Beaux Arts

Most people don't know about the small city of Beaux Arts, perhaps for one reason, because it IS small. Founded in 1908 and incorporated in 1954, the Town of Beaux Arts Village is located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. With a population of approximately 300 residents, Beaux Arts is one of the smallest municipalities in Western Washington. However, its proximity to Seattle and the Eastside help make it a great and highly desired place to live.

Residents relish the "small town" feel of Beaux Arts, often referring to themselves as "Villagers", at they have since well before the city was incorporated. The streets are narrow and tree-lined. The homes are an eclectic mix of new and vintage, old-fashioned and modern. All Villagers and their guests enjoy the use of a private beach maintained by resident volunteers.

The first home was located at 2873 102nd Ave SE in 1909.

Beaux Arts is surrounded by the Enatai, Surrey Downs, and downtown Bellevue neighborhoods.

Downtown Bellevue

Bellevue is a rapidly growing city in across Lake Washington from Seattle. Long known as a suburb of Seattle, in a 2003 census, it was estimated that the city had a total population of 112,344, making it the fifth largest city in the state and the largest on the Eastside.

Downtown Bellevue is undergoing quite a bit of change, development, and re-development. I was at a condominium complex that overlooked the downtown Bellevue area and I think I counted something like 10 construction cranes. Lincoln Square, which debuted in 2005, and a renovation of the former Qwest building into a new City Hall are the most recent large-scale developments. To follow, Neiman Marcus will open its first store in the Pacific Northwest this Fall 2007 at the corner of 112th Ave NE and NE 8th Street.

The latest buzz came in April from Microsoft, when they announced and agreed to lease a total of 1.3 million square feet in the Bravern (where Neiman Marcus will be located) and Advanta Office Commons, three seven-story buildings east of downtown.

The lease — the biggest in the region, according to local real estate brokers — has made Microsoft the largest tenant downtown. Microsoft has planned to start moving 4,000 new or existing employees into Advanta by year-end with expectations to move into the Bravern by the end of 2008.

The Bravern is now open (Grand Opening was in September, 2009). I went opening weekend and was able to sample free cupcakes from Trophy Cupcakes and enjoy lunch with girlfriends at Mariposa, which is only open for lunch. Since the opening, I've gone to Wild Ginger and have also dined at John Howie Steak. Much to our dismay, they aren't open for lunch on the weekends.

Over the next few years, everyone can expect the downtown Bellevue area to see the construction of several additional high-rises and other projects for office, residential, and retail space. The majority of downtown Bellevue condominiums are listed below.

Based on per capita income, Bellevue ranks 15th wealthiest from 522 communities in the state of Washington.

Downtown Bellevue is home to the Bellevue Square Mall, located at Bellevue Way and spans NE 4th to NE 8th. Visit the official website here to find Mall hours, directions, and a list of all the stores. http://www.bellevuesquare.com/

There are so many parks in Bellevue but favorites are the Downtown Park, which is adjacent to the Bellevue Square Mall, and Chism Beach Park. Most people don't know about the latter one, which is a great beach park, tucked away in a residential area. The crowds are small but the waves can be strong at times. Located at 2102 Bellevue Way, the Mercer Slough is also a favorite mid- to end- of summer they offer blueberry picking right in the city!

New or Near New Downtown Bellevue Condominium Buildings include:
The Bravern Residences
Washington Square
One Lincoln Tower
Bellevue Towers
Continental Condominiums
Park West
1200 Bellevue Way

Older Buildings:
Windsor House (located right behind Bellevue Square) just underwent a major interior renovation with new furniture, floor coverings, paint, and lighting.
Towne Square
The Carlyle
Aria
The McKee (this building had exterior renovations several years ago due to the siding failing). It is in a great location of Old Bellevue on Main Street. There is a good deli called Gilbert's on Main and lots of boutique shopping. Check out the chic Belle Pastry Bakery!
Astoria (directly across from the McKee), built in 2000
Bellevue Pacific Tower
Library Square
Abella, built in 2001
150 Meydenbauer Bay
Cambridge Village
The Palazzo (2 separate buildings, do you know which one has AC in all the units? Email me and I'll be happy to tell you!)
Ashley House
The Park Place
Chiavari
Park Terrace
One Main Street

Clyde Hill Bellevue, WA

HOW CLYDE HILL GOT ITS NAME
In 1947, the area residents formed a local community club. There was much housing building activity taking place and people found that it was difficult to describe the exact location of the Clyde Hill area. It wasn't exactly Bellevue, although the Bellevue Post Office delivered the mail. At the first meeting of the new community club, the members grappled with the problem of a name. One of the attendees, Sam Boddy, whose family had homesteaded there, told the group how Clyde Hill Road (now 92nd Ave. NE) first got its name. Clyde Road had been named long before 1947. Regular commuters on the Yarrow Point to Seattle ferry, most of who were of Irish decent, had been unofficially naming various roads along their route. Most of those names were Irish. One of the "Regulars" was Scottish and wanted his opportunity to develop a name. The others invited him to name a road. This pioneer had migrated from an area in Scotland called the "Firth of Clyde." Since the trip to the boat landing had reminded him of his Scotland home, he suggested the name Clyde Road for the road which was later numbered by the County as 92nd Avenue NE. Since "Clyde Road" was the main thoroughfare in 1947, and because the area was obviously a hill, local resident and first mayor of Clyde Hill, Ken Day, proposed the name "Clyde Hill" for the area. Six years later on March 31, 1953, the area incorporated as the Town of Clyde Hill.

Clyde Hill is surrounded by Medina and downtown Bellevue.

Here is an interesting fact that I learned about: Only 9% of the real estate property tax bill paid by Clyde Hill property owners goes to the City of Clyde Hill for municipal government services. Isn't that amazing? These services include but are not limited to: police, fire, and medic one, street operations, roadway improvements, storm drainage to prevent flooding, sidewalks, building code enforcement, park facilities, and general municpal government.
When compared to the other 39 cities and towns in King County, only 1 other city can boast of a lower city property tax rate than Clyde Hill.

Medina, WA

Surrounded on the north, west, and south by Lake Washington, directly opposite the lake of Seattle's Madison Park neighborhood, Medina is bordered by Clyde Hill and Hunts Point, and one of the biggest cities on the Eastside, Bellevue. Microsoft's Bill Gates and Seattle Mariner's Outfielder, Ichiro Suzuki call this city their home.

Medina is connected to Seattle on the eastern shore of Lake Washington by Washington State Route 520 on the Evergreen Floating Bridge, which happens to be the longest floating bridge in the world.

There are some beautiful parks in Medina, 5 to be exact. My favorite is the Medina Beach Park, located at 501 Evergreen Point Road. The park is adjacent to the Police Department and City Hall.

If you are a gardener, make sure you check out the Wells Medina Nursery. Sure it's a bit pricey but the selection is amazing and the staff are always helpful and friendly.

Bridle Trails Bellevue, WA

Lake Hills Bellevue, WA

Eastgate Bellevue, WA

South of I-90 the city surrounds an unincorporated part of King County called Eastgate. It is almost all residential.
Since Eastgate unincorporated, it is 1 of 10 potential annexation areas or PAAs in King County's Annexation Initiative. King County would like to rid itself of the cost of providing urban services to pockets of unincorporated suburbia. But due to lacking money, it cannot entice existing cities to annex those areas. King County estimates that it is losing $800,000 per year to Eastgate.
Eastgate has tried to get annexed by Bellevue several times in the past.

Microsoft Bellevue & Redmond, WA

Enatai Bellevue, WA

Since the neighborhood of Enatai overlooks Lake Washington from the western slopes of Bellevue, waterfront homes and property can be found in this neighborhood.

So you ask? How did this neighborhood get its name? A ferry run called the Enatai once ran between Seattle and Bellevue. The ferry run is now closed but the name Enatai was kept for the neighborhood. Enatai now connects to Seattle via the I-90 corridor and bridges spanning Lake Washington.

There is a great park in Enatai, it is actually underneath a part of the I-90 bridge. In the summer, you can rent kayaks and launch from the park. The address is: 3519 108th Avenue SE. It's advisable to contact Cascade Canoe and Kayak (boat rentals), 425-430-0111 just before heading out on a hot sunny day in the summer, since they can run out of kayaks and boats. For picnic reservations, call: 425-452-6914. Hours: Dawn to dusk Amenities include swimming, a dock, boat house, picnic area, restrooms, and canoe and kayak rentals in warm weather. Lifeguards are on-duty late June through Labor Day.
Directions: From I-90, take Bellevue Way exit north. Turn left on 108th Avenue SE. Parking in lot under overpass and further east down Lake Street.

Newport Hills Bellevue, WA

So are you wondering what the boundaries for Newport Hills are? Well, since Newport Hills is not a city, there is no formal boundary but there are approximately 3,200 households in this area. There is a small community shopping center right in the center of the Newport Hills which includes a Red Apple Market and a restaurant that I always forget to try but have heard rave reviews about named South China Perry Ko's restaurant. The shopping center is surrounded by a church and Eastside Catholic High School to the west, the Newport Hills Swim and Tennis club to the north and apartments and condos to the south and east.

Be careful when purchasing a home in Newport Hills, particularly if you want to stay in the Bellevue School District since the Renton School District and the Bellevue School District encompasses and serves this neighborhood. All of these homes will have a Bellevue address but they may not be served by the Bellevue School District so make sure to check with the District.

Here is a good website for more information on Newport Hills: http://newporthillscommunityclub.org/index.shtml

Eastside Catholic High School is a private Catholic school under construction in Sammamish, Washington with its current Bellevue, Washington location in a leased facility from the Bellevue School District in the Newport Hills neighborhood. The school has approximately 535 students in grades 9-12.

Newport Hills has a really nice community park located at 6029-120th Avenue SE. To reserve the field or for picnic reservations, contact the following numbers: Field Scheduling: 425-452-6914 Picnic Reservations: 425-452-7158 Hours: Dawn to dusk Amenities: Picnic area and play area, lighted soccer field, ballfield and restrooms, 7.82 acres. 31 regular parking spaces plus 2 handicapped, also street parking. Directions: From I-405, take Coal Creek Pkwy exit heading east. Turn right on SE 60th Street. Turn left on 120th Avenue SE. Park is on the right. - or - Take 112th Avenue SE exit off I-405, turn east at top of ramp. Turn left at the 3 way stop onto SE 60th Street. Turn right on 120th Avenue SE, park is on right.

Lakemont Bellevue & Issaquah, WA

Lakemont is comprised of numerous neighborhoods, many with community parks and trails. Lakemont residents enjoy convenient access to the Lakemont shopping and retail center (Matthew's Thriftway, Starbucks, Blockbuster, Saviano's Restaurant 4957 Lakemont Blvd. S.E. Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425-564-0927), the Golf Club at Newcastle, Lake Sammamish, Issaquah, and Bellevue.

William Buchan Homes is adding 8 new homes to the appealing Lakemont community named Albion. Prices from just over $1,000,000.00 with the houses finishing completion in 2008

New homes currently available at CamWest's newest community at Cougar Ridge West. 4-6 Bedrooms Homes with 2 & 3 Garages, priced from the mid-$800,000's. These homes are in the Issaquah School District.

Community Parks: Lakemont Community Park, 5170 Village Park Drive SE Contact: Field Scheduling: 425-452-6914 Picnic/Shelter Reservations: 425-452-7158 Hours: Dawn to Dusk Amenities: Play area, 2 picnic shelters, basketball court, 2 tennis courts, trails, restrooms, softball field, 16 acres. Directions: From I-90, take exit #13 (W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy, Newport Way, Lakemont Blvd). Turn south from the ramp onto Lakemont Blvd. Go through the stoplight at Newport Way. Go through the stoplight at 171st Avenue SE (Matthew's Thriftway). Make an immediate left onto Village Park Drive SE. Make another immediate left. The park is located behind the office building. Lakemont Highlands Neighborhood Park, 15800 SE 63rd Street Hours: Dawn to dusk Amenities: Trails, picnic tables, play area, basketball and tennis court, 1.32 acres. 4 + 1 handicapped parking spaces. Directions: From I-90, take exit #13 (W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy, Newport Way, Lakemont Blvd). Turn south from the ramp onto Lakemont Blvd. Go through the stoplight at Newport Way. Go through the stoplight at 171st Avenue SE (Matthew's Thriftway). Go through the stop sign at 164th Avenue SE. Turn right onto SE 63rd Street. Park is on the right.

Somerset Bellevue, WA

Home prices have skyrocketed in the last few years due to the high demand for homes with easy access and short commutes to downtown Seattle and Bellevue and AMAZING VIEWS. It also doesn't hurt to have award-winning schools such as Somerset Elementary, Tyee Middle School, and Newport High School. Newport High School was listed among the Top 100 public high schools in the country in Newsweek Magazine. (Did I mention the INCREDIBLE VIEWS?)

Somerset Elementary was recently renovated. The existing 43,000 SF building was demolished and replaced with a new 71,000 SF two-story building. The project provided District standard 1000 SF classrooms; gymnasium and multi-purpose room; stage areas; music rooms and art/science project rooms. The school has interactive white boards (Smart Boards) and LCD projectors in every instructional space. The school is both hard wired for data and has full wireless capability as well. The wireless access enables the use of mobile laptop computer lab to be used in every classroom rather than dedicating a space for a computer lab. Construction began in June, 2003, with the school closed for the 2003-2004 year and was completed in August, 2004

Newport High School is currently undergoing renovations. 8 of 12 buildings covering approximately 116,000 SF have been demolished and will be replaced with a new 145,000 SF three-story classroom, library and administrative wing with internal pedestrian corridors connecting it to the four remaining structures. Modernization will occur to the remaining 71,000 SF, which includes the existing performing arts center, two gymnasiums and the technology wing. When the renovations are complete, the school will have interactive white boards (Smart Boards) and LCD projectors in every instructional space. The school will be both hard wired for data and have full wireless capability as well. The wireless access will enable the use of mobile laptop computer labs to be used in every classroom across the campus. Construction began in July 2005 and the new classroom addition and much of the civil work is scheduled for completion in December 2006. At that time students and staff will move into the new classroom building and the demolition of the current classroom areas will take place to allow for new softball and soccer fields. The project is scheduled to be substantially complete by spring 2008

The Somerset HOA's website can be found at: www.somerset98006.org The voluntary dues for each home is $50 a year

Many people are unaware that there are hiking and walking trails within the neighborhood. They are known as the Somerset Greenbelts. Address: 4738-136th Avenue SE Hours: Dawn to dusk Amenities: Trails, 6 acres. A natural area with a system of maintained trails that connect to other open space sites including Westwood Highlands Greenbelt and Forest Hill Park. By following the signage system and using sidewalks you can hike throughout the south of I-90 greenbelt system. Go down Coal Creek (King County trails), connect with Cougar Mountain Wildland Park, then Squak Mountain, over to Tiger Mountain. Go up to Snoqualmie Pass, connect with the Pacific Crest or John Wayne trail, which will take you to Idaho, Canada, and Mexico. Contact Dept of Parks & Community Services, 425-452-6881 (reference "Trail Guide") for further information.

New York Times Article on Bellevue

There was an article in the New York Times yesterday about the construction boom happening in Bellevue. Check it out here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/realestate/commercial/17sqft.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Past Midnight, the morning after Father's Day

I can't believe that I'm still awake but I think I've gotten my second wind to work on my very first post. Today's weather wasn't exactly pleasant. It was gray, cloudy, and we had light drizzles of rain. I was talking to a friend and she had expressed her exasperation in the weather, stating that we should have weather that is typical of summer weather in the middle of June... NOT this weather that we normally see in the winter. I understand how she feels because I wanted to get on my road bike and ride today like I did yesterday, around Lake Washington on the Burke-Gilman Trail for 25 miles. But I shrugged my shoulders and had to say, "Well, this IS Seattle... this kind of weather should be expected, even if it IS the middle of June and every place else in the country is at or above 80 degrees!"