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Its $7-million restoration complete, Gracie Mansion recalls the elegance of the early 19th century, when shipping magnate Archibald Gracie entertained national and international dignitaries at what was then his country home.
But the ocher-yellow, Federal-style frame house at 88th Street overlooking the East River - where nine city mayors, starting with Fiorella LaGuardia, lived - is now the "people's house."
It was given that designation by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who decided not to make Gracie Mansion his dwelling place and instead sought to transform it for increased use by city agencies for meetings and events and for educational programs and tours for children and the public.
Friday, the city unveiled the results of the privately funded renovation, begun in May. Eye-catching standouts in the two-story house, built in 1799, include its floor-to-ceiling windows; mosaic- tile bathrooms; columned 25- by 40-foot ballroom with a room-size...