🔗 Share this article

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.