ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – The city of Orlando, Florida, has announced plans to purchase the Pulse nightclub and eventually convert the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history into a memorial.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday that the city has reached a deal to buy the gay nightclub for $2.25 million.
Dyer says the site should probably remain as-is for the next 12 to 18 months, as it has become a gathering place for mourners.
He says the city will reach out to the community for advice on how plans for the memorial should proceed.
The purchase price is $600,000 more than its appraised value.
The June 12 attack left 49 people dead and 53 wounded. Gunman Omar Mateen was killed by SWAT team members.