Pulse Memorial Project Reaches 30% Design Milestone

ORLANDO, FL – March 6, 2026 – Yesterday, the Pulse Memorial design-build contractors, including Gomez Construction and Borrelli + Partners, presented the 30% design milestone update for the permanent Pulse Memorial, marking a significant step forward in advancing the project.  

This milestone represents continued progress in transforming the conceptual vision developed by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee (PMAC) - comprised of victims’ families, survivors and community members - into a detailed, buildable design. More than a construction project, the memorial represents a collective effort to create a sanctuary where families, survivors and the entire community can gather to honor, remember and reflect. 

The latest renderings showcase meaningful advancements of the committee’s vision to honor and remember the 49 angels taken on June 12, 2016, specifically through the refinement of the angel ellipse, obelisk, private gathering space, fountain wall, and survivor’s commons. 

Key Takeaways from the 30% Design Update 

Honoring the 49 Angels Through the Angel Ellipse and Memorial Wall  
The memorial will honor the 49 angels in two ways: as a collective group within the Fountain Wall and through opportunities for individual reflection around the Angel Ellipse. 

As visitors enter the space, the Fountain Wall and reflection pool create a shared place for remembrance, representing the angels together in a unified tribute. At the center of the memorial, within the footprint of the original Pulse building, the reflection pool will serve as a focal point where visitors can pause and reflect. 

The Angel Ellipse will feature pillars where the 49 angels can be individually remembered and a place where loved ones can leave tributes and mementos to their angel. Each side of the pillar will feature the name of one of the angels and flag representing their country of origin.  

The inclusion of flags recognizes that the tragedy occurred on Latin Night, and many of the victims were of Latin descent.  

Preserving the Legacy of the Original Pulse Site  
The design-build team shared plans to preserve and repurpose elements of the original Pulse building, including concrete that will be recycled and reconstituted into elements of the memorial’s plaza. These efforts ensure that parts of the site remain physically connected to the memorial while contributing to the overall design. 

To maintain continuity and connection between the Pulse nightclub and the memorial, a portion of the original dance floor will be removed and placed beneath the reflection pool, which sits within the footprint of where the dance floor once stood. In addition, the breach wall will be salvaged and placed at the foot of the obelisk. 

These elements are intended to preserve the spirit of Pulse - a place known for music, dance and community - while honoring the lives taken and ensuring the site’s history remains part of the memorial experience.  

Next Steps and Timeline  
With the 30% milestone achieved, the design-build team will continue advancing architectural, structural and landscape components through the next phases of development. The 60% design milestone update is anticipated in May 2026, with construction beginning September 2027.  

As work continues to prepare the site for future construction, the Pulse sign will be carefully removed and preserved on or near March 10, 2026, and on March 18, 2026, the removal of the Pulse building will begin as part of the next phase in preparing the site for the permanent memorial.  

For a copy of the Pulse Memorial 30% Design Presentation in English and Spanish, and additional renderings, visit pulseorlando.org/memorial or access the online folder. 

 

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