Orlando presents conceptual plan, timeline and funding framework for permanent Pulse memorial

ORLANDO, Fla. — City staff on Feb. 24 presented a consensus conceptual design, schedule and initial funding framework for a permanent memorial at the Pulse nightclub site, and said the City of Orlando will release a design-build request for proposals (RFP) next week.

The plan, developed with input from an 18-member Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee, centers on an “Angel Ellipse” surrounding the original building footprint, a reflection pool and a visitor pavilion. Heather Fagan, chief of staff to Mayor Buddy Dyer, told the council the city has committed $7,500,000 to design and construction and that Mayor Dyer directed staff to set a total RFP budget of $12,000,000 to attract a design-build team and allow for outside funding discussions.

The conceptual design matters because it sets the physical, cultural and funding direction for a memorial to the 49 people killed on June 12, 2016. The city purchased the Pulse site in October 2023 and staff said completing a permanent memorial is intended to support long-term remembrance and community healing.

Design elements and public input

Designers from Baker Barrios and Catalyst Design presented a site organized around a paved footprint that respects the footprint of the nightclub, a covered walkway they call the Angel Ellipse and a visitor pavilion inside the enlarged property footprint. Wade Wayne Dunkelberger, chief design officer with Baker Barrios, and Jay Hood, senior landscape architect with Catalyst Design, described a sequence of visitor zones: a parking plaza and visitor pavilion with interpretive…