Zohran Mamdani confirms plans to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion
NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.
An Iconic Home
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.
Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.
"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.
Leaving Astoria
His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.
"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.
"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.
Political Debate
Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.
However his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a famous family.
Not All Mayors Stayed
Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.
A Grand New Home
As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.
Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.
Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.
The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.
Ghostly Tales
Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.
The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
The Value of Rent Stabilization
His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.
City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.
Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.
