Gracie Mansion (Archibald Gracie House)

6 total, Show more

Archibald Gracie

Original Architect

John McComb Jr.

Description

Built 1808, restored in 1936, additional alterations in the 60s and 80s. Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of the City of New York since 1942, sits in Carl Schurz Park, which runs along the E. River from 84th to 90th Sts. Originally a remote country residence, renovations in the 60s and 80s provided amenities that allowed the house to function as an executive mansion. The house is open to the public on a restricted basis.

Constructed, 1799

Converted, 1924

Converted, 1936

Converted, 1942

Addition, 1966

Restoration, 2003

Designations

National Register of Historic Places in 1975

Factoids

1966-The fireplace mantle where Hamilton died in front of in the home of the Bayard family (just below the present Gansevoort Street), was moved to Gracie Mansion as a centerpiece of the Susan B. Wagner Room where the mayor holds press conferences and social gatherings.

The wooden doors, are painted to resemble mahogany despite being made of cheaper wood. In the grand foyer, the wooden floors are painted to mimic black and white marble, as Archibald Gracie could not afford actual marble, and bare wood floors were considered unfashionable.

Related People & Organizations

Fiorello Henry La Guardia,Since the house became a residence for the mayor in 1942 set by La Guardia, Mayor Bloomberg was the first mayor to not live here. He raised funds to renovate the mansion and make it accessible as a museum.

Related Sites

4 total, Show more

William Bayard House-The fireplace was removed and reinstalled in Gracie Mansion

Museum of the City of New York-The Museum of the City of New York was originally housed here.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Related Playlist

Gracie Mansion (Archibald Gracie House) Compilation

Related Publications

New York Post -In 1801, Gracie hosted a meeting of New York Federalists at Gracie Mansion to raise funds for the establishment of the New York Evening Post, which eventually became the New York Post.

2003 - Restoration

5 Results,Show less

2003 - Restoration - Images

5 Images,Show less

Restoration initiated by Mayor Bloomberg in 2003

The foyer's trompe l'oeil painted floor appears to be made of marble. Its design features a compass rose, which pays homage to Gracie's success as a shipping merchant

The library has retained much of its original character; the mantel and the dentil molding date to the construction of the house in 1799

The patent-yellow parlor is part of the circa 1810 addition to the house, and provided the Gracie family with more room in which to entertain guests at their renowned parties

Gracie Mansion’s dining room features an historic scenic wallpaper, Les Jardins Francais, manufactured by Zuber in the 1830s

1799 - Constructed

3 Results,Show less

1799 - Constructed - Images

3 Images,Show less

Scenic bend in the East River where Gracie Mansion was built

Two-story wooden mansion

Federal style architecture

Phone App
Membership
Add Content
FAQ
Help
Contact Us

Newsletter Sign Up

37-24, 24th St, Suite 102, Long Island City, NY 11101