The Orlando nightclub where a gunman massacred dozens in June will be turned into a city-owned memorial, officials said Tuesday.
The Pulse, a popular gay gathering spot, will be purchased by Orlando for $2.25 million, but there aren't specific plans on how long the transformation will take or what the site will ultimately look like. The site, however, will no longer be used as a nightclub.
Related: Orlando Massacre: 911 Logs Tell Story of Horror Inside Pulse Club
The deal also needs to be approved by the City Council and go through a review process.
The entire project could take more than a year, officials added.
“This location is now a permanent part of Orlando’s history, it’s the site of the most tragic event that has ever occurred in the City of Orlando,” Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement. “We want our entire community to be a part of this site. With the City owning the property, we can engage in a public process to determine the future of the Pulse property and building.”
Related: Orlando Massacre: These Are the People Who Were Killed at Pulse Nightclub
The news was first reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
Forty-nine people were killed and many more were wounded by Omar Mateen on June 12 during an hours-long early-morning standoff that ended with him being shot to death by police. In a 911 call, Mateen pledged allegiance to ISIS.
