Famed Fort Worth architect Komatsu dies at the age of 97

Albert S. Komatsu, the founder of the architecture firm that bears his name and was famous for its work on mid-century modern urban architecture and civic projects such as the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden, has died at the age of 97.

Komatsu founded the company in 1959, and his still-operating company is known for everything from small homes and historic courthouses to the serene landmark that is the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden. The company, now headed by his son, Karl Komatsu, has designed or managed more than 1,200 projects.

“He left landmarks in the city not only because of what he did, but because of the kind of person he was,” said former Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, a longtime friend. “The Japanese Garden is a landmark not only for those of us who live here, but also for those who come to visit. We can all appreciate this special gift from a unique and very talented man.

Moncrief also recalled that whenever he called on Komatsu to do something for society, he always responded positively.

“He always said, ‘Yes.’ That’s just the way he was,” he said. Moncrief also recalled his work for non-profit organizations.

“He made this contribution freely and openly,” he said.

Albert Komatsu was born in Portland, Oregon in 1926, the son of Hisakichi Komatsu, a Japanese immigrant who worked for the Spokane-Seattle Railroad. As part of the internment of people of Japanese descent during World War II, the Komatsu family was sent to a camp in Idaho in 1942. Albert Komatsu eventually enlisted in the U.S. Army. According to a film Komatsu made for the Japanese Society of Fort Worth, he was assigned to an engineering group due to his strong mathematical skills.

After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota on the GI Bill, earning a degree in architecture. Called into service during the Korean War, he came to north Texas after being discharged. He worked for Wyatt Hedrick of Sanguinet, Staats and Hedrick, designers of several classic Fort Worth buildings. In 1959 he opened his own company.

In addition to many commercial and civic projects in Fort Worth, such as the sanctuary at St. Presbyterian Church. Stephen, Summit Office Park, Fire Station 8, the YWCA of Fort Worth and the original master plan for the University of Texas at Arlington Campus, Komatsu also designed several mid-20th century modern homes.

Marty Leonard, a Fort Worth businesswoman and philanthropist, said she and her husband chose Komatsu as their architect because of his work on the Leonard family ranch.

“We moved into this house in 1972 and I’ve loved it ever since,” she said.

In the mid-1980s, he helped found the Japanese Society of Fort Worth and led the organization for several years, said Harvey Yamagata, current president.

“He has made a huge contribution and really gives us as a society a lot to achieve,” he said.

Komatsu retired a few years ago, but continued to work in the office for several years.

He left behind a son, Karl Komatsu, and a daughter, KERA director Sylvia Komatsu. His wife, Toyoko “Toy” Tanaka Komatsu, 83, died in 2009.

Bob Francis is business editor of the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at [email protected]. The Fort Worth Report makes news decisions independently of board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy Here.

This article appeared for the first time Report from Fort Worth and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.