Few condominiums have as unique a backstory as the Columbia Residences in Washington’s West End neighborhood. Founded in Thomas Circle in 1866, the fledgling Columbia Hospital for Women was created to fill a huge gap in women’s healthcare. The small hospital relocated to the Tench Ringgold House in the West End in 1870. The campus was expanded and completely rebuilt in 1916, with a grand design by noted architect Nathan Wyeth, featuring a dramatic central structure with radiating wings.
The hospital eventually fell victim to a financial crunch, closing its doors in 2002. The property was subsequently renovated and expanded, reopening in 2006 as a luxury condo community combining original architectural details with new modernity and numerous amenities, including an on-site Trader Joe’s. Available listings can be rare at the Columbia, but there was some new activity in March.
Unit #315 came to market in March with a list price of $1,650,000. The impressive two-bedroom, two-bath condo has 1,400 square feet of living space and is located in one of the Columbia’s original front wings. Features include soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and a bonus den off the main living area. 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 dining room is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling window walls that give the space the feeling of a sunroom. An adjacent corner room with wraparound windows is perfect for use as a library or office. There is also a private outdoor terrace off the primary bedroom suite. This premiere residence comes with two garage parking spaces, and two storage units.
There was also one closing in March. Unit #333 is a 781 square foot apartment with one bedroom, a bonus den, and one bath. This handsome condo with dual entries listed in February for $609,900 and received an accepted full priced offer in just seven days. The $609,900 closing is the first sale at the Columbia since November. The residence with its open and spacious feel has hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a large private terrace that is large enough for dining outside. The chef’s style kitchen has dark granite counters, Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, and a nook that is large enough for a breakfast table. The bedroom suite has its own inner hallway lined with closets, and a marble bath with a Poggenpohl vanity. The den works nicely as a work-from-home space or additional sleeping quarters. There is also an in-unit washer/dryer stack. One parking space conveyed with the sale.
The nearest previous sale was in November, with Unit #337 selling for its full asking price of $1,115,000. The remodeled two-bedroom, two-bath condo with nearly 1,200 square feet of living space received its accepted offer just six days after listing. The sunny and spacious layout includes a fireplace with a stone accent wall in the main living and dining area. Porcelain tile floors give a different appearance from the usual hardwoods, and the large primary bedroom is ensuite with a huge walk-in closet and an expansive marble bath. The full hallway bath is also marble. A private outdoor terrace adds another attractive dimension.
The other fall closing was Unit #808, a unique two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse that received an accepted offer three days after hitting the market. The 1,175 square foot residence closed at $1,285,000 in October, $10,000 over its original asking price. The penthouse had been completely renovated prior to listing, with an open Great Room concept and a gourmet kitchen with white stone counters set into a far corner. An immense wall of windows runs along one side and wraps around the end. Glass doors open out to a 700 square foot private roof deck, perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining.
Those fortunate enough to live at the pet-friendly Columbia are treated to a full service and amenity rich lifestyle that includes a staffed front desk, concierge, 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 downstairs Trader Joe’s is the ultimate on-site perk, and there is also the Shops at the Columbia as well as the Uptowner Café. The Rock Creek Trail and Francis Dog Park are a stone’s throw away. You can also stroll to several popular restaurants, as well as the new West End Library, and the West End Cinema.
To learn more about Jeff Wilson and his passionate approach to real estate view JeffWilsonStory.com or click the image below.
