For a vacated commercial building in South Sacramento, the future sentiment is going to go from “change your oil” to “change out your salsa.”

A pre-application has been filed with Sacramento County to convert the former Sears Auto Center at 5895 Florin Road into Paraiso Cantamar, a Mexican restaurant, cantina and events space.

“The vision is for the space is to provide a fun place for the community to enjoy,” the pre-application states. “South Sacramento does not have many places for people to go out, nor the variety of entertainment options.”

Rodolfo Hernandez, listed as the project applicant, didn’t return a phone call and email seeking further comment.

Paraiso Cantamar, 22,000 square feet in all, would have two main components: a 12,000-square-foot Oaxacan Mexican restaurant on the second floor, and a 10,000-square-foot events space and cantina/nightclub on the first floor.

According to the pre-application, which is intended for the downstairs use, the event space would host dance and music classes; wine, beer and tequila tastings; weddings; private parties and karaoke.

Live music including Latin, salsa, oldies and rock would also be performed there, with a lounge/nightclub and DJ music on limited nights with food and beverages, and dancing until 1:30 a.m.

Paraiso Cantamar would provide about 30 jobs, according to the pre-application. That number appears to include both the restaurant and cantina/events space.

The restaurant would also have entertainment, such as indigenous Latin dancers, and have space for both small parties and larger events, as well as catering.

SkyBlue Design Studio Inc. in Roseville appears to be the architect for the project, which is on property owned by real estate investor Ethan Conrad. In July, Conrad mentioned an adaptive reuse concept for the former auto center in discussing future plans for the entire property, which also includes the closed Sears location.

Timing and potential costs for Paraiso Cantamar were not disclosed. Project proponents submit pre-applications to get the county staff’s general feedback on a concept before the proponents submit a formal application.