A Scottish-born shipping magnate and early American businessman and merchant in New York City and Virginia whose spacious home, Gracie Mansion, now serves as the residence of the Mayor of New York City.

Jamie Drake of Drake Design Associates discusses his restoration and redecoration of the Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City. Jamie Drake focused on reestablishing both its original 18th Century Federal style and paying homage to the more recent renovations of the late 20th-century.

Susan Danilow, Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy tells the history of the building.

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