🔗 Share this article

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside inside me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.