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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.