VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The effort to build a permanent memorial for the victims of the Virginia Beach Municipal Center mass shooting is underway.
On Thursday, during the 5/31 Committee meeting, city leaders revealed renderings of the proposed memorial and shared an updated timeline for its completion.
Five years ago, on May 31, 2019, a city employee shot and killed 12 people inside Building 2 of the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.
Brett McGary remembers that terrible day. She was at her job and remembers getting countless pings on her phone about what happened.
"Everyone sees things on social media and started seeing posts about it," said McGary. "It just kind of cuts you deep."
On Thursday night, the 5/31 Memorial Committee got the latest update from Dill Architects. The developer, Clay Dills, provided renderings of what the memorial could look like once construction is complete.
He says it will feature a survivor's grove, a hero tree, and a reflection pool.
Chase Brown who lives in the area believes the memorial's presence will offer some comfort.
"Having that memorial acknowledges it," said Brown. "It brings it to light to make sure it never happens again."
Dills says there will be some adjustments to the final design, such as removing the secondary gravel pathways, using concrete instead of granite pavers, and a smaller fountain.
With a completion date now in sight, residents said having a dedicated space can help families heal.
"Just somewhere to be and think and relax," said McGary. "I think is really important and I think it will be very great."
The Virginia Beach City Council is scheduled to vote on the 5/31 Memorial Funding at their next meeting.