Gracie Mansion

Gracie Mansion, also known as Archibald Gracie Mansion,{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|p=1}} is located in Carl Schurz Park (at East End Avenue and 88th Street) in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. The mansion faces northeast toward Hell Gate, a channel in the East River.{{cite web |title=Carl Schurz Park Highlights |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/carl-schurz-park/highlights/12329 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation}} By the early 21st century, it was the only remaining country estate in Yorkville.{{Cite news |last=Jacobson |first=Aileen |date=October 16, 2019 |title=Yorkville, Manhattan: Still Relatively Quiet, But Easier to Get Around |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/realestate/yorkville-manhattan-still-relatively-quiet-but-easier-to-get-around.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/realestate/yorkville-manhattan-still-relatively-quiet-but-easier-to-get-around.html |url-status=live}} Gracie Mansion sits atop Carl Schurz Park's highest point.{{cite web |date=May 31, 1963 |title=Changes Sought at Schurz Park; Mayor's 'Backyard' Group Urges Greater Safety |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/31/archives/changes-sought-at-schurz-park-mayors-backyard-group-urges-greater.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231020939/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/31/archives/changes-sought-at-schurz-park-mayors-backyard-group-urges-greater.html |url-status=live}}

The Europeans established their first settlements in modern-day New York City in the 17th century. From that point until the end of the 19th century, only six men owned the site.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=6}} The first European owner of Gracie Mansion's site was Sybout Claessan, who received either {{convert|30|acre}}{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=13}} or {{Convert|106|acre}} from the Dutch West India Company in 1646.{{cite book |last1=Stokes |first1=I.N.P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z5lQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA106 |title=The Iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498–1909: The Period of Discovery (565–1626); The Dutch Period (1626–1664). The English Period (1664–1763). The Revolutionary Period, Part I (1763–1776) |last2=Paltsits |first2=V.H. |last3=Wieder |first3=F.C. |publisher=Robert H. Dodd |year=1922 |page=106 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224010809/https://books.google.com/books?id=Z5lQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA106 |url-status=live}} Claessan's land, which includes Carl Schurz Park, was initially known as Hoorn's Hook or Horn's Hook, after the city of Hoorn in North Holland.{{cite fednyc |page=250}} The site was alternately known as Horen Hook, Harris' Hook, or Harris' Point.{{cite web |title=Harris' Point (Horen's Hook 1776) Wards Island and Hellgate, 1859 |website=NYPL Digital Collections |url=https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-26cf-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106000928/https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-26cf-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 |url-status=live}} Dutch immigrant Resolved Waldron obtained the land in 1690 after Claessan died; it passed through three other members of the Waldron family over the next eight decades and was subdivided after William Waldron's death in 1769.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=14}}{{harvnb|ps=.|Black|1984|pp=6–8}}

Jacob Walton, a merchant from what is now Flatbush in Brooklyn, obtained {{Convert|11|acre}} around Hoorn's Hook and built a house, Belview Mansion, on the site in 1770. He moved into the house with his wife Polly Cruger. Drawings indicate that the earlier mansion was composed of a two-story central section and one-story wings on either side. Ornamentation on that house included quoins at its corners; keystones above the windows; a weather vane and finials at the roof; and a triple bay of windows at the end of each wing.{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=October 23, 2007 |title=In Drawing, Guide to Past of Gracie Mansion Site |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/23/nyregion/23gracie.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224010804/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/23/nyregion/23gracie.html |url-status=live}} The Waltons were forced to leave the house in February 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, and the site became a Continental Army fort,{{cite book |last=Sabine |first=Lorenzo |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XEiVJDobwpEC&pg=PA396 |title=Biographical Sketches V3 |publisher=Applewood Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-4290-1953-8 |series=Papers of George Washington: R |page=396 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224174159/https://books.google.com/books?id=XEiVJDobwpEC&pg=PA396 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=March 26, 2006 |title=N.Y.P.D. Green |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/nyregion/thecity/nypd-green.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228213825/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/nyregion/thecity/nypd-green.html |url-status=live}} which was completed in April 1776.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|pp=14–16}} The house was severely damaged by cannonball fire on September 8 or September 15, 1776.{{cite news |date=December 5, 1941 |title=Plan to Make Grade Mansion City's 'White House' Is Drafted: Official Residence for Mayors in Historic Building in Carl Schurz Park Is Expected To Be Approved by Board of Estimate |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1266838409}}}}{{Cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Edward |date=February 18, 1973 |title=You've Come a Long Way, Gracie! |pages=43, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-youve-come-a-long-way-graci/137842082/ 44] |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-youve-come-a-long-way-graci/137841704/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101213522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-youve-come-a-long-way-graci/137841704/ |url-status=live}} British troops controlled the site until 1783.

The Waltons never went back to Belview;{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=16}} their four children did not receive the land until 1791. Belview Mansion included a hidden tunnel to the East River, which still existed when Gracie Mansion was developed on the same site.{{cite web |date=July 28, 2022 |title=Top 10 Secrets of Gracie Mansion, The Home of NYC's Mayor |url=https://untappedcities.com/2022/07/28/secrets-of-gracie-mansion/?displayall=true |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=Untapped New York |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224174157/https://untappedcities.com/2022/07/28/secrets-of-gracie-mansion/?displayall=true |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Erhard |first=Ursinus |date=February 23, 1913 |title=Mysterious Tunnel Found in New York: Subterranean Passage Leads From Old Gracie Mansion to the East River—Gotham Gossip |page=53 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |id={{ProQuest|574169560}}}} The brick tunnel ran north from the mansion's basement and then turned east toward the river. It is not known why the tunnel was built, but one newspaper said the tunnel could have been used as an escape route during the American Revolution or as a secret lover's entrance. For more than two centuries, there was little documentation on Belview Mansion's existence. One of the cannonballs that destroyed the mansion was later displayed.{{cite web |date=October 12, 2013 |title=Gracie Mansion Set To Return To Use As A Home |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/gracie-mansion-set-to-return-to-use-as-a-home/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=CBS New York |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228213825/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/gracie-mansion-set-to-return-to-use-as-a-home/ |url-status=live}}

The merchant Archibald Gracie, at the time one of New York City's richest men,{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=22}} bought Walton's land in two phases in December 1798 and January 1799.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=18}}{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|p=6}} At the time, the Gracies' city residence was a house that they rented from New York City mayor Richard Varick.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=30}}{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=17}} Gracie built a new country estate on the Walton site in 1799,{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|p=8}}{{harvnb|Brown|1924|ps=.|p=138}}{{Cite news |last=Strausbaugh |first=John |date=December 14, 2007 |title=In the Mansion Land of the 'Fifth Avenoodles' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/arts/14expl.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125231834/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/arts/14expl.html |url-status=live}} though there is disagreement over whether Gracie destroyed or reused the remains of Belview Mansion.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|pp=18–20}}{{Efn|Contemporary drawings and art showed the house as having been completely destroyed. Robert E. Meadows, who helped restore the house in the 1980s, theorizes that it is unlikely Belview Mansion was destroyed, as the materials were in decent condition and were not cheap to replace. Mary Beth Betts of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission says that, although contemporary sources said the house was destroyed, later investigations indicated that parts of Belview Mansion may have been preserved.}} In either case, Gracie removed the Revolutionary War-era earthworks and landscaped the gardens.{{cite news |date=January 15, 1939 |title=Tunnel Averts Latest Threat To Gracie Home: Past Menaces to Site of Mansion Recalled by Decision in Drive Project |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243112830}}}} Gracie's mansion was abutted to the west by the house of banker Nathaniel Prime, which later became St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum.{{harvnb|Brown|1924|ps=.|pp=138–140}} Other houses along the East River included those of the Rhinelander family,{{Cite news |title=Old Gracie House.: A Historic Mansion, Dating Back to 1760, Purchased by New York City. |work=St. Louis Post – Dispatch |date=May 13, 1894 |page=8 |id={{ProQuest|579116542}}}} Alexander Hamilton, John Jacob Astor, and Isaac Chauncey, which have long since been demolished.{{cite news |last=Ince |first=Ethel C. |date=January 10, 1942 |title=To Change the Subject: Why Not Cherish New York Landmarks? |page=11 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|513766618}}}} Gracie Mansion, at the time, was accessible only via the East River and was several miles from the developed parts of Lower Manhattan. There was a dock and a stone stable just south of the house.

In 1801, Gracie hosted a meeting of New York Federalists at the mansion to raise funds for the establishment of the New York Evening Post, which eventually became the New York Post.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=27}} During the city's 1803 yellow fever epidemic, the house's isolated position allowed Gracie to avoid infected people in the city.{{harvnb|Wiseman|1982|ps=.|p=39}} Although the house originally faced southeast, it was expanded in 1804 to face northeast toward Hell Gate.{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=May 26, 2002 |title=Streetscapes/Gracie Mansion; A Residence With a View, Even Without the Mayor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/26/realestate/streetscapes-gracie-mansion-a-residence-with-a-view-even-without-the-mayor.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228195531/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/26/realestate/streetscapes-gracie-mansion-a-residence-with-a-view-even-without-the-mayor.html |url-status=live}} The mansion was valued at $5,200{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1809|value=5200|fmt=c}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} by 1809. Further expansions were completed in 1811; the work included relocating the main entrance, adding a pantry and parlor at ground level, and adding two bedrooms upstairs.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|pp=23–24}} Cannons were installed during the War of 1812 to defend the house's elevated site, and the house itself may have served as a military post.

The house entertained up to fifty guests at a time. Gracie hosted guests such as Hamilton, Astor, future French king Louis Philippe I, U.S. president John Quincy Adams, and writers James Fenimore Cooper and Washington Irving.{{cite book |last=Wilkerson |first=Lyn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MvR9Xzq2FIUC&pg=PT48 |title=Historical Cities-New York City |publisher=Caddo Publications USA |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-4524-1373-0 |page=48 |access-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224010805/https://books.google.com/books?id=MvR9Xzq2FIUC&pg=PT48 |url-status=live}} The Riker, Rhinelander, and Schermerhorn families were also guests, as were the poet Thomas Moore, U.S. Army general Winfield Scott, and New York governor DeWitt Clinton. Future Boston mayor Josiah Quincy III, who also stopped by the mansion, described the house as "elegant" and the grounds as having a tasteful layout.{{harvnb|ps=.|Black|1984|p=29}}{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=23}} Irving may have written part of his novel Astoria while at the house, and he wrote in 1813 that "I cannot tell you how sweet and delightful I found this retreat, pure air, agreeable scenery and profound quiet".

Gracie continued to maintain a residence in Lower Manhattan; he bought a new city residence at 1 State Street in 1805 and moved to another house at 15 State Street in 1813. Gracie was so wealthy that, when he lost $1 million{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1807|value=1|fmt=c|r=2}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} in 1807 due to naval blockades, his net worth was unaffected.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=24}} Although Gracie's firm lost more than $1 million{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1812|value=1|fmt=c|r=2}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} during the War of 1812,{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1936 |title=Old Gracie Home Nearly Restored; Mansion of Former Merchant Prince Likely to Be Opened to Public by May 1. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/15/archives/old-gracie-home-nearly-restored-mansion-of-former-merchant-prince.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} he used the house as his country home until 1823.{{cite book |last=Nichols |first=M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ozNuDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA32 |title=Hell Gate: A Nexus of New York City's East River |publisher=State University of New York Press |year=2018 |isbn=978-1-4384-7140-2 |series=Excelsior Editions |page=32 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226133328/https://books.google.com/books?id=ozNuDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA32 |url-status=live}} Ultimately, the aftermath of the war depleted his finances. Two of U.S. Founding Father Rufus King's sons married two of Gracie's daughters, and King bought the mansion prior to 1823.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=26}} King placed the mansion for sale in April 1823, and Gracie's company, Archibald Gracie & Son, was dissolved the next month.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=48}}

The same year as Gracie's firm was dissolved, the house was sold to Joseph Foulke,{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=28}} a merchant who had gained his wealth from trading largely in Central America and the Caribbean.{{cite book |last=Blume |first=Kenneth J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r_jTIbdFUnYC&pg=PA258 |title=Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Maritime Industry |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-8108-5634-9 |series=G - Reference, Information and Interdisciplinary Subjects Series |page=258 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224010805/https://books.google.com/books?id=r_jTIbdFUnYC&pg=PA258 |url-status=live}} Foulke paid $20,500{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1823|value=20500|fmt=c}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} for the house and about {{Convert|11|acre}} of land, which became known as Foulke's Point.{{harvnb|Brown|1924|ps=.|p=140}} Initially, the Foulke family used Gracie Mansion only as a summer mansion, but they eventually used the house as their primary residence.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=54}} The Foulkes added a fireplace mantel in the parlor but are not known to have made any other modifications. When Foulke died in 1852, the mansion and estate were passed to his seven children, and the land was subsequently divided.

Foulke's family sold the house in 1857 to a builder named Noah Wheaton, who also purchased 12 adjacent lots.{{cite landmarks |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=o8ym5NeiylkC&pg=PA87 87]}} By then, many of the estates on the East River were being replaced with industrial development. Wheaton added a two-story brick stable north of the mansion, built a kitchen in the mansion itself, and added gas lighting. One of the Wheatons' guests wrote that they used to swim at Gracie's old mansion, where "there was comparatively deep water on the North side".

Wheaton declared bankruptcy in 1859, and the house went into foreclosure two years later, although the family was allowed to remain there. The Great Western Insurance Company, who had foreclosed on the house, resold it to Wheaton in 1870. The 1870 census describes Wheaton as living in the house with his wife, their three daughters, and two servants; by then, his affluent neighbors had moved toward the middle of Manhattan. Wheaton's daughter Alice Hermione Wheaton Quackenbush and her husband Lambert S. Quackenbush lived in the mansion for five years in the 1870s; the Quackenbushes' two oldest children, Amalie and Daniel, were also born in the mansion.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=66}}

Wheaton took out several mortgages on the house and frequently encountered business troubles. His entire family may have left the house for a short time in the 1870s during one such business failure.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|pp=68–69}} Wheaton established a business on Broadway in 1878, but the business is not listed in an 1879 directory. In directories for subsequent years, listings for Wheaton mention only that he lived at Gracie Mansion, although he is recorded as being a "merchant" in 1882 and 1883.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=69}} The house continued to be affected by Wheaton's business failures until his youngest daughter, Jane, married the lawyer Hamlin Babcock in 1884. Babcock moved into the house and remained there until 1896.

The New York City government took over the land northeast of 86th Street and East End Avenue in 1891, converting it into what would later become Carl Schurz Park. The house itself was not acquired by the city until 1896, when the city government added it to Carl Schurz Park. According to Susan Danilow, who directed the Gracie Mansion Conservancy in the 2000s, the city government took over the mansion because the taxes had not been paid. The mansion served various functions as part of the park, including an ice cream stand, storage rooms, classrooms, and as a public toilet where, for five cents, people could use the house's bathrooms.

In 1911, the mansion was outfitted with steam heat; at the time, the house was being used as a clubhouse for girls' clubs.{{cite news |date=November 22, 1911 |title=Steam Heat in Gracie Mansion |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574835826}}}} The porch began to sag, while the paint was peeling. The house was in such disrepair that local residents wanted the mansion demolished, although a group led by Mrs. Graeme Elliot advocated for its preservation.

File:FIRST FLOOR, DETAIL OF FIREPLACE, NORTH WALL, SOUTHWEST ROOM - Gracie Mansion, Carl Schurz Park, East Sixty-eighth Street, New York, New York County, NY HABS NY,31-NEYO,46-27.tif

The Patriotic New Yorkers—led by the writer May King Van Rensselaer, one of Gracie's descendants{{cite web |title=Plans Gracie Mansion Tea; Mrs. Van Rensselaer Memorial Room Committee to Meet April 23. |website=The New York Times |date=March 22, 1928 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/03/22/archives/plans-gracie-mansion-tea-mrs-van-rensselaer-memorial-room-committee.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105230100/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/03/22/archives/plans-gracie-mansion-tea-mrs-van-rensselaer-memorial-room-committee.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live}}—had been contemplating taking over the mansion and opening an American history museum there in 1920.{{Cite news |date=October 30, 1920 |title=D. A. R. Meeting To-Day To Aid in Citizenship |pages=9 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-d-a-r-meeting-to-day/138109711/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105210541/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-d-a-r-meeting-to-day/138109711/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 1, 1920 |title=Society Women and Two Movements to Americanize Aliens |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-society-women-and-two-movemen/138109891/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105210545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-society-women-and-two-movemen/138109891/ |url-status=live}} King Van Rensselaer and 20 other upper-class women wanted the museum to depict "the guests who had been entertained there, in the costumes of the beginning of 1800". The group wrote a letter to the Manhattan park commissioner in March 1922, requesting that Gracie Mansion be converted into a public museum.{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1922 |title=Want Gracie Mansion Restored as Museum |pages=3 |work=The Evening World |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-want-gracie-mansion-re/137556291/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228195530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-want-gracie-mansion-re/137556291/ |url-status=live}} The next month, a bill to transfer control of the mansion to the Patriotic New Yorkers was introduced in the state legislature.{{Cite news |date=April 2, 1922 |title=Gracie Mansion to Be Preserved; Historic Place Overlooking Hell Gate Will Be Turned Into a Museum. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/04/02/archives/gracie-mansion-to-be-preserved-historic-place-overlooking-hell-gate.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105203611/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/04/02/archives/gracie-mansion-to-be-preserved-historic-place-overlooking-hell-gate.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 22, 1922 |first=Lucy Jeanne |last=Price |title=New York From the Eye of a Woman |pages=10 |work=The Buffalo Enquirer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-enquirer-new-york-from-the-e/138109565/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105210543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-enquirer-new-york-from-the-e/138109565/ |url-status=live}} At the time, the house was characterized as tan with red trimmings, and there was a piazza in front of the house.{{Cite news |last=Harvier |first=Ernest |date=January 15, 1922 |title=Little-Known City Park; Charms of Pleasure Ground on East River Front Named in Honor of Carl Schurz It Attracts Convalescents. Carl Schurz. In Old Madrid. History of the Park Site. Hell Gate. The Gracie House. Park Development. Origin of Central Park. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/15/archives/littleknown-city-park-charms-of-pleasure-ground-on-east-river-front.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105203611/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/15/archives/littleknown-city-park-charms-of-pleasure-ground-on-east-river-front.html |url-status=live}} By 1923, the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY), led by Henry Collins Brown, also wanted to take over the house.{{harvnb|ps=.|Brown|1924|pp=33–34}} Although NYC Parks had not awarded control of the house to either organization, The New York Times wrote that MCNY officials were already marking their letters as having come from Gracie Mansion.{{Cite news |date=June 12, 1923 |title=Gracie Mansion in Dispute; Two Societies Seek Use of Historic House in Carl Schurz Park. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/12/archives/gracie-mansion-in-dispute-two-societies-seek-use-of-historic-house.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224174156/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/12/archives/gracie-mansion-in-dispute-two-societies-seek-use-of-historic-house.html |url-status=live}}

Ultimately, the city and state governments gave the MCNY control over the mansion; the 1924 Valentine's Manual said the home "is exactly the place" for a history museum.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1331158371}} |title=City's Picture To Be Taken at $500,000 Cost: New Museum's Staff Will Spend Three Years in Taking Photos of Every Phase of Life in New York Huntington to Head Work Collection Will Be Ready for 300th Anniversary of Founding of Manhattan |date=December 4, 1923 |page=13 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646}} As part of the agreement, the city government maintained the house,{{cite web |title=Will Push Work on New Museum; Remodeling of Gracie Mansion Probably Will Not Be Completed Until Fall. |website=The New York Times |date=June 10, 1923 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/10/archives/will-push-work-on-new-museum-remodeling-of-gracie-mansion-probably.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105213146/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/10/archives/will-push-work-on-new-museum-remodeling-of-gracie-mansion-probably.html |url-status=live}} and the city's park commissioners were also permitted to rent it to civic groups for meetings.{{cite web |title=Hylan for City Museum; Tells Commissioner Gallatin He Will Approve Bill for Lease. |website=The New York Times |date=April 4, 1923 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/04/04/archives/hylan-for-city-museum-tells-commissioner-gallatin-he-will-approve.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105213146/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/04/04/archives/hylan-for-city-museum-tells-commissioner-gallatin-he-will-approve.html |url-status=live}} The MCNY furnished Gracie Mansion with objects gifted or loaned by other institutions.{{cite news |date=April 15, 1924 |title=New Museum of City's Life To Be Introduced |page=6 |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1112945351}}}} The MCNY opened within the mansion in November 1924 with exhibits spread across two floors.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|103329999}} |title=New York's Own Museum Open in Gracie Castle: Mansion Is Restored With Quaint Collection of Prints, Rugs, Bric-A-Brac Of Victorian Gentility Genuine Wooden Indian Gilt Shaving Mug Included and Wax Flower Masterpiece in Glass Case |date=November 8, 1924 |page=8 |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 9, 1924 |title=Old Relics Housed in Gracie Mansion; City's Social Life a Century Ago Depicted in Building Now a Museum. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/11/09/archives/old-relics-housed-in-gracie-mansion-citys-social-life-a-century-ago.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105213144/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/11/09/archives/old-relics-housed-in-gracie-mansion-citys-social-life-a-century-ago.html |url-status=live}} Following further restoration, Gracie Mansion formally opened to the public as the MCNY's exhibit space in March 1927,{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1113530108}} |title=Gracie Mansion Open Monday As City Museum: Structure Built Before Revolution Houses Relics of N. Y. Life Through the Many Phases of Progress New Building Planned Exhibits on View to Public Daily After Tuesday Tell Vividly of City's History |date=March 20, 1927 |page=18 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |title=Old Gracie Mansion on East River Open; Unofficial Inspection of City Landmark Made by 800 Guests of New York Museum. |website=The New York Times |date=March 21, 1927 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/21/archives/old-gracle-mansion-on-east-river-open-unofficial-inspection-of-city.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105213145/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/21/archives/old-gracle-mansion-on-east-river-open-unofficial-inspection-of-city.html |url-status=live}} although the museum was already planning a new building.{{cite web |title=SIte Is Assembled for City Museum; Sponsors of Building Plan Get Plots on Washington Square South |website=The New York Times |date=November 22, 1927 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/22/archives/site-is-assembled-for-city-museum-sponsors-of-building-plan-get.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105213143/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/22/archives/site-is-assembled-for-city-museum-sponsors-of-building-plan-get.html |url-status=live}} When the MCNY occupied the house, the ground floor was arranged as a reception room, music room, and dining room.{{Cite news |date=September 25, 1927 |title=Paint Saves Historic Gracie Mansion |work=The Atlanta Constitution |page=b2 |id={{ProQuest|499938947}}}} Three of the second-floor rooms were open to the public: a bedroom, a theatrical history room, and a drawing room,{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|512194093}} |title=A New York Country Place at Eighty-Eighth Street: Away From the Noisy City Famous Guests and Neighbors Its Recent History Some Details of the Furnishings |date=July 9, 1927 |page=8 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729}}{{cite web |date=March 22, 1927 |title=Gracie Home Aglow Again With Candles; Mansion Restored by Museum as Typical New York House of 100 Years Ago |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/22/archives/gracie-home-aglow-again-with-candles-mansion-restored-by-museum-as.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105213144/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/22/archives/gracie-home-aglow-again-with-candles-mansion-restored-by-museum-as.html |url-status=live}} the last of which was dedicated to May King Van Rensselaer in 1927. The New York Times wrote in the late 1920s that the house's presence "helps to sustain the old-fashioned atmosphere" of the surrounding blocks, where apartments were quickly being built.{{cite news |date=November 13, 1927 |title=East Side Is Losing Its Old-Time Aspect |work=The New York Times |page=RE1 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|104067433}}}}

The mansion had 130,000 visitors within a year of its rededication.{{cite web |title=Gracie Mansion Popular; Register Shows 130,000 Visited Museum in Year. |website=The New York Times |date=May 11, 1928 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/11/archives/gracie-mansion-popular-register-shows-130000-visited-museum-in-year.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105230100/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/11/archives/gracie-mansion-popular-register-shows-130000-visited-museum-in-year.html |url-status=live}} After the United States Department of War set off explosives in Hell Gate to dredge it, the house's ceiling partially collapsed in June 1928, and the house was closed for repairs.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1113458583}} |title=City Urges U. S. Cease Hell Gate Channel Blasts: Danger to Near-By Residents Given as Reason in Telegram to War Department Many Complaints Received Collapse of Ceiling in Gracie Mansion Latest Damage |date=June 23, 1928 |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |title=Hell Gate Blasting Causes Protests; Near-By Residents Complain of Damage From Dredging Operations There |website=The New York Times |date=June 23, 1928 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/06/23/archives/heel-gate-blasting-causes-protests-nearby-residents-complain-of.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105230059/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/06/23/archives/heel-gate-blasting-causes-protests-nearby-residents-complain-of.html |url-status=live}} The ceiling could not be repaired while blasting continued,{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1113522738}} |title=River Blasting Halts Repair of Gracie Mansion: Restoration of House as City Museum Annex Awaits Finish of Hell Gate Work Art Objects in Storage Fifth Ave. Site to Give Panorama of New York Life |date=August 12, 1928 |page=A3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}} but the secretary of war denied that the building had sustained structural damage.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1114054984}} |title=Home Damaged By River Blasts, Says Park Head: Walls Cracked by Work in Hell Gate, Herrick Tells First Avenue Association Gracie Mansion Weakened Hurley Army Engineers Dispute 'Trespassing' Charge |date=January 28, 1931 |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |title=East River Blasting Causes Park Damage; Commissioner Says Complaints to War Department Fail to End Trouble. |website=The New York Times |date=January 28, 1931 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/28/archives/east-river-blasting-causes-park-damage-commissioner-says-complaints.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105230059/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/28/archives/east-river-blasting-causes-park-damage-commissioner-says-complaints.html |url-status=live}} In 1929, the city authorized $12,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1929|value=12000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} in bonds to repair the mansion and add a fence.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1112005997}} |title=Park Improvements Will Help East Side Realty |date=September 15, 1929 |page=E2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 15, 1929 |title=Improving Schurz Park; Gracie Mansion Repairs Will Benefit Apartment Centre. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/15/archives/improving-schurz-park-gracie-mansion-repairs-will-benefit-apartment.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224174156/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/15/archives/improving-schurz-park-gracie-mansion-repairs-will-benefit-apartment.html |url-status=live}} When the MCNY's new building on Fifth Avenue was completed in 1931, the museum moved almost all staff to the new structure.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1114127913}} |title=Lack of Money Keeps Museum Of N. Y. Closed: 2,000,000 Fifth Ave. Structure, Completed in December, Needs $150,000 Fine Exhibits Unmounted Skeleton Staff at Work Now; Trustees Meet in October |date=July 23, 1931 |page=36 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}} The MCNY moved out of the mansion completely in August 1932, as the museum's director said that it had outgrown the house.{{Cite news |date=August 25, 1932 |title=Museum in New Building |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-museum-in-new-b/138118011/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=10 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105230059/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-museum-in-new-b/138118011/ |url-status=live}} The empty house was guarded only by a watchman, and NYC Parks had no plans for the mansion.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1125435136}} |title=Historic Gracie Mansion Is Left Empty by City: Watchman Is Lone Dweller in Big House That Once Knew Washington Irving Deserted by Museum Park Board Employees Know of No Plans for It |date=August 26, 1932 |page=32 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}

A renovation of the house commenced in September 1934.{{cite web |title=Historic Mansions Restored by City; Park Department Announces Completion of Work on Gracie House and Jumel Home. |website=The New York Times |date=April 27, 1936 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/27/archives/historic-mansions-restored-by-city-park-department-announces.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103184949/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/27/archives/historic-mansions-restored-by-city-park-department-announces.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |id={{ProQuest|1240230754}} |title=Restored Gracie Mansion Open to Public Saturday |date=April 27, 1936 |page=17A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}} Park commissioner Robert Moses had hired Aymar Embury II to design a new porch and redesign the interior, in advance of the house's conversion into a historic house museum.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101533302}} |title=Old Grace House Will Be Museum: Park Department Remodeling Historic Mansion Facing the East River |date=January 27, 1935 |page=RE1 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers added new window sills, roof, clapboard, porch, and heating and lighting systems. None of the original furniture remained, but several organizations agreed to lend furniture to the house, and the Colonial Dames of America redecorated a room. The MCNY gave some musical instruments; the Metropolitan Museum of Art provided 10 paintings and 19 pieces of furniture, and lawyer Francis Patrick Garvan lent 61 pieces of furnishings. Central heating and electricity were also added.{{Cite news |date=April 6, 1942 |title=La Guardia May Go to Mansion in May; Work of Refitting the Gracie House Proceeds Despite War Stays and Lack of Cash |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/04/06/archives/la-guardia-may-go-to-mansion-in-may-work-of-refitting-the-gracie.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229221518/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/04/06/archives/la-guardia-may-go-to-mansion-in-may-work-of-refitting-the-gracie.html |url-status=live}}

The renovation was completed in April 1936. The ground floor contained a porch, hall, living room, dining room, sitting room, and curator's room, while the second floor included a child's bedroom, three master bedrooms, and a caretaker's apartment. The rooms displayed items such as paintings, four-poster beds, drawers, Chippendale chairs, a piano, and other furniture from the early 19th century.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1352653054}} |title=Gracie Mansion, By East River, Flourishes With Old, Grandeur |first=Hal |last=Hazelrigg |date=May 3, 1936 |page=M2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}} The house attracted relatively few visitors, as the only nearby public transportation was the 86th Street Crosstown Line, a trolley (and later bus) line.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=34}} A reporter for the New York Herald Tribune wrote in 1940 that the house "cannot hide from modern visitors its lack of running water and adequate heat" despite the ornate decorations.{{cite news |date=September 8, 1940 |title=Famous Names Mark Area of Gracie Square: Well-Known Men Lived in District Now Given Over to Multiple Housing |page=C12 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243156113}}}}

Early plans for the East River Drive (now FDR Drive) called for a double-deck section of the parkway to be built straight through the mansion's lawn. At the urging of Manhattan borough president Stanley M. Isaacs, this segment was changed to a tunnel in 1938.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1243112830}} |title=River Highway Plan Changed at Gracie Mansion: Drive to Have Two Decks and Tunnel to Protect View at East 84th Street |date=December 27, 1938 |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |title=East River Drive to Avoid Mansion; Tunnel Under Park in Front of Gracie Home Will Preserve the Unobstructed View |website=The New York Times |date=December 27, 1938 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/12/27/archives/east-river-drive-to-avoid-mansion-tunnel-under-park-in-front-of.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105230059/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/12/27/archives/east-river-drive-to-avoid-mansion-tunnel-under-park-in-front-of.html |url-status=live}} The tunnel's design was intended to preserve the slope of the hill between the mansion and the waterfront,{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1247168593}} |title=Plans Drawn for Drive Under Carl Schurz Park: East River Project to Preserve Gracie Mansion View |date=January 8, 1940 |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 8, 1940 |title=Design of Tunnel for the East River Drive |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/08/archives/design-of-tunnel-for-the-east-river-drive.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229221519/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/08/archives/design-of-tunnel-for-the-east-river-drive.html |url-status=live}} as well as the views from the mansion.{{Cite news |date=April 1, 1940 |title=East Drive Section Will Open in June; Highway From 49th to 93d Street on River Expected to Be Complete June 29 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/01/archives/east-drive-section-will-open-in-june-highway-from-49th-to-93d.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229221518/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/01/archives/east-drive-section-will-open-in-june-highway-from-49th-to-93d.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=June 16, 1940 |title=44 New Blocks Of East River Drive Ready: LaGuardia and Isaacs to Dedicate 49th −93d -St. Unit at Noon Tuesday |page=B1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1341740325}}}} Even so, the parkway effectively cut off the mansion from the waterfront. Work on a double-deck section of tunnel, which traveled within {{convert|20|yd}} of Gracie Mansion, began in February 1940,{{cite news |date=February 12, 1940 |title=East River Drive Work Begun at Gracie Mansion |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1242948757}}}} and the tunnel was finished that June. During the construction of the tunnel, many of the mansion's artifacts had to be placed in storage. Members of the public suggested converting the house for other purposes, including a nightclub or a tea room.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=35}}

Robert Moses had first proposed acquiring an official New York City mayoral residence in 1935.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=42}} At the time, the city's mayors typically lived in their own houses after they were elected;{{cite web |date=January 3, 2014 |title=How Gracie Mansion Became New York's 'Little White House' |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2014/1/3/10158942/how-gracie-mansion-became-new-yorks-little-white-house |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://ny.curbed.com/2014/1/3/10158942/how-gracie-mansion-became-new-yorks-little-white-house |url-status=live}} the only indication that a building served as a mayor's residence was a special streetlight outside the home.{{cite news |date=May 3, 1942 |title=Mayor to Have Prize Home of All City's Heads: Gracie Mansion Outshines Historic Residence of Even Colonial Governor |page=A15 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1265924380}}}} In 1936, Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia rejected the idea of acquiring the Charles M. Schwab House as a mayoral residence.{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=July 8, 2010 |title=The Late Great Charles Schwab Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/realestate/11streets.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/realestate/11streets.html |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=43–45}} In June 1941, Moses received a letter offering to furnish Gracie Mansion as a historic house museum. {{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=45}} Moses opposed this proposal and instead suggested this site as a mayoral residence to La Guardia, to which the latter eventually agreed.{{cite news |date=December 6, 1941 |title=Gracie Mansion Plan Favored By La Guardia: Board of Estimate Members Also Approve Its Use as Official Home of Mayors |page=13A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1267854613}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 6, 1941 |title=Mayor Backs City 'White House' Plan |pages=3 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-mayor-backs-cit/137637258/ |access-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229221518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-mayor-backs-cit/137637258/ |url-status=live}} Moses, in a November 1941 letter to La Guardia, predicted it would cost $25,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1941|value=25000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} to rebuild the mansion for the mayor.

File:Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the mayor of the City of New York, New York LCCN2011632135.tif

A plan to convert Gracie Mansion into New York City's mayoral residence was drafted in December 1941,{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1941 |title=Mansion Plan Revived; No Steps Taken Yet, However, On Using Gracie House for Mayor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/12/06/archives/mansion-plan-revived-no-steps-taken-yet-however-on-using-gracie.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/12/06/archives/mansion-plan-revived-no-steps-taken-yet-however-on-using-gracie.html |url-status=live}} and the New York City Board of Estimate approved the plan unanimously the next month.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1256340210}} |title=Gracie Mansion Mayors' Home Three Museums to Furnish It: Board of Estimate Accepts City 'While House'; 1790 Furniture To Be Lent, Rooms Altered; LaGuardias Likely to Move In by April 1 |date=January 9, 1942 |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 9, 1942 |title=Official Residence Set Up for Mayor; Gracie Mansion in Carl Schurz Park Designated Unanimously by the Board of Estimate |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/01/09/archives/official-residence-set-up-for-mayor-gracie-mansion-in-carl-schurz.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224174159/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/01/09/archives/official-residence-set-up-for-mayor-gracie-mansion-in-carl-schurz.html |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=46}} This made Gracie Mansion one of a few official mayoral residences in the U.S.{{harvnb|Black|1984|ps=.|p=viii}}{{harvnb|Leapman|1999|ps=.|p=214}} To convince La Guardia, Moses proposed closing the house's restrooms and evicting Carl Schurz Park's caretaker from the second floor. Henry Stern, who served as the city's park commissioner in the late 20th century, said that Moses's proposal was "a great idea, with great foresight", because it placed the mansion under the purview of the city's park department. Conversely, the Citizens Union of New York opposed the plan because it would be inconvenient for city officials and future mayors to travel there from outer boroughs.{{cite news |date=February 4, 1942 |title=Citizens' Union Opposes Official Home for Mayors |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1264418590}}}} Another opponent objected to the closure of the historic house museum.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=46–47}}

Three museums agreed to lend furnishings for the house, but the Board of Estimate would not pay $5,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=5000|start_year=1942|r=-3|fmt=eq}}) to borrow these items, although private citizens agreed to provide furnishings. Numerous companies wrote letters to the city government, offering to provide material for the house.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=47–48}} WPA workers started renovating the mansion and surrounding grounds on January 22, 1942;{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1263520112}} |title=Gracie Mansion Closed |date=January 23, 1942 |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 23, 1942 |title=Repairing Gracie Mansion; WPA Crew Starts Preparing It as Residence of Mayors |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/01/23/archives/repairing-gracie-mansion-wpa-crew-starts-preparing-it-as-residence.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229221519/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/01/23/archives/repairing-gracie-mansion-wpa-crew-starts-preparing-it-as-residence.html |url-status=live}} although the project was supposed to last three months, it was delayed by labor and material shortages. As part of the project, a master bedroom, kitchen, servants' rooms, and offices for the park supervisor and the mayor's security detail were constructed. In addition, new electrical outlets, a driveway, and an iron fence were added. The only access to the mansion was via the driveway, which was guarded by a police booth.{{cite news |date=December 6, 1945 |title=Gracie Mansion To Be O'Dwyer Home After All: He Reconsiders Decision to Continue Living in Bay Ridge House When Mayor |page=17A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1291120706}}}} The renovation involved up to 300 workers at once,{{cite news |date=May 14, 1942 |title=Work on Grade Mansion Sped For Mayor, Deadline Tomorrow: Much Still Undone, W. P. A. Crew of 300 Rushes Task, But LaGuardias Are Not Expected to Move In on the Appointed Day Preparing the Gracie Mansion To Be the Official Home of the City's Mayors |page=21 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1263621382}}}} and the project was completed on May 21.{{cite news |date=May 22, 1942 |title=Work Finished, Gracie Mansion Awaits Mayor: Home Ready, Six Days Laic, LaGuardia Moving Plans Still Are Unannounced |page=19 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1267863969}}}}{{Cite news |date=May 22, 1942 |title=Gracie Mansion Ready for Mayor; La Guardia Family Plans to Move Next Week to Historic House Facing Hell Gate |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/05/22/archives/gracie-mansion-ready-for-mayor-la-guardia-family-plans-to-move-next.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229232532/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/05/22/archives/gracie-mansion-ready-for-mayor-la-guardia-family-plans-to-move-next.html |url-status=live}} The La Guardia family moved into the mansion on May 27, 1942, when the mayor himself was out of town.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|106464884}} |title=La Guardias Begin Moving Into the Gracie Mansion |date=May 27, 1942 |page=19 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |id={{ProQuest|1263631714}} |title=LaGuardias Are Moving Into the Gracie Mansion |date=May 27, 1942 |page=8 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}} La Guardia preferred to call the residence "Gracie Farm",{{Cite news |last=Shientag |first=Florence Perlow |date=October 27, 1979 |title=Fiorello's Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/10/27/archives/fiorellos-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=May 13, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513204502/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/10/27/archives/fiorellos-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Hampson |first=Rick |date=January 2, 2014 |title=Mayoral Mansions Have Mixed Track Record |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/11/gracie-mansion-mayoral-mayors-bill-de-blasio/3986973/ |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=USA Today |page=A2 |language=en-US |id={{ProQuest|1473628836}} |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520165633/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/11/gracie-mansion-mayoral-mayors-bill-de-blasio/3986973/ |url-status=live}} as he wanted to downplay the house's grandeur.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=49}}

The La Guardia family lived on the second floor. La Guardia's wife Marie recalled that her husband often had appointments in the front hall, as a proper reception room would not be added for another two decades.{{cite news |last=Adams |first=Cindy |date=December 13, 1968 |title=Wives Compare Notes on Gracie Mansion |page=10 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|511043455}}}} Due to a lack of money and wartime constraints, the La Guardias rarely hosted guests at the mansion. Those they did included George II of Greece (the first monarch to meet with a mayor at the mansion),{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1942 |title=City and Columbia Honor Greek King; Mayor Welcomes George II and Is His Host at Oracle Mansion Luncheon |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/06/18/archives/city-and-columbia-honor-greek-king-mayor-welcomes-george-ii-and-is.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230013757/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/06/18/archives/city-and-columbia-honor-greek-king-mayor-welcomes-george-ii-and-is.html |url-status=live}} Cuban president Fulgencio Batista,{{cite news |date=December 13, 1942 |title=Officials Greet Batista, Here On Flying Visit: Cuban President Welcomed by Mayor and Poletti: Tours War Plants Today |page=42 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1263706146}}}} Czechoslovak president Edvard Beneš,{{cite news |date=May 29, 1943 |title=Czecho-Slovak President Receives a Floral Greeting on His Visit Here |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1267961756}}}} and U.S. General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower.{{cite news |last=O'Hara |first=Tom |date=June 20, 1945 |title=Social Graces Blossom Anew For Eisenhower: Gracie Mansion's Glories Revived (Meatlessly) for Mayor's Luncheon Two Who Attended the Ceremonies at City Hall |page=6 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1291112364}}}} After moving into Gracie Mansion, La Guardia used it as a "summer city hall".{{cite news |date=July 28, 1942 |title=Gracie Mansion Playing Role Of Summer Home for Mayor: Too Busy Lo Sojourn With Family at Northport, He Finds New City Residence, With Gardens and Trees, A Fair Substitute for Country |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1260024495}}}} In mid-1942, there were proposals to melt down the mansion's iron fence for the World War II effort, although Moses claimed the fence had no salvage value and was essential for security.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1266855878}} |title=Moses Says Grade Fence Iron Is Not Worth Salvaging for War |date=July 8, 1942 |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 8, 1942 |title=Moses Says That Gracie Mansion Iron Fence Is Reclaimed Junk and Valueless as Scrap |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/07/08/archives/moses-says-that-gracie-mansion-iron-fence-is-reclaimed-junk-and.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229232533/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/07/08/archives/moses-says-that-gracie-mansion-iron-fence-is-reclaimed-junk-and.html |url-status=live}} The businessman Walter Hoving claimed in 1943 that the city could save $100,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1943|value=100000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} by giving up the mansion and the WNYC radio station,{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Dick |date=March 23, 1943 |title=Hoving Hits Mayor on Realty Tax |pages=360 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hoving-hits-mayor-on-realty-t/137651124/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230013755/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hoving-hits-mayor-on-realty-t/137651124/ |url-status=live}} to which Moses claimed that NYC Parks was entirely responsible for the mansion's upkeep and that the city did not subsidize the mayor's residence at all.{{Cite news |date=March 25, 1943 |title=Moses Belittles Hoving Proposal; Denies City Could Save by Ending Mayor's Occupancy of Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/03/25/archives/moses-belittles-hoving-proposal-denies-city-could-save-by-ending.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} The La Guardias moved to Riverdale, Bronx, after La Guardia left office at the end of 1945.{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1945 |title=Mayor Purchases a $40,000 House In Riverdale for Home After Jan. 1 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/10/23/archives/mayor-purchases-a-40000-house-in-riverdale-for-home-after-jan-1-the.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230021847/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/10/23/archives/mayor-purchases-a-40000-house-in-riverdale-for-home-after-jan-1-the.html |url-status=live}}

When William O'Dwyer was elected in 1945, he initially said he would not relocate from his Brooklyn residence.{{cite news |last=Lynch |first=Denis Tilden |date=November 7, 1945 |title=O'Dwyer Asks All to Back Him, Says He'll Be the Mayor of All: Sees United Efforts Needed for Four Difficult Years Facing the City; He Won't Move to Gracie Mansion From Brooklyn Home |page=1A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1291140168}}}} O'Dwyer reversed his previous decision after determining that the mansion offered more privacy than his own house.{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1945 |title=O'Dwyer Will Live in Gracie Mansion; Historic Building Being Renovated for Occupancy Feb. 1 by the Mayor-Elect |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/12/06/archives/odwyer-will-live-in-gracie-mansion-historic-building-being.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230013757/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/12/06/archives/odwyer-will-live-in-gracie-mansion-historic-building-being.html |url-status=live}} The mansion was repainted and refurnished,{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1291112364}} |title=Gracie Mansion Gets Face Lift For O'Dwyers: City and Museum Aids Rush Renovation to Let Mayor Move In Before Feb. 1 Grade Mansion Is Being Refurbished for the New Mayor |first=Tom |last=O'Hara |date=January 5, 1946 |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 5, 1946 |title=Workmen Speed Up on Gracie Mansion; Redecorating in Bright Colors to Make It Ready for the O'Dwyers This Month |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/01/05/archives/workmen-speed-up-on-gracie-mansion-redecorating-in-bright-colors-to.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230013756/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/01/05/archives/workmen-speed-up-on-gracie-mansion-redecorating-in-bright-colors-to.html |url-status=live}} and the O'Dwyers moved into the house at the end of January 1946.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1291134767}} |title=Mayor Moves Into Shined-Up Gracie Mansion: 5 Appeals Court Judges, All Old Friends, Call to Toast Him in New Home Germans Testify in War-Crimes Trial in Italy |first=Paul |last=Grindle |date=January 28, 1946 |page=38A |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 28, 1946 |title=O'Dwyer Family Moves Into the Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/01/28/archives/odwyer-family-moves-into-the-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230013755/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/01/28/archives/odwyer-family-moves-into-the-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}} To give the mayor's family more privacy, the lawn to the south and east of the mansion was expanded by {{Convert|25|ft}} in mid-1946.{{cite news |date=July 2, 1946 |title=Gracie Mansion Lawn Extended In Schurz Park: Latter Is Losing 25 Feet to Give More Privacy to Mayor's Official Home |page=24 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1284578845}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 15, 1946 |title=Expanding Lawn Around the Mayor's Residence |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/07/15/archives/expanding-lawn-around-the-mayors-residence.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230021847/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/07/15/archives/expanding-lawn-around-the-mayors-residence.html |url-status=live}} An elevator was installed for O'Dwyer's wife Kitty, who had Parkinson's disease, although she did not use the elevator, instead staying on the upper stories with her nurses and housekeeper.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|pp=51–52}} Kitty O'Dwyer died less than a year after moving in.{{Cite news |date=October 13, 1946 |title=Mrs O'Dwyer Dies; Wife of Mayor, 54; Former Catherine Lenihan Succumbs After Long Illness |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/10/13/archives/mrs-odwyer-dies-wife-of-mayor-54-former-catherine-lenihan-succumbs.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230021847/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/10/13/archives/mrs-odwyer-dies-wife-of-mayor-54-former-catherine-lenihan-succumbs.html |url-status=live}} The O'Dwyers' official guests included Mexican president Miguel Alemán Valdés{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Virginia Lee |date=May 5, 1947 |title=Aleman and Son Ride on Subway; Only Two Persons Recognize Him |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/05/05/archives/aleman-and-son-ride-on-subway-only-two-persons-recognize-him-aleman.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230021848/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/05/05/archives/aleman-and-son-ride-on-subway-only-two-persons-recognize-him-aleman.html |url-status=live}} (the first head of state to attend an official function there){{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=53}} and U.S. president Harry S. Truman.{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1949 |title=World Peace Truman's Aim |pages=3 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-truman-offers-reds-peace-for/137706716/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-truman-offers-reds-peace-for/137706716/ |url-status=live}} After O'Dwyer remarried Elizabeth Sloan Simpson in late 1949, Sloan Simpson indicated that she did not intend to renovate the house.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=54}}{{cite web |date=December 30, 1949 |title=Flowers Brighten Gracie Mansion For Arrival of City's First Lady |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/12/30/archives/flowers-brighten-gracie-mansion-for-arrival-of-citys-first-lady.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230021847/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/12/30/archives/flowers-brighten-gracie-mansion-for-arrival-of-citys-first-lady.html |url-status=live}} O'Dwyer and his wife left the mansion after he resigned in August 1950 to become the U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

New York City Council president Vincent R. Impellitteri became the city's acting mayor at the beginning of September 1950,{{Cite news |last=Crowell |first=Paul |date=September 3, 1950 |title=Impellitteri Takes Full City Powers; The Impellitteris Inspect Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/03/archives/impellitteri-takes-full-city-powers-the-impellitteris-inspect.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223544/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/03/archives/impellitteri-takes-full-city-powers-the-impellitteris-inspect.html |url-status=live}} and he and his wife Betty moved in shortly after.{{cite news |last=Bugbee |first=Emma |date=September 6, 1950 |title=Impellitteris At Home Now in Gracie Mansion: 'Moving Day' No Chore for Mrs. Impellitteri, With House Already in Order |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327390259}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 6, 1950 |title=New Mayor Moves to Gracie Mansion; Impellitteris Take Up Residence at Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/06/archives/new-mayor-moves-to-gracie-mansion-impellitteris-take-up-residence.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223546/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/06/archives/new-mayor-moves-to-gracie-mansion-impellitteris-take-up-residence.html |url-status=live}} Betty Impellitteri said she would not redecorate or refurnish the house;{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=58}}{{Cite news |date=November 12, 1950 |title=Mrs. 'Impy', Highly Pleased, Won't Change Gracie Mansion |page=2B |work=The Atlanta Journal and the Atlanta Constitution |id={{ProQuest|1630252564}}}} the family also kept their old apartment on 16th Street.{{cite news |title=Mayor's Wife To Quit 22-Year Law Firm Post: Moving Personal Effects From City Apartment for 3 Yrs. In Gracie Mansion |date=November 9, 1950 |page=27 |first=Emma |last=Bugbee |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1336772688}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 24, 1950 |title=Impellitteri Will Occupy Gracie Mansion This Fall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/08/24/archives/impellitteri-will-occupy-gracie-mansion-this-fall.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223545/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/08/24/archives/impellitteri-will-occupy-gracie-mansion-this-fall.html |url-status=live}} Even though Impellitteri had been appointed to a four-month term and could not live in the mansion if he lost that year's special mayoral election, he decided to use the mansion to receive official visitors.{{cite news |last=Ingalls |first=Leonard |date=August 24, 1950 |title=Impellitteris Decide to Live in Gracie Mansion: Will Use It 4 Months for Its Entertaining Space but Keep Their Home Lease |page=12 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326831269}}}} Over the next several years, few people were invited to the house. Impellitteri, who would serve as mayor until 1953,{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=December 31, 1953 |title=This Is Moving Day in Gracie Mansion; Mrs. Impellitteri Wants Sleep – Mrs. Wagner Is Resigned to Sons' Rattletrap Beds |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/12/31/archives/this-is-moving-day-in-gracie-mansion-mrs-impellitteri-wants-sleep.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223546/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/12/31/archives/this-is-moving-day-in-gracie-mansion-mrs-impellitteri-wants-sleep.html |url-status=live}} recalled that he did not host any guests overnight, and a New Yorker columnist said that the mansion's gates were often closed and that the lights were frequently off. During Impellitteri's tenure, an Israeli artist's oil painting{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1952 |title=City Gets Oil Painting; Gift of the Friends of Israel to Hang in Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/02/27/archives/city-gets-oil-painting-gift-of-the-friends-of-israel-to-hang-in.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223544/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/02/27/archives/city-gets-oil-painting-gift-of-the-friends-of-israel-to-hang-in.html |url-status=live}} and a portrait of his wife were added to the mansion.{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1952 |title=Mayor's Wife in Portrait; New Painting of City's First Lady Is in Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/07/23/archives/mayors-wife-in-portrait-new-painting-of-citys-first-lady-is-in.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223545/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/07/23/archives/mayors-wife-in-portrait-new-painting-of-citys-first-lady-is-in.html |url-status=live}}

File:Gracie East front summer jeh.jpg

Robert F. Wagner Jr. was elected in 1953, and he and his family moved into the house at the end of January 1954{{Cite news |last=Petersen |first=Anna |date=January 26, 1954 |title=Wagners Occupy Gracie Mansion; Unpacked Cartons Jam Home of Mayors, Now Modified for Tenants With Two Boys |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/01/26/archives/wagners-occupy-gracie-mansion-unpacked-cartons-jam-home-of-mayors.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230233113/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/01/26/archives/wagners-occupy-gracie-mansion-unpacked-cartons-jam-home-of-mayors.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Bugbee |first=Emma |date=January 26, 1954 |title=The Wagners Move Into Grade Mansion |page=12 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1322367617}}}} from their nearby apartment on 86th Street.{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=November 5, 1953 |title=Mrs. Wagner Gets Hint of Her Future; City's New First Lady Invites Friend for Quiet Luncheon, But Bedlam Is Order of Day |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/05/archives/mrs-wagner-gets-hint-of-her-future-citys-new-first-lady-invites.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230233111/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/05/archives/mrs-wagner-gets-hint-of-her-future-citys-new-first-lady-invites.html |url-status=live}} The facade was repainted, and some of the interior rooms were refurnished; several pieces of art and furniture were placed into storage.{{Cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Edward |date=December 20, 1953 |title=City Hall |pages=4 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-hall/137711106/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230233111/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-hall/137711106/ |url-status=live}} Other artifacts, including paintings, tables, and chests, remained in place.{{Cite news |last=Narel |first=Dorothy |date=April 23, 1959 |title=Of Many Things |pages=23 |work=The Kingston Daily Freeman |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-daily-freeman-of-many-thing/137714643/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231004300/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-daily-freeman-of-many-thing/137714643/ |url-status=live}} The mayor's wife Susan asked city workers to seal up the elevators so their young sons, Duncan and Bob, would not play with them. The Wagners added wallpaper and draperies to the rooms, and they added three portraits of women to the living room.{{unbulleted list|{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1322370676}} |title=Wagner Family Is Settled In 'New' Gracie Mansion |last=Bugbee |first=Emma |date=March 4, 1954 |page=21 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=March 4, 1954 |title=2 Boys Rule Gracie Mansion Decor Amid a Pale Blue Color Scheme |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/03/04/archives/2-boys-rule-gracie-mansion-decor-amid-a-pale-blue-color-scheme.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230233112/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/03/04/archives/2-boys-rule-gracie-mansion-decor-amid-a-pale-blue-color-scheme.html |url-status=live}} Five staff members were employed at the house.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=62}}{{Cite news |last=Benjamin |first=Philip |date=June 26, 1960 |title=Who Picks Up the Tab at Gracie Mansion?; Visitors and Kings Dine Royally, But Not Off Mayor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/06/26/archives/who-picks-up-the-tab-at-gracie-mansion-visitors-and-kings-dine.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231003045/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/06/26/archives/who-picks-up-the-tab-at-gracie-mansion-visitors-and-kings-dine.html |url-status=live}} In the summer, the Wagner family spent time at their summer home in Islip, New York.{{cite news |last=Given |first=Sue |date=August 23, 1954 |title=Islip Home 8-Yr. Haven for Wagners: Here Is Enjoyed Some Respite from "Gracie Mansion Feet" for Mrs. Robert F. Wagner, Who Remains Loyal to Family's Summer Hideaway |page=31 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898047615}}}} The Wagner sons rode bicycles around Gracie Mansion in the spring and fall, and NYC Parks employees put up Christmas trees in the house during the holiday season. A portrait of Susan, by Willy Pogany, was added to the house in 1955.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=63}} The house's kitchen was upgraded in 1957 with cabinets, an oven, a refrigerator, and other appliances.{{Cite magazine |last=Davidson |first=Margaret |date=May 1957 |title=New Kitchen for Gracie Mansion: Extra Aids at Gracie Mansion |magazine=Ladies' Home Journal |volume=74 |issue=5 |pages=124–125, 127 |id={{ProQuest|1879225791}}}} Over the years, visiting world leaders donated other objects for the mansion.{{cite news |date=March 2, 1964 |title=Mrs. Wagner Dead at 54 From Cancer |page=1 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913584304}}}}

In contrast to their predecessors, the Wagners hosted many guests at the mansion. Susan Wagner hosted an average of four events a week at the mansion, starting with her first press conference in March 1954.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Theo |date=March 4, 1954 |title=Mizzoner Hits It Off at Her Press Debut |pages=4 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mizzoner-hits-it-off-at-her-p/137713775/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231004302/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mizzoner-hits-it-off-at-her-p/137713775/ |url-status=live}} Almost all rooms at Gracie Mansion were open to visitors, and charitable organizations hosted teas at the house, except when the Wagner sons were on vacation from school. Other guests during Wagner's tenure included U.S. presidents Truman and John F. Kennedy, as well as Congress members, governors, visiting mayors, and foreign politicians. Duncan and Bob often explored the mansion and, as they grew older, participated in events there.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=61–62}} Susan estimated that she was hosting at least 125 events at the mansion annually by 1957. By the late 1950s, the mansion averaged 600 weekly visitors, and official city meetings sometimes encroached into the mansion's living space, forcing Susan to go inside a closet to change clothes.{{Cite news |last=Ennis |first=Thomas W. |date=January 12, 1965 |title=Gracie Mansion Getting 18th-Century-Style Wing |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/12/archives/gracie-mansion-getting-18thcenturystyle-wing-gracie-mansion-getting.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/12/archives/gracie-mansion-getting-18thcenturystyle-wing-gracie-mansion-getting.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=November 10, 1963 |title=Wagners Find Gracie Mansion Can Be Embarrassingly Small |pages=7A |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-wagners-find-gracie/137719921/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011828/https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-wagners-find-gracie/137719921/ |url-status=live}} The mansion's food costs averaged $2,000 a month by 1960;{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US|start_year=1960|value=2000|fmt=c}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}{{Inflation/fn|US|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=December 1, 1960 |title=Morris and Wife to Supervise Gracie Mansion's Food Buying; Morris and Wife to Supervise Gracie Mansion's Food Buying |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/01/archives/morris-and-wife-to-supervise-gracie-mansions-food-buying-morris-and.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231003046/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/01/archives/morris-and-wife-to-supervise-gracie-mansions-food-buying-morris-and.html |url-status=live}} this prompted NYC Parks commissioner Newbold Morris to reduce the mansion's food budget to $14 a day.{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US|start_year=1960|value=14|fmt=c}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}{{Inflation/fn|US|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1326063647}} |title=Wagners Eating More Hamburger: Gracie Mansion's Food Bill Cut 78% Willi Parks Dept. As Shopper |last=Littell |first=Walter D. |date=February 16, 1961 |page=23 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Richard J. H. |date=December 2, 1960 |title=Gracie Mansion Food Costs Cut To $14 a Day as Gift Snacks End |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/02/archives/gracie-mansion-food-costs-cut-to-14-a-day-as-gift-snacks-end-mayors.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231003045/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/02/archives/gracie-mansion-food-costs-cut-to-14-a-day-as-gift-snacks-end-mayors.html |url-status=live}} One of Wagner's opponents in the 1961 New York City mayoral election claimed that the Wagners were illegally overspending at the mansion,{{Cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Edward |last2=Patterson |first2=Neal |date=August 23, 1961 |title=Wagner 'High Living' Breaks Law: Gerosa |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-wagner-high-living-breaks-l/137719631/ C6] |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-wagner-high-living-breaks-l/137719579/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011825/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-wagner-high-living-breaks-l/137719579/ |url-status=live}} while another opponent vowed to turn it into a museum.{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1961 |title=Battista Vows Savings; Says He Would Turn Gracie Mansion Into Museum |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/11/02/archives/battista-vows-savings-says-he-would-turn-gracie-mansion-into-museum.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011549/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/11/02/archives/battista-vows-savings-says-he-would-turn-gracie-mansion-into-museum.html |url-status=live}}

The Committee to Preserve Gracie Mansion as New York's White House, formed in 1963,{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=65}}{{Cite news |last=Tolchin |first=Martin |date=October 18, 1963 |title=Refurbishing of Gracie Mansion Is Planned in $250,000 Drive |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/18/archives/refurbishing-of-gracie-mansion-is-planned-in-250000-drive.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011548/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/18/archives/refurbishing-of-gracie-mansion-is-planned-in-250000-drive.html |url-status=live}} sought to raise $250,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1963|value=250000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} to expand and renovate Gracie Mansion. Susan Wagner, who said she had long pursued a renovation of the mansion, hired Edward Embry to design a northern expansion. The plans were delayed when Susan fell ill from cancer;{{Cite news |date=June 26, 1964 |title=Gracie Mansion Renovation Plan Revived by Board of Estimate |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/26/archives/gracie-mansion-renovation-plan-revived-by-board-of-estimate.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011547/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/26/archives/gracie-mansion-renovation-plan-revived-by-board-of-estimate.html |url-status=live}} she died in March 1964. The Committee for Gracie Mansion, which was incorporated that May, announced that the house's expansion would be named in her memory.{{Cite news |date=May 19, 1964 |title=Memorial for Mrs. Wagner |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-memorial-for-mrs-wagner/137721707/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231020938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-memorial-for-mrs-wagner/137721707/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 19, 1964 |title=Gracie Mansion Expansion To Honor Mrs. Wagner |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/19/archives/gracie-mansion-expansion-to-honor-mrs-wagner.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011546/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/19/archives/gracie-mansion-expansion-to-honor-mrs-wagner.html |url-status=live}} The committee and the city government signed an agreement the next month, allowing the committee to raise funds.{{Cite news |date=June 30, 1964 |title=Gracie Group to Seek Funds |pages=227 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-group-to-seek-funds/137719845/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011826/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-group-to-seek-funds/137719845/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 30, 1964 |title=Volunteers to Raise Funds For Gracie Mansion Wing |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/30/archives/volunteers-to-raise-funds-for-gracie-mansion-wing.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011548/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/30/archives/volunteers-to-raise-funds-for-gracie-mansion-wing.html |url-status=live}} The architect Mott B. Schmidt prepared plans for a new west wing. The revised plan, announced in January 1965, was originally planned to cost $700,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1965|value=700000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} and be privately financed.{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1965 |title=A New Look for Gracie Mansion |pages=212 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-new-look-for-gracie-mansion/137783772/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-new-look-for-gracie-mansion/137783772/ |url-status=live}} The wing was to be used for meetings and receptions.

Groundbreaking for the wing took place in May 1965,{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1965 |title=Ground Broken by Morris For Gracie Mansion Wing |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/14/archives/ground-broken-by-morris-for-gracie-mansion-wing.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233458/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/14/archives/ground-broken-by-morris-for-gracie-mansion-wing.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 13, 1965 |title=Ground Broken for New Wing of Gracie Mansion |pages=3 |work=The Buffalo News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-ground-broken-for-new-w/137783179/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231235005/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-ground-broken-for-new-w/137783179/ |url-status=live}} and the city's Art Commission approved plans for the annex the next month.{{Cite news |date=May 26, 1965 |title=Art Commission Approves Plans for Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/26/archives/art-commission-approves-plans-for-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233458/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/26/archives/art-commission-approves-plans-for-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}} Jeannette Becker Lenygon, who had helped redecorate the Blair House and White House, was hired to select furnishings.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=126}}{{Cite news |last=Fowle |first=Farnsworth |date=August 15, 1977 |title=Jeannette Lenygon, 100, Decorator |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/15/archives/jeannette-lenygon-100-decorator.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102013147/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/15/archives/jeannette-lenygon-100-decorator.html |url-status=live}} Wagner was remarried to Barbara Cavanagh in July 1965.{{Cite news |last=Buckley |first=Thomas |date=July 11, 1965 |title=Mayor and His Bride Won't Live in Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/11/archives/mayor-and-his-bride-wont-live-in-gracie-mansion-wagner-to-have-a.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233500/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/11/archives/mayor-and-his-bride-wont-live-in-gracie-mansion-wagner-to-have-a.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 11, 1965 |first1=William |last1=Federici |first2=Henry |last2=Lee |title=Barbara & Bob Won't Live at Gracie |pages=165 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-barbara-bob-wont-live-at-g/137782056/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-barbara-bob-wont-live-at-g/137782056/ |url-status=live}} The family moved out of the mansion that September;{{Cite news |date=September 8, 1965 |title=Mayor Moves Out of City Mansion; Wagner and Sons Remove Their Personal Effects |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/08/archives/mayor-moves-out-of-city-mansion-wagner-and-sons-remove-their.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233501/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/08/archives/mayor-moves-out-of-city-mansion-wagner-and-sons-remove-their.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 8, 1965 |title=Wagner Moves from Mansion |pages=68 |work=The Buffalo News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-wagner-moves-from-mansi/137783978/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233459/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-wagner-moves-from-mansi/137783978/ |url-status=live}} Cavanagh had never moved in, as Wagner was to leave office at the end of the year.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=65–66}} For the rest of his term, Wagner used the house only for official events.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Theo |date=July 28, 1965 |title=Newlyweds Fly to an Isle |pages=83 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-newlyweds-fly-to-an-isle/137782805/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-newlyweds-fly-to-an-isle/137782805/ |url-status=live}} By that October, the annex was to cost $800,000, of which about $660,000 had been raised.{{efn-lr|The total cost is equivalent to ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1965|value=800000|fmt=c|r=-3}}, of which ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1965|value=660000|fmt=c|r=-3}} had been raised, in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}.{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |date=October 19, 1965 |title=$660,000 Given to Fund for Gracie Mansion Addition |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/19/archives/660000-given-to-fund-for-gracie-mansion-addition.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233502/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/19/archives/660000-given-to-fund-for-gracie-mansion-addition.html |url-status=live}}

When John Lindsay was elected as mayor in November 1965, he offered to pay to repaint the original mansion;{{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=November 15, 1965 |title=Lindsay May Pay To Paint Mansion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/15/archives/lindsay-may-pay-to-paint-mansion-lindsay-may-pay-for-mansion-job.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233459/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/15/archives/lindsay-may-pay-to-paint-mansion-lindsay-may-pay-for-mansion-job.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=December 9, 1965 |title=Mrs. Lindsay—She'll Take On City Halls—If She Can Find It |work=Los Angeles Times |page=E9 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|155374136}}}} Morris said that NYC Parks would pay for repainting.{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=November 16, 1965 |title=Funds Available to Paint Mansion; Lindsays' Pleasure Sought, Morris Says – Gracie Job Was Due in Spring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/16/archives/funds-available-to-paint-mansion-lindsays-pleasure-sought-morris.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101002524/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/16/archives/funds-available-to-paint-mansion-lindsays-pleasure-sought-morris.html |url-status=live}} In either case, the annex was not complete at the end of the year,{{Cite news |last=Weinraub |first=Bernard |date=December 21, 1965 |title=Lindsays to Face Delay in Using Gracie Mansion; Painting and Refurbishing to Require at Least a Month, Mayor-Elect's Wife Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/21/archives/lindsays-to-face-delay-in-using-gracie-mansion-painting-and.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101002523/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/21/archives/lindsays-to-face-delay-in-using-gracie-mansion-painting-and.html |url-status=live}} and the house could not be repainted until the annex was finished. The Lindsay family temporarily lived at the Roosevelt Hotel during early 1966;{{Cite news |last=Steinem |first=Gloria |date=January 9, 1966 |title=She Wall Not Vegetate in Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/09/archives/she-wall-not-vegetate-in-gracie-mansion-she-will-not-vegetate-in.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233530/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/09/archives/she-wall-not-vegetate-in-gracie-mansion-she-will-not-vegetate-in.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first=Edward |last=O'Neill |date=January 1, 1966 |title=Lindsay Is Sworn In as No. 103 |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lindsay-is-sworn-in-as-no-10/137793008/ 4] |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lindsay-is-sworn-in-as-no-10/137792977/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015344/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lindsay-is-sworn-in-as-no-10/137792977/ |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=67}} his wife Mary wanted to fire some of the mansion's staff{{Cite news |date=January 3, 1966 |title=Mrs. Lindsay Considering Cutting Mansion's Staff |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/03/archives/mrs-lindsay-considering-cutting-mansions-staff.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015346/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/03/archives/mrs-lindsay-considering-cutting-mansions-staff.html |url-status=live}} and expressed an intention to help workers fix up the house.{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1966 |title=Who's That First Lady Wearing Blue Jeans? |pages=1 |work=Press and Sun-Bulletin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-whos-that-first/137826238/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101183715/https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-whos-that-first/137826238/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=January 14, 1966 |title=An Irked Mrs. Lindsay to Re-Do Mansion; Plans New Furnishings, Decor and Staff for Home |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/14/archives/an-irked-mrs-lindsay-to-redo-mansion-plans-new-furnishings-decor-an.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015345/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/14/archives/an-irked-mrs-lindsay-to-redo-mansion-plans-new-furnishings-decor-an.html |url-status=live}} The family, with their four children, moved to Gracie Mansion in mid-March, ten weeks after Lindsay took office.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=67–69}}{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Terence |date=March 15, 1966 |title=Lindsays Rough It in Their Mansion; 'Living Off Packing Cases' After a Weekend Move |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/15/archives/lindsays-rough-it-in-their-mansion-living-off-packing-cases-after-a.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015344/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/15/archives/lindsays-rough-it-in-their-mansion-living-off-packing-cases-after-a.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 15, 1966 |title=Lindsays Get New Address |pages=187 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lindsays-get-new-address/137791853/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015345/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lindsays-get-new-address/137791853/ |url-status=live}} The interior spaces were again redecorated in advance of the family's move,{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Virginia Lee |date=March 10, 1966 |title=Lindsays Disclose Plans for Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/10/archives/lindsays-disclose-plans-for-mansion.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015346/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/10/archives/lindsays-disclose-plans-for-mansion.html |url-status=live}} and some broken furnishings were repaired.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=135}} The city government spent $20,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1966|value=20000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} to install sprinklers after city officials declared that the house was a fire hazard.{{cite news |date=April 23, 1966 |title=N.Y. Mayor's Home Declared Firetrap |page=A8 |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142908502}}}} Lindsay directed city officials to build a helipad near the mansion that May,{{cite web |date=May 25, 1966 |title=Lindsay Getting a Copter Pad Near Gracie Mansion; Lindsay Getting East River Pad Off Gracie Mansion for Copter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/05/25/archives/lindsay-getting-a-copter-pad-near-gracie-mansion-lindsay-getting.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231020938/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/05/25/archives/lindsay-getting-a-copter-pad-near-gracie-mansion-lindsay-getting.html |url-status=live}} as the mansion's lawn was too windy to land on.{{Cite news |date=April 10, 1966 |title=New Copter Site Sought by City; At 90th St. And East River, It Could Serve Mayors |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/10/archives/new-copter-site-sought-by-city-at-90th-st-and-east-river-it-could.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101182213/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/10/archives/new-copter-site-sought-by-city-at-90th-st-and-east-river-it-could.html |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=71}} A wooden stockade fence was installed behind the house's wrought-iron fence in June.{{Cite news |last=Reeves |first=Richard |date=June 18, 1966 |title=Gracie Mansion Hides Behind a Wall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/06/18/archives/gracie-mansion-hides-behind-a-wall.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015345/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/06/18/archives/gracie-mansion-hides-behind-a-wall.html |url-status=live}} Mary Lindsay did not wish to host public events in the main mansion, aside from meetings that she organized herself,{{cite news |date=May 12, 1966 |title=Second Floor Woes Make Funny Tales: Mary Lindsay Won't Hire Out Mansion as Hall |page=F3 |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142932659}}}} as she wished to confine all other events to the new annex.

The expansion, which ultimately cost $800,000,{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1966|value=800000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |last=Ennis |first=Thomas W. |date=September 7, 1966 |title=Mayor's Home Gets an 18th-Century Reception Wing; Wing of Gracie Mansion to Bow With a Formal Grand Ballroom |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/07/archives/mayors-home-gets-an-18thcentury-reception-wing-wing-of-gracie.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/07/archives/mayors-home-gets-an-18thcentury-reception-wing-wing-of-gracie.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Marilyn |date=October 5, 1966 |title=18th-Century Elegance Keys Gracie Mansion's New Wing: In the Planning |page=14 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510932328}}}} was dedicated on September 27, 1966.{{Cite news |last=Ennis |first=Thomas W. |date=September 28, 1966 |title=The Susan Wagner Wing Is Opened at Gracie Mansion; Ell to Home of Mayor Is Gift to the City |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/28/archives/the-susan-wagner-wing-is-opened-at-gracie-mansion-ell-to-home-of.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231011547/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/28/archives/the-susan-wagner-wing-is-opened-at-gracie-mansion-ell-to-home-of.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=September 28, 1966 |title=Only the Champagne Was Dry at Gracie Mansion Do |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-only-the-champagne-was-dry-at/137828055/ 7] |first=Theo |last=Wilson |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-only-the-champagne-was-dry-at/137827975/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101210929/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-only-the-champagne-was-dry-at/137827975/ |url-status=live}} A garden with tall hedges had been planted next to the annex by 1967, further screening the mayor's family from passersby.{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=July 11, 1967 |title=Mayor Screening Out Those Who Look In; Woman in Hospital on East End Ave. Kept Eye on Him |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/07/11/archives/mayor-screening-out-those-who-look-in-woman-in-hospital-on-east-end.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101210201/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/07/11/archives/mayor-screening-out-those-who-look-in-woman-in-hospital-on-east-end.html |url-status=live}} That year, NYC Parks banned active recreational activities next to the house,{{Cite news |date=October 11, 1967 |title=Active Recreation Banned Next to Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/10/11/archives/active-recreation-banned-next-to-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101210201/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/10/11/archives/active-recreation-banned-next-to-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}} and the original furnaces were replaced.{{Cite news |date=March 21, 1967 |title=Gracie Mansion Family Without Heat 3 Days |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/21/archives/gracie-mansion-family-without-heat-3-days.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101210202/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/21/archives/gracie-mansion-family-without-heat-3-days.html |url-status=live}} The attic served as a playroom,{{Cite news |last=Gordy |first=Molly |date=November 4, 1993 |title=Kids Lived in Mansion Way Back in Fun City |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-kids-lived-in-mansion-way-back-i/138104154/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=46 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-kids-lived-in-mansion-way-back-i/138104154/ |url-status=live}} and NYC Parks workers built a treehouse for the Lindsays' children. Mary Lindsay told media outlets in the late 1960s that she regarded the smooth operation of the mansion and household as being among her primary duties as the city's first lady.{{cite news |last=Berg |first=Beatrice |date=May 12, 1968 |title=Mary Lindsay Turns Mansion Into a Home: Mary Lindsay Turns Gracie Mansion Into a Home |page=G13 |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|143482385}}}}{{Cite news |last=Wedemeyer |first=Dee |date=November 6, 1969 |title=Gracie Mansion – Home Sweet Home |pages=22 |work=Star-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-gazette-gracie-mansion-home-swee/137839056/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101210930/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-gazette-gracie-mansion-home-swee/137839056/ |url-status=live}} During the first four years of her husband's eight-year tenure as mayor, she oversaw the redecoration of the mansion's interior spaces. Despite the large number of official functions that took place at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's family was still able to use it for "real, homely" life, as The Christian Science Monitor described it; the family kept several pets at the mansion, such as dogs, gerbils, and birds. Guests such as Constantine II of Greece, Harold Arlen, Johnny Carson, Charlie and Oona Chaplin, and Robert Redford visited the mansion during the Lindsays' time there.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=72}}

After Abraham Beame was elected to succeed Lindsay in 1973,{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=November 9, 1973 |title=Lindsay and Beame Complete Transition Plans at Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/09/archives/lindsay-and-beame-complete-transition-plans-at-gracie-mansion-he.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101213523/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/09/archives/lindsay-and-beame-complete-transition-plans-at-gracie-mansion-he.html |url-status=live}} the house was renovated in January 1974 with a $40,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1974|value=40000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} allocation from the city.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=136}} The Beames' friend Joan Haber, an interior designer, helped redecorate the house.{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Beth |date=January 29, 1974 |title=City Hall Due for 140G Cleanup |pages=248 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-hall-due-for-140g-cleanu/137848012/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101230228/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-hall-due-for-140g-cleanu/137848012/ |url-status=live}} One of the Lindsays' bedrooms was converted into a sitting room, while another became a study.{{Cite news |last=Chambers |first=Marcia |date=January 4, 1974 |title=Gracie Mansion Gets a Beame Look |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/04/archives/gracie-mansion-gets-a-beame-look-a-house-in-transition-taken-on-a.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101221933/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/04/archives/gracie-mansion-gets-a-beame-look-a-house-in-transition-taken-on-a.html |url-status=live}} Two other bedrooms were used by the Beames' grandchildren during their visits to the mansion.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=76–77}} During the first several weeks of his term, Beame continued to live at his house in Belle Harbor, Queens,{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Sam |date=January 26, 1974 |title=For Mayor Beame, The Big Apple Is for Biting |pages=4 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-for-mayor-beame-the-big-appl/137846517/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-for-mayor-beame-the-big-appl/137846517/ |url-status=live}} and he and his wife Mary moved into Gracie Mansion at the end of February.{{Cite news |last=Carmody |first=Deirdre |date=February 27, 1974 |title=From Belle Harbor to Gracie Mansion: Saga of a Long, Rewarding Moving Day |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/02/27/archives/from-belle-harbor-to-gracie-mansion-saga-of-a-long-rewarding-moving.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101221932/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/02/27/archives/from-belle-harbor-to-gracie-mansion-saga-of-a-long-rewarding-moving.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first=Beth |last=Fallon |date=February 27, 1974 |title=Mansion Gracie Meets Her Mistress Mary |pages=222 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mansion-gracie-meets-her-mist/137846647/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223210/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mansion-gracie-meets-her-mist/137846647/ |url-status=live}} During the Beames' occupancy, the mansion hosted guests such as Japanese emperor Hirohito and actress Gloria Swanson, and it also held events such as a United States Bicentennial celebration.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=75–76}} After Ed Koch defeated Beame in 1977, the Beames bought an apartment nearby.{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1977 |title=Abe, Mary Find Pad |pages=7 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-abe-mary-find-pad/137853510/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101235145/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-abe-mary-find-pad/137853510/ |url-status=live}} Mary Beame asked if they could stay in the house briefly after Koch was inaugurated on January 1, 1978,{{Cite news |last=Dembart |first=Lee |date=December 11, 1977 |title=Koch May Delay His Moving Date To Help Beames |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/11/archives/koch-may-delay-his-moving-date-to-help-beames-city-hall-notes.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101235145/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/11/archives/koch-may-delay-his-moving-date-to-help-beames-city-hall-notes.html |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=79}} but Abraham Beame chose to move out just before Koch's inauguration.{{Cite news |last=Dembart |first=Lee |date=December 25, 1977 |title=Computers at Department Stores Deny Credit to Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/25/archives/computers-at-department-stores-deny-credit-to-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101235145/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/25/archives/computers-at-department-stores-deny-credit-to-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}}

File:The Mayor's House I (3666231313).jpg

When Koch began moving into the mansion at the end of 1977, he ordered new furniture and brought some clothes from his Greenwich Village apartment.{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Beth |date=December 30, 1977 |title=A Changing of the Guard Is Gracie Note for Ed, Abe |pages=6 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-changing-of-the-guard-is-gr/137852821/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101235144/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-changing-of-the-guard-is-gr/137852821/ |url-status=live}} Koch originally preferred to stay at his apartment on weekends,{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=79–80}} saying the mansion was "nice, but it's like a hotel".{{Cite news |last=Dembart |first=Lee |date=January 8, 1978 |title=Koch Leaves Gracie Mansion To Live in His Village Apartment |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/08/archives/koch-leaves-gracie-mansion-to-live-in-his-village-apartment.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101235144/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/08/archives/koch-leaves-gracie-mansion-to-live-in-his-village-apartment.html |url-status=live}} He decided to live at Gracie Mansion full-time only after he attended a family dinner there.{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Heidi |last2=McShane |first2=Larry |date=December 15, 2013 |title=Growing Up Gracie Kids of Ex-Mayors Offer Advice to Dante & Chiara |page=31 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|1468147033}}}} Koch did not replace the furnishings, though he did add some of his own decor, such as a wooden rabbit sculpture named Pee Wee.{{Cite news |last=Kleiman |first=Dena |date=June 8, 1978 |title=Koch Sets Gracie Mansion Style, And the Main Theme Is Frugality |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/06/08/archives/koch-sets-gracie-mansion-style-and-the-main-theme-is-frugality.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223546/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/06/08/archives/koch-sets-gracie-mansion-style-and-the-main-theme-is-frugality.html |url-status=live}} Several paintings were added to the mansion during Koch's first few years, including contemporary art from the Met and from modern art galleries,{{Cite news |date=February 24, 1978 |title=Art People |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/24/archives/art-people-gracie-mansion-to-get-new-look.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102002440/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/24/archives/art-people-gracie-mansion-to-get-new-look.html |url-status=live}} as well as ten 20th-century paintings lent by New York University.{{Cite news |date=August 20, 1979 |title=Briefs on the Arts |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/20/archives/briefs-on-the-arts-3-music-groups-to-play-at-lake-placid-olympics.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102002440/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/20/archives/briefs-on-the-arts-3-music-groups-to-play-at-lake-placid-olympics.html |url-status=live}} These works of art were added at the urging of New York City cultural affairs commissioner Henry Geldzahler.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=139}} In addition, when the New York state government began conducting a renewable-energy study in 1979, Koch invited the state government to install equipment at the mansion.{{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=May 4, 1979 |title=Gracie Mansion May Get Alternative-Energy Plant |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/04/archives/gracie-mansion-may-get-alternativeenergy-plant-sun-day-is-observed.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102002440/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/04/archives/gracie-mansion-may-get-alternativeenergy-plant-sun-day-is-observed.html |url-status=live}} The state government dismissed the offer because it was not cost-efficient.{{cite web |date=November 22, 1981 |title=Follow-Up On the News; Gracie Solar Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/22/nyregion/follow-up-on-the-news-gracie-solar-plan.html |access-date=January 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225758/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/22/nyregion/follow-up-on-the-news-gracie-solar-plan.html |url-status=live}}

Koch was the first unmarried mayor to move into the mansion; his assistant Dorothy Aschkenasy acted as the city's unofficial first lady, overseeing the mansion's other staff and ensuring the house was in good shape. Three or four times a week, Koch hosted events for guests ranging from civic and ethnic associations to visiting politicians.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=80–81}} Whereas his predecessors' families typically ate at the mansion alone or with a small number of guests, Koch regularly invited dozens of people for breakfast and dinner. For example, Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin stayed at the mansion for a few days in 1978.{{Cite news |last=Kleiman |first=Dena |date=May 4, 1978 |title=Work for Begin Visit Puts City Hall Into Prime Ministerial Condition |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/04/archives/work-for-begin-visit-puts-city-hall-into-prime-ministerial.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102013147/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/04/archives/work-for-begin-visit-puts-city-hall-into-prime-ministerial.html |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=81–83}} Koch also hosted other visitors including U.S. president Ronald Reagan,{{cite web |last=Haberman |first=Clyde |date=September 8, 1981 |title=Reagan Visits City to Present Check for the Westway Project |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/09/08/nyregion/reagan-visits-city-to-present-check-for-the-westway-project.html |access-date=January 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225757/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/09/08/nyregion/reagan-visits-city-to-present-check-for-the-westway-project.html |url-status=live}} Archbishop of New York John O'Connor, Catholic saint Mother Teresa, and filmmaker Woody Allen. These events required that a chef live in the mansion around the clock; Koch, who was a picky eater, went through four chefs in four years.{{cite news |date=August 13, 1981 |title=Another Koch Cook Quits |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=C11 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|147338805}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first1=Alfred |last1=Miele |first2=Don |last2=Singleton |date=September 23, 1981 |title=Chef's salad days at Gracie Mansion |pages=23 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-chefs-salad-days-at-gracie-m/138051526/ |access-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225803/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-chefs-salad-days-at-gracie-m/138051526/ |url-status=live}} Koch began giving tours of the house to the general public in September 1980;{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Glenn |date=September 25, 1980 |title=Gracie Mansion Open to First Public Visits; Tours Attract Inquiries Many Owners of Mansion Some Furnishings on Loan |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/09/25/archives/gracie-mansion-open-to-first-public-visits-tours-attract-inquiries.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102013147/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/09/25/archives/gracie-mansion-open-to-first-public-visits-tours-attract-inquiries.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first=David |last=Medina |date=September 21, 1980 |title=Say hello, Gracie—mansion sets tours |pages=116 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-say-hello-gracie-mansion-se/137860225/ |access-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102013147/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-say-hello-gracie-mansion-se/137860225/ |url-status=live}} the tours attracted up to 20,000 people annually. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the city converted Gracie Mansion's attic into an apartment for Koch's chef.{{Cite news |last=Herbert |first=Bob |date=October 21, 1981 |title=Room at the Top |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-room-at-the-top/138047979/ |access-date=January 4, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=96 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225759/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-room-at-the-top/138047979/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Blumenthal |first=Ralph |date=October 20, 1990 |title=Welfare Construction Unit Refurbished Kitchen for Koch |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/20/nyregion/welfare-construction-unit-refurbished-kitchen-for-koch.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105173433/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/20/nyregion/welfare-construction-unit-refurbished-kitchen-for-koch.html |url-status=live}}{{Efn|Sources disagree on whether the attic apartment cost $45,000, $67,000, or nearly $72,000. The price range is equivalent to between ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1981|value=45000|fmt=c|r=-3}} and ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1981|value=72000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}.{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}}} The rest of the mansion needed upgrades as well; the main house and reception area were linked only by a kitchen, and the offices in the basement were too small.{{harvnb|Wiseman|1982|ps=.|p=37}}

Koch announced a renovation of the mansion in 1981{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=84}} and formed the Gracie Mansion Conservancy the next year to oversee renovations of the mansion.{{Cite news |last1=Haberman |first1=Clyde |last2=Johnston |first2=Laurie |date=June 26, 1982 |title=New York Day by Day |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/26/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-238100.html |access-date=January 4, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225757/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/26/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-238100.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |title=Conservancy for Gracie Mansion |work=Newsday |page=25 |date=July 2, 1982 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-conservancy-for-gracie-mansion/138052743/ |access-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225757/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-conservancy-for-gracie-mansion/138052743/ |url-status=live}} Koch convinced Joan K. Davidson to serve as the conservancy's first chairperson. Charles A. Platt was named the coordinating architect,{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=141–143}} Albert Hadley and Mark Hampton were hired as interior decorators, and Dianne Pilgrim and David McFadden were employed as the curators.{{Cite news |last=Slesin |first=Suzanne |date=May 14, 1981 |title=Rethinking Gracie Mansion, Once More |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/14/garden/rethinking-gracie-mansion-once-more.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102021528/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/14/garden/rethinking-gracie-mansion-once-more.html |url-status=live}} Hadley resigned from the project due to disagreements{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=145}} and was replaced by Marilynn Johnson, a Metropolitan Museum of Art curator.{{Cite news |last=Winship |first=Frederick M. |date=August 4, 1985 |title=Renovation of Gracie Mansion Brings Back Original Elegance |work=Sun Sentinel |page=9J |id={{ProQuest|389787722}}}} Work on the project began in March 1983 with the replacement of the porch.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=143}}{{Cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=Laurie |last2=Anderson |first2=Susan Heller |date=March 30, 1983 |title=New York Day by Day; A Porch for Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/30/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-a-porch-for-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225820/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/30/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-a-porch-for-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 30, 1983 |title=At Gracie, they're up front |pages=17 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-gracie-theyre-up-front/138059232/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105005138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-gracie-theyre-up-front/138059232/ |url-status=live}} The project included new furnishings, landscaping, a new porch, expanded staff rooms, HVAC and electrical upgrades,{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|122480684}} |title=$5.5 Million Face Lift for Gracie Mansion |first=Suzanne |last=Slesin |date=November 8, 1984 |page=C1 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 11, 1984 |title=Gracie Gets a Makeover |first=Isabel |last=Forgang |pages=339 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-gets-a-makeover/138054263/ |access-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225802/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-gets-a-makeover/138054263/ |url-status=live}} as well as a gourmet kitchen.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=T.J. |last2=Freifeld |first2=Karen |date=October 10, 1990 |title=Gracie Mansion's History Dates to 1799 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-gracie-mansions-history-dates-t/138097737/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=35 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278251039}} |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105173435/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-gracie-mansions-history-dates-t/138097737/ |url-status=live}} Workers upgraded the mansion while restoring it to as close to its original design as possible;{{harvnb|Wiseman|1982|ps=.|p=38}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=143–144}} they used dozens of paint and wallpaper samples to restore the original appearance.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1984 |title=Former Farmhouse Gets a Real Facelift |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-former-farmhou/138058999/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=55 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105005140/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-former-farmhou/138058999/ |url-status=live}} Numerous designers were hired to decorate the interiors. The renovation also included archeological excavations, as well as the refurbishment of paths and parking spots.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=151}}

The renovation was finished in November 1984.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=147}} The renovation had cost $5.5 million; the city government had provided $1 million, while the remainder had been raised privately.{{efn-lr|The total cost was about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1984|value=5500000|fmt=c|r=-3}}, of which the city raised ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1984|value=1000000|fmt=c|r=-3}}, in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}.{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |last=La Rosa |first=Paul |date=July 29, 1982 |title=At Gracie Mansion, Shabby Realities, Grand Plans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-gracie-mansion-shabby-rea/138051736/ |access-date=January 4, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=120, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-gracie-mansion-shabby-rea/138051795/ 122] |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225804/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-gracie-mansion-shabby-rea/138051736/ |url-status=live}} Over the next year, Koch hosted over 23,000 guests at the mansion, more than he had invited in any other year.{{cite news |last=Calderone |first=Joe |date=June 1, 1986 |title=Gracie Mansion's Gracious Host. Mayor Wishes He'd Invited Even More- See End of Text |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285325636}}}} Koch also hired the horticulturalist Maureen Hackett to restore and maintain the grounds in 1987.{{cite news |last=Yang |first=Linda |date=August 9, 1990 |title=A Green Thumb Is O.K., But Let's Not Forget the Other Colors: At Gracie, A Gorgeous Mosaic to Please Any Mayor City Gardener Where Noses as August as Alexander Hamilton's Have Sniffed the Blooms. |work=The New York Times |page=C1 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|108514257}}}} After Koch suffered a stroke the same year, he had a temporary office in Gracie Mansion while he recovered.{{Cite news |last=Gross |first=Jane |date=August 10, 1987 |title=Recuperating Mayor Shifts His Base to Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/10/nyregion/recuperating-mayor-shifts-his-base-to-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105021635/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/10/nyregion/recuperating-mayor-shifts-his-base-to-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 10, 1987 |first1=Peter |last1=McLaughlin |first2=Frank |last2=Lombardi |title=Mayor is back home |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mayor-is-back-home/138063653/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105021638/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mayor-is-back-home/138063653/ |url-status=live}} Gracie Mansion was one of the founding members of the Historic House Trust, established at the mansion in 1989.{{cite press release |title=Historic House Trust Announced at Gracie Mansion |website=Historic House Trust of New York City |date=June 20, 1989 |url=https://historichousetrust.org/historic-house-trust-announced-at-gracie-mansion/ |access-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630022137/https://historichousetrust.org/historic-house-trust-announced-at-gracie-mansion/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=June 20, 1989 |title=A Trust for New York's Old Houses |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/20/nyregion/a-trust-for-new-york-s-old-houses.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104013208/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/20/nyregion/a-trust-for-new-york-s-old-houses.html |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |access-date=November 4, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Koch moved to an apartment on Fifth Avenue after losing reelection later that year.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Patricia Leigh |date=May 26, 1990 |title=It's Not Gracie Mansion, But It's Not Bad |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/26/nyregion/it-s-not-gracie-mansion-but-it-s-not-bad.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525203328/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/26/nyregion/it-s-not-gracie-mansion-but-it-s-not-bad.html |url-status=live}} By then, the house hosted 22,000 guests annually.{{Cite news |last=Anekwe |first=Simon |date=February 3, 1990 |title=New York City's First Lady Settles in at Gracie Mansion |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=4 |id={{proQuest|226499915}}}} The city's commissioner of investigation released a report in 1991, finding that Gracie Mansion had not had an official budget for at least a decade. The report found that there had been several "wasteful projects" at the mansion during Koch's tenure, including $53,000 of work on a kitchen barbecue{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1991|value=53000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} and thousands of dollars worth of custom-made equipment.{{Cite news |first=Brian |last=Kates |date=February 22, 1991 |title=Goodness Gracieous! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-goodness-gracieous/138100525/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=5 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-goodness-gracieous/138100525/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Purdum |first=Todd S. |date=February 22, 1991 |title=Wastefulness at Gracie Mansion Cited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/22/nyregion/wastefulness-at-gracie-mansion-cited.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105021635/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/22/nyregion/wastefulness-at-gracie-mansion-cited.html |url-status=live}}

File:Gracie Mansion (3570483716).jpg

When David Dinkins won the 1989 New York City mayoral election, his wife Joyce Dinkins indicated that she would not change the decor,{{Cite news |last=Sack |first=Kevin |date=November 18, 1989 |title=Mrs. Dinkins Sees Her Crosstown Home |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/18/nyregion/mrs-dinkins-sees-her-crosstown-home.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105021635/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/18/nyregion/mrs-dinkins-sees-her-crosstown-home.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first=Marcia |last=Kramer |date=November 10, 1989 |title=Meet Joyce, city's leading lady |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-meet-joyce-citys-leading-la/138065115/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105021636/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-meet-joyce-citys-leading-la/138065115/ |url-status=live}} as Koch had already renovated the mansion extensively.{{Cite news |last=White |first=Renee Minus |date=June 23, 1990 |title=Gracie Mansion's Visitors |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=19 |id={{proQuest|226211424}}}} The Dinkinses did contemplate adding a swing set and other features for their grandchildren.{{Cite news |last=Kramer |first=Marcia |date=November 9, 1989 |title=Barking and Swinging |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-barking-and-swinging/138065401/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=45 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105021637/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-barking-and-swinging/138065401/ |url-status=live}} The Dinkins family relocated to the mansion in mid-January 1990,{{cite news |last=Heller Anderson |first=Susan |date=January 11, 1990 |title=Chronicle: How Many Closets at Gracie Mansion? At the Century, A Woman for Trustee Nicholas Brady Back at Work Early Birthday for the Jacksons. |work=The New York Times |page=B9 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|108630292}}}} after they redecorated the interior and moved some furniture.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|278190850}} |title=1st Couple Eases Into Routine Of Historic Home |last=Flynn |first=Kevin |date=March 19, 1990 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}} Joyce Dinkins read to first-grade students at the mansion once a week,{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=85}}{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|278482322}} |title=The New York Newsday Interview With Joyce Dinkins Gracie Mansion Needs Reupholstering |last=Freiman |first=Jane |date=March 26, 1992 |page=101 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}} and the Dinkinses hosted "Kids Day at Gracie Mansion" every summer. The Dinkinses' highest-profile guest at the mansion was the future South African president Nelson Mandela.{{Cite news |last=Purdum |first=Todd S. |date=June 22, 1990 |title=The Mandela Visit; At Gracie Mansion, Intense Security and Warm Hospitality |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/22/nyregion/the-mandela-visit-at-gracie-mansion-intense-security-and-warm-hospitality.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223545/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/22/nyregion/the-mandela-visit-at-gracie-mansion-intense-security-and-warm-hospitality.html |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=87}} During Dinkins's mayoralty, there was controversy over a $11,500 headboard that Dinkins had ordered for the mansion;{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1990|value=11500|fmt=c|r=-2}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |first=Andrew |last=Kirtzman |date=October 8, 1990 |title=Dave's Bed of Woes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-daves-bed-of-woes/138096733/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=3 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105173433/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-daves-bed-of-woes/138096733/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 8, 1990 |title=Bed Adds to Dinkins Woes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/08/nyregion/bed-adds-to-dinkins-woes.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105173434/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/08/nyregion/bed-adds-to-dinkins-woes.html |url-status=live}} he and his allies eventually agreed to reimburse the city and the Gracie Mansion Conservancy for the cost of the headboard.{{Cite news |date=December 30, 1993 |title=Headboard Goes After All |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/30/nyregion/headboard-goes-after-all.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193309/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/30/nyregion/headboard-goes-after-all.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first=Robert |last=Gearty |date=March 6, 1992 |title=Dave's bed tab still due |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-daves-bed-tab-still-due/138102352/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=675 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193317/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-daves-bed-tab-still-due/138102352/ |url-status=live}} City inspectors discovered high lead levels in the mansion's water supply in 1992.{{Cite news |first=Joel |last=Siegel |date=September 14, 1992 |title=Dave's Water Tainted |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-daves-water-tainted/138101651/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=2 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193314/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-daves-water-tainted/138101651/ |url-status=live}}

After Rudy Giuliani defeated Dinkins in 1993,{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1823705277}} |title=Giuliani Defeats Dinkins in Down-To-Wire New York Mayor's Race: First Republican to Win Since 1965 |last=Cawley |first=Janet |date=November 3, 1993 |page=L19 |work=Chicago Tribune |issn=1085-6706}} the house's curator was suspended after inappropriately firing two of the house's staff.{{Cite news |date=December 23, 1993 |first=Joel |last=Siegel |title=Transition Pot Boils Over |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-transition-pot-boils-over/138103895/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=8 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193309/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-transition-pot-boils-over/138103895/ |url-status=live}} Giuliani, his wife Donna Hanover, and their young children Andrew and Caroline moved into the mansion at the beginning of 1994.{{Cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=January 3, 1994 |title=A Show Stopper |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-show-stopper/138105286/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=35 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-show-stopper/138105286/ |url-status=live}} Despite the large number of events that the Giulianis hosted at the mansion, they still wanted their children to live regular lives there.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=89–91}} Hanover became the chairwoman of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy and had a four-employee office at the mansion.{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1997 |first1=George |last1=Rush |first2=Joanna |last2=Molloy |title=La Donna Accountable to No One |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-la-donna-accountable-to-no-on/138107285/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=423 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105210542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-la-donna-accountable-to-no-on/138107285/ |url-status=live}} As chairwoman, Hanover raised around a million dollars for the house's upkeep, including over $400,000 in 1994 alone.{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1994|value=400000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |first=David L. |last=Lewis |date=January 16, 1996 |title=No More Gracie Period for Donors |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-no-more-gracie-period-for-don/138106924/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=2 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105210540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-no-more-gracie-period-for-don/138106924/ |url-status=live}} The New York City Police Department considered replacing the mansion's security system at the end of 1994,{{Cite news |last=Speyer |first=Rob |date=December 7, 1994 |title=Threat Vs. Hizzoner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-threat-vs-hizzoner/138105036/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=1477 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193313/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-threat-vs-hizzoner/138105036/ |url-status=live}} and police commissioner William Bratton spent $150,000 the next year on a new security system.{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1995|value=150000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=David L. |date=September 21, 1995 |title=Gracie Mansion Got 150G Security Boost |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion-got-150g-secur/138105755/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=171 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105193311/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion-got-150g-secur/138105755/ |url-status=live}} In addition, the chimneys and other furnishings were repaired;{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=154}} the mansion was repainted;{{Cite news |last=Bumiller |first=Elisabeth |date=July 12, 2001 |title=Gracie Mansion Needs Attention, But Whose?; Mayor's Marital Dispute Extends to Peeling Paint |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/12/nyregion/gracie-mansion-needs-attention-but-whose-mayor-s-marital-dispute-extends-peeling.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/12/nyregion/gracie-mansion-needs-attention-but-whose-mayor-s-marital-dispute-extends-peeling.html |url-status=live}} and Tiffany & Co. gifted china to the mansion.{{Cite news |last=Lemire |first=Jonathan |date=August 10, 2014 |title=NYC's First Family Settling in at Gracie Mansion |pages=A32 |work=Democrat and Chronicle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-nycs-first-famil/137569057/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222520/https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-nycs-first-famil/137569057/ |url-status=live}} Because of the house's small size, the Giulianis hosted few overnight guests, limiting stays to close friends and family.{{cite web |title=House Guest's Guide To New York |website=The New York Times |date=March 9, 1997 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/09/style/house-guest-s-guide-to-new-york.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105203612/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/09/style/house-guest-s-guide-to-new-york.html |url-status=live}} During the late 1990s, there were still public tours of the mansion, which displayed 700 antique items.{{Cite news |last=Pinard Bogaert |first=Pauline |date=June 21, 1998 |title=The Mayor's Manse: Gracie Mansion, Home of the Last Nine Mayors of New York City, May Be Modest by Mansion Standards. But Its History Is Rich, And Its Backdrop Is Grand. |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |page=T.6 |id={{ProQuest|1842182834}}}}

When Giuliani and Hanover separated in 2001, Hanover sued to prevent Giuliani's girlfriend Judith Nathan from moving into the mansion.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Charisse |date=May 15, 2001 |title=Gracie Mansion: A House Divided Ruling Expected Soon on Request to Bar Giuliani's Companion from Home |page=A03 |work=USA Today |id={{ProQuest|408877960}}}}{{cite news |last1=Peterson |first1=Helen |last2=Blood |first2=Michael R. |date=May 8, 2001 |title=War at Gracie Mansion Donna Asks Judge to Keep Rudy's Friend Judith Out |page=5 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305607817}}}} The lawsuit mainly concerned whether the mansion should be considered a private residence rather than a private space.{{cite news |last=Blood |first=Michael R. |date=May 16, 2001 |title=Mayor's Crew Yanks Gracie Mansion Blueprints |page=3 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305618088}}}} A judge ruled in Hanover's favor, saying the family's children had a right to move around the house without being interrupted by visitors.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Charisse |date=May 22, 2001 |title=Giuliani's Girlfriend Banned from Gracie Mansion Put Children's Needs First, Judge Says |page=A09 |work=USA Today |id={{ProQuest|408852633}}}}{{Cite news |last=Bumiller |first=Elisabeth |date=May 22, 2001 |title=Judge Orders Mayor's Friend Barred From Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/22/nyregion/judge-orders-mayor-s-friend-barred-from-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/22/nyregion/judge-orders-mayor-s-friend-barred-from-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}} By then, Giuliani privately noted that the mansion's interiors were starting to decay, while other observers such as Ed Koch said that the exterior was also rundown. Hanover said the conservancy was restoring the windows, roof railings, and carpets, but that the next mayor would be responsible for repainting the house.{{Cite news |last=Bumiller |first=Elisabeth |date=July 13, 2001 |title=Hanover Says Painting Mansion Is a Good Idea, If City Hall Helps |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/13/nyregion/hanover-says-painting-mansion-is-a-good-idea-if-city-hall-helps.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228182720/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/13/nyregion/hanover-says-painting-mansion-is-a-good-idea-if-city-hall-helps.html |url-status=live}} The mansion also had several rat infestations.{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Curtis L. |date=July 11, 2000 |title=It's War on Rats / Pest Problem Extends Even to Gracie Mansion |page=A06 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279306251}}}} Hanover refused to vacate the mansion,{{Cite news |date=May 26, 2001 |title=She Lives in a House Divided Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's Estranged Wife Refuses to Leave Gracie Mansion |work=Orlando Sentinel |page=A20 |id={{ProQuest|279636307}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Bumiller |first=Elisabeth |date=June 29, 2001 |title=Giuliani May Leave Mansion To Escape Marital Tensions |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/29/nyregion/giuliani-may-leave-mansion-to-escape-marital-tensions.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028025841/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/29/nyregion/giuliani-may-leave-mansion-to-escape-marital-tensions.html |url-status=live}} so Giuliani had moved out by July 2001, months before he was to leave office.{{cite news |date=July 28, 2001 |title=Giuliani Vacates Gracie Mansion |page=A06 |work=The Record |id={{ProQuest|266957521}}}} The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, upheld Nathan's ban from the mansion that October.{{cite news |last=Peterson |first=Helen |date=October 3, 2001 |title=Gracie Mansion Ban on Rudy Pal Is Upheld |page=44 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305654502}}}}

When Michael Bloomberg was elected in 2001, his mayoral transition team began discussing a renovation of the mansion.{{Cite news |last=Ferla |first=Ruth La |date=December 27, 2001 |title=Bloomberg's Decorator Says, Hello, Gracie |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/27/garden/bloomberg-s-decorator-says-hello-gracie.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228182720/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/27/garden/bloomberg-s-decorator-says-hello-gracie.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first=Michael |last=Saul |date=December 6, 2001 |title=Facelift for Gracie |pages=9 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-facelift-for-gracie/137550401/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228182719/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-facelift-for-gracie/137550401/ |url-status=live}} Bloomberg's partner Diana Taylor wanted them to live there, but he refused,{{Cite news |last=Saul |first=Michael Howard |date=March 27, 2012 |title=Gracie Awaits a Family |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577306013687767208.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109163335/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577306013687767208.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Ortiz |first=Erik |date=March 27, 2012 |title=Mayor Bloomberg: Mayors Shouldn't Live in Gracie Mansion |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/mayor-bloomberg-mayors-shouldn-t-live-in-gracie-mansion-t22915 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=Newsday |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/mayor-bloomberg-mayors-shouldn-t-live-in-gracie-mansion-t22915 |url-status=live}} saying it would be a large expense for taxpayers that was not justified.{{Cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Jim |date=March 28, 2012 |title=With Empty Homes All Over the Globe, An Easy Position to Take |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/nyregion/bloombergs-stance-on-gracie-mansion-a-billionaires-view.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918234214/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/nyregion/bloombergs-stance-on-gracie-mansion-a-billionaires-view.html |url-status=live}} Furthermore, Bloomberg already had a residence on the Upper East Side.{{Cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Jennifer |date=June 11, 2004 |title=With Mayor Out, The People Move In; New York Finds Many Uses for Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/11/nyregion/with-mayor-out-the-people-move-in-new-york-finds-many-uses-for-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228213826/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/11/nyregion/with-mayor-out-the-people-move-in-new-york-finds-many-uses-for-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Swanson |first=Stevenson |date=July 17, 2004 |title=Gracie Mansion Opens to Public: New York Mayor's Official Residence Is Rich in History |page=F15A |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|2459892870}}}} The exterior was repainted in April 2002 with $85,000 from an anonymous donor,{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=2002|value=85000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{Cite news |last=Voboril |first=Mary |date=April 28, 2002 |title=Return to Its Former Grace |pages=14 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-return-to-its-former-grace/137561327/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228215328/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-return-to-its-former-grace/137561327/ |url-status=live}} who may have been Bloomberg himself.{{Cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Jennifer |date=April 28, 2002 |title=A Worn Gracie Mansion Awaits Its Face-Lift |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/28/nyregion/a-worn-gracie-mansion-awaits-its-face-lift.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526031300/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/28/nyregion/a-worn-gracie-mansion-awaits-its-face-lift.html |url-status=live}} A major restoration of the mansion began that May.{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=October 6, 2002 |title=The Mayor's Out; The People Are In |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/06/nyregion/the-mayor-s-out-the-people-are-in.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228182721/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/06/nyregion/the-mayor-s-out-the-people-are-in.html |url-status=live}} The renovation was designed by Bloomberg's personal decorator Jamie Drake and involved replacing mechanical systems, reinforcing the internal structure, and repainting and restoring historical elements. Bloomberg borrowed sculptures from the Museum of Modern Art to decorate the lawn,{{Cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Jennifer |date=July 3, 2002 |title=Suddenly, It's Art For the City's Sake; Bloomberg's Hearty Embrace Signals A Whole New Approach at City Hall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/03/nyregion/suddenly-it-s-art-for-city-s-sake-bloomberg-s-hearty-embrace-signals-whole-new.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228195530/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/03/nyregion/suddenly-it-s-art-for-city-s-sake-bloomberg-s-hearty-embrace-signals-whole-new.html |url-status=live}} and Tiffany & Co. donated more china. The mayor's living spaces and the Wagner wing were to be renovated as well. The project was completed in October 2002 for $7 million, which included $700,000 for the installation of fixtures.{{efn-lr|The total cost was about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=2002|value=2000000|fmt=c|r=-3}} for the whole project and ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=2002|value=700000|fmt=c|r=-3}} for fixtures in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}.{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{cite news |last=Saltonstall |first=David |date=October 6, 2002 |title=Say Hello, Gracie Mansion Reopens After $7m Face-Lift |page=29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305748518}}}} The renovation had been largely funded with $5.5 million in private donations.{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=2002|value=5500000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}{{cite news |last=English |first=Merle |date=October 6, 2002 |title=A Mansion for Many / Gracie's Restored Glory Open to Public |page=A19 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279642700}}}}

Under Bloomberg's tenure as mayor, the house was open to the public on Tuesdays, and visitors were permitted to see the upstairs rooms. Bloomberg used the mansion as a place for official visitors to stay. The mansion hosted 178 events in 2003, the first full year after the renovation, with events including receptions and holiday parties.{{cite news |last=Jorgensen |first=Jillian |date=December 19, 2016 |title=The City's Culinary Captain: Feliberto Estevez Is at the Helm in Gracie Mansion's Kitchen |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|1850052908}}}} The Gracie Mansion Conservancy received $1 million in donations from January to September 2003 (an increase from $42,200 in all of 2001),{{Cite news |date=October 7, 2003 |title=Gracie Mansion Attracting More Tourists This Year |pages=15 |work=Democrat and Chronicle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-gracie-mansion-at/137558621/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228215329/https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-gracie-mansion-at/137558621/ |url-status=live}} and the house itself saw 23,000 visitors during 2003. The house hosted official state visits, luncheons, dinners, receptions, awards ceremonies, and cultural events. Under Bloomberg's mayoralty, the house hosted such varied overnight guests as Miami mayor Manuel A. Diaz, South African archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=94–95}} Gracie Mansion continued to be known colloquially as the "mayor's house",{{Cite news |date=November 3, 2009 |title=Gracie Mansion |pages=31 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion/137563242/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228215327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion/137563242/ |url-status=live}} and it retained a full-time staff of 12.

By 2011, annual visitation had increased to 40,000. A Daily News investigation that year found that 16 active violations of city building codes had been recorded at the house, including a crumbling wall.{{Cite news |last1=Furman |first1=Bruce |last2=Lemire |first2=Jonathan |date=April 24, 2011 |title=City's Own Buildings Have Many Violations, The News Discovers |pages=4 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-citys-own-buildings-have-man/137568838/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-citys-own-buildings-have-man/137568838/ |url-status=live}} A renovation of the kitchen began in June 2012{{cite web |last=Schiewe |first=Jess |date=June 18, 2012 |title=Absent the Mayor, Gracie Mansion Still Needs a New Kitchen |url=https://observer.com/2012/06/gracie-mansion/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Observer |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228213826/https://observer.com/2012/06/gracie-mansion/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=June 15, 2012 |title=Gracie Mansion Kitchen, New in Koch's Day, Is to Be Updated |url=https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/15/gracie-mansion-kitchen-new-in-kochs-day-is-to-be-updated/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=City Room |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617043503/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/15/gracie-mansion-kitchen-new-in-kochs-day-is-to-be-updated/ |url-status=live}} and was completed the next year for $1.25 million. Bloomberg, who served as mayor until 2013, never lived in the house,{{Cite news |last1=Barron |first1=James |last2=Roberts |first2=Sam |date=November 3, 2013 |title=New York Mayor's Mansion Seeks a Missing Item (The Mayor) |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/nyregion/new-york-mayors-mansion-seeks-a-missing-item-the-mayor.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904112324/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/nyregion/new-york-mayors-mansion-seeks-a-missing-item-the-mayor.html |url-status=live}} and he recommended that his successors not live in the house.{{Cite news |last=Katz |first=Celeste |date=April 5, 2012 |title=Mayor: Gracie Mansion's A House, Not A Home |page=8 |work=The Culvert Chronicles |id={{ProQuest|1010386313}}}}{{Cite news |date=March 28, 2012 |title=Get Your Own Mansion: Mike |pages=19 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-get-your-own-mansion-mike/137568705/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222521/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-get-your-own-mansion-mike/137568705/ |url-status=live}} Toward the end of Bloomberg's term, the mansion was cleaned and repaired for his successor.{{Cite news |last=Barbaro |first=Michael |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Preparing Gracie Mansion for a New (Live-In?) Mayor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/28/nyregion/preparing-gracie-mansion-for-a-new-live-in-mayor.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230738/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/28/nyregion/preparing-gracie-mansion-for-a-new-live-in-mayor.html |url-status=live}}

Major candidates in the 2013 election indicated that they wished to live in Gracie Mansion. The winner, Bill de Blasio, delayed moving into the mansion until the end of the 2013–2014 academic year, as his son Dante was attending Brooklyn Technical High School.{{cite web |last=Velsey |first=Kim |date=April 29, 2014 |title=Gracie Mansion Not as Bustling Under Bill De Blasio |url=https://observer.com/2014/04/gracie-mansion-not-as-bustling-under-bill-de-blasio/ |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Observer |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://observer.com/2014/04/gracie-mansion-not-as-bustling-under-bill-de-blasio/ |url-status=live}} De Blasio's family began moving into the mansion in June 2014;{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Kate |date=June 3, 2014 |title=De Blasio Family Begins Move to Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/nyregion/de-blasio-family-begins-move-to-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222519/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/nyregion/de-blasio-family-begins-move-to-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Saul |first=Michael Howard |date=June 2, 2014 |title=De Blasio Family Begins Moving Into Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2014/06/02/de-blasio-family-begins-moving-into-gracie-mansion/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812135113/https://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2014/06/02/de-blasio-family-begins-moving-into-gracie-mansion/ |url-status=live}} it took almost two months.{{Cite news |last=Gay |first=Mara |date=July 29, 2014 |title=De Blasio Finally Settles Down at Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/de-blasio-finally-settles-down-at-gracie-mansion-1406600111 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=October 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020190052/http://online.wsj.com/articles/de-blasio-finally-settles-down-at-gracie-mansion-1406600111 |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |title=Mayor, family now live in historic Gracie Mansion |website=AP News |date=July 28, 2014 |url=https://apnews.com/e3e770620a304577a7cc906068f17d17 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926025916/https://apnews.com/e3e770620a304577a7cc906068f17d17 |url-status=live}} The de Blasio family furnished the second-floor living space with about $65,000{{Cite news |last=Grynbaum |first=Michael M. |date=July 31, 2014 |title=Décor at Gracie Mansion Now Fits De Blasio's Style |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/nyregion/with-new-furniture-gracie-mansions-style-now-reflects-the-mayor.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/nyregion/with-new-furniture-gracie-mansions-style-now-reflects-the-mayor.html |url-status=live}} or $70,000 of furniture donated by West Elm.{{cite web |last=Coscarelli |first=Joe |date=July 30, 2014 |title=The De Blasios Did Some Redecorating at Gracie Mansion, Thankfully |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/07/de-blasios-redecorated-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Intelligencer |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/07/de-blasios-redecorated-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}} Another $80,000 went toward security, cleaning, maintenance, and relocation of belongings.{{Cite news |last=Grynbaum |first=Michael M. |date=August 2, 2014 |title=Cost of Putting Mayor's Family in Gracie Mansion Nears $145,000 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/02/nyregion/cost-of-putting-mayors-family-in-new-home-nears-145000.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222520/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/02/nyregion/cost-of-putting-mayors-family-in-new-home-nears-145000.html |url-status=live}} The first floor was used for official events and city business.{{Cite news |last=Wolfe |first=Jonathan |date=December 15, 2017 |title=New York Today: Decking the Halls at Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/15/nyregion/new-york-today-decking-the-halls-at-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/15/nyregion/new-york-today-decking-the-halls-at-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}} At the NYPD's request, a tall fence was installed around the mansion in 2014 to protect de Blasio's family.{{cite web |last=Karni |first=Annie |title=Higher Fence Erected Around Gracie Mansion |website=New York Daily News |date=December 12, 2014 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/12/12/higher-fence-erected-around-gracie-mansion/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222519/https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/12/12/higher-fence-erected-around-gracie-mansion/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Flegenheimer |first=Matt |date=December 13, 2014 |title=Fence at Gracie Mansion Now Taller Than de Blasio |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/13/nyregion/fence-at-gracie-mansion-now-taller-than-de-blasio.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222520/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/13/nyregion/fence-at-gracie-mansion-now-taller-than-de-blasio.html |url-status=live}} The de Blasio administration estimated that it would host over 50 events a year at the mansion, and his wife Chirlane McCray hosted several exhibits at the mansion during de Blasio's mayoralty. By 2015, the roof was leaking and needed to undergo asbestos abatement.{{Cite news |last1=Fermino |first1=Jennifer |last2=Durkin |first2=Erin |date=April 10, 2015 |title=Gracie Needs Fixes |pages=13 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-needs-fixes/137579088/ |access-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229023605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-needs-fixes/137579088/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Barkan |first=Ross |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Bill De Blasio Says Gracie Mansion Has Asbestos and Water Leaks |url=https://observer.com/2015/04/bill-de-blasio-says-gracie-mansion-has-asbestos-and-water-leaks/ |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Observer |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://observer.com/2015/04/bill-de-blasio-says-gracie-mansion-has-asbestos-and-water-leaks/ |url-status=live}}

Eric Adams and his family lived in Gracie Mansion after he won the 2021 election.{{Cite news |last1=Merelman |first1=Stephen |last2=LaForgia |first2=Michael |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Mayor Eric Adams Wins Fight Over Rat Infestation Fine |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/08/nyregion/adams-rats-summons-apartment.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/08/nyregion/adams-rats-summons-apartment.html |url-status=live}} Following his victory, Adams implied that he might split his time between Gracie Mansion and his home in Brooklyn,{{cite web |last=Gartland |first=Michael |date=November 3, 2021 |title=Eric Adams Vows to Be NYC's 'Get Stuff Done' Mayor, Unsure About Residing at Gracie Mansion |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2021/11/03/eric-adams-vows-to-be-nycs-get-stuff-done-mayor-unsure-about-residing-at-gracie-mansion/ |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.nydailynews.com/2021/11/03/eric-adams-vows-to-be-nycs-get-stuff-done-mayor-unsure-about-residing-at-gracie-mansion/ |url-status=live}} then said that he would bring only his mattress to the mansion without redecorating it.{{cite web |last=Chang |first=Clio |date=December 14, 2021 |title=Eric Adams and Just His Mattress Are Moving to Gracie Mansion |url=https://www.curbed.com/2021/12/eric-adams-gracie-mansion-mattress.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Curbed |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.curbed.com/2021/12/eric-adams-gracie-mansion-mattress.html |url-status=live}} The house continued to be rented out for events such as weddings.{{cite web |last=Honan |first=Katie |date=May 1, 2023 |title=House Party: Mayor Turns Gracie Mansion Into Grand Prospect Hall for Weddings |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/05/01/eric-adams-weddings-gracie-mansion/ |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=The City|archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/05/01/eric-adams-weddings-gracie-mansion/ |url-status=live}}

On September 26, 2024, federal agents executed a search warrant at Gracie Mansion, a few hours before Adams was indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and illicit solicitation of foreign campaign donations, following an extensive criminal investigation into Adams and his associates.{{cite web | last1=Rubinstein | first1=Dana | last2=Rashbaum | first2=William K. | last3=Rothfeld | first3=Michael | last4=Wilson | first4=Michael | title=Mayor Adams, Confronted With Detailed Graft Charges, Says He Won't Quit | website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 | date=September 26, 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/26/nyregion/eric-adams-graft-charges.html | access-date=September 27, 2024}}{{cite web | last1=Dienst | first1=Jonathan | last2=Winter | first2=Tom | last3=Russo | first3=Melissa | last4=Copenhagen | first4=Courtney | title=FBI seizes Eric Adams' phone in Gracie Mansion search, lawyer says, as mayor charged | website=NBC New York | date=September 26, 2024 | url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/gracie-mansion-search-fbi-eric-adams/5831074/ | access-date=September 27, 2024}} Adams's phone was seized by the FBI during the search. A 20-year-old man scaled the mansion's fence early on January 1, 2025, and stole several items before he was arrested; Adams was not home at the time.{{Cite news |last=Maag |first=Christopher |date=2025-01-02 |title=Gracie Mansion Intruder Films Himself During New Year’s Break-In |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/02/nyregion/nyc-gracie-mansion-intruder.html |access-date=2025-01-02 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}

File:Gracie-mansion-2007.jpg

Archibald Gracie built the two-story wooden house in the Federal style.{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|p=2}} The design of the structure has been variously attributed to Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the French engineer responsible for the L'Enfant Plan in Washington, D.C.; Ezra Weeks, a prominent builder; or John McComb Jr., who had designed Hamilton Grange and New York City Hall. A 1959 news article described the house as originally measuring {{convert|50|by|65|ft}} across. Ellen Stern wrote that "calling this clapboard country house a mansion—rather than a manor house or villa—might seem an urban affectation when applied to so quaint a dwelling", but that its early occupants definitely considered it a mansion.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=108}}

There is a separate two-story wing next to the mansion, designed by Mott B. Schmidt; the wing is designed in a neo-Georgian style and has its own entrance. The new wing is known as the Susan B. Wagner Wing.{{cite web |last=Aronson |first=Steven M. L. |date=November 1, 2003 |title=See How Michael Bloomberg Restored Gracie Mansion |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/gracie-article-112003 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=Architectural Digest |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224214517/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/gracie-article-112003 |url-status=live}}

The original mansion's facade initially consisted of cream-colored clapboard panels and white trim, and there were green shutters flanking each window.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=19}}{{harvnb|Leapman|1999|ps=.|p=212}} Repainted several times over the years, the siding was painted ocher in 2002, and the trim and shutters were repainted in their original colors. The windows on the first and second floors are stacked atop each other in a manner that appears symmetrical. The eastern and western elevations of the facade are slightly asymmetrical because the house was expanded to the north in 1811. In addition, part of the basement is visible due to the slope of the site.

There is a porch around the southern and eastern elevations and on part of the northern elevation. The original porch around the mansion had a Chinese Chippendale–style balustrade; the current porch dates to 1984 and is of largely similar design. The balustrade is interspersed with Tuscan-style columns. On the eastern facade, the porch is accessed by a short stoop with two tall windows on either side. As built, the main doorway is divided into six panels and is topped by a fanlight and flanked by sidelights.{{cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/0179.pdf |title=Gracie Mansion |date=September 20, 1966 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223004903/https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/0179.pdf |url-status=live}} The semicircular fanlight is decorated with rosettes, while the sidelights are separated by pilasters. The doorway, attributed to L'Enfant, was originally on the north or south elevation but was placed on the east side of the house by 1811. The top of the main roof is surmounted by a Chinese Chippendale–style balustrade. There are four chimneys on the roof: two larger chimneys above the original 1799 structure and two smaller ones above the 1811 expansion.

The original house's southern elevation is placed behind the porch and contains four windows on each story. There is a narrow gap between the original house and the wing to the southwest. The western elevation of the original house was built with four windows on either story, but one of the first-story windows was replaced with a connection to the wing.{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|p=3}} On the northern elevation, the original house is designed symmetrically around a protruding central bay with rectangular windows on the first and second floors and a lunette window at the attic. The section of the porch to the left (east) of this bay is open-air, while the section of the porch to the right (west) is enclosed with glass.{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|pp=3–4}} The northern elevation of the wing has its own entrance from the mansion's driveway and has a clapboard facade. The entrance has a portico with hand-carved columns, which was based on a similar portico designed for the Tichnor family in Boston. Except for the portico columns, which are designed in the composite order, the wing largely duplicates the design details of the original house.

File:FIRST FLOOR, DETAIL SHOWING MAIN STAIR HALL, FROM EAST - Gracie Mansion, Carl Schurz Park, East Sixty-eighth Street, New York, New York County, NY HABS NY,31-NEYO,46-20.tif

The rooms of the main house retain the same layout as in 1811, although the designs of each room have been changed over the years. Before 1942, the house was used as a museum and had a restroom in the basement, a museum curator's office on the first floor, and a park supervisor's apartment on the second floor. Following the 1980s renovation, the mansion was redecorated with 19th-century chandeliers, mirrors, and other artifacts. The mansion includes around 14 rooms and eight bathrooms. In general, the rooms have wall dados, fireplaces, plain cornices, and high ceilings. The fireplaces in the house largely have classical designs with a mantelpiece shelf supported by tapering vertical pilasters.

As built, an entrance hall ran through the original house's first floor from north to south, flanked by two rooms on either side. A parlor and pantry were added to the north in an 1811 renovation. When the mansion was converted into the mayor's residence in 1942, the present-day living room, library, and dining room were preserved, and a new pantry, dining room, and kitchen were built on the first floor. Over the years, all of these rooms have had several different names.{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=108}}

There is a foyer with a black-and-white trompe-l'œil pattern on the floor, which in turn surrounds a compass rose.{{cite web |date=December 2, 2017 |title=NYC's Gracie Mansion—the Resilient 'People's House' |url=https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/12/02/ycs-gracie-mansion-the-resilient-peoples-house/117576582/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Herald Times |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230738/https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/12/02/ycs-gracie-mansion-the-resilient-peoples-house/117576582/ |url-status=live}} This foyer, designed by Stephen Gemberling, dates to an 1980s renovation and is based on the original design of the foyer's floor.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=145–146}} Although the trompe-l'œil pattern was reportedly cheaper than importing real marble, Koch claimed it would have been cheaper to just install real marble. The foyer also has a fireplace with decorations that resemble those at the main entrance. A Sheraton settee was installed in the foyer during the renovation.

To the right of the main foyer is the parlor, also known as the living room or drawing room, with a large marble fireplace. The parlor, added during the expansion of 1811, has full-height windows that face the house's porch. Compared with the other rooms in the mansion, the drawing room has deeper windows; its marble fireplace mantel is decorated with plain columns and a linear relief pattern. There are also a service door to the north and windows to the east.{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|p=5}}

To the left of the foyer, at the rear of the house, is a dining room that seats 22 people. After the 1980s renovation, it included a French Empire sideboard made in the U.S. and 1830s French wallpaper that depicted rustic and classical scenes. The wallpaper was salvaged from a house in Albany, New York. There is also a fireplace that is placed off-center along one wall. The dining table itself, made in 1815 for the Gracies, is constructed of marble and oak wood. The library—also known as the small parlor, study, and sitting roomis next to the dining room and in front of it. The library's windows include etchings of the names of Gracie's granddaughter Millie; John Lindsay's daughter Margi;{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|2005|p=110}} Caroline Giuliani; and Donna Hanover.{{Cite news |last=Castro |first=Isabel |date=March 28, 2012 |title=Gracie Mansion Fun Facts |page=3 |work=AM New York |id={{ProQuest|1009024979}}}} Bloomberg's daughters Georgina and Emma also etched their names into the window. Both the library and the dining room date from the house's 1799 completion.

A curving staircase, at the rear of the house, leads from the first floor to the second. As built, the second floor had three bedrooms accessed by a central hallway, as well as two smaller rooms that were probably used for storage. The second floor was refitted with four bedrooms (each with a private bathroom), as well as a sitting room, in 1942. One of the bedrooms is a guest bedroom, while the others are used by the mayor's family. The master bedroom and the adjacent sitting room occupy the former site of the park supervisor's apartment. When Koch was mayor, a secure bunker was installed in the bathroom adjoining the mayor's bedroom.{{Cite news |last1=Browne |first1=Arthur |last2=Collins |first2=Dan |last3=Goodwin |first3=Michael |date=July 25, 1985 |title=Gracie Mansion: Home Sweet Bunker |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion-home-sweet-bu/138060375/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=54 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105005138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion-home-sweet-bu/138060375/ |url-status=live}}

The basement originally contained the kitchen and may have also included staff quarters. The 1942 renovation added four servants' rooms, an office for the park's caretaker, and an office for the mayor's bodyguards to the basement. There is a gift shop in the basement.

File:FIRST FLOOR, NEW WING, DETAIL OF FIREPLACE, WEST WALL OF PARLOR - Gracie Mansion, Carl Schurz Park, East Sixty-eighth Street, New York, New York County, NY HABS NY,31-NEYO,46-31.tif

When the Wagner wing was built, it nearly doubled the mansion's size.{{Cite news |date=July 29, 2014 |title=Mayor, Family Now Live in Historic Gracie Mansion |pages=5 |work=The Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-citizen-mayor-family-now-live-in-hi/137571568/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228231259/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-citizen-mayor-family-now-live-in-hi/137571568/ |url-status=live}} The annex could seat up to 150 people at once. An open terrace, extending off the wing, could fit another 150 guests. The Wagner wing has a Federal-style mirror, as well as four fireplace mantels and hearths, salvaged from other 18th-century houses in the city. Various pieces of antique furniture were loaned, donated, or purchased for the Wagner wing,{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Vivian |date=October 24, 1966 |title=New York Mayor's Residence |page=B5 |work=The Sun |id={{ProQuest|539565457}}}} including an 1820s Duncan Phyfe table built for Joseph Bonaparte. Although the annex was finished in 1966, it was not connected to the main house for over two decades, as Susan Wagner had wanted the two structures to be separate. A hall, sometimes known as the hyphen, was constructed between the main house and annex in the 1980s, requiring the relocation of the mansion's original main stairway.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|pp=146–147}}

The wing is accessed by a hallway with a marble floor and a {{convert|17.25|ft|m|-high|adj=mid}} ceiling. Inside the main level of the wing is a ballroom (originally known as the Susan Edwards Wagner Ballroom), the design of which is based on that of the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts. Gracie Mansion's ballroom measures either {{cvt|48|x|25|ft}}{{cite news |last=Herzig |first=Doris |date=March 11, 1966 |title=Gracie Mansion Takes on New Dimension |page=93 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915255273}}}} or {{cvt|50|x|24|ft}} across and has a coved ceiling measuring {{convert|18|ft}} high.{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=125}} The walls of the ballroom were originally decorated with French windows and gray-blue walls, topped by a frieze with garlands and fruit bowls. There are also 12 neoclassical columns throughout the ballroom. A chandelier from 1783 hangs from the ceiling, and eight lighting sconces are mounted onto the walls. A portrait of Susan Wagner, painted by Willy Pogany, was also displayed in the ballroom. The ballroom's Adam style mantel was salvaged from the James Watson House, the residence of Archibald Gracie's brother-in-law Moses Rogers.

Flanking the ballroom are two smaller rooms: a dining room and a reception room.{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1975|p=4}} There is also a serving pantry on the ballroom level. The dining room's mantel was salvaged from a house on Greenwich Street. Mark Hampton redecorated the ballroom, dining room, and reception room in the Federal style during the 1980s. The basement was constructed with a conference room, an office for the mayor, and another office for the mayor's secretary. The conference room was designed to fit at least 30 people, and press offices also occupied the basement.

The mansion has served as the official New York City mayor's residence since 1942. Visiting official guests may also sleep at the house, and numerous mayors have invited their political allies to the mansion.{{Cite news |last=Poster |first=Tom |date=September 15, 1982 |title=Making a Run in the Silk Stocking District |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-making-a-run-in-the-silk-stoc/138052420/ |access-date=January 4, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=103 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225800/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-making-a-run-in-the-silk-stoc/138052420/ |url-status=live}} The house has also been used for ceremonies and governmental business.

Gracie Mansion remained valuable into the early 21st century. A real-estate expert estimated in 2008 that the house could be auctioned for $250 million,{{Cite news |date=September 19, 2008 |title=Gracie Mansion; Official Residence of the Mayor of New York City |pages=118 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion-official-resi/137566223/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228215330/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gracie-mansion-official-resi/137566223/ |url-status=live}} and Vanity Fair magazine wrote in 2014 that the house and site were worth an estimated $125 million to $200 million.{{cite magazine |last=Makarechi |first=Kia |date=June 26, 2014 |title=De Blasio's New Home Has History of Rodents, Marriage Woes |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/politics/2014/06/de-blasio-gracie-mansion-history-rats |access-date=December 24, 2023 |magazine=Vanity Fair |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401213038/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/politics/2014/06/de-blasio-gracie-mansion-history-rats |url-status=live}} The New York Times reported in the late 1970s that the mansion also increased the value of mayors' pensions even after they retired. For instance, although Abraham Beame earned $60,000 a year just before he left office in 1977, he also received a $30,000 benefit from using the mansion, making his total pension $90,000 a year.{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Maurice |date=July 7, 1978 |title=Beame's Gracie Mansion Tenancy Put $30,000 Extra on His Pension |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/07/07/archives/beames-gracie-mansion-tenancy-put-30000-extra-on-his-pension-what.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102002440/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/07/07/archives/beames-gracie-mansion-tenancy-put-30000-extra-on-his-pension-what.html |url-status=live}} Due to its role, the mansion has sometimes been described as the "People's House" or New York City's "Little White House".{{cite web |first=Rebecca |last=Fiore |title=Gracie Mansion's 150-Year Journey to Housing Mayors |website=amNewYork |date=November 30, 2017 |url=https://www.amny.com/news/gracie-mansions-150-year-journey-housing-mayors/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106022405/https://www.amny.com/news/gracie-mansions-150-year-journey-housing-mayors/ |url-status=live}}

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has owned the house since before it became a mayoral residence. The mansion's upkeep is partially overseen by the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, a public–private partnership formed in 1981 under Ed Koch's mayoralty. The conservancy was originally established to restore the mansion and preserve it. By the 1990s, the conservancy also employed a curator and assistant curator for the mansion. The Gracie Mansion Conservancy oversees educational programs and events at the mansion.{{cite web |title=A Brief History of Gracie Mansion |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/gracie_video.html |access-date=June 18, 2022 |work=The Official Website of the City of New York |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607195336/https://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/gracie_video.html |url-status=live}} In 2012, it was recorded as having a $1.7 million annual operating budget, most of which was paid by the city. The house is a member of the Historic House Trust.

Although the mansion was closed for public tours between 1942 and 1980, it has often been open to the public since then, even when in use as a mayoral residence.{{cite magazine |last=Marantz |first=Andrew |date=January 13, 2014 |title=The People's House |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/01/20/the-peoples-house |access-date=December 28, 2023 |magazine=The New Yorker |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228222519/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/01/20/the-peoples-house |url-status=live}} {{As of|2024}}, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy provides tours of the mansion one day a week;{{cite web |title=Gracie Mansion |url=https://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/gracie_video.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |publisher=Government of New York City |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103162514/https://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/gracie_video.html |url-status=live}} the tours cover the first floor.{{Cite web |title=Book A Tour |url=https://www.graciemansion.org/book-a-tour/ |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Gracie Mansion Conservancy |language=en |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513204458/https://www.graciemansion.org/book-a-tour/ |url-status=live}} The de Blasio family suspended tours of the house between 2014 and 2016.{{cite web |last=Christ |first=Lindsey |date=January 26, 2017 |title=Gracie Mansion Reopens to School Tours for the First Time in De Blasio's Administration |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/bronx/education/2017/01/25/gracie-mansion-reopens-to-school-tours-for-the-first-time-in-de-blasio-s-administration |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=ny1.com |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230738/https://ny1.com/nyc/bronx/education/2017/01/25/gracie-mansion-reopens-to-school-tours-for-the-first-time-in-de-blasio-s-administration |url-status=live}} Visitors were banned from taking photographs except in the Wagner Ballroom. The public has also been invited to the mansion for special occasions such as annual trick-or-treating events.See, for example:{{cite web |last=Morales |first=Monica |title=Halloween at Gracie Mansion Tickets Available to PIX11 Viewers |website=PIX11 |date=October 19, 2023 |url=https://pix11.com/things-to-do/halloween-at-gracie-mansion-tickets-available/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://pix11.com/things-to-do/halloween-at-gracie-mansion-tickets-available/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |title=Haunted Mansion: Mayor Hosts Halloween Party for Disadvantaged Children at Gracie Mansion |website=NY1 |date=October 30, 2016 |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2016/10/30/haunted-mansion--mayor-hosts-halloween-party-for-disadvantaged-children-at-gracie-mansion |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2016/10/30/haunted-mansion--mayor-hosts-halloween-party-for-disadvantaged-children-at-gracie-mansion |url-status=live}}

Besides official business, Gracie Mansion has hosted other types of events over the years. Its first fashion show took place in 1956.{{Cite news |last=McCarty |first=Agnes |date=May 15, 1956 |title=Gracie Mansion Is the Host To Its First Fashion Show; Bare-Arm Cottons Turn Cool Shoulder to Summer |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/05/15/archives/gracie-mansion-is-the-host-to-its-first-fashion-show-barearm.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231003045/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/05/15/archives/gracie-mansion-is-the-host-to-its-first-fashion-show-barearm.html |url-status=live}} The mansion also has hosted exhibitions during its time as a mayoral residence. This included a 2015 exhibit of artifacts relating to minority groups;{{cite web |last=Alcindor |first=Yamiche |title=Gracie Mansion Publicly Reopening with New, Diverse Art Installation |website=USA Today |date=October 24, 2015 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/10/24/gracie-mansion-publicy-reopening-with-new-diverse-art-installation/74467042/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230738/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/10/24/gracie-mansion-publicy-reopening-with-new-diverse-art-installation/74467042/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Eve M. |date=October 14, 2015 |title=Gracie Mansion Updates Its Art With Diversity |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/15/arts/design/gracie-mansion-updates-its-art-with-diversity.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230739/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/15/arts/design/gracie-mansion-updates-its-art-with-diversity.html |url-status=live}} a 2017 exhibit with World War II–era artifacts;{{cite web |last=Durkin |first=Erin |title=Gracie Mansion to Exhibit More Than 50 Artworks, Artifacts from World War II Era |website=New York Daily News |date=March 1, 2017 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2017/03/01/gracie-mansion-to-exhibit-more-than-50-artworks-artifacts-from-world-war-ii-era/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230739/https://www.nydailynews.com/2017/03/01/gracie-mansion-to-exhibit-more-than-50-artworks-artifacts-from-world-war-ii-era/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Eve M. |date=March 1, 2017 |title=Gracie Mansion to Display Artifacts From World War II Era |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/arts/design/gracie-mansion-to-display-artifacts-from-world-war-ii-era.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230738/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/arts/design/gracie-mansion-to-display-artifacts-from-world-war-ii-era.html |url-status=live}} a 2019 exhibit of women's paintings;{{Cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Jillian |date=January 20, 2019 |title=On Display at the People's House: A Century of Persistence |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/20/arts/design/art-by-women-at-gracie-mansion.html |access-date=December 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/20/arts/design/art-by-women-at-gracie-mansion.html |url-status=live}} and a 2020 exhibit on social justice.{{Cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |date=February 20, 2020 |title=With Final Gracie Mansion Show, First Lady Aims to Secure Arts Legacy |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/arts/design/chirlane-mccray-gracie-mansion-art.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230738/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/arts/design/chirlane-mccray-gracie-mansion-art.html |url-status=live}} The mansion has also been used as a meeting place for clubs such as the Gracie Book Club.{{cite web |title=NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray Launches Gracie Mansion Book Club |website=CBS New York |date=April 12, 2016 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/gracie-mansion-book-club/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230738/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/gracie-mansion-book-club/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 18, 2016 |title=A Book Club Debuts at Gracie Mansion |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-book-club-debuts-at-gracie-mansion-1463602561 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228230903/https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-book-club-debuts-at-gracie-mansion-1463602561 |url-status=live}}

File:The Mayor's House II (3666227753).jpg

One writer from 1913 said that "there are evidences of its old-time grandeur, when it entertained some of the brightest men of the day in this country". Another writer said in 1922 that "no resident of such a mansion could wish to travel or to forsake its cheerful rooms always suggestive of home", while The Atlanta Constitution called it "a worthy example of the solidity and beauty of early New York architecture" in 1927. A writer for The Baltimore Sun said in 1931 that "its neat and happy present brings to mind certain outlines of its domestic past".{{Cite news |last=Dunham |first=Elizabeth N. |date=December 27, 1931 |title=Old Mansions in New York: A Glimpse of Colonial Days in the Midst of the Modern City |work=The Sun |page=SM9 |id={{ProQuest|538855508}}}} A decade later, a writer for The Christian Science Monitor described the site "a most fitting frame for the office of the city's Chief Executive". The Christian Science Monitor writer contrasted its preservation with the planned demolition of Castle Clinton, which had been approved shortly beforehand. The New York Herald Tribune wrote that no other mayoral residence in the city's history was "more gracious or larger than Gracie Mansion".

When the Wagner annex was proposed in 1965, New York Times architecture critic Ada Louise Huxtable described it as "notable for its scholarly and appropriate good taste", compared to the original plan for the house's expansion, which she compared to a suburban garage.{{Cite news |last=Huxtable |first=Ada Louise |date=January 12, 1965 |title=A Plan of Taste; Design for Wing at Gracie Mansion Overcomes Some Awkward Problems |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/12/archives/a-plan-of-taste-design-for-wing-at-gracie-mansion-overcomes-some.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233502/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/12/archives/a-plan-of-taste-design-for-wing-at-gracie-mansion-overcomes-some.html |url-status=live}} After the annex was completed, Huxtable said that the annex "is worth every penny that the city did not spend", in part because of the craftsmanship and furnishings of the interiors, as well as the fact that the exterior neither directly replicated nor clashed with the facade of the original mansion.{{Cite news |last=Huxtable |first=Ada Louise |date=September 28, 1966 |title=A Worthwhile Addition; The Reception Wing of Gracie Mansion, Viewed as Object Lesson in Excellence |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/28/archives/a-worthwhile-addition-the-reception-wing-of-gracie-mansion-viewed-a.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233501/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/28/archives/a-worthwhile-addition-the-reception-wing-of-gracie-mansion-viewed-a.html |url-status=live}} The Christian Science Monitor wrote in 1966 that the annex was "of architectural and interior distinction, which reflects warmth and a welcoming sense of hospitality". In 2002, architectural historian Christopher Gray wrote that the annex's interior was "oddly oversized" and that the details in the annex's central hall, although appropriate for the 1960s, "looks like applique".

The New York Daily News wrote in 1973 that the mansion was "a dignified dowager of early American architecture" that remained a prominent presence on the East River. When the mansion's renovation was announced in 1982, a writer for the New York Daily News praised the mansion's "18th century farmhouse look, its human scale, its graceful rooms, its embracing porch and unbelievable (for Manhattan) setting" but criticized plans to convert the house into a cultural showcase.{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Beth |date=July 5, 1982 |title=The Ochre Ogre of Gracie Mansion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-ochre-ogre-of-gracie-mans/138053209/ |access-date=January 4, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=63 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225758/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-ochre-ogre-of-gracie-mans/138053209/ |url-status=live}} After the renovation, a reporter for the Sun Sentinel wrote in 1985 that "it is the interior decoration that has literally transformed the house" and that the previous mayors' decorations were "dowdy". Referring to Gracie Mansion and City Hall in 1987, a Times writer said: "For all its rush to change, New York, contrarily, installs its seat of power in two of the oldest, most elegant buildings with the most classical lines in New York."{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Richard F. |date=May 29, 1987 |title=Landmark New York Dwellings Still Speak of Bucolic Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/29/arts/landmark-new-york-dewllings-still-speak-of-bucolic-times.html |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026171033/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/29/arts/landmark-new-york-dewllings-still-speak-of-bucolic-times.html |url-status=live}} A reviewer for The Herald-Times wrote in 2017 that "Gracie Mansion abounds in architectural and decorative interest", citing the floor and furniture of the foyer as being of particular interest.

Gracie Mansion was one of 6,500 buildings in the U.S. that were photographed as part of the Historic American Buildings Survey between 1933 and 1942.{{cite news |date=February 16, 1942 |title=Noted Houses Listed by U.S. In Case of Bombs: Gracie Mansion Is Among 6,500 Put on Record for Possible Reconstruction |page=15 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1267863090}}}} The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission considered designating Gracie Mansion as a city landmark in March 1966,{{Cite news |last=Ennis |first=Thomas W. |date=March 9, 1966 |title=Preservation Urged for 'Village' and Chelsea Sites |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/09/archives/preservation-urged-for-village-and-chelsea-sites-landmarks-group.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101002524/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/09/archives/preservation-urged-for-village-and-chelsea-sites-landmarks-group.html |url-status=live}} and the mansion was designated as such later the same year.{{Cite news |date=October 7, 1966 |title=Gramercy Park Area Given Historic Designation; 50 Structures Included in Preservation District Gracie Mansion Also Picked as City Landmark |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/07/archives/gramercy-park-area-given-historic-designation-50-structures.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925005146/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/07/archives/gramercy-park-area-given-historic-designation-50-structures.html |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}} It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975,{{Cite news |date=June 17, 1975 |title=Metropolitan Briefs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/17/archives/metropolitan-briefs-gracie-mansion-now-a-historic-place-suffolk-gop.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101213522/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/17/archives/metropolitan-briefs-gracie-mansion-now-a-historic-place-suffolk-gop.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=John |date=November 22, 1981 |title=Amazing Gracie: Mayors' Mansion |pages=304 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-amazing-gracie-mayors-mansi/137864665/ |access-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102021528/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-amazing-gracie-mayors-mansi/137864665/ |url-status=live}} following advocacy from Beame and LPC chairwoman Beverly Moss Spatt.{{Cite news |last=Herman |first=Robin |date=August 25, 1974 |title=Drive On to Get Gracie Mansion In U.S. Historic-Place Register |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/25/archives/drive-on-to-get-gracie-mansion-in-us-historicplace-register.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101221933/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/25/archives/drive-on-to-get-gracie-mansion-in-us-historicplace-register.html |url-status=live}}

The mansion was depicted in a 1952 exhibit of historic homes presented by the New-York Historical Society (N-YHS),{{Cite news |date=January 20, 1952 |title=City's Homesteads of Yore Recalled; Historical Society's Exhibit to Depict Rural Manhattan of the 1750–1860 Period |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/01/20/archives/citys-homesteads-of-yore-recalled-historical-societys-exhibit-to.html |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103203154/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/01/20/archives/citys-homesteads-of-yore-recalled-historical-societys-exhibit-to.html |url-status=live}} and was the subject of another N-YHS exhibition in 1981.{{Cite news |date=November 23, 1981 |title=Gracie Mansion Subject Of Museum Exhibition |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/23/arts/gracie-mansion-subject-of-museum-exhibition.html |access-date=January 2, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102013148/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/23/arts/gracie-mansion-subject-of-museum-exhibition.html |url-status=live}} At the end of 1966, after the mansion's Wagner wing was completed, the wing and the original mansion were shown in a half-hour WCBS-TV broadcast.{{Cite news |last=Gould |first=Jack |date=December 28, 1966 |title=TV: In Gracie Mansion; Mrs. Lindsay Conducts Tasteful Tour Governor's Job Viewed on Channel 13 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/12/28/archives/tv-in-gracie-mansion-mrs-lindsay-conducts-tasteful-tour-governors.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231233503/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/12/28/archives/tv-in-gracie-mansion-mrs-lindsay-conducts-tasteful-tour-governors.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 29, 1966 |title=TV Casts an Admiring Eye on City's Gracie Mansion |pages=261 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tv-casts-an-admiring-eye-on-c/137834574/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101210928/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tv-casts-an-admiring-eye-on-c/137834574/ |url-status=live}} During Gracie Mansion's 1980s renovation, N-YHS curator Mary Black was commissioned to write a book about the mansion's history.{{harvnb|Wiseman|1982|ps=.|pp=38–39}}

The mansion has also been the setting of, or filming location for, several fictional media works. The original footage from the TV show The Yule Log was filmed at Gracie Mansion in 1966 and shown on WPIX-TV (channel 11).{{harvnb|Stern|2005|ps=.|p=107}}{{Cite news |last=Maksian |first=George |date=December 21, 1989 |title=Ch. 11 Snuffs out Its 'Yule Log' Tradition |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ch-11-snuffs-out-its-yule-l/138065511/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=96 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105021637/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ch-11-snuffs-out-its-yule-l/138065511/ |url-status=live}} Several scenes in the 1974 film The Taking of Pelham One Two Three depicted the house's exterior and interior,{{Cite news |last=Sayre |first=Nora |date=October 3, 1974 |title='Pelham One Two Three,' Starring Matthau, Catches the City's Mood |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/03/archives/pelham-one-two-three-starring-matthau-catches-the-citys-mood.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211165933/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/03/archives/pelham-one-two-three-starring-matthau-catches-the-citys-mood.html |url-status=live}} although the interior scenes were filmed at Wave Hill in the Bronx, where one room was redesigned to resemble Gracie Mansion.{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=February 21, 1974 |title=Will the Real Movie Mayor Stand Up? |pages=57 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-will-the-real-movie-mayor-sta/137845813/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101223209/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-will-the-real-movie-mayor-sta/137845813/ |url-status=live}} The movies Ghostbusters II (1989) and City Hall (1996) were set at Gracie Mansion, as was the 1997 novel The Puttermesser Papers by Cynthia Ozick.{{Cite news |last=Bernstein |first=Richard |date=June 11, 1997 |title=A Passionate Idealist With a Golem and Bad Luck |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/11/books/a-passionate-idealist-with-a-golem-and-bad-luck.html |access-date=August 23, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918233316/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/11/books/a-passionate-idealist-with-a-golem-and-bad-luck.html |url-status=live}} The mansion and its surroundings were used extensively as a setting in Linda Fairstein's 2010 novel Hell Gate; Fairstein said she had set the novel at the mansion because "it had a history and physical beauty that fascinated me".{{cite news |last=Salamone |first=Gina |date=March 7, 2010 |title=A Monumental Murder Murder. Suspense Book Set at Gracie Mansion Offers Clues to New York History |page=12 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|306331801}}}}

De Blasio's wife Chirlane McCray has claimed the mansion is haunted, alleging that there are sounds of doors opening and closing by themselves, and creaks from the wooden floorboard. She also claimed to have heard the whispers from the daughter of Archibald Gracie.{{Cite news |last=Mascali |first=Nikki M. |date=October 26, 2017 |title=New York City's first lady talks Halloween and her haunted home |url=https://www.metro.us/new-york-citys-first-lady-talks-halloween-and-her-haunted-home/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=Metro US}}{{Cite news |last=Warner |first=Adam |date=May 22, 2022 |title=Adams says 'ghosts' haunt Gracie Mansion: 'They're creeping around' |url=https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/adams-says-there-are-ghosts-haunting-gracie-mansion |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=1010 WINS |via=Audacy}} During an interview with CBS, Eric Adams also claimed the mansion is haunted;{{Cite news |date=April 28, 2023 |title=Is Gracie Mansion haunted? Mayor Eric Adams tells CBS2 "there's an energy" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mayor-eric-adams-gracie-mansion-haunted-ghosts/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |publisher=CBS News}} he has repeated McCray's claims.{{Cite news |last=Goldiner |first=Dave |date=May 11, 2022 |title=NYC Mayor Eric Adams says Gracie Mansion is haunted |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2022/05/11/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-says-gracie-mansion-is-haunted/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=New York Daily News}} Adams also claimed to have seen objects moving around in the mansion. When a broadcaster asked him if he felt the mansion was cool enough for him, he responded, "No, it’s not, trust me, .... I don’t care what anyone says, there are ghosts in there, man."{{Cite news |last=Culliton |first=Kathleen |date=May 11, 2022 |title=Mayor Eric Adams Won't Live At Gracie Mansion, But Ghosts Do, He Says |url=https://patch.com/new-york/upper-east-side-nyc/mayor-eric-adams-wont-live-gracie-mansions-ghosts-do-he-says |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=Patch}} The alleged haunting is attributed as a possible reason as to why Adams has hesitated to stay in the mansion for long periods of time,{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Julie |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Inside Gracie Mansion as NYC Mayor Eric Adams Is Indicted and Feds Search Official Residence |url=https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-indicted-feds-search-gracie-mansion/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=Realtor}} but others have claimed that it was an excuse for Adams not to move.

• List of museums and cultural institutions in New York City
• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 59th to 110th Streets
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 59th to 110th Streets

Explanatory notes

{{Notelist}}

Inflation figures

{{notelist-lr}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Black |first=Mary |title=New York City's Gracie Mansion: A History of the Mayor's House |publisher=Gracie Mansion Conservancy |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-9613729-0-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fydOAQAAIAAJ}}
• {{cite book |last=Brown |first=Henry Collins |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=twYcAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA140 |title=Valentine's Manual of Old New York |publisher=Valentine's manual, Incorporated |year=1924}}
• {{cite report |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/75001205.pdf |title=Gracie (Archibald) Mansion |date=May 12, 1975 |publisher=National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service |ref={{harvid|National Park Service|1975}}}}
• {{cite book |last=Leapman |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MZGeKHubAfUC&pg=PA214 |title=The Companion Guide to New York |publisher=Companion Guides |year=1999 |isbn=978-1-900639-32-3 |series=Companion Guides}}
• {{cite book |last=Stern |first=Ellen |title=Gracie Mansion: A Celebration of New York City's Mayoral Residence |publisher=Rizzoli |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-8478-6956-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DlVOEAAAQBAJ}}
• {{cite magazine |last=Wiseman |first=Carter |date=September 13, 1982 |title=A More Stately Mansion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2ucCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36 |magazine=New York |language=en |publisher=New York Media, LLC |issn=0028-7369}}

{{commons category|Gracie Mansion}}

• [https://www.graciemansion.org/ Gracie Mansion Conservancy site]
• {{cite web |website=Memory.loc.gov |url=http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/hh:@field(NUMBER+@band(NY0368)) |title=Library of Congress materials about Gracie Mansion}}

{{Upper East Side}}

{{National Register of Historic Places in New York}}

{{Museums in Manhattan|state=collapsed}}

Category:1790s architecture

Category:1799 establishments in New York (state)

Category:Federal architecture in New York City

Category:Government buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan

Category:Government of New York City

Category:Gracie–King family

Category:Historic house museums in New York City

Category:Houses completed in 1799

Category:Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan

Category:John McComb Jr. buildings

Category:Local government buildings in the United States

Category:Mayors' mansions in the United States

Category:Museums in Manhattan

Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan

Category:New York State Register of Historic Places in New York County

Category:Reportedly haunted locations in New York (state)

Category:Yorkville, Manhattan