Who The Blackwood Suits (and Who It Doesn’t)
The Blackwood is a mid‑range apartment-style residence at 60615 in Chicago, close to the Hyde Park area. With monthly rent starting at $1,685 and reaching $2,370 (indicative — confirm with the operator), it sits well above the city’s low‑end student housing price of $600/month, reflecting its location and full‑apartment format. This property suits students or young professionals who value independence and space (private 1‑bedroom or 2‑bedroom floorplans) and who are comfortable navigating a building that lacks round‑the‑clock front desk staffing and strict access controls.
It is not a good fit for anyone who wants a tightly managed, high‑security environment, especially if they need reliable package handling or expect staff to answer calls and emails promptly. Several resident reviews describe persistent security and management shortcomings. The property’s “secured, residents‑only” package room has been criticized as ineffective, with stolen packages and ripped‑open boxes reported. The building has no front desk attendant and no electronic access control at the main entrance, meaning anyone can walk in — a serious concern for safety‑conscious renters.
Location is a clear strength: the address is within walking or short‑transit distance of the University of Chicago, and also convenient for the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and the Illinois Institute of Technology via public transport. The surrounding neighbourhood offers grocery stores, coffee shops, and typical Hyde Park amenities. However, residents should not expect on‑site social programming or organised events; The Blackwood is marketed as straightforward apartment living.
What Residents Actually Say
Only three Google reviews are currently available (the property has 35 total Google reviews and a 3.4‑star average). The tone is sharply divided:
- ray manta (1 star): “MAC Properties and the BLACKWOOD has been a nightmare. Management (Ahna) NEVER answers emails or phone calls ever. You’re on your own!!!! The ‘secured, residents‑only’ package room is a joke. Dozens of packages have been STOLEN by God knows who! Ripped‑open boxes are all over the floor all the time. I have photos from …”
- Kaitlyn OLeary (1 star): “UPDATE (JANUARY 2026): Recently, I found an unattended package containing what appears to be marijuana left in the lobby near the elevator (photo attached). The building has no access control and no front desk attendant, and anyone can enter. Because the item was left in a common area with unrestricted access, I am con…”
- Michael B (5 stars): “Love it here. Management helps me with everything right away. Ahna has been a great help. Work orders are done quickly.”
The clash between reviews suggests that individual experience may vary drastically — some residents receive prompt help, while others feel completely ignored. The package‑theft and open‑access issues are mentioned by multiple reviewers, so they are likely recurring problems rather than isolated incidents. If you plan to receive frequent deliveries or prioritise building security, these complaints warrant careful consideration.
Price Positioning in Chicago’s Market
Chicago’s student housing market includes 95 listed properties with a citywide from‑price of $600/month (typically for a shared room or a basic dorm‑style bed). The Blackwood’s $1,685‑$2,370 range is in the upper‑mid tier for apartments. For context:
- A private 1‑bedroom in Hyde Park can often be found in the $1,200‑$1,500 range (indicative — confirm with the operator).
- The Blackwood’s rates are higher, partly due to its specific location (close to University of Chicago) and its inclusion of amenities such as on‑site dry cleaning, bike storage, and in‑unit laundry facilities.
The property allows dual occupancy (two people sharing a unit), which can bring the per‑person cost down. A 2‑bedroom starting around $2,370 split between two tenants equals $1,185 per person — more aligned with the city average. However, sharing also means you’ll need a roommate you trust, given the building’s reported security concerns.
Renters should compare The Blackwood to other Hyde Park apartment buildings, not to the citywide $600 minimum (which often reflects a single bed in a shared dormitory). For a full apartment in a well‑connected university area, the price is not exceptional, but the value may be undermined by the management and security issues flagged in reviews.
Room‑Type Guidance
The Blackwood offers three unit types:
- 1‑bedroom apartment – starts around $1,685 (indicative — confirm with the operator). Best for a single occupant who wants a private living space, kitchen, and bathroom. Cheaper per person than a 2‑bedroom if you plan to live alone.
- 2‑bedroom apartment – starts around $2,370 (indicative — confirm with the operator). Ideal for two flatmates. Rent split in half is often more budget‑friendly than a 1‑bedroom. But note that the building’s package‑room issues affect everyone equally.
- apartment (generic term used in listing data) – likely refers to studios or open‑plan units. Details are not specified in available data. If you see “apartment” listed without a bedroom count, treat it as a flexible option.
All units are unfurnished or semi‑furnished (confirm directly with the operator). The property includes laundry facilities, bike storage, and on‑site dry cleaning.
Booking Timing for 2026/2027
If you are considering a lease starting in 2026 or 2027, keep these points in mind:
- Availability for the academic year (August/September move‑in) typically opens six to eight months ahead. For a September 2026 start, begin searching in early 2026. For January 2027 (spring semester), look in mid‑2026.
- Given the mixed review feedback, it is strongly advisable to schedule a virtual or in‑person tour in the months just before your intended move‑in. Check the building’s entrance security and talk to a current resident if possible.
- The property’s listing platform (amber) may show real‑time availability. However, independent checking with the operator — MAC Properties — is essential before any deposit.
- Because the building’s reputation includes security complaints, consider signing a shorter lease (if available) to allow an exit if problems arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Blackwood safe for students?
Based on multiple reviewer accounts, the building lacks access control and a front desk attendant, allowing anyone to enter. Packages are frequently stolen, and a guest found an unattended controlled substance in the lobby. These reports indicate significant safety and security gaps. If you prioritise a secure, monitored environment, this property may not meet your standards. For those still interested, a thorough in‑person visit is essential, including checking the lobby, package room, and entry points.
Are utilities included in the rent?
The available data does not mention utilities. Most apartment‑style student residences in Chicago charge rent only; electricity, gas, water, and internet are often billed separately. You must confirm this with MAC Properties during the enquiry stage. Internet is rated 5.0 in the property’s internal score, but that is based on a small number of responses and may not reflect actual speeds or reliability.
What is the nearest university campus?
The Blackwood is in Hyde Park, home to the University of Chicago (main campus). It is also within a reasonable commute to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Public transit options include CTA buses and the Metra Electric Line. Walking distance to UChicago’s central quad is approximately 15–20 minutes. Transport to UIC or IIT typically requires a transfer and takes 30–45 minutes by bus/train.
Sources and Data Date
Price, rating, and review data sourced from amber (February 2026). User reviews are verbatim from Google (accessed February 2026). All figures are indicative — confirm directly with the operator. Data date: 2026-07.
For live availability and current pricing on this property, please ask our on‑site assistant.
See also: listing details · browse more