Thornton’s Market at 88th developer deadline passes without selection

Thornton’s solicitation for a development partner at the former Thornton Shopping Center passed its deadline Aug. 6, but the city has not announced a selected developer or finalized the project’s terms.

Solicitation 228-26 sought qualifications from development teams for The Market at 88th, a proposed mixed-use redevelopment at 8800 Washington Street, near East 88th Avenue and Washington Street. The 15.6-acre property is controlled by the Thornton Development Authority.

The city describes the opportunity as a mixed-use destination centered on retail, dining, residential and community-gathering uses. A draft vision referenced up to 350 market-rate residential units, but that figure is part of the planning vision rather than an approved final plan. The solicitation also anticipated a partner handling development planning, entitlements, financing and construction management.

What happens next

Thornton says the solicitation process is expected to continue through 2026 as it identifies a development partner. The city has not publicly disclosed a final development concept, financing package, construction schedule or redevelopment agreement.

Environmental work remains part of the site’s redevelopment context. The city says cleanup includes historic dry-cleaning contamination, with long-term groundwater treatment and monitoring expected after active remediation. The eventual partner and project terms will shape the site’s future mix of housing, retail, public amenities and construction timing.