Washington: New York City Mayor Zoharan Mamdani sold himself a lot before the elections by making himself the messiah of the poor and this trick also worked. He was seen saying in his Bollywood style election campaign video that ‘Other candidates contest elections to earn money and luxury but I will work for you and not for these luxuries’. However, now it seems that Mamdani is also trapped in the illusion because now this ‘Messiah of the poor’ himself is going to become the ‘King of the palace worth Rs. 900 crores’. Till now he was living in his rented house.
Even if people thought that Mamdani was going to do something completely different, he was going to start his rise to power by making himself powerful. Expressing his excitement in an Instagram post, he said, ‘Last week I went to the train show at the NY Botanical Garden, and saw my new home. My wife Rama and I have decided to move to Gracy Mansion in January.
Rent of Mamdani’s house for rent
Mamdani won the election by promoting housing stability and affordability. Mamdani’s opponent, Andrew Cuomo, had argued that Mamdani should not live in a government house while earning a salary.
History of Gracie Mansion
This Royal Government House situated on the river bank is no less than heaven on earth. Its price is said to be 100 million dollars i.e. approximately Rs 900 crore. Completed in 1799, Gracie Mansion was actually built by a businessman, Archibald Gracie. Whose business was spread internationally at that time. Located near the East River, this mansion is a luxurious view amidst nature. Gracie’s fortunes changed during the War of 1812 and due to financial losses he had to sell his Gracie Mansion in 1823.
Then in 1896, the City of New York acquired the property, which included the surrounding area, which was later named Carl Schurz Park in 1910.
History of Gracie Mansion
From toilet to ‘little white house’
The past of Gracie Mansion is no less than a filmy twist. After coming under the control of New York City, the grand property was once used as a restroom and concession facility for park visitors, causing significant damage to its historical heritage. Despite these unconventional uses, the structure survived and was relocated to the Museum of the City of New York.
Its greatest transformation occurred in 1942, through lobbying by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, when it became the official residence of Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, as well as the city’s chief executive – what La Guardia called a ‘little White House’. This move marked the beginning of the building’s modern role, which is still adopted by most mayors today.
Mayor left royal identity
After becoming the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion saw several lavish renovations. Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr. added the Susan E. Wagner Wing in the 1960s, which also housed a ballroom. In the 1980s, Mayor Edward I. Koch established the Gracie Mansion Conservancy to ensure the complete restoration of the entire building.
Spanning more than 10,000 square feet, the estate boasts $100 million worth of luxury. Inside there’s a teal-themed library, a dining room with Zuber wallpaper from the 1820s, and a fireplace mantel associated with Alexander Hamilton’s death. But the most striking detail is the name carved into the window by Rudy Giuliani’s daughter. However, some mayors like Michael Bloomberg did not live here.
