The Columbia not only offers full service amenities in a prime West End location, but also a unique historical backstory. The condo community with its 225 units was formerly the Columbia Hospital for Women. Founded in Thomas Circle in 1866, the fledgling facility served women during a time when their healthcare options were woefully lacking. The small hospital relocated to the Tench Ringgold House in the West End in 1870 and was later expanded and rebuilt with a dramatic design by architect Nathan Wyeth.
The hospital became one of the nation’s leading pediatric, maternity and women’s care facilities throughout the 20th century, but ultimately closed its doors in 2002 due to financial shortfalls. The campus was purchased, renovated, and expanded, reopening in 2006 as a luxury condo community. With its timeless architecture, modernized interiors, and an on-site Trader Joe’s, the Columbia is one of the capital city’s most sought after condominiums, resulting in a chronic scarcity of available listings.
There were no new listings in April. The only current activity belongs to Unit #315, an impressive two-bedroom, two-bath condo that came to market at the tail end of March. Priced at $1,650,000, the 1,400 square foot residence received an accepted offer in April and is now in A/C stats, meaning that it is pending with contingencies. Located in one of the former hospital’s original front wings, the handsome unit has soaring 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 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 most recent closing at the Columbia was in March, with Unit #333 selling for its full list price of $609,900. The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment has two entries, a bonus den, and 781 square feet of living space. With its open and airy feel, the unit features hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a large private terrace that is perfect 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 closest previous sale was in way back in November of 2023, with Unit #337 selling for its full list price of $1,115,000. The completely remodeled condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and a spacious 1,200 square foot layout. There are a number of unique touches, including a fireplace with a stone accent wall in the main living and dining area, and porcelain tile floors that are quite different than the Columbia’s standard hardwoods. The oversized primary suite boasts 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 spectacular penthouse with two bedrooms and two baths. The 1,175 square foot residence went under contract just three days after listing, and wound up closing at $1,285,000, which is $10,000 over its original asking price. The redesigned condo has 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.
The pet-friendly Columbia offers lots of amenities to its residents, not the least of which is the on-site Trader Joe’s. There is also a staffed front desk with accommodating concierge service, a swimming pool with lounge area, a terrific fitness center, a club room with billiards, secure garage parking, and three furnished suites for guests. 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.
To learn more about Jeff Wilson and his passionate approach to real estate view JeffWilsonStory.com or click the image below.
