Memorial Process

One of the city’s priorities is to take a collaborative approach to the development of the Orlando United Pulse Memorial to ensure it honors the victims, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy. Critical to this effort is engagement and outreach with the victims’ families and survivors.

Current phase and information

Design 

The Pulse Memorial Design-Build Project team lead by Gomez Construction Company and Borrelli + Partners is currently transforming the conceptual design developed by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee into a detailed design. The design process is expected to be finalized in August 2026. Once the design is complete, Gomez will then be responsible for constructing the memorial, which is anticipated to open by end of 2027.   

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, during the Pulse Memorial 30% Design Public Update, the design team shared the latest memorial design which is advancing the work of the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee. 

View information from the public update: 

The next public presentation will be for the 60% design update, which will occur in May 2026.  

Construction 

Currently, construction partners have begun clearing the site for the permanent memorial. 

  • The Pulse sign will be removed, and securely stored, on or near March 10, 2026. 

  • The building will be removed beginning March 18, 2026.  

About the process and completed phases

About this process

Stakeholder and community engagement 

In April 2024, the city engaged Dr. Larry Schooler to implement a thoughtful, inclusive and efficient process for engaging and communicating with the victims’ families, the survivors and the community in the creation of a permanent Pulse memorial.  

Dr. Schooler brings conflict resolution expertise and has served as the lead facilitator on projects similar in nature to the Pulse memorial effort, including the Virginia Beach 5-31 Memorial Committee and the San Leandro Steven Taylor Sanctity of Life Pavilion project.  

To ensure the process is thoughtful, inclusive, and serves the needs of stakeholders and the community, Dr. Schooler has provided a team with a mix of backgrounds and perspectives to support this work, including fluent Spanish speakers. The team also provides liaison services between survivors and victims’ families to further ensure transparency, the building and maintenance of trust and that the process incorporates their wishes to honor loved ones and memorialize the tragedy’s impact.  

Related Information

Budget
$7.5 million will be allocated from city general revenue funds for the design and construction of the permanent Pulse memorial. The goal would be for those costs to be offset with philanthropic dollars if in the event there are not enough dollars raised. This is an amount the city can allocate from the general revenue fund to ensure the completion of a meaningful memorial in a timely manner.


Additional parcel of land
As the committee works through the design process, they will consider the addition of the parcel of land that is adjacent to Pulse. The property was purchased by an individual with the intention of it being part of the permanent memorial.

Phase 1: Initial process

The first phase of this process began in May 2024. First steps involved interviews and outreach with key stakeholders and small focus group discussions. 

Through various in-person and virtual sessions held in both English and Spanish, Dr. Schooler and his team facilitated discussions among victims’ families and survivors to help inform and shape recommendations for the development of a memorial that incorporates their wishes to honor loved ones and memorialize the impact the tragedy has had. 

The information gathered from this outreach and engagement led Dr. Schooler to recommend the formation of a Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee.  

Phase 2: Creating a committee

On June 7, 2024, Dr. Larry Schooler announced the creation of a working Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee to consist of members representing victims’ families, survivors and other stakeholders, as well as community leaders and those with technical experience in design and engineering, such as landscape architects.   

More than 150 individuals submitted applications to join the committee by the June 23 deadline. Of the applicants, 35% identified as Hispanic and 50% identified as being directly impacted by the tragedy, as a survivor, family member or friend of the victims or a first responder.  

The applications were reviewed without name or personal identifying information by a group of community leaders who made a recommendation to Mayor Dyer of individuals to serve on the committee.  

Those community leaders were: 

  • JahKiya Bell, Ed.D, Senior Advisor to the President and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way
  • Rev. Dr. Jose Rodriguez of the Episcopal Churches of Christ the King and Jésus de Nazaret
  • Joél Junior Morales, Foundation Manager, Contigo Fund
  • Jesse Arias, Director of the Orlando United Resiliency Services (OURS), LGBT+ Center Orlando 

On July 10, 2024, the city announced the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee will consist of the following 18 members:  

  • Aracelis Maria Jimenez, lost a family member in the tragedy 
  • Brett Rigas, survivor and lost a family member in the tragedy
  • Brian Reagan, survivor, former Pulse employee, artist
  • Carlitos Diaz Rodriguez, family member of a survivor, architect/design professional, landscape architect, artist
  • Cesar Rodriguez, survivor 
  • Felica Burt, lost a family member in the tragedy
  • Jamie Reed, lost a friend in the tragedy, architect/design professional, marketing professional
  • Joshua Garcia, former Pulse employee, provided services after the tragedy, mental health professional
  • Keinon Carter, survivor 
  • Kelly Dawson, lives in the Orlando area and felt the loss as a community member, architect/design professional
  • Rev. Marcelino Rivera, lost a friend in the tragedy, provided services after the tragedy, clergy and artist
  • Mayra Alvear BenabeI, lost a family member in the tragedy
  • Norman Casiano-Mojica, survivor
  • Nancy Rosado, provided services after the tragedy, mental health professional, community advocate, former first responder 
  • Perry T Snider Jr., lost a friend in the tragedy, former Pulse employee, artist
  • Siclaly “Laly” M. Santiago-Leon, lost a family member in the tragedy
  • Terrance Hunter, regularly visited or patronized Pulse, educator and museum professional
  • Tommy Connelly, survivor, artist 

Of the 18 invited to participate on the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee, all had a direct relationship to the tragedy and/or had a profession that was specifically requested during the application process.  

More specifically, 17 indicated having a direct relationship to the tragedy, whether that be they lost a family member, are a survivor, lost a loved one or friend, worked at or regularly visited Pulse or directly assisted with the response to the tragedy.  

Of the 18 Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee members: 

  • 10 lost a family member or are a survivor of the tragedy 
  • 10 identify as Hispanic, three as Black or African American and five as White
  • Eight identify as male, seven as female and three as non-binary or androgynous 

Phase 3: Public committee meetings + design concept

Beginning in July 2024, the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee met monthly to work through a design process that honors the victims, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy. 

Public committee meetings were held on these dates:

  • July 24, 2024 
  • July 25, 2024 
  • August 21, 2024 
  • August 22, 2024 
  • September 25, 2024 (Cancelled for Hurricane Helene)
  • September 26, 2024 (Cancelled for Hurricane Helene)
  • October 7, 2024 
  • October 8, 2024 (Cancelled for Hurricane Milton)
  • November 20, 2024 
  • November 21, 2024 
  • December 12, 2024 
  • February 4, 2025 
  • February 24, 2025 - City Council Workshop presentation

Meetings included live public comments and virtual participation on Engage Orlando, which complemented the overall discussions of the committee. The committee also worked with a design team to narrow down a final design concept based on feedback about memorial elements, location and overall feel of the proposed memorial.  

During its final meeting on February 4, the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee finalized the vision and conceptual design for the future permanent memorial at the Pulse site. The conceptual design incorporated elements and feedback from the victims’ families and survivors. 

Following that meeting, the city moved forward with the next phase in the process by issuing a Request for Proposal for a design-build firm to construct the memorial.

Phase 4: Design and site preparations

March 3, 2025 
The City of Orlando issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit a design-build firm for the design and construction of the permanent Pulse memorial. The proposals for the memorial were due May 29, 2025. 

July 14, 2025  
The Orlando City Council selected Gomez Construction Company to complete the permanent memorial. Additionally, City Council approved the purchase of the additional property adjacent to Pulse. This space will be included in Gomez's design to provide future use as a visitor pavilion, as well as additional parking.   

September 8, 2025 
Orlando City Council approved both the design-build agreement with Gomez Construction Company and a funding agreement that secured $5 million from Orange County government toward the memorial. 

December 2025 
The City of Orlando began the process of recovering artifacts from the Pulse site.   

This included items such as chandeliers, posters, etc. Items from inside the building were carefully transported and stored in an environmentally controlled warehouse until these items are permanently placed. Items left outside of the fence perimeter by family, friends and/or visitors were collected and stored for historical curation.   

Collection of artifacts from inside Pulse  

Family members will be invited to provide items that will be added to the permanent memorial in a space that is dedicated to their angel. The City of Orlando will be in contact with those individuals to begin the process in the coming months. 

March 5, 2026 
The city hosted a meeting to provide an update on the permanent memorial’s 30% design plans. During the meeting, the design team shared a presentation that shows how the memorial design is advancing the work of the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee. 

Phase 5: Building removal and site clearing

The City’s construction partners have begun clearing the site for the permanent memorial. As part of this phase, the Pulse sign will be removed, and securely stored, on or near March 10, 2026.  

The Pulse building and adjacent building on the site will be removed beginning March 18, 2026. They will also then clear the land to prepare it for the construction of the new, permanent memorial.

Phase 6: Construction

In fall 2026, Gomez Construction Company will begin construction on the permanent memorial.  

The anticipated date of completion is end of 2027. 

Overall Timeline

City of Orlando purchases Pulse site

October 2023

Engaged third-party facilitator

April 2024

Conducted focus groups and surveys

May 2024

Announced applications for Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee (PMAC)

June 2024

Announced 18 members of PMAC

July 10, 2024

First PMAC meeting and community open house

July 24, 2024, 04:00 PM

July PMAC Meeting - Day 2

July 25, 2024, 04:00 PM

August PMAC Meeting - Day 1

August 21, 2024, 04:00 PM

August PMAC Meeting - Day 2

August 22, 2024, 04:00 PM

September PMAC Meeting - Day 1

September 25, 2024 - Canceled due to Hurricane Helene

September PMAC Meeting - Day 2

September 26, 2024 - Canceled due to Hurricane Helene

October PMAC Meeting - Day 1

October 07, 2024, 04:00 PM

October PMAC Meeting - Day 2

October 8, 2024 - Canceled due to Hurricane Milton

November PMAC Meeting - Day 1

November 20, 2024, 04:00 PM

November PMAC Meeting - Day 2

November 21, 2024, 04:00 PM

Engaged design consultants

November 2024

December PMAC Meeting

December 12, 2024, 04:00 PM

February PMAC Meeting

February 04, 2025, 04:00 PM

City Council Workshop presentation on PMAC design concept

February 24, 2025, 10:00 AM

Request for Proposals released for design-build of the memorial

March 03, 2025, 09:00 AM

Deadline for Request for Proposal

May 29, 2025, 02:00 PM

Orange County Board of Commissioners commit $5 million

May 2025

City Council approves purchase of additional adjacent property

July 14, 2025, 02:00 PM

City Council selects design firm Gomez Construction Company

July 14, 2025, 02:00 PM

City Council approves funding agreement with Orange County

September 08, 2025, 05:00 PM

City Council approves Gomez Construction Company construction contract

September 08, 2025, 05:00 PM

City Council approves grant agreement with State of Florida

November 10, 2025, 05:00 PM

Begin process of removing artifacts from inside building

December 2025

Update on design process - 30%

January 2026
Also, provide update to PMAC members

Update on design process - 60%

February 2026
Also, provide update to PMAC members

30% Design Meeting

March 05, 2026, 04:00 PM

Removal of Pulse Nightclub sign

March 10, 2026, 09:00 AM

Begin removal of Pulse and adjacent buildings

March 18, 2026, 09:00 AM

Memorial construction begins

Fall 2026

Completion of memorial

Second half of 2027

Funding

Funding for the design and construction of the permanent Pulse memorial will come from government agencies, private sources and individual donations. 

Primary sources of funding: 

  • City of Orlando - $7.5 million allocated from general revenue fund 
  • Orange County Government - $5 million agreement 
  • State of Florida - $394,321 grant agreement 

Learn more about making a donation

Related Information

Updates

Stay informed and receive updates about the Pulse Memorial and other related information.  

Back to top