Gracie Mansion facts for kids
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Archibald Gracie Mansion
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East front
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| Location | East End Ave. at 88th St., Manhattan, New York |
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| Built | 1799 |
| Architect | Archibald Gracie |
| Architectural style | Federal Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001205 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 12, 1975 |
Gracie Mansion is the official home of the mayor of New York City. It was built in 1799. You can find it in Carl Schurz Park, at East End Avenue and 88th Street in Manhattan. This beautiful house overlooks the Hell Gate channel in the East River.
The mansion has two main parts. There's the original two-story house and a newer section added in 1966. The original house is a special New York City designated landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Before Gracie Mansion, another house called Belview Mansion stood here. It was built in 1770 but was destroyed during the American Revolutionary War. In 1799, Archibald Gracie built the new house. He used it as his country home until 1823. Later, other families lived there. From 1924 to 1936, it was home to the Museum of the City of New York. After that, it became a historic house museum. In 1942, it officially became the mayor's residence.
Since then, almost every New York City mayor has lived in Gracie Mansion. They often redecorated the house when they moved in. A new part, called the Susan Wagner Wing, was finished in 1966. More big updates happened in 1983–1984 and in 2002.
The outside of the house has wooden panels and shutters. Inside, the original house has living rooms, a dining room, a kitchen, and a library. The newer part has a ballroom and other reception rooms. The second floor is usually for bedrooms. Offices are in the basement. The Gracie Mansion Conservancy helps take care of the house. The city government still owns it. Besides official events, Gracie Mansion also offers public tours.
Contents
Gracie Mansion: New York City's Official Home
Gracie Mansion is located in Carl Schurz Park. It is at East End Avenue and 88th Street in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan. The mansion faces northeast toward the Hell Gate, a channel in the East River. It is the only old country estate left in Yorkville. Gracie Mansion sits on the highest spot in Carl Schurz Park.
Early Days: From Country Home to Museum
The land where Gracie Mansion stands has a long history. Europeans settled New York City in the 1600s. Only six men owned this site from then until the late 1800s. The first European owner was Sybout Claessan in 1646. His land was known as Hoorn's Hook.
Who Lived Here Before?
In 1770, a merchant named Jacob Walton built Belview Mansion on the site. Drawings show it had a two-story middle section and one-story wings. The Waltons had to leave their home in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War. The site became a fort for the American army. The house was badly damaged by cannonballs in September 1776. British troops then controlled the area until 1783. The Waltons never returned to Belview. The house had a secret tunnel to the East River. No one knows why it was built. Some thought it was an escape route or a secret entrance.
Archibald Gracie's Country Estate
Archibald Gracie, a very rich merchant, bought the land in 1798 and 1799. He built a new country home on the site in 1799. It's not clear if he used parts of the old Belview Mansion or built a completely new house. Gracie removed the old war defenses and created beautiful gardens.
Gracie Mansion was far from the busy parts of Lower Manhattan back then. You could only reach it by the East River. There was a dock and a stable nearby.
Important Meetings and Guests
In 1801, Gracie hosted a meeting of important New Yorkers at the mansion. They raised money to start a newspaper, the New York Evening Post. This paper later became the New York Post. In 1803, during a yellow fever outbreak, the house's isolated spot kept Gracie safe.
The house was expanded in 1804 and again in 1811. Cannons were even installed during the War of 1812 to protect the house. It might have even been used as a military post.
Gracie's home was a popular place for parties. He hosted up to 50 guests at a time. Famous visitors included Alexander Hamilton, John Jacob Astor, and future French king Louis Philippe I. U.S. president John Quincy Adams and writers James Fenimore Cooper and Washington Irving also visited. Irving once wrote that he found the house a "sweet and delightful retreat."
Archibald Gracie used the house as his country home until 1823. His business faced financial problems after the War of 1812.
Foulke and Wheaton Families
After Gracie, Joseph Foulke bought the house in 1823 for $20,500. His family first used it as a summer home, then as their main residence. They added a fireplace mantel but not many other changes.
In 1857, Noah Wheaton, a builder, bought the house. He added a brick stable and a kitchen. He also put in gas lighting. The area around the mansion started to change. Many large estates were replaced by factories. Wheaton faced money problems, and the house went into foreclosure. But his family was allowed to stay. His daughter and her husband lived there for five years in the 1870s.
Parks Department Takes Over
The New York City government took over the land around the mansion in 1891. This land became Carl Schurz Park. The city bought Gracie Mansion itself in 1896. This happened because of unpaid taxes.
For a while, the mansion was used for different things. It was an ice cream stand, storage rooms, and even classrooms. It also served as a public toilet where people could pay five cents to use the bathrooms. By 1911, the house was in bad shape. Local residents wanted it torn down, but a group fought to save it.
Museum of the City of New York
In 1920, a group called the Patriotic New Yorkers wanted to turn the mansion into an American history museum. They wanted to show how people lived there in the early 1800s. The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) also wanted the house.
The city and state governments gave the MCNY control of the mansion. The MCNY filled Gracie Mansion with historical items. It opened to the public in November 1924. The museum formally opened its exhibits in March 1927. The ground floor had a reception room, music room, and dining room. Upstairs, there were bedrooms and other exhibit rooms.
About 130,000 people visited the mansion in its first year as a museum. In 1928, the ceiling partly collapsed after explosions in Hell Gate. The house closed for repairs. The MCNY moved to a new building in 1931. By August 1932, the museum had completely moved out of Gracie Mansion.
Historic House Museum
In September 1934, renovations began to turn the house into a historic house museum. Workers added new windows, a roof, and heating and lighting systems. Many organizations lent 18th and 19th-century furniture to the house. The Metropolitan Museum of Art provided paintings and furniture. Central heating and electricity were also added.
The renovation finished in April 1936. The house displayed items like paintings, beds, and old furniture. However, not many people visited because it was hard to get to.
Plans for the East River Drive (now FDR Drive) originally went through the mansion's lawn. But the design was changed to a tunnel in 1938 to protect the mansion and its views. The tunnel was built very close to the house in 1940. This meant many of the mansion's artifacts had to be stored away.
Becoming the Mayor's Home
In 1935, Robert Moses first suggested having an official home for the New York City mayor. Mayors usually lived in their own houses. Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia didn't like the idea at first. But in 1941, Moses convinced him to make Gracie Mansion the mayor's residence.
Conversion and La Guardia's Time
The plan to make Gracie Mansion the mayor's home was approved in January 1942. This made it one of the few official mayoral homes in the U.S. Workers started renovating the mansion on January 22, 1942. They added a master bedroom, kitchen, and offices. New electrical outlets, a driveway, and an iron fence were also added. The project finished in May.
The La Guardia family moved into the mansion on May 27, 1942. Mayor La Guardia liked to call it "Gracie Farm" to make it sound less grand. His family lived on the second floor. They didn't host many guests due to money and wartime limits. But they did host important visitors like the King of Greece and U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower. La Guardia used the mansion as a "summer city hall."
Mayors and Their Families
O'Dwyer and Impellitteri
When William O'Dwyer became mayor in 1945, he first said he wouldn't move in. But he changed his mind, finding the mansion offered more privacy. The house was repainted and refurnished. The O'Dwyers moved in by January 1946. An elevator was installed for his wife, Kitty, who had Parkinson's disease. They hosted guests like the Mexican president and U.S. president Harry S. Truman.
Vincent R. Impellitteri became acting mayor in September 1950. He and his wife Betty moved in shortly after. Betty Impellitteri decided not to redecorate. The family kept their old apartment too. Impellitteri used the mansion for official visitors. Few people were invited to the house during his time.
Wagner and the New Wing
Robert F. Wagner Jr. became mayor in 1953. His family moved in by January 1954. The house was repainted, and some rooms were refurnished. Wagner's wife, Susan, asked workers to seal the elevators so their young sons wouldn't play with them. The Wagners added wallpaper and draperies.
Unlike earlier mayors, the Wagners hosted many guests. Susan Wagner held an average of four events a week. Almost all rooms were open to visitors. Charitable groups held teas there. Guests included U.S. presidents Truman and John F. Kennedy. The Wagner sons often explored the mansion. By 1957, Susan hosted at least 125 events a year.
In 1963, a committee formed to expand and renovate Gracie Mansion. Susan Wagner had wanted this for a long time. She hired an architect for a northern expansion. The plans were delayed when Susan became ill and passed away in 1964. The new wing was named in her memory. The architect Mott B. Schmidt designed a new west wing for meetings and receptions.
Construction for the new wing began in May 1965. The Wagner family moved out of the mansion in September. The expansion, costing $800,000, was finished on September 27, 1966.
Lindsay and Beame
John Lindsay became mayor in November 1965. His family moved into Gracie Mansion in March 1966. The inside was redecorated. The city spent $20,000 to install sprinklers because the house was a fire risk. A wooden fence was put up for security. Mary Lindsay, the mayor's wife, preferred to host public events only in the new annex.
The attic became a playroom for the Lindsay children. Workers even built a treehouse for them. The Lindsays had pets like dogs and birds. Famous guests included Constantine II of Greece and actor Robert Redford.
After Abraham Beame became mayor in 1973, the house was renovated again. His wife, Mary, helped redecorate. The Beames moved in by February 1974. They hosted guests like Japanese emperor Hirohito. After Ed Koch won the next election, the Beames moved out just before Koch's inauguration.
Koch's Era and Renovations
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When Koch moved in, he brought some of his own things. He first preferred his apartment on weekends. But he decided to live at Gracie Mansion full-time. He added modern art to the mansion.
Koch was the first unmarried mayor to live there. His assistant, Dorothy Aschkenasy, acted as the unofficial first lady. Koch hosted events for many different groups. He regularly invited dozens of people for breakfast and dinner. Guests included Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and Catholic saint Mother Teresa. These events required a chef to live in the mansion.
Koch started giving public tours of the house in September 1980. Up to 20,000 people visited each year. The mansion needed updates. The main house and reception area were only connected by a kitchen. The basement offices were too small.
In 1981, Koch announced a big renovation. He created the Gracie Mansion Conservancy in 1982 to help. The project started in March 1983. It included new furniture, landscaping, and a new porch. They also updated the heating, cooling, and electrical systems. Workers tried to restore the mansion to its original look.
The renovation finished in November 1984. It cost $5.5 million. The city paid $1 million, and private donations covered the rest. Koch hosted over 23,000 guests the next year. He also hired someone to take care of the gardens. Gracie Mansion became a founding member of the Historic House Trust in 1989.
Dinkins and Giuliani
When David Dinkins became mayor in 1989, his wife Joyce Dinkins decided not to change the decor much. The Dinkins family moved in by January 1990. Joyce Dinkins read to first-grade students at the mansion. They also hosted "Kids Day at Gracie Mansion" every summer. Their most famous guest was future South African president Nelson Mandela.
After Rudy Giuliani became mayor in 1993, he, his wife Donna Hanover, and their children Andrew and Caroline moved in. The Giulianis hosted many events. Hanover became the chairwoman of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy. She raised a lot of money for the house's upkeep. A new security system was installed in 1995. The mansion was repainted, and Tiffany & Co. gave new china.
Because the house was small, the Giulianis hosted few overnight guests. Public tours continued, showing off 700 antique items. In 2001, Giuliani and Hanover separated. Hanover refused to leave the mansion, so Giuliani moved out months before his term ended.
21st Century Mayors
Bloomberg's Time
When Michael Bloomberg became mayor in 2001, his team discussed renovating the mansion. Bloomberg chose not to live there. He felt it would be too expensive for taxpayers. He already had a home nearby.
The outside was repainted in April 2002. A major restoration began in May. This included new mechanical systems and structural repairs. Bloomberg borrowed sculptures from the Museum of Modern Art for the lawn. The project finished in October 2002, costing $7 million. Most of the money came from private donations.
Under Bloomberg, the house was open to the public on Tuesdays. Visitors could see the upstairs rooms. Bloomberg used the mansion for official visitors. It hosted 178 events in 2003. The Gracie Mansion Conservancy received more donations. The house had 23,000 visitors that year. Events included state visits, dinners, and cultural events. Famous overnight guests included South African archbishop Desmond Tutu. Gracie Mansion was still known as the "mayor's house."
By 2011, 40,000 people visited each year. A kitchen renovation started in 2012 and finished in 2013. Bloomberg never lived in the house during his time as mayor.
De Blasio and Adams
Candidates for the 2013 New York City mayoral election said they wanted to live in Gracie Mansion. The next mayor, Bill de Blasio, moved in with his family in June 2014. They furnished the second floor with donated furniture. The first floor was used for official events. A tall fence was installed around the mansion for security. De Blasio's wife, Chirlane McCray, hosted exhibits there.
Eric Adams and his family moved into Gracie Mansion after he won the 2021 New York City mayoral election. Adams said he might split his time between the mansion and his Brooklyn home. The house continued to be rented out for events like weddings.
Inside and Out: The Mansion's Look
Archibald Gracie built the two-story wooden house in the Federal style. Some think famous architects like Pierre Charles L'Enfant or John McComb Jr. designed it. One article from 1959 said the house was originally about 50 by 65 feet. Even though it's called a "mansion," it's a charming country house.
Next to the main mansion is a separate two-story wing. It was designed by Mott B. Schmidt in a neo-Georgian style. This new part is called the Susan B. Wagner Wing.
What Does it Look Like?
The original mansion's outside was cream-colored wood panels with white trim and green shutters. It has been repainted many times. In 2002, it was painted a yellowish-brown color. The windows are stacked symmetrically. The eastern and western sides are a bit uneven because the house was expanded in 1811. Part of the basement can be seen because the ground slopes.
There's a porch around the southern, eastern, and part of the northern sides. The current porch, from 1984, looks similar to the original. It has columns like those from ancient Greece. The main entrance has a doorway with six panels. It has a fanlight (a semicircular window) and sidelights (windows on the sides). This doorway was added to the east side by 1811. The main roof has a decorative railing. There are four chimneys on the roof.
The southern side of the house has four windows on each floor. The western side originally had four windows on each floor, but one was replaced to connect to the new wing. The northern side has a central section with rectangular windows. The porch on the left of this section is open, while the right side is enclosed with glass. The northern side of the new wing has its own entrance.
Inside the Main House
The rooms in the main house have the same layout as in 1811. But their decorations have changed over the years. Before 1942, it was a museum. After the 1980s renovation, it was redecorated with 19th-century chandeliers and mirrors. The mansion has about 14 rooms and eight bathrooms. Rooms generally have fireplaces and high ceilings.
First Floor
Originally, a hall ran through the first floor. There were two rooms on each side. In 1811, a parlor and pantry were added. When it became the mayor's home in 1942, the living room, library, and dining room were kept. A new pantry, dining room, and kitchen were built.
The foyer has a black-and-white floor pattern that looks like marble. This design is from the 1980s renovation. It's based on the original floor. The foyer also has a fireplace.
To the right of the foyer is the parlor, also called the living room. It has a large marble fireplace. This room was added in 1811. It has tall windows facing the porch.
To the left of the foyer is the dining room, which can seat 22 people. After the 1980s renovation, it had French wallpaper from the 1830s. The dining table, made in 1815 for the Gracies, is made of marble and oak.
The library is next to the dining room. The windows in the library have etchings of names from past mayors' children and grandchildren. Both the library and dining room are from the house's original 1799 build.
Other Floors
A curving staircase leads from the first floor to the second. The second floor originally had three bedrooms. In 1942, it was changed to four bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. One is a guest bedroom, and the others are for the mayor's family. When Ed Koch was mayor, a secure bunker was built in the bathroom next to his bedroom.
The basement originally had the kitchen and possibly staff rooms. The 1942 renovation added four servants' rooms and offices. There is also a gift shop in the basement.
The Susan Wagner Wing
The Wagner wing almost doubled the mansion's size. It can seat up to 150 people. An outdoor terrace can fit another 150 guests. The wing has a Federal-style mirror and four fireplaces from other old houses. Many antique furniture pieces were brought in.
The Wagner wing was finished in 1966. But it wasn't connected to the main house for over 20 years. A hallway, sometimes called the "hyphen," was built in the 1980s to connect them.
The wing has a hallway with a marble floor and a high ceiling. Inside the main level is a ballroom. It measures about 48 by 25 feet and has an 18-foot-high ceiling. The ballroom walls were originally gray-blue with decorative borders. There are 12 classical columns. A chandelier from 1783 hangs from the ceiling. A portrait of Susan Wagner is also displayed here.
On either side of the ballroom are two smaller rooms: a dining room and a reception room. There's also a serving pantry. The basement has a conference room and offices for the mayor and staff.
Keeping the Mansion Running
Gracie Mansion has been the official home of the New York City mayor since 1942. Official guests can stay there. It's also used for ceremonies and city business.
The mansion is still very valuable. In 2008, an expert thought it could be worth $250 million. Vanity Fair estimated its value at $125 million to $200 million in 2014. It's often called the "People's House" or New York City's "Little White House."
Maintenance and Care
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation owns the house. The Gracie Mansion Conservancy helps take care of it. This group was formed in 1981 to restore and preserve the mansion. The conservancy also runs educational programs and events. In 2012, its yearly budget was $1.7 million, mostly paid by the city. The house is part of the Historic House Trust.
Public Tours and Events
Gracie Mansion was closed for public tours from 1942 to 1980. But it has often been open to the public since then. As of 2024, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy offers tours one day a week. The tours cover the first floor. Visitors can't take photos except in the Wagner ballroom. The public is also invited for special events like annual trick-or-treating.
Besides official business, Gracie Mansion hosts other events. It had its first fashion show in 1956. It has also hosted art and history exhibits. These include exhibits on minority groups, World War II, women's paintings, and social justice. The mansion is also used for clubs, like the Gracie Book Club.
Protecting a Historic Treasure
Gracie Mansion was one of 6,500 buildings photographed for the Historic American Buildings Survey between 1933 and 1942. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission made Gracie Mansion a city landmark in 1966. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
See also
