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  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.

The June 12 attack at Pulse left 49 people dead and 53 wounded. Gunman Omar Mateen was killed by SWAT team members.