WINTER HAVEN - Three months ago, Bud Leis was driving along the overpass on U.S. Highway 17 near Eloise when he noticed a "For Sale" sign on the old auto salvage yard where he worked as a teenager, and he quickly decided to purchase the property without much thought of what to do with it.

Lee Sutton, right, removes a ceiling panel to work on electrical wiring while Bud Leis, left, and Bud Hart watch. The Chain of Lakes Flea and Farmer's Market, formerly an auto salvage yard, on US Highway 17 near Eloise is being remodeled for opening in June. Monday, March 23, 2009

George Aycrigg / News Chief

While Leis bought the old salvage yard out of nostalgia for the past, he designed his new business with an eye on making a difference in the surrounding community.

After tossing around ideas - including a warehouse and restaurant - and doing some research with business partner Chris Daly and manager Bud Hart, Leis opted to open a flea and farmers market.

Since then, the businessmen have hauled away rusty cars and automotive parts, cleaned and decorated the old office and laid the groundwork to open the Chain of Lakes Flea Market at 111 U.S. 17 N.

The grand opening will be held June 1.

"This is where I started," said Leis, who has three grown children and a lengthy business career that includes the automobile business, real estate, mobile home parks and a seat on the board of directors of Lake Wales-based Citizens Bank & Trust.

Leis and Hart envision the market as a safe and pleasant place where people can bring spend time with their families, shop for quality items at a bargain price, and curb hunger with a barbecue sandwich or Mexican fare at one of a few concession stands.

Both merchandise and food vendors will be limited and are being carefully screened before a lease agreement is made.

"We are not about quantity. We are about quality. We want this to be a premier property that people can be proud of," said Hart, adding that the businessmen took a tour of flea and farmers markets throughout the state to help them determine just what they wanted to include in their own.

Rental spaces include several inside spaces, 225 to 250 covered units and 75 to 100 daily tables. Outside covered units and open-air market tables may be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Despite competition from several nearby flea markets, including the Sunshine Flea Market in Lake Wales and International Market World in Auburndale, Hart said potential vendors have been stopping for information since they put up the business sign about five days ago. A number of them have already signed a lease or indicated interest.

"They love the idea that we are going to be selective," Hart said.

This dedication to quality is evident in the front office, a cozy area bathed in beige, burgundy and green hues, accented with palm trees and filled with sturdy polished tables and comfortable chairs.

The flea and farmers market is designed to be a positive part of the community, from the 22 homeless men who were hired to clean up the old salvage yard - one was hired on permanently as the on-site security guard - to providing quality merchandise and food at a reasonable price.

"With these economic times with so many people out of work, there's a lot of people who have a little money," Leis said.

"With keeping it upscale, it will help the whole community and city as well," he added.

With access from U.S. 17 - on which thousands of vehicles pass the business daily - and a canal on the Chain of Lakes, shoppers can arrive by boat or car. Leis and Hart envision folks taking a break from boating to enjoy a sandwich and visit the booths.

They also plan to hold special events, such as Big Band nights, and fundraisers. The first fundraiser will be a barbecue and chili cookoff to benefit Winter Haven Youth Football on May 16.

"It's time to begin revitalizing this area," Leis said. "Nobody has tried to come in and change this community. We can integrate the low-income people and high-income people."

And if anyone can do it, Hart said, it's Leis. The two men met nearly 20 years ago when Hart was general manager of the Lake Wales Country Club and Leis was a member.

"This guy doesn't do anything halfway," Hart said, "We like this community. We want this to be a venue of enjoyment for people in the community."