After several months of deliberation, Orlando’s Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee has finalized key design elements for a memorial to honor the 49 victims and survivors of the 2016 Pulse nightclub tragedy. While many aspects have been settled, some critical details remain unresolved as the final recommendations move to city leaders for further discussion.
Final Design Elements Approved
The Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee, an 18-member panel formed in July 2023 after the closure of the OnePulse Foundation, held its final meeting on Tuesday. The committee has met monthly since last summer and is working to craft a memorial that balances remembrance and healing.
The proposed memorial, scheduled for completion in late summer or early fall 2027, will include several significant elements:
- Angel Ellipse – A dedicated space honoring the victims.
- Healing Garden – A tranquil area for reflection and solace.
- Survivor’s Wall – A tribute recognizing those who endured the tragedy.
- Individualized Tributes – Personal memorials for each of the 49 victims.
The City of Orlando will begin accepting construction bids for the memorial in March. A design-build contractor is expected to be selected in July.
Debate Over the Breached Wall and Victim Name Display
Despite months of discussion, the committee could not reach a consensus on whether to incorporate a portion of the nightclub’s breached wall—the site where law enforcement entered to rescue survivors—into the memorial. Some members believe the wall is a crucial historical artifact, while others argue its inclusion could hinder emotional healing. This decision, along with the placement of victims’ names, will ultimately be determined by the Orlando City Council.
Two options were considered for displaying the 49 victims’ names:
- Waterwall with Shoes – Featuring cascading water and representations of the victims’ shoes.
- Columns with Names and Sentiments – A series of columns engraved with each victim’s name and a meaningful tribute.
The committee opted to leave these design specifics to the memorial’s design team.
Next Steps in the Process
The final recommendations from the committee will be presented to the Orlando City Council, with a workshop scheduled for February 24 to discuss the memorial’s future. The city remains committed to ensuring that the memorial appropriately honors the victims while providing a space for healing and reflection.
With construction bids opening in March and a contractor selection set for July, Orlando’s Pulse Memorial is progressing toward its anticipated 2027 unveiling, symbolizing resilience, remembrance, and community unity.