Demolition of the Pulse nightclub in Orlando began Wednesday, nearly eight years after a gunman killed 49 people at the LGBTQ-friendly venue in one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.

The June 12, 2016 attack at Pulse became a defining moment for the LGBTQ community and sparked national conversations about hate crimes and gun violence. The shooter opened fire during Latin Night at the club, targeting patrons in what authorities classified as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism.

The demolition marks the end of a years-long debate over the building's future, with some residents and former owners advocating to preserve the structure as a memorial for the victims. Orlando city officials ultimately decided to clear the site for a new permanent memorial.

The city plans to construct a $12 million memorial on the property, with final design plans expected to be revealed in May. Construction of the memorial is scheduled for completion in fall 2027, providing a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack.

The Pulse shooting remained the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history until the Las Vegas shooting in 2017. The memorial will serve as a place of remembrance for the victims and their families, as well as the broader LGBTQ community affected by the tragedy.