🔗 Share this article

NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare this decision right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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