By MARK HIGGINS
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

The Adobe site was once a 500-employee mill owned by J.R. Burke, who ran it from 1939 to 1959. The buildings have been leased to a variety of small businesses in need of industrial or commercial space.

Burke's daughter, Suzie,is something of an institution in Fremont . She has about 80 tenants on about 30 acres of land along the Ship Canal.

"We became an incubator. I'm proud of the fact that we make space available for businesses," says Burke, who is widely praised and criticized for her outspoken style.

Those who know Burke say she is funny, profane, generous, vindictive, vocal and unafraid -- as in no fear of City Hall or anyone else.

"She's the best thing to happen to Fremont," says Mark Freeman, a longtime admirer, who also knew Burke's dad. "He was gruff, but with a heart of gold. A softie, but you had to dig there to get there."

A list of property generated by the King County's Assessor's Office shows Burke owns property assessed at $3.6 million. The Fremont Dock Co., which Burke controls, has land assessed at $1.8 million.

Burke's properties include the Red Door Alehouse and numerous commercial and residential sites in Fremont and Ballard, which is why she is such an influential player in local issues.

Burke plans to use one of her buildings for a museum of local history. It is called History House.

"With my father dying a few years ago, I have a strong interest in people knowing the history and hysterics of Fremont," Burke says.

The museum will offer exhibits on Fremont and other Seattle neighborhoods.

Continued:

• In Seattle's hippest district, the art is public and life is fun
• Working-class roots still present in artsy neighborhood
• Fremont's quirkiness reflected in its art
• No surprise here: Fremont has a colorful history