Memorial
Virginia Beach 5/31 Memorial
A space of remembrance, healing and community thoughtfully under construction … anticipated completion: May 2026
Project Background
On May 31, 2019, the City of Virginia Beach experienced a mass shooting in a city building at the Municipal Center, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 of our community members, physically injuring five, and impacting countless others, leaving our community forever changed.
Almost immediately following the tragedy, the City experienced an outpouring of support resulting in both the creation of a temporary memorial, as well as outreach from leaders in other communities touched by mass violence.
From that advice, Virginia Beach established a memorial committee in 2021 to guide the potential development of a permanent memorial. The City contracted with an external firm to facilitate the work of the committee & to serve as a liaison to survivors and families. Multiple surveys and public meetings were held to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
Following a national solicitation in 2022, the design proposal from Dills Architects - Architects, Planners and Designers , a Virginia Beach-based firm, received significant public support and family support, and was the unanimous recommendation of the 5/31 Memorial Committee. Virginia Beach City Council agreed, and the City awarded the contract to Dills in 2023. Another local firm, E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY, Inc. - Welcome to E.T. Gresham! , was contracted to build the memorial, and following a dedication of the grounds on May 31, 2024, construction began.
The Site
Memorial will be located on a 1.3-acre parcel at the Municipal Center campus at the corner of Princess Anne Road & Nimmo Parkway.
The Design
With attention to detail and nuance, each intentional element combines to create a space for acknowledgment, reflection, honor and peace in a park-like setting.
Progress
Construction on the Virginia Beach 5/31 Memorial is steadily progressing, with significant milestones reached in recent months. Initial groundwork and site preparation have been completed, and the foundational elements of the memorial structure are now taking shape.
You will find an updated gallery showcasing the various stages of development, from the early clearing of the land to the ongoing assembly of key features. These images provide a visual timeline of the memorial's creation, allowing the community to witness its evolution firsthand as it moves closer to completion.
