Washington, DC is home to an abundance of old architecture, including adaptive reuse projects in which nonresidential buildings are converted to living spaces. Such is the case with The Columbia Residences, a former hospital for women dating back to the Civil War era. The health care facility was founded in Thomas Circle before moving to its present West End neighborhood location in 1870. It was rebuilt in 1916 on a grander scale, keeping the lights on until 2006. The hospital was converted to upscale condos in 2010.
September was an especially active month for new listings at the Columbia, with no fewer than six condos entering the fray. Let’s start with Unit #808, a glorious penthouse listed at $1,249,900. The two-bedroom, two-bath corner residence has 1,175 square feet of living space along with a 700+ sq. ft. private rooftop deck. Richly hued hardwood floors, an open chef’s kitchen, full-height windows, a huge living room and an adjacent dining room add to the appeal.
Unit #331 listed in September for $1,050,000. The 1,380 square foot floorplan features a grand foyer, two bedrooms, two baths and a lovely treetop terrace. The main living areas are nice and open with gleaming hardwood floors. An open kitchen fits unobtrusively into one corner, with granite counters, Viking appliances and a breakfast island. Also notable are the custom wall colors and treatments.
With a loft bedroom and one bath, Unit #317 listed in September for $599,000. The 850 square foot floorplan includes high ceilings, a front foyer and a large and open living, cooking and dining space. Hardwood floors are in the living areas with carpet in the loft. A washer and dryer combo tuck neatly into a closet inside the bathroom with its granite counters and frameless shower.
Unit #233 also came to market in September. Listed at $549,999, the 805 square foot apartment has one bedroom, one bath and a large open den. Beautiful bamboo hardwood floors are in all the living areas. A stunning gourmet kitchen has Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. Charming architectural details include a transom window over glass sliders that open to a shallow urban balcony.
Still available is Unit #424, priced at $675,000. The 822 square foot residence has a loft bedroom and one bath with ash-gray hardwood floors. The open gourmet kitchen is set into a single wall, with starburst lights over the charcoal granite island. The bedroom has an entire wall of built-ins. The condo also features a balcony and a high-end washer/dryer stack.
Unit #324 listed at the beginning of the month and already has a price cut, from $669,900 down to $649,900. That’s a $50K discount for the airy apartment with a loft bedroom and one bath. Blonde hardwood strip floors run throughout the residence. The open gourmet kitchen with its stainless steel appliances is set nicely into a single wall, with pendant lighting over the granite island. There’s also a cute balcony overlooking the courtyard.
Unit #437 listed in September and went under contract two weeks later, with a scheduled October closing. The two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with 1,194 square feet of interior space is priced at $955,000. High ceilings, hardwood floors, marble baths and a chef’s kitchen add to the appeal. There’s also a balcony and an in-unit washer and dryer.
There were two closings in September. Let’s start with Unit #427, a two-bedroom, two-bath residence with 1,189 square feet of space. The stylish apartment with a balcony sold for $949,000. Features include an open Poggenpohl kitchen with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances plus a tall wine cooler set into the wall. The master suite boasts an enormous walk-in closet with built-ins.
The other September sale is Unit #308. The one-bedroom, one-bath flat with a 778 square foot layout listed at $584,900 and closed at $560,000. Hardwood floors are found in the sunny open living area. The gourmet kitchen is set along one wall, with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, and pendant lights hanging over the black granite counters. There’s also a balcony off the bedroom.
The Columbia was substantially renovated and improved during its transition from a women’s hospital to a luxury condo community. Two new wings were built, and 22,000 square feet of retail space were introduced, dedicated largely to a Trader Joe’s. Other amenities include a rooftop swimming pool and lounge, a fitness center, lobby and concierge, billiards and club rooms, and three furnished guest suites for visitors.
To learn more about Jeff Wilson and his passionate approach to real estate view JeffWilsonStory.com or click the image below.
