Few condo communities enjoy as many conveniences or as fascinating a backstory as The Columbia Residences in Washington, DC’s West End neighborhood. The adaptive reuse development dates back to 1866 when it was founded in Thomas Circle as The Columbia Hospital for Women and Laying-in Asylum. The small women’s health facility moved to its present West End local in 1870 and was rebuilt on a much grander scale in 1916. Changing times finally caught up with DC’s premiere women’s hospital in 2002, as it finally closed its doors. The complex was renovated, enlarged and converted to luxury condos for sale in 2010.

New listing activity often dries up at the end of the year. Such was the case in December at The Columbia, with no newly listed condos for sale. There were still a few available units, however, leftover from prior months.

The first is Unit#424 with an asking price of $675,000. The charming apartment has one loft bedroom, one bath and 822 square feet of interior space. Ash-gray hardwood floors are in the living areas. A stylish Euro-style open gourmet kitchen is set into a single wall, with starburst lights over the charcoal granite island. The loft bedroom has an entire wall of built-ins. The condo also features a balcony and a high-end washer/dryer stack.

With 850 square feet of living space, Unit #317 is currently listed at $579,000. The attractive apartment has a generous front foyer, and large open living and dining area, a loft bedroom and one bath. A terrific open kitchen is set into one wall, with modern cabinetry, dark granite counters, stainless steel appliances and a dining island that will seat four. 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 #416 remains active at $570,000. The renovated residence has a loft bedroom, one bath, dramatic 10-foot ceilings and 764 square feet of interior space. Blonde hardwood are found throughout, except the bedroom which has tasteful gray carpet. This apartment is in the original historic building and has loads of architectural charm, including deep-set windows. A cute balcony overlooks the inner courtyard. The open gourmet kitchen has upscale stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. A dining island adds to the convenience. Washer and dryer are included.

Also still available is Unit #324 with an asking price of $649,900. The one-bedroom, one-bath residence has 816 square feet of living space, and an airy layout. Gleaming blonde hardwood floors run through the apartment. The loft bedroom has double closets and a cutout at the top of one wall, allowing an ambient feel. The bathroom has a nice big frameless shower, and the open gourmet kitchen is set into one wall, with upscale stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting over the dark granite island. A balcony overlooks the courtyard for extra appeal.

Unit #501 went under contract in November and is due to close in January. The two-bedroom, two-bath condominium a 1,200 sq. ft. layout had been listed at $949,999 before receiving an accepted offer. Gorgeous wide-plank floors run throughout the residence. Other features include maple Poggenpohl cabinets, Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, marble baths, an in-unit washer and dryer, a giant walk-in closet with organizers and a large private balcony.

There was one closing in December. Unit #331 sold for $1,025,000 after being listed for $1,050,000. The apartment eschews an ordinary shoebox look by facing the gourmet kitchen with its Viking appliances, sideways from a deep corner alcove at the far end of the open space design. The result is very organic and homey feel. Features include two bedrooms, two baths and a large and lovely treetop terrace overlooking a courtyard.

Residents at The Columbia enjoy loads of amenities, but none perhaps as convenient as the on-site Trader Joe’s market. In addition, the condo community is known for its friendly and dedicated front desk and staff, including concierge service. The rooftop swimming pool and lounge is a bit hit during the warmer months. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center, 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.