ORLANDO, Fla. – The future of the Pulse nightclub site remains a deeply emotional topic for families of victims and the memorial committee.
On Thursday, architects presented three design options for the memorial, prompting a discussion on whether to preserve parts of the building or demolish it entirely.
“I don’t see the building as being the one at fault because she loved going there,” said the mother of a victim. “It was just in my thought, in my mind. That’s how I feel, that it’s erasing my daughter.”
The design options included a walking path with columns representing the victims, an open space for reflection, and a design featuring a water element.
[TIMELINE: Efforts to create a Pulse memorial]
Nancy Rosado, a committee member, said she’s thankful for the efforts of the design team.
“I think the gentlemen who have presented have done a fantastic job in a very short order in terms of coming up with three possible designs,” Rosado said.
Committee members emphasized the need for the memorial to feel welcoming yet protected.
“Personally, I have 25 years of policing experience, so I have concerns about vandalism and how that retraumatizes families,” Rosado said.
After discussions, the committee decided to ask the design team to preserve at least part of the original building in the next design plan.
“The idea is what they bring us in December would have parts of the building preserved and would create some additional space where the building is standing,” said board facilitator Larry Schooler.
The committee is scheduled to meet again on Dec. 12, when the design team will present updated plans.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: