🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani affirms his intention to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office. An Iconic Home Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era. Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, did not confirm he would live there right away after his triumph in November. "The choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in a statement. A Fond Farewell His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed. "Even though I'm moving there, it will always live a part of me and my work," he said. Political Debate During his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a well-known family. Not All Mayors Stayed Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home. With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era. The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily. The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year. Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents. Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.