Inside Gracie Mansion: Zohran Mamdani’s new home and the ghost tales that come with it
From its 18th-century origins to its role as the mayor’s official residence, here’s how the Upper East Side mansion became one of the city’s most enduring landmarks.
Zohran Mamdani and his wife, illustrator Rama Duwaji, have moved into Gracie Mansion, the official residence provided to the mayor of New York City. The mansion is one of the city’s oldest surviving houses, a property that has served as a mayoral home for more than 80 years.
Gracie Mansion is a house owned by the city of New York, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It serves as the mayor’s home and is also used for important city events. Although different mayors have lived there over the years, the house itself is integral to New York City’s government and community.
Location and surroundings
The mansion is located at East End Avenue and East 88th Street, inside Carl Schurz Park. The park stretches along the East River and is open to the public. The house overlooks a narrow channel of the river known as Hell Gate, which has historically been a notable waterway for shipping and navigation.
Although the surrounding neighborhood is very developed, the mansion is situated slightly apart from nearby residential buildings due to its placement within the park.
A historic house with deep roots
Gracie Mansion was built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie, a Scottish-American shipping merchant. At the time, the area was outside New York City’s urban boundaries. Gracie constructed the house as a country residence for his family.
The building was designed in the typical Federal architectural style, which was popular after the American Revolution. The original building was a two-story wooden house with an annex.
How did the city acquire Gracie Mansion?
Archibald Gracie later lost ownership of the property due to financial difficulties. The house passed through several private owners before New York City acquired it in 1896. The surrounding land became part of what is now called Carl Schurz Park.
After the city acquired the property, the building served various public purposes. It was used as a park facility and as a temporary space for the Museum of the City of New York. When the museum outgrew the house, it was emptied in 1932, and guarded by a watchman, as NYC Parks had no purpose or plan for the mansion at that time.
Becoming the mayor’s official residence
In 1942, Gracie Mansion was officially designated as the mayoral residence of New York City. Prior to this, the city lacked a formal residence for its mayor. Mayor Fiorello La Guardia was the first to live in Gracie Mansion after it was named the mayor’s residence.
Since then, most mayors have used Gracie Mansion as their home at various points during their terms in office. The mansion is not only a private residence for the mayor but also a venue for official events, such as meetings, receptions, and ceremonies.
Changes and additions over time
Gracie Mansion, an 18th-century house, still retains its original charm at its heart. Over the years, the mansion has been updated and expanded to fit its current purpose. In 1966, a new section of the building, the Susan E. Wagner Wing, was added. This space was designed to accommodate bigger gatherings and official events.
The entire building, which includes both the old house and the newer addition, features multiple bedrooms, formal dining areas, a ballroom, and other spaces.
The property has undergone several renovations to maintain the mansion’s original features. Many elements, such as fireplaces and intricate woodwork, have been preserved. At the same time, modern updates have been made to improve accessibility for everyone who visits.
Previous residents at Gracie Mansion, including the friendly ghost
Since 1942, Gracie Mansion has been home to several New York City mayors, including Ed Koch, David Dinkins, and Eric Adams. Some residents, such as Bill de Blasio, claimed that something is not right with the house.
De Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray, has claimed the mansion is haunted, alleging that there are sounds of doors opening and closing on their own, and creaks from the wooden floor. She also claimed to have heard whispers from Archibald Gracie’s daughter.
“Beware of the ghost,” Adams joked during a visit to Washington, DC, a Fox Business reporter posted on X. “It’s a friendly ghost, as long as you’re doing right by the city. If you don’t become right by the city, he turns into a poltergeist.”
Worth noting that Michael Bloomberg, who was elected in 2001, chose not to live in the mansion, saying it would be an unfair expense for taxpayers.
Public access and use today
Gracie Mansion remains a city-owned property. It is maintained through a public-private partnership that oversees its conservation and public events.
The structure features a dual-functional design, with designated areas serving as a private residence while other spaces are allotted for municipal events. This arrangement has allowed the building to remain in active use while preserving its historical character.
Today, with Mamdani and Duwaji residing there, Gracie Mansion continues to serve the same role it has held for decades, serving as a residence while remaining one of New York City’s historic landmarks.
