ORLANDO, Fla. – The city of Orlando on Thursday released new design images for a permanent Pulse memorial during a public meeting.
The design team presented materials showing how the memorial design advances work recommended by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee.
Images displayed at the meeting show a large circular design for the memorial, featuring a rainbow-colored wall, a reflecting pool, and a fountain wall. City leaders say the design is intended to create a space for reflection and remembrance.
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The updates follow several meetings held by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Board, where survivors and victims’ families shared input about what they want included at the site.
Many participants pushed for the victims’ names to be prominently displayed and for the memorial to incorporate a rainbow theme, symbolizing the LGBTQ+ community and the significance of the nightclub.
City officials estimate construction of the memorial will cost about $12 million.
Design and construction teams involved in the project said they are committed to honoring the victims and their families while creating a space where the community can gather.
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Some designers became emotional while discussing the project and the responsibility they feel to get the memorial right.
“It’s more than just a construction site,” said Dan Michael Trbovich with Borrelli and Partners architects. “We start with getting the concepts right, and we hope we are getting that, but we need to actually follow through it.”
Officials say the current plan represents about 30% of the final design, meaning most of the planning work still remains.
Designers plan to present a 60% design update in May as the project moves forward.
The city has begun clearing the Pulse nightclub site to make way for a permanent memorial honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting. Earlier this month, crews installed construction fencing around the property as preparations for demolition got underway.
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Officials announced the iconic Pulse sign is scheduled for removal on or near March 10, with demolition of the building expected to begin March 18. The city said the sign will be removed carefully and securely stored after removal.
For nearly a decade, the site served as a temporary memorial where visitors left flags, flowers, and messages. The temporary memorial is now closed, though city officials say a small area will remain available for visitors to leave perishable items during construction.
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Before demolition begins, family members, survivors and community members are invited to visit the site for personal reflection.