6. Gracie Mansion

In 1799, Archibald Gracie had a federal style country house built for him (and designed by an unknown archiect). The house and its grounds were appropriated by New York City in 1896. Over the years the house has served as concession stand, restroom facility, and home of the Museum of the City of New York. In 1942, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia moved into the house and it has remained the mayoral house ever since. Gracie Mansion, whose very existence is owed to Robert Moses, is opened for tours, and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York.