Demolition of the historic Spaghetti Warehouse building in Franklinton has begun. The building is being torn down to make way for new apartments and retail space. The 100-year-old structure, which suffered a partial roof collapse in 2022, was deemed too unstable to save.
One of the biggest concerns during demolition planning was the fate of the restaurant’s beloved trolley car, which was originally placed inside the building by removing a wall. With no way to safely extract it through traditional means, it seemed doomed to be lost in the demolition.
Old Spaghetti Warehouse demo started today.
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However, in a last-minute effort, the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation successfully removed the trolley and now plans to incorporate it into an exhibit honoring African American inventor Granville T. Woods. The exhibit will be located near the boyhood home of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker on East Livingston Avenue.
Who Were Eddie Rickenbacker and Granville T. Woods?
Eddie Rickenbacker was a Columbus-born World War I fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient. As America’s most successful fighter ace of the war, he earned 26 aerial victories and later became a pioneering figure in the aviation industry, serving as the longtime president of Eastern Air Lines. His legacy in Columbus is honored through sites like Rickenbacker International Airport.
Granville T. Woods was a prolific African American inventor with over 60 patents. His work in electrical engineering revolutionized the railway industry, with innovations like the third rail system, which still powers subways and streetcars today. His contributions helped shape modern transportation and electrical systems.
What does the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation do?
The Rickenbacker Woods Foundation (RWF) is dedicated to preserving the legacies of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker and Granville T. Woods while serving as a resource for the Columbus community.
Beyond historical preservation, RWF plays an active role in community development. Through a partnership with the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, the organization helped address Columbus’ housing shortage by launching the Kent Place Homes project, which brought 47 energy-efficient, affordable homes to the Driving Park neighborhood in 2017. The project also revitalized parts of the historic Rickenbacker campus, transforming buildings into foundation offices, a learning center, and leasing spaces for the development.
Spaghetti Warehouse moved to its new downtown Columbus location in November 2023, marking the end of an era for the Franklinton space. While the building itself won’t be preserved, the iconic trolley will continue to serve as a piece of Columbus history in its new home.
