The Thornton family had front row seats to a big event in their lives Tuesday morning.

The old gas station at South Brentwood Boulevard and White Avenue was about to be demolished, and Pam and Chris Thornton and their three kids had window seats in Starbucks Coffee across the street.

The Thorntons bought the property over a year ago to build a new office for Pam Thornton's State Farm Insurance agency. Her office has been on Litzsinger Road.

Underground tanks had to be removed, overseen by the state Department of Natural Resources, before the demolition could take place.

Chris Thornton said they still need final approval from two state agencies to begin construction, but hope to start in Jan. or Feb. They're hoping to move into the new office in the fall.

Pam Thornton said she first talked to the owners of the corner in 1996.

"It’s the  location I’ve wanted since I’ve started the business," she said.

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