With its unique historic backstory, the Columbia Residences in the West End neighborhood is one of DC’s most popular places to live. While there are 225 units ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, available listings are usually few and sometimes far between. The West End condo community with its onsite Trader Joe’s was long known as the Columbia Hospital for Women. Founded in Thomas Circle in 1866, the small facility moved to the Tench Ringgold House in the West End just five years later. It was later expanded and rebuilt with a new and dramatic design by architect Nathan Wyeth.
The hospital would become one of the nation’s leading pediatric, maternity and women’s care facilities, known for modern advancements and innovation. But financial shortfalls led to the facility’s closing in 2002. The campus was subsequently purchased, renovated, and expanded, reopening in 2006 as a luxury condominium campus.
One new listing popped up in June with Unit #314 priced at $1,550,000. This impressive two-bedroom, two-bath residence also has a bonus den. The 1,520 square foot layout includes beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings, and the most charming dining room with massive window walls on three sides. This unit is in one of the old hospital’s original front wings. In the early days, these two distinctive Y-shaped wings (one on each side of the entrance) had screened porches that were later glassed in. Other features include a terrific open chef’s kitchen with dark granite counters, upgraded cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite features a spa-inspired ensuite bath with dual vanities, frameless shower, and separate soaking tub. Two garage parking spaces are included.
Meanwhile, Unit #528 listed at the very beginning of June for $839,000 and received an accepted offer just four days later. The one-bedroom, one-bath condo with a bonus den and 900 square feet of living space will have closed for $830,000 by the time this report is published. The south-facing residence has hardwood floors, 11-foot ceilings, and a loft-style den that can be used as a second bedroom. The heart of the residence is an open gourmet kitchen with a prep/dining island, hanging pendant lights, granite counters, and Sub-Zero and Viking appliances. There is also an in-unit washer and dryer, and a garage parking space.
There were two closings in June. Unit #839 is a three-bedroom showcase with 3.5 baths that sold for $2,881,000 which is well above its asking price of $2,700,000. The 2,724 square foot residence went under contract the same day it hit the market and is one of the largest condos at the Columbia. The large living and dining area with its beautifully designed fireplace also includes an open gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows invite the natural sunshine right indoors. There’s a bonus entertainment room for media, and a huge outdoor private terrace for dinner parties and other social events. Three garage parking spaces were included, as well as multiple storage units.
Unit #315 listed for $1,650,000 and sold for $1,575,000. This handsome condo has a very similar floor plan to the above-mentioned Unit #314, but on the opposite front wing of the complex. Features include nearly 12-foot ceilings, a bonus den, a private outdoor terrace, and a unique dining room wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows for a sunroom ambience. An adjacent corner room with even more wraparound windows is perfect for use as a library or office. Also worth noting is the beautifully appointed gourmet kitchen boasts stone counters, hanging pendant lighting over the breakfast bar, a wine refrigerator, and Viking and Sub-Zero stainless steel appliances. The entry foyer conveniently accesses a coat closet and a full bathroom before seamlessly transitioning to the main living area.
Those lucky enough to live at the Columbia enjoy a multitude of amenities, not the least of which is the convenient on-site Trader Joe’s. The front lobby is staffed, including helpful concierge service. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and lounge area, a club room with billiards, a state-of-the-art fitness center, three furnished suites for guests, and secure parking. Also on the property are the Shops at Columbia, and the Uptowner Café. The neighborhood is another large part of the appeal, with the nearby Rock Creek Trail, the Francis Dog Park, the new West End Library, the West End Cinema, and numerous restaurants.
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