You won’t often find a luxury condo community that was once a hospital, but the Columbia Residences in the West End neighborhood is no ordinary property. Home to 225 residential units along with an onsite Trader Joe’s, this historic campus was once known as the Columbia Hospital for Women. Founded towards the end of the Civil War, the original facility was located inside a home in Thomas Circle before moving to the Tench Ringgold House in the West End in 1870. The hospital was rebuilt on a much grander scale in 1918, featuring an Italianate design from architect Nathan C. Wyeth. The Columbia would go on to become one of the nation’s most advanced pediatric and maternity hospitals before ultimately closing its doors in the early 2000s. A lengthy and careful transformation ensued, and the Columbia reopened in 2006 in its present incarnation.
April ushered in some fresh listings, beginning with Unit #431. Priced at $1,334,900, the two-bedroom, two-bath residence has an intriguing 1,427 square foot layout. What was once a den has been turned into a private dining room. That leaves the main living area with its adjacent open gourmet kitchen as an uncrowded place to relax in, complete with a nice private terrace. Parking is included.
Also new to the market in April is Unit #529. Offered at $935,000, the lovely one-bedroom residence in the historic main building has a bonus lofted den that can serve as flex space, including as a second bedroom. There are 1.5 baths in the 957 square foot residence with its soaring 11-foot ceilings. This is a unique layout with deep windows, beautiful wood floors, an open gourmet kitchen, and a private balcony.
Unit #506 is available again, this after an accepted offer with contingencies failed to stick. Priced at $1,249,000, the two-bedroom, two-bath residence with 1,278 square feet of living space has a number of upgrades including new bamboo floors in the main living areas and new quartz counters in the kitchen. The organic layout has a sunny and welcoming ambience, while a 40-foot private terrace is perfect for morning coffee or dining al fresco.
Unit #328 offers another return engagement after a previous listing. Offered at $775,000, the 955 square foot condo has one bedroom, one bath, and a loft den that can serve equally well as a work-from-home office or even a second sleeping space. A long and open main living and dining area includes a gourmet kitchen that tucks neatly into a corner with dark granite counters, stainless steel Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, and hanging pendant lights.
Listed at $525,000, Unit #217 presents the opportunity for a competitively priced condo at a highly desirable address. The airy one-bedroom, one-bath apartment with 729 square feet of living space boasts 10-foot ceilings, adding to the feeling of space. Blonde hardwood floors and an open gourmet kitchen with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances are complemented by oversized windows and a private Juliet balcony. A washer/dryer stack tucks neatly into a closet, and garage parking is included.
There was one price reduction in April and it’s a significant one. Unit #730 was originally priced at $1,500,000 before a decrease down to $1,425,000. But now, the two-bedroom penthouse has been cut all the way down to $1,300,000. The 1,405 square foot showcase features a large and open main living area with oversized windows on two sides. Beautiful cherry floors in the main living areas combine with cream carpet in the private quarters. The open gourmet kitchen has dark granite counters, espresso toned cabinetry, and upscale stainless stee appliances.
There was one sale at the Columbia in April with Unit #530 closing for $933,000 after listing for $949,000. The two-bedroom, two-bath residence with 1,220 square feet of space features beautiful classic hardwood floors and a delightful Euro-style gourmet kitchen that fits flush against one wall. Also notable is the private terrace, a washer and dryer, and parking.
Unit #424 has been withdrawn from the market. The one-bedroom, one-bath condo with a fun loft-style layout came to market in March with an asking price of $775,000. We well keep tabs to see if it pops up again.
Similarly, Unit #211 has also been withdrawn after listing in March for $775,000. This condo has a bonus den and 855 square feet of space. Perhaps this renovated residence will make a return appearance in the future.
The Columbia quickly became one of Washington’s most talked about condo communities after its conversion from an esteemed and historic women’s hospital. Residents enjoy front staff with concierge service, a swimming pool and lounge area, a fitness center, furnished guest suites, and a club room with billiards. In addition to the downstairs Trader Joe’s, there is also the Uptowner Café, and the Shops at Columbia. The pet-friendly community is close to Francis Dog Park and many top restaurants.
To learn more about Jeff Wilson and his passionate approach to real estate view JeffWilsonStory.com or click the image below.
