Paramount Tires to Open Shop on Camino Real

Paramount Tires will rehabilitate a vacant auto shop at 603 S. El Camino Real under plans approved by the San Clemente City Council this week.

The shop will offer tire, lube and other light automotive repair and maintenance.

"We're trying to breathe some life into this building," said architect Michael Luna, who spoke on behalf of Paramount at Tuesday's council meeting.

The plans call for removing existing overhangs and adding columns and canvas awnings to break up the facade and make it blend in better with the Spanish colonial style prevalent in San Clemente, as well as the style of mid-20th-century auto shops.

The council shot down an earlier plan in March because members didn't like the aesthetics, but the new proposal was approved 4-1 Tuesday with Councilman Jim Dahl dissenting.