Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Orlando has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit a design-build firm for the creation of a permanent Pulse Memorial dedicated to the 49 victims taken on June 12, 2016. This RFP represents another significant milestone in establishing a Pulse Memorial, which follows the PulseMemorial Advisory Committee’s approval of a conceptual design on Feb. 4.
The selected firm will take the conceptual design and design control documents developed by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee and turn them into detailed, actionable plans for the memorial. Interested firms can access the full RFP, review detailed information, and submit their proposals online at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/orlando.
All proposals must be submitted by May 29 at 2 p.m. Last month, after several months of meetings, discussions and community engagement, the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee finalized the conceptual design for the permanent Pulse Memorial.
The Pulse Memorial Conceptual Design Includes:
- Memorial and Reflection Space: Formed by the footprint of the original Pulse building,
- Survivor’s Commons: A Survivor’s tribute wall positioned in a landscape that will include a seating area next to a designated survivor’s tree
- Private Gathering Space: Providing a quiet space for personal reflection and an Angel Personal Effects Capsule where families can leave flowers, tie banners and place personal mementos of their fallen angel
- Angel Ellipse Site: An accessible elliptical walkway with 49 Canopy feature columns honoring the 49 victims with rainbow color glass panels
- A Reflection Pool: Positioned where the dance floor was, symbolizing peace and remembrance
- A Healing and Prism Garden: A garden designed to represent hope and healing
- Visitor Pavilion: Intended as a welcoming space that includes public accommodations, limited exhibition space and indoor gathering space
Following the RFP submission deadline, the selection process will continue with final rankings expected in Summer 2025. The contract will then be presented to the Orlando City Council for approval. The firm chosen will also be responsible for the construction of the memorial, which is slated for completion by the end of 2027.
In October 2023, the City of Orlando purchased the Pulsenightclub site with a commitment to build a permanent memorial that honors the victims, their families, survivors and all those impacted by this tragedy. The goal is to create a thoughtful, meaningful tribute that reflects the collective vision of the families, survivors and the broader Orlando community.