Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor-elect, has scripted history. Becoming the youngest elected leader of the city, he also became NYC’s first Indian-American, first Muslim and first Democratic-socialist mayor. Building himself from the ground up, it is Mamdani’s era in the US city now.
Set to become the mayor, it also comes with its residential perks. Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, currently live in a one-bedroom rental apartment. Speaking on ‘The New Yorker Radio Hour’, Mamdani revealed that the sink leaked and the couple had been wanting to move out for a while now.
New York City’s mayoral mansion
While it has not been officially declared that Mamdani will move into the mayoral mansion, the 11,000 square-foot residence is all set. The Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the New York City mayor. Over 226 years old, it comes with a posh address on the Upper East Side. Featuring gleaming mirrors, chandeliers that exude luxury, and faux mahogany doors that open to a lush lawn, it is nothing short of royalty.
The vast lawn is lined with apple and fig trees and houses a separate vegetable garden. It has been previously occupied by the former mayor Bill de Blasio, who moved into the home in 2014. A ballroom and a lush lawn are just one part of the historical house. Featuring antique decor, the house is built with an ‘old-money’ aesthetic, with a grandfather clock, maximalist couches, and glass cabinets. Originally built in 1799, the ground floor is built in the Federal Style.
Mamdani has neither confirmed nor denied moving into the Gracie yet. “I don’t yet have an answer on where I’m going to be living,” he said during a television interview, “but I can tell you where I’m going to be working, and that’s City Hall.”
A look at Mamdani’s Queens apartment
It’s not all glitter and glam when it comes to Mamdani’s one-bedroom space. But an exciting feature for New York renters? Hot water and electricity were included in the rent. But the common black-bricked exterior is what Mamdani and his wife, Duwaji, called home. Two closets and a communal laundry room, the Queens residence was nearly 800 square feet, with the landlord living in the same building.
While this apartment is not as historic as The Gracie, Mamdani’s potential move from his humble residence to a residence more than 10 times the current will sure stir things up.
Full-time chef, ballroom, summertime veranda
Nothing short of New York City royalty, The Gracie Mansion has been previously described as a ‘pale lemon cake of a house’ by the New York Times. Typically, a personal chauffeur will lead the mayor through ornate columns to a full-time chef. Once done with meals at the end of the day, in case NYC gives you the time, an entertainment room awaits you by the grand fireplace.
The iconic ballroom opened in 1966 after the five bedrooms on the upper floor. Several mayors in the past have hosted many a tea party during their tenure, hosting the Arab, Ecuadorian and Guyanese New Yorkers in the span of a few weeks. Even US President Donald Trump was present during the lawn re-marriages at the mayor’s residence. Though if Mamdani moves in, some think that his presence might be unlikely.
But, with all the perks, Mamdani’s safety also comes first. His current residence has no doorman and lacks personal security. However, his constituency, Astoria, is one of the popular residences of immigrants from Greece, Egypt, and Morocco.
