Washington, DC is known for its many historic buildings and condominium conversions. None, however, is more unique than The Columbia Residences. Formerly known as the Columbia Hospital for Women, the health facility initially opened in 1866 in Thomas Circle, before moving to its current West End location in 1870. The hospital was founded in order to provide for women of all races and backgrounds during an era when such care was too often lacking. It was rebuilt in 1916 with a stunning Italianate design from Nathan C. Wyeth and became one of the nation’s foremost maternity centers. The hospital ultimately closed its doors in 2002 and was redeveloped in 2010 as luxury condominiums, with the added cache of an on-site Trader Joe’s market.
The combination of style, convenience, service, and architecture has made The Columbia one of DC’s most sought-after residential addresses. This has resulted in a lack of available resales as of late. In fact, as of this writing, there are no available listings. The most recent opportunities occurred in July with two new listings coming to market. One of those is currently pending and the other closed in August.
Unit #205 is the one condo that is now pending at The Columbia. It went under contract three days after it listed. The delightful west-facing apartment with two bedrooms and two baths, had been listed at $1,050,000. Offering a very spacious 1,385 square foot layout, the residence features an open cooking, dining, and living area with two sets of oversized windows, as well as a glass door leading out to a private balcony. The primary bedroom suite has a huge walk-in closet with organizer, and an ensuite bath with a twin sink vanity.
Unit #432 officially hit the market on July 29 and sold the very same day for $955,000. That figure is $40,000 over the asking price, yet another example of how popular The Columbia is. The two-bedroom, two-bath condo with 1,250 square feet of airy living space wasn’t marketed with interior photos or even a property description. It was likely a private sale that was entered on MLS simply for comp purposes.
There was one closing in August. Unit #406 listed for $1,050,000 and sold for $990,000. The two-bedroom, two-bath residence has 1,181 square feet of living space with gleaming bamboo hardwood floors throughout the living areas. The great room concept includes a completely open gourmet kitchen with a Wolfe range and Sub-Zero fridge, as well as a wonderful bonus room with bay windows. Also noteworthy is the west-facing private terrace with lovely views.
Unit #429 listed in June for $839,900 and went under contract on just five days, ultimately closing in July for $875,500, a $35,400 markup. The two-bedroom residence with 1.5 baths and 1,050 square feet of space has a large open main living, dining, and cooking area. The primary suite has walk-in closets and an ensuite bath, while the second bedroom is located at loft-level and could also be used as a work-from-home space. Soaring ceilings and an outdoor terrace add to the appeal.
Also worth mentioning is a sale at the very end of June. Unit #942 is a spectacular two-level penthouse with two bedrooms and 2.5 baths that closed at $1,800,000. At the main level is an expansive living area with plantation shutters, a dining room, a wonderful open gourmet kitchen, and the two bedrooms. An impressive owners’ suite has its own connected office/den with large windows, as well as a gorgeous ensuite bath. Spiral stairs lead to an upstairs bonus room and a 350 square foot private roof deck.
The Columbia is known for its full service amenities. In addition to the on-site Trader Joes, residents enjoy a swimming pool and lounge, fitness center, billiards and club rooms, front desk and concierge. There are also three furnished guest suites for visitors. Nearby restaurants and bakeries include Blue Duck Tavern, Raskia, Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier, Ris, Imperfecto, Bourbon Coffee, and Tatte Bakery.
To learn more about Jeff Wilson and his passionate approach to real estate view JeffWilsonStory.com or click the image below.
