Overall, I got a steal. Units in this building are large for the price point (my 1 bd is ~900 sq ft). The 172 bus stops directly outside the building, so no long waits in the snow, and there are amenities on the exterior of the building (coffee, hair salons, Dominos, etc.).

Mail however, has been a recurring issue. USPS refused to deliver to apartment mailboxes and packages tend to go missing in the occasion they actually arrive. Ivy has contracted "Fetch" couriers, which helps a lot. Management is difficult to reach and payment can be tricky.

I've had ups and downs with this building. My biggest complaint is that the walls and floors do not restrict the sound transfer between apartments. You really are at the mercy of your neighbors. Also, this past year, management renovated the ballroom on the top floor of the building (it used to be a hotel). They typically only have events on the weekends, but you can hear the music throughout the upper floors (9-12). It gets deadening as you move up floors. There's also a lot of issues with smoking in the building, and since there is no central air, you often get that smoke smell inside your apartment. I've made a few very inexpensive upgrades to my place so that this isn't an issue.

This building has literally no amenities, so keep that in mind if you rent here. We have a laundry room, but it's bare bones. The location is super convenient in Hyde Park though. Five minute walk to Whole Foods, ten minute walk to Trader Joes, three minute walk to the 6 bus that takes you downtown. Super easy access to the 53rd street corridor yet far away enough that you don't get all the commotion. Maintenance is very responsive and the property managers generally take good care of the building.

I love this place and I'm betting property values in Hyde Park will continue to rise, so it's probably a neutral-to-good investment.

The University Building at 5107 S Blackstone is pretty much what you'd expect. Rent is as good as you'll find anywhere, and all the utilities are included (electricity surcharge applies if you want to install a window AC unit but that's it). There are no extra amenities on site, but you're not paying for that. The building is also very quiet--mostly couples and some families with young children, but you'd never know that based on noise.

The building is old, but not run-down. Just a bit shabby. Everything works fine however, and gets fixed right away if it breaks. Good plumbing and insulation, gas stove/oven. There have been no issues with building security, break-ins, or stolen packages as far as I know. The surrounding areas have had relatively few muggings/etc compared with the rest of Hyde Park as well.

The location is fine for being in Hyde Park. It's right on the 172 bus line to get to campus, and it's also on/near the 2, 6, and Metra to get downtown quickly. The main shopping/restaurant area in Hyde Park is 2 blocks south at 53rd Street so that is convenient as well.