Design plans for Pulse nightclub memorial approved by Orlando committee
The vision for the long-awaited, $7.5 million memorial has now been finalised
Design plans for a long-awaited memorial honouring the victims of the devastating 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting have now been completed.
Orlando's Pulse Advisory Committee have approved the final design for the memorial, which will be placed on the site of the Orlando nightclub some 10 years after the deadly attack.
In 2016, a homophobic mass shooting took place at the Orlando gay club, killing 49 people and wounding 68 more. Police officers fatally shot the perpetrator after a three-hour standoff.
A memorial honouring the victims of the attack was approved in 2023 after Orlando city commissioners made a unanimous vote to purchase the property for $2 million.
On February 4, the Orlando committee finalised plans for the long-delayed memorial after seven months of meetings and feedback sessions, set to cost $7.5 million once completed.
The vision for the site includes a visitor centre featuring an exhibition space, a "reflection pool" where the dancefloor once was, and a tribute wall, where a tree will be planted in honour of each victim, per a planning document.
It will also include a garden with an “elliptical walkway”, where 49 colourful glass panels will be displayed for each victim. There will also be a private gathering space where loved ones can leave flowers and personal mementos.
Plans will go before Orlando City Commission on February 24 during a workshop, before finding designers and builders to undertake the commission. The memorial is expected to open to the public in autumn next year.
Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan described the planning process to Advocate as a "thoughtful" one, which involved the families of those impacted, and the survivors of the shooting.
“I am personally relieved they are tearing the building down. It was a gaping wound on this community,” Sheehan said. “We will move forward as a city and get this completed so there is a respectful place to honour victims and survivors.”
See some photos of the proposed design below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter
Mixmag will use the information you provide to send you the Mixmag newsletter using Mailchimp as our marketing platform. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us. By clicking sign me up you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.
