As workers unloaded cardboard boxes stuffed with houseplants and rolled up carpets, Mamdani marked the latest inaugural rite of passage with a press conference on his new riverfront lawn

"Today, Rama and I feel lucky to participate in a ritual that so many New Yorkers have experienced at various meaningful moments in their lives: Beginning a new chapter, by moving to a different part of the city that we call home," Mamdani said

Nearly all of the city's mayors have slept, at least sometimes, in the stately, custard-colored 18th century home, known as Gracie Mansion, since its 1942 designation as the official mayoral residence

For Mamdani, the historic house stands in particularly sharp contrast to his previous living quarters: a USD 2,300 per month one bedroom apartment that lacked a washer and dryer, and was prone to flooding from a busted pipe

The couple's new digs, meanwhile, boast 11,000 square feet (1,021 square meters) of space, a private chef, ornate ballroom and a veranda overlooking the East River. The home also features the original fireplace upon which Alexander Hamilton died following his duel with Aaron Burr and, according to the city's last mayor, Eric Adams, at least one ghost