The rodent-shaped sidewalk imprint has captured hearts and imaginations on social media but has proven a headache for neighbors.

All it took was one post on social media platform X in early January and within two weeks a “mildly interesting” pavement impression on a residential sidewalk in the Chicago neighborhood of Roscoe Village has become a viral, iconic local tourism site, writes Rhea Nayyar for Hypoallergenic. Dubbed the “Chicago Rat Hole,” the rodent-shaped imprint in a sidewalk panel is likely the result of a rat (or squirrel) falling forcefully onto recently-poured concrete.
Nayyer reports that hundreds of people have flocked to the pay tribute to the unidentified rodent, who has been been posthumously been named “Splatatouille” by the Lakeview Roscoe Village's Chamber of Commerce, according to Wikipedia, sometimes enough to form lines. It started simply enough, with people throwing coins into it like a miniaturized Trevi Fountain, but quickly spiraled into cigarettes, flowers, cards, and more. It has been the site of one couple’s wedding, another’s engagement, and—much to local residents’ consternation—regular parties.
“You can always count on Chicago to find something silly and pedestrian and celebrate it until it reaches sainthood!” one resident told Hyperallergenic.
“But considering that the Rat Hole sits on a residential street, the loitering, littering, and loud noises have become a nuisance for the locals. One neighbor even took to Reddit to bullet-point out how the Rat Hole frenzy has impacted their life, pleading with the public to stop honking, performing “weird-ass rituals,” partying, and leaving empty liquor bottles behind,” Nayyer writes.
Because of the disruption, the local alderman recently announced that his office is looking at replacing the slab.
FULL STORY: Chicago Rat Hole Spurs a Plethora of Artistic Interventions

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie