The Suyematsu Barn has been a historically rich structure to Bainbridge residents since long before beloved farmer Akio Suyematsu passed away in 2012.

Located on the oldest and most continuously farmed land on Bainbridge Island, the Suyematsu Barn may soon be added to the state’s Historical Barns Registry.

The Bainbridge Island City Council asked the Bainbridge Island Historic Preservation Commission Tuesday to submit the barn to the state register for consideration.

“If listed, the Suyematsu Barn may be only the second barn that is associated with the Japanese heritage,” said Marcia Montgomery of the commission.

While the Heritage Barn Register is strictly honorary, if the Suyematsu Barn is accepted, it will be eligible for state grant funding should future restoration projects be necessary.

The listing offers no protection from demolition nor does it restrict the property owner (the city of Bainbridge Island) from making modifications to the structure.

Eligible barns must be more than 50 years old and keep a significant degree of historic and architectural integrity.

The effort to place the Suyematsu Barn on the state register is supported by the Friends of the Farms, a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and enhance local farming.