April 19, 2024
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onePULSE Foundation Purchases 1.75-Acre Land Parcel for Pulse Museum
ORLANDO, FL – Sept. 16, 2019 – onePULSE Foundation, the not-for-profit established following the June 12, 2016 tragedy to honor and preserve the legacy of the 49 people killed and all those affected, today announced it has purchased a 1.75-acre parcel of land near Pulse nightclub as the site for the future Pulse Museum.
onePULSE acquired the tract of land at 438 West Kaley Street – approximately one-third of a mile from Pulse nightclub – for $3.5 million, with county funding granted for land acquisition and design costs of the museum. onePULSE officially closed on the property on Sept. 13.
Inspired by community and stakeholder feedback, the National Pulse Memorial & Museum – scheduled to open in 2022 – will be located on the site of Pulse nightclub and nearby properties.
In October 2018, onePULSE Foundation was awarded up to $10 million in Tourism Development Tax funding by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) to help it acquire land for the museum and fund design costs.
“Orange County Government is proud to support projects that showcase the importance of diversity and inclusion in our region,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Through education and advocacy, the onePULSE Foundation will ensure that guests visiting the museum understand its history and the significance of continuing the fight against hatred.”
“I congratulate the onePULSE Foundation on this significant step toward fulfilling its mission,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Complementing a memorial to honor and remember our 49 angels, the museum will not only serve as an important place for dialogue and education but also ensure Orlando’s incredible legacy of responding to our darkest hour with love, compassion, and unity is shared with the world.”
“The museum will be a natural extension of the memorial and help ensure that we never forget what happened on June 12, 2016,” said Wilhelmina Justice, mother of Eddie Justice, who was among the 49 people killed in the Pulse tragedy. “It will serve as a solemn but uplifting place to remember and pay tribute to each of the 49 lives taken, including my beloved son.”
onePULSE Foundation is also working to acquire a small property, adjacent to the Pulse nightclub site, as part of the permanent memorial. The additional purchase will be made with private dollars.
