The first feeling you have when you are at the gate of Ryan's place is that you have landed in a very old building and as you enter the front door and into his common room, the Victorian design of the interior hits you, the place is dim but it is very beautiful, like you are transported to another dimension. The way he had set up his common area is really lovely, especially when you are enjoying a cup of coffee in his living room or kitchen, with the morning sun shining into the space, it feels comfortable and homey.
His place is about a 5min walk from Kedzie station and yes, it gets a bit intimidating at night when you are walking alone back in the dark, but it is a really quiet neighbourhood at the time I was there. I recommend that if you worried, just take a lyft back to his place after dark. In the day, the train is ur best option to head into town. Still like any other place you travel, just be alert at all time and not go attract unwanted attentions.
One thing I respect Ryan, is his ambition to influence how ppl think about the Garfield neighbourhood. A lot of locals may have different opinions, but he is advocating to bring more life and activities into this house and change the dynamics of the place there. I truly enjoyed my stay and the conversation we had.