🔗 Share this article

NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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