Bennett Architecture

Inside of Koko Sushi by Chef Cory Bahr, Bennett Architecture, along with interior designer Intelligent Designs, and contractor Bing Bishop Construction Co. preserved exposed brick walls to provide a rich historic backdrop to a palette of Shou Sugi Ban charred wood, steel, and soft plaster finishes.

Clean lines, warm materials, and layered lighting create an intimate dining atmosphere that feels both welcoming and modern. Every material complements the building's original craftsmanship while elevating the guest experience.

With a clear architectural vision, Bennett Architecture's lead architect, Fred Bennett, incorporated into Koko Sushi by Chef Cory Bahr, a soaring kirizuma-zukuri roof, vertical wood plank cladding, and aluminum storefront windows into this 1920s structure.

These elements establish a strong visual identity while respecting the scale and integrity of the original building.

Bennett Architecture helped transform an existing 1920s historic building into a contemporary Japanese sushi restaurant, Koko Sushi by Chef Cory Bahr, through a thoughtful adaptive reuse strategy.

The design preserves the character and craftsmanship of the original brick structure and wood beam ceilings while introducing a refined interior and exterior inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. The result is a careful balance of preservation and innovation, where history remains visible.

Design complete and under construction. The existing main structure was a one hundred year old building with thick load bearing brick walls and an exposed timber roof system. Much of that will be preserved in the new interior. This will be another special place in downtown Monroe!

Education project is progressing well with exterior brick and cast stone, and restroom wall tile.

Forsythe Park Tennis Event Center taking shape.

Construction is progressing well on this multi-purpose building design at Sallie Humble Elementary for Monroe City Schools. Traxler Construction Co.