Washington, DC is well known for its adaptive reuse condominiums, defined as residential communities that were formerly something else, such as the Wormley School in Georgetown or Yale Steam Laundry in Mount Vernon Triangle. But the Columbia Residences certainly stands on its own. With 225 upscale condos and an onsite Trader Joe’s, the West End address was once the Columbia Hospital for Women. The historic property traces its roots to Thomas Circle in 1866, during a time when women’s healthcare was woefully lacking. The small hospital relocated to the Tench Ringgold House in the West End neighborhood in 1870 and was rebuilt on a much grander scale in 1916 at the same location.
The hospital was one of the nation’s leading maternity and pediatric care facilities for decades, and many of DC’s most prominent citizens were born there. But the cost of running a hospital ultimately doomed a place that had delivered life to so many, and it closed its doors in 2002. A lengthy redevelopment process followed, with renovation and conversion of the original structure to residential usage, as well as the construction of additional wings in the same architectural style. The Columbia Residences opened its doors in 2010, offering a full-service luxury lifestyle in a terrific location.
There have not been any new listings in 2024, and in fact, the most recent activity at any level goes back to November of 2023. Unit #337 came to market and received an accepted offer just six days later. The two-bedroom, two-bath condo with 1,196 square feet of living space closed at its full asking price of $1,150,000. The remodeled residence has an open layout which is typical at the Columbia, with the living, dining, and cooking areas all flowing together seamlessly. Features of note include a stone accent wall with a wide fireplace, an oversized primary bedroom with ensuite marble bath, a private outdoor terrace, and garage parking.
Unit #808 listed in October at $1,275,000. The two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse went under contract in just three days, selling for $10K over asking ($12,850,000). The layout is quite different than most condos at the Columbia, with an elongate, linear living and dining area, with the kitchen tucked into one corner. Giant windows line the perimeter, with glass doors leading out to a remarkable 700 square foot private roof deck. This stunning residence with its 1,175 square foot layout was completely renovated and remodeled prior to listing.
You’ll have to go all the way back to June for the next closest sale, with Unit #735 closing at $650,000. This one-bedroom residence with one bath and 800 square feet had been remodeled by the original owner, and sold as a private transaction, hence the lack of an MLS link. Features include new wood floors, and an upgraded kitchen with stone counters, new cabinets, and Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. There is also a private balcony, as well as a washer/dryer, built-in pantry, and custom closets.
Unit #628 closed in May at the full asking price of $929,000. The handsome one-bedroom, one-bath condo also has a bonus den that can function as an extra bedroom or office. With 1,000 feet of living space, the layout features dramatic arched windows, gleaming hardwood floors, and an upgraded bathroom with an extended twin-sink vanity with Grohe fixtures and a new Grohe SPA frameless shower.
Those fortunate enough to live at this former hospital enjoy a wealth of amenities, starting with the convenience of the on-site Trader Joe’s. There is also a staffed front desk and friendly concierge service, as well as a swimming pool, lounge area, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a club room with billiards, secure garage parking, and three furnished guest suites. The new West End Library and the popular West End Cinema are nearby, as are restaurants and bakeries such as Baked & Wired, Imperfecto, Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier, Ris, Juniper, Blue Duck Tavern and more.
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