618 is a fantastic place for those that want a built in social scene. Plenty of MBA1s and 2s, which makes it a great place to meet folks.
Rent is pricey, but you are paying for living in a higher end building and the premium of a built in network.

The apartments are big, new, and clean with high ceilings. New management seems to be doing a better job than the last team. Coffee machine breaks down frequently but they are purchasing a replacement that should arrive soon. This is a smaller piece but the hallways are painted/lit in a way that feels a little college dormy, but outside of that, the building aesthetic is great.

As of September of this year, the management company changed because the old company was delinquent on bills and was not actually managing any services at the building. The new team appears to be competent, though they have a long backlog of issues that's taking some time to work through. Rooms are high quality, but the overall package of services isn't quite as nice compared to buildings with comparable rent in Chicago. The package organization system is a mess, the communal grills leave a little consistency to be desired, and the process of moving in/out is a nightmare. However, just about everything else has been in line with what I'd expect for this price--functioning utilities, excellent soundproofing between units, good common areas, and quick maintenance (post operating transition).

I picked it because its a cheap 1 bed. The location is good for Ross. There's a good bit of space. Natural light is bad in my particular unit. Washer/dryer sets me back $3+ per load.
Doing this again I'd invest the extra 300-400 a month to relieve stress on furnishing, wifi, get a slightly nicer place.

It has been a good experience except for issues with the washer/dryer.

Great spot, just wish it wasn't so expensive

618 is mostly filled with MBA/PHD/working professionals. Its amenities are great and living is spacious. The concrete walls ensure that a quiet atmosphere is upheld, especially if you live on the Ashley St Side. Pros: New build with new appliances/ amenities, awesome maintenance staff, surrounded by other MBAs, in home laundry. Cons: Main St side can be a little noisy, not a lot of sunlight on Main St side, $$$, high management turnover.

Gym is great, they host socials, study room is awesome, coffee bar is a life saver in the mornings!

Overall, had a good experience here last year and that's carrying on so far this year. Been a lot of management turnover since moving in, but haven't personally had issues. Great location close to other MBAs and ~15 min walk to Ross and also relatively close to the Main St area of downtown. Didn't get to make much use out of the amenities last year because of COVID and restrictions, but things are more open now (gym, business center, lounge, etc.) and management has been trying to put on more events with food and drinks. Can't really hear neighbors because of concrete walls, which is nice. Generally a quieter building. Can definitely hear train and some traffic (depending on your floor), especially if you are on the Main St. side. Another potential con is needing to bring furniture as the building isn't furnished.

The location is amazing with about a 20 minute walk to Ross and a 5 minute walk to Main St. Front office management has gone through some turnover and it feels like they are always trying to nickel and dime us for expenses. For example, when we renewed our lease for the MBA2 year they had a 3% increase in our rent even though we were re-signing the same lease. One good thing is the maintenance team is awesome and very responsive.