firm in 2001 after working as a laborer,
superintendent, and then Project Manager
for 12 years. Russ has also perpetuated the
long-standing business philosophy of
Homes & Son, which focuses on the
maintenance of a “relationship-oriented
business.” A direct, personal relationship
with all clients is maintained throughout
the entire construction process, a
fundamental secret of the firm’s enduring
success.
The versatility of this construction firm
has been nothing less than astounding,
encompassing projects ranging from
countless mundane spot jobs to the
development of local architectural
masterpieces.
From classic local
restaurants to major shopping centers,
churches, hospitals, theatres, and more,
Homes & Son has done it all, many times
over.
The construction of the Cine Capri
Theatre at 24th Street and Camelback
Road in 1965 remains one of Homes &
Sons’ best loved and most highly regarded
projects in the Valley. The design was
conceived by architect Henry George
Green of New York City, in conjunction
with the Phoenix firm of Haver, Nunn &
Jensen, and Bill Homes.
The 16,500 square-feet theatre
featured a majestic pair of colonnades
flanking both sides of the structure and a
portico formed from ten pre-cast concrete
columns, each weighing 7 tons. Inside the
auditorium, three-and-a-half miles of
antique gold fabric covered the
proscenium and walls, with 800 luxury
high-backed seats facing the screen. Many
long-time local residents can still wistfully
recount their experience standing in long
lines wrapped around the Cine Capri when
Star Wars made its exclusive year-long run
there in 1977-78.
Sadly, as is so often the case in the
Phoenix area, increasing property values
doomed an iconic architectural and
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cultural landmark, and the Cine Capri was
demolished in 1998. A year-long petition
campaign that collected more than
260,000 signatures failed to save the
theatre. A high-rise office building now
stands in its place.
The building of the renowned West
Plaza Shopping Center at 35th Avenue and
Bethany Home in Phoenix provides a
splendid example of Homes’ extensive
history of shopping center construction.
An early pioneer in the large multi-business
shopping centers that would become
commonplace in the Valley, West Plaza
comprised 185,000 square feet on 40
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