🔗 Share this article

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

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, the community will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.