The iconic “rat hole” sidewalk imprint in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood has been removed, ending its years-long presence as a local landmark.
The section of sidewalk, which bore the imprint resembling the outline of a rat, was deemed damaged and in need of replacement by city officials.
The Rat Hole Legacy
The imprint gained renewed attention in January after a Chicago comedian shared a photo of it on the social platform X, sparking increased foot traffic and disturbances in the neighborhood.
Residents complained of visitors at all hours, leaving coins and other items scattered on the sidewalk.
City spokesperson Erica Schroeder confirmed that the section of sidewalk containing the famous “Chicago rat hole” is now in temporary storage.
The final decision on its fate will be a collaborative effort between city departments and the mayor’s office.
The removal process, which took place on Wednesday morning, involved the use of a concrete saw, a forklift, and a truck to remove the slab. New concrete was poured later in the day to replace the removed section.
Alderman Scott Waguespack’s office had been receiving complaints for several months about the uneven sidewalk and the disturbances caused by people gathering to view and photograph the rat hole. The sidewalk was also a popular spot for noise and littering issues.
While some residents believed the imprint was caused by a rat, others argued it was the work of a squirrel.
Regardless, its removal of Rat Hole the end of an era for the neighborhood, which had grown weary of the attention and disturbances associated with the sidewalk landmark.
While the imprint’s origin remains debated, its presence for nearly two decades left a lasting impression on the community.
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