🔗 Share this article

NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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