The homes inhabited by American politicians are threads in the tapestry of American history just as much as the politics themselves. With Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announcing his intent to move into Gracie Mansion following his inauguration in January, we are entering a new era for the 'little White House.' However, the home's past is just as illuminating as its future.
Built by the merchant Archibald Gracie in 1799 as a country house overlooking the East River, Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the mayor of New York City. It is one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Manhattan. Located in Yorkville, a family-friendly neighborhood on the Upper East Side, its position in Carl Shurz park means it is still surrounded by greenery, even as the city has sprung up around the property.
As design aficionados will know, the New York Designated Landmark is a beacon of Federal architecture.
The exterior is full of characteristic features, including a symmetrical facade, an open veranda, and Doric columns. Colorwise, it boasts a charming combination of moss-colored shutters, spindly white railings, and butter-yellow walls.
In its first 143 years, Gracie Mansion cycled through several owners, served as a concession stand for the park, and was the first home of the Museum of the City of New York. Finally, in 1942, it was designated as the official residence of the Mayor, and Fiorello H. La Guardia became its first mayoral inhabitant.
The original house was enlarged with the Susan E. Wagner wing addition in 1966, which is dedicated to public and official events.
Just like The White House it's a masterclass in stately interiors. The interiors of the home are decorated to reflect the Federal-style spirit of the home's original era with rich gilding, warm wood, and scalloped drapes.
Over the years, Gracie has been refurbished and redecorated by its many inhabitants. Notably, in 2002, the former Mayor Michael Bloomberg worked with acclaimed designer Jamie Drake to renovate the house into a historically accurate design. Drake was honored by the Historic House Trust for his work on the home.
You can read more about this fascinating home in Ellen Stern's book below.
This book is the first ever tribute to the home for those who hope to learn more about New York City's mayoral residence. It combines an architectural history of the mansion with anecdotal portraits of the inhabitants.
As Gracie Mansion's Zohran chapter grows closer, we look forward to seeing what this new era may bring for the home.
