One of Washington, DC’s most popular condominiums also has one of the city’s most unique backstories. The Columbia Residences was known for over a century as the Columbia Hospital for Women. Founded at the close of the Civil War, the sorely needed health care facility for women was initially located at the former Hill Mansion in Thomas Circle. It moved to the Tench Ringgold House at its present location in the West End circa 1870 and was rebuilt on a much grander scale in 1916. It became one of the nation’s leading hospitals for women, but ultimately fell victim to financial shortfalls, closing its doors in 2002. It was subsequently redeveloped as an upscale condo community in 2010, complete with an onsite Trader Joe’s market.
While there are 225 residences at the Columbia, resale opportunities can be scarce. Such was the case in November with no new listings, and just one closing. At the time of this report, there were no active units on the market. Recent sales, including the latest transaction, are listed below.
There was one closing in November. Unit #337 listed for $1,150,000 in October, receiving an accepted offer in just six days. The remodeled two-bedroom apartment with two baths and a 1,196 square foot layout wound up selling for its full asking price. This very attractive condo features porcelain floors throughout, and a stone accent wall with an Armantii fireplace. Other nice touches include an open gourmet kitchen, a private outdoor terrace, and a spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet. The primary ensuite bath is quite large, with a twin-sink vanity, frameless shower, and separate deep soaking tub.
There was also one closing the prior month. Unit #808 came to market in September, went under contract in three days, and closed in October for $1,285,000 ($10,000 over asking). The two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse has 1,175 square feet of living space, and a floorplan that is quite different than most condos at the Columbia. The gourmet kitchen tucks into the far corner of an elongated open living and dining space. Giant windows line the walls of the living, dining, and cooking areas, with sliders opening out to an incredible 700 square foot private roof level deck that extends the entire length of the residence. The condo was substantially renovated within the last year and comes with reserved parking.
You have to go back to the beginning of the summer for the next previous sale, and that was for an unlisted condo. Unit #735 closed as a private transaction in June, for just $650,000. The 800 square foot apartment with one bedroom and one-bath was with the original owner since the development’s completion, had been further upgraded with new wood floors and a remodeled gourmet kitchen with pale wood cabinetry, granite counters, and Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. An open floorplan, custom closets, built-in pantry, and private balcony further add to the picture.
Unit #628 sold in May for its full asking price of $929,000. The one-bedroom, one-bath residence with a bonus den is at the penthouse level. The condo is open and airy with 1,000 square feet of living space, dramatic arched windows, and high ceilings. Hardwood floors are bathed in natural light, and the gourmet kitchen features Viking and SubZero appliances. The large bathroom has a new Grohe SPA frameless shower, and an extended twin sink vanity with Grohe fixtures. There’s an in-unit washer and dryer, and the den serves equally well as an office space or guest bedroom.
Those fortunate enough to land a coveted condo at the Columbia are treated to a number of full service amenities. In addition to the on-site Trader Joe’s, there is also a staffed lobby with concierge service, 24/7 security, a sunny swimming pool and lounge, a fitness center, a club room, and billiards. Adding to hospitality are three fully furnished guest suites for visitors. The West End location is close to bakeries and restaurants such as Baked & Wired, Ris, Juniper, Jardenea, Imperfecto, Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier, and so many more.
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