Gracie Mansion

Archibald Gracie Mansion
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
New York State Register of Historic Places
New York City Landmark No. 0179
East front
Location	East End Ave. at 88th St., Manhattan, New York
Coordinates	40°46′34″N 73°56′35″W / 40.77611°N 73.94306°W / 40.77611; -73.94306
Built	1799[1]
Architect	Archibald Gracie
Architectural style	Federal Style
NRHP reference No.	75001205
NYSRHP No.	06101.000009
NYCL No.	0179
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	May 12, 1975[1]
Designated NYSRHP	June 23, 1980
Designated NYCL	September 20, 1966

Gracie Mansion (also Archibald Gracie Mansion) is the official residence of the mayor of New York City. Built in 1799, it is located in Carl Schurz Park, at East End Avenue and 88th Street in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan. The federal-style mansion overlooks Hell Gate channel in the East River and consists of two sections: the original two-story house and an annex built in 1966. The original house is a New York City designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house's site was previously occupied by Belview Mansion, which was built in 1770 for local merchant Jacob Walton and destroyed during the American Revolutionary War. In 1799, Archibald Gracie built a new house on the same site, which he used as his country home until 1823. The family of merchant Joseph Foulke used the house from 1823 to 1857, and the family of builder Noah Wheaton used it from 1857 to 1896, when the municipal government made its grounds part of Carl Schurz Park. During the early 20th century, the mansion was used as public restrooms, an ice cream stand, and classrooms. Gracie Mansion housed the Museum of the City of New York from 1924 to 1936, and it was a historic house museum until 1942, when it became a mayoral residence. Since then, each mayor except for Michael Bloomberg has lived at Gracie Mansion at some point during their tenure; most mayors redecorated the house upon taking office. A reception wing, named for New York City first lady Susan Wagner, was completed in 1966. Further major renovations took place in 1983–1984 and in 2002.

The facade is composed of clapboard panels with shutters. The original mansion's first floor includes parlors, a dining room, a kitchen, and a library; the annex also includes a ballroom and reception rooms. The second floor has been traditionally used as bedrooms, while the basements contain offices. The mansion's upkeep is partially overseen by the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, although the city government continues to own it. In addition to governmental business and special events, Gracie Mansion hosts public tours. Over the years, the house has been the subject of commentary, and it has also received accolades and has been depicted in numerous media works.