Beaux Arts Village began in 1908 as a colony of artists, writers, architects, and others on the east shore of Lake Washington cofounded and named by Alfred T. Renfro, an artist, cartoonist, photographer, and architect, after the Western Academy of Beaux Arts, located here and where the founders were members. Another founder was Sidney Lawrence, known for his paintings of Alaskan landscapes and marine subjects. The village became known principally as a lakeside residential area. Today, Beaux Arts Village retains much of its quaint character but, interestingly, also showcases several examples of modern architecture emblematic of the Pacific Northwest. Despite the seeming contrast, these structures complement each other with their use of similar materials and setting.