Beaux Arts Village was originally conceived as an artist's colony in 1908 and was incorporated in 1954. It has two governing bodies which administer the activities of the Village. The Town Council, consisting of a mayor and five council members, oversees Village matters, including all roads (except north and south beach roads) and public right-of-ways, the Beaux Arts water system and well (Water District 22), police and fire protection and other municipal business. All Town Council and WABA positions are filled by unpaid, elected residents and property owners.

The other governing entity, the Western Academy of Beaux Arts (WABA) owns and is responsible for beach matters, including the north and south beach roads. The beach area, accessed by SE 27th and SE 28th Pl, consists of approx. 1100 feet of Lake Washington beachfront, several docks with year-round moorage, a swimming dock with summer lifeguard, picnic areas, fire pits and a tennis court. WABA collects an annual fee from each of the 115 property owners. This fee pays to maintain the private roads and beach, including lifeguard's salary, etc.. A separate Board of Trustees handles WABA affairs. Potential property owners must make application for membership in the Western Academy.

Some of the special activities held by Villagers include the summer Wednesday evening sailboat races held by the Beaux Arts Racing Fleet, spring and fall cleanup, spring beach cleanup, a summer picnic, a winter dinner, kids' sleepout and arts and crafts classes.

The woodsy, village-type setting of Beaux Arts makes it a wonderful place to raise children or to retire. A quiet lifestyle - but just minutes from the bustle of downtown Bellevue.

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