The City of Las Vegas continues to take steps towards honoring the victims of the 2017 mass shooting with a memorial, slated to open by October 1, 2027, to coincide with the ten-year anniversary of the tragedy. In a report by FOX5 Vegas, the Vegas Strong Fund, appointed by the Clark County Commission to oversee the Forever One Memorial, anticipates to break ground for the project in mid-2026. The memorial will stand as a tribute not only to the 58 lives lost but also as a symbol of the city's resilience and gratitude towards first responders.
According to Kelly McMahill, treasurer of the Vegas Strong Fund, the project is estimated to cost $41.5 million and requires a $3 million endowment to maintain. Donations have already managed to cover more than 20% of this total cost. McMahill highlighted the community's capacity to come together, stating, "It's going to be such an incredible representation of what our city's become, which is a community with a real heart," in a statement obtained by FOX5 Vegas.
On the other side, 8 News Now has reported different figures for the costs and fundraising for the memorial. They claim the Forever One Memorial will cost $45 million, and $4 million has been secured in either funds raised or pledged. Regardless of the variation in the numbers reported, there remains a significant amount to be funded, which is expected to be bridged by both public and private contributions. Alex Bybee of the Vegas Strong Fund is confident the remaining funds will be raised, noting, "We’ve got good indications people are coming to the table to build this project."
JCJ Architecture has been selected to design the Forever One Memorial, to be located at the corner of Giles Street and Reno Avenue. This is the same site where the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting occurred. The land has been donated by MGM Resorts International. In order to help raise additional funds, the memorial has launched a "pavers" project, allowing individuals to purchase personalized blocks. Alex Bybee told 8 News Now, "There is also an option to buy a commemorative paver with an inscription that will be placed at the memorial." This initiative aims to engage a broader segment of the community, offering a tangible way to contribute towards the memorial’s completion.
