National

Civil War hospital that’s now apartments hits DC market, and Zillow Gone Wild loves it

Exterior
Exterior Screen grab from Zillow

Before it was a 25,000-plus-square-foot apartment complex, the building with a rust-colored plaque mounted on its white brick walls known as “The Colonial” was a Civil War hospital once upon a time.

And now it’s on the Washington D.C. real estate market for $13.99 million.

“The Colonial”
“The Colonial” Screen grab from Zillow

Located in what’s considered the “east village” of Georgetown, the property — built in 1820 — was first a school for women named Miss Lydia English’s Georgetown Female Seminary, The Washingtonian reported.

It was converted into a hospital after the Battle of Bull Run, which was considered the first significant land battle during the Civil War where Union forces were defeated by the Confederate in 1861, according to History.com.

The Washingtonian even said that “Leaves of Grass” poet Walt Whitman served as a volunteer nurse at the hospital.

Soldiers stand in front of the hospital
Soldiers stand in front of the hospital Screen grab from Zillow

Following the war, the building was converted into an apartment complex.

“In short, this is a spectacular opportunity to purchase an historically significant, architecturally important, and unusually large parcel in what many would believe is the finest location in all of Washington DC,” the listing on Zillow.com says. “Currently, the property is planned and approved for 18 upscale units with 16 on-site parking spaces located on the rear of the property.”

The building with 39 bedrooms caught the attention of the real estate fan page Zillow Gone Wild as people are transfixed by the property itself and its history.

Exterior
Exterior Screen grab from Zillow

And the topic of haunting did emerge....

“So first you do (an) inspection with Ghost Hunters, sell broadcast rights to help with the price…” one person said.

“So how many ghosts live there too?” another commented.

“First, I’d like to meet the ghosts before making any decisions,” another noted. “Need to know if they’re good tenants or not.”

Exterior
Exterior Screen grab from Zillow

“Being haunted never even crossed my mind,” someone commented. “Y’all are paranoid. I’d absolutely love to tour this place, I bet it’s amazing.”

“Haunted in good way?” another asked. “Likely also housed tuberculosis patients. I worked in several old hospitals.”

“Does it come with ghosts? For $13 million it better come with ghosts!” one person joked.

Exterior
Exterior Screen grab from Zillow

“14 million. For something on the historic register in this neighborhood?” one person said. “That’s honestly a steal.”

And finally...

“Listen if it’s not haunted by some old timey civil war ghosts with handlebar mustaches who help me solve murders, I’m not interested.”

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This story was originally published February 1, 2022 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Civil War hospital that’s now apartments hits DC market, and Zillow Gone Wild loves it."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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