a bike trail and a terraced, tree-lined promenade along the river helped integrate the floodwall into the riverfront and connect it to the City of Columbus bike trail system.
More Than Flood Protection
The true impact of the floodwall extends well beyond flood prevention. By reducing flood risk and removing development barriers, the project helped create conditions for renewed investment in Franklinton and surrounding areas.
The floodwall project coincided with the redevelopment of the Whittier Peninsula, a former brownfield site along the Scioto River. B&N was the lead engineering firm, working with the City of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks to transform 80 acres of underutilized land into the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, complete with wetlands, walking trails and a new Audubon environmental education center.
Other important developments in the Franklinton area since the floodwall’s construction include the new Veteran’s Memorial Museum, 15 miles of connected bike trails, 50 acres of parks and community-focused recreational areas and more.
Today, the Franklinton Floodwall continues to serve its original purpose. The City of Columbus activated the floodwall’s gates as recently as August 2026 due to heavy rainfall. Yet its legacy extends beyond protection.
It has helped a community move forward after generations of living with the threat of flooding. By protecting people and property while creating opportunities for reinvestment, recreation and growth, the project helped transform a neighborhood’s relationship with its river and its future.