New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, officially settled into Gracie Mansion on Monday, relocating from an apartment in Astoria to the city’s historic mayoral residence. The transition marked the end of their life in a modest rent-stabilized one-bedroom in Queens and the beginning of their stay in the 18th-century home overlooking the East River.
Movers were seen loading packed containers into vans outside their apartment that morning. Mamdani confirmed he would spend his first night in the mansion later that day, making him the newest occupant of the 11,000-square-foot residence located on the Upper East Side.
A Home for the Public, Not a Privilege
Speaking briefly to reporters from the mansion’s lawn, Mamdani described the move as both a personal milestone and a civic responsibility. He referred to the residence as “the people’s house,” a phrase he used to highlight his belief that the property belongs to New Yorkers as a whole rather than solely to its current tenant. He also joked that there was no security deposit required and called himself and his wife “temporary custodians” of the building.
The mayor reflected on returning to the borough where he spent much of his adolescence. He recalled long runs through the neighborhood and visiting friends and cultural institutions nearby during his teenage years.
Opening the Doors Wider
Mamdani said one of his priorities as the home’s new resident is widening access to Gracie Mansion, which has historically had limited public availability. He noted that the building once served various community uses, including English classes, public restrooms, and even storage space for the Parks Department.
“Gracie has held many roles throughout the city’s history,” Mamdani said, adding that he hopes New Yorkers who rarely interact with such spaces will have opportunities to see it up close. Decisions about specific cultural or community events have not yet been finalized.
Personal Touches and Lifestyle Changes
While the mayor offered few details about decorating, he did disclose that certain modern upgrades are expected, including the installation of bidets on the private floors of the residence. The couple also hopes to adopt a cat, a choice complicated by Mamdani’s allergies, for which he is now undergoing treatment.
The kitchen will see changes as well: due to Mamdani’s Muslim faith, pork will no longer be prepared by the mansion’s chef.
Local Reactions and Light-hearted Moments
The move generated interest from neighbors, workers and passersby throughout the day. A delivery driver described the encounter as exciting, noting it had been years since he had interacted with a sitting mayor. One resident offered a more measured greeting, saying Mamdani’s welcome would ultimately depend on how he governs, adding that the job carries high expectations.
Former Mayor Eric Adams jokingly told reporters he left a friendly note for Mamdani – along with “the ghost” some claim haunts the mansion. Mamdani acknowledged hearing rumors of supernatural residents but said he had yet to encounter any spirits.
Despite the busy day of unpacking, the mayor faced little downtime. He was due in Albany early Tuesday morning to attend Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address, extending the whirlwind start to his first full week in the mansion.
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