Zohran Mamdani affirms he will make his home in historic Gracie Mansion

NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said 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 stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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