Scheduled to open in late June, Signature Tire & Auto Care will have a business lounge with Wi-Fi, computer, printer, copier and arm-table chairs; glass-walled children's play area; showroom for tires and rims; large waiting room; coffee bar; and 60-inch plasma televisions, said owner Charles Calise.

"There's nothing like this in town," said the New Tampa resident and 30-year collector of classic cars. "We're going to change the paradigm."

He plans to hire 10 salaried automotive mechanics with vehicle dealership backgrounds and customer focus experience.

"We want to surprise people in a positive way," treating customers fairly and well, which is not universal in the tire and automotive repair industry, Calise said.

One-fourth of the 12,000-square-foot building will be devoted to a customer lounge including seating in front of a large picture window overlooking the eight service bays. Customers who wish may watch repairs to their vehicles in air-conditioned comfort, he said.

Calise said the 71-year-old building at 2205 W. Kennedy Blvd. has been vacant for 18 months. For 25 years it was a U.S. Postal Service annex, he said. Prior, it was an A&P food store.

Brennan Smith of Wagner Construction, the Lakeland-based company doing the extensive renovation, said the project begun in late March was challenging.

"The biggest challenge was the date of the facility, and bringing it up to code," Smith said. Removing a dated mansard shingle roof required state and local permission to close the public sidewalk during demolition, he added.

"It went from what was an eyesore to an impressive and better look for a building on Kennedy," Smith said.

"It took some vision to see what it could be," Calise said.

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

(813) 259-7124