Pulse Memorial Renderings Unveiled in Orlando as Demolition Nears

The long-awaited memorial to the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting victims is moving forward with a 30% design update.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Designers for the Pulse memorial in Orlando have unveiled partial renderings of the planned memorial, which will be built on the site of the former nightclub where 49 people were killed in 2016. The memorial will feature a reflection pool, an 'angel ellipse' shade structure, a water wall with victims' names, and a 3,500-square-foot visitor's center. Demolition of the Pulse nightclub building is set to begin in March, with construction on the memorial expected to start in September and be completed by September 2027.

Why it matters

The Pulse memorial is a long-awaited and significant project for the Orlando community, as the 2016 shooting at the LGBTQ nightclub was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history at the time. The memorial aims to honor the victims, provide a space for reflection and healing, and serve as an important symbol of resilience and unity in the face of tragedy.

The details

The memorial's design includes a reflection pool with a rainbow ripple design, an 'angel ellipse' curving shade structure featuring tributes to each victim, and a water wall with the victims' names and the quote 'For all those who just wanted to dance' in English and Spanish. The north side of the site will also have a 3,500-square-foot visitor's center to display items connected to the Pulse nightclub. Designers made some changes to the original conceptual design, including reducing the number of columns supporting the shade structure to create more open space for reflection.

  • Demolition of the Pulse nightclub building is expected to begin on March 18, 2026.
  • Construction on the memorial is slated to start in September 2026.
  • The memorial is planned for completion by September 2027.

The players

Dan-Michael Trbovich

The project manager for the firm Borrelli and Partners, which is designing the Pulse memorial.

Jorge Borrelli

A representative from the design firm Borrelli and Partners.

Nancy Rosado

A member of the committee that provided input on the memorial design and offered mental health services after the Pulse shooting.

Christine Hanavan

A critic of the memorial design who spoke out against the use of elements from the former Pulse nightclub in the memorial.

onePulse Foundation

The organization originally tasked with creating the Pulse memorial, which collapsed amid recriminations and excessive ambition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The spatial distance between that was no longer intimate, it felt cramped, it felt confined and it wasn't a quality we wanted to press forward. It opened the space up and then provides seating … so you have this private area for individuals to come to their angel, to reflect and have that personal space and connection.”

— Dan-Michael Trbovich, Project Manager, Borrelli and Partners (Orlando Sentinel)

“Honestly, I think they've done a really, really fair job. This has been unfinished business for 10 years and this is finally moving that forward and helping people to move forward.”

— Nancy Rosado, Pulse Memorial Committee Member (Orlando Sentinel)

“I'm especially concerned with the wood floor and outside patio tiles on the so-called artifact list, and that you're going to use the unpermitted dance floor as part of the reflecting pool. Dozens of people died on those floors, another person died on that patio. All of this is absolutely abhorrent. It shows zero empathy and consideration for the survivors and victims.”

— Christine Hanavan (Orlando Sentinel)

What’s next

On March 18, 2026, the demolition of the Pulse nightclub building is expected to begin, clearing the way for construction of the memorial to start in September 2026.

The takeaway

The Pulse memorial design aims to create a space for reflection, healing, and honoring the victims of the 2016 tragedy, while navigating the complex emotions and sensitivities surrounding the site. The memorial's completion in 2027 will mark an important milestone for the Orlando community as it continues to grapple with the lasting impact of the shooting.