Save the Rat Hole

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes (379 words)

In the four months since Roscoe Village’s Rat Hole went viral, it has survived several attempts to fill it in and curb public viewing. Most recently, the city filled it on March 21, only for neighbors to covertly dig it out later that night. As of this writing, the hole is still there, although with signs of wear and tear. 

The neighbors who asked the city to destroy the hole have a point. Its popularity has led to an absurd amount of foot traffic, with lines of 15 or more people waiting for an opportunity to view and pay their respects. It has also witnessed at least one proposal and a wedding, as well as countless knick-knacks and other offerings.

At this point the Rat Hole has morphed into a shrine of sorts, reminiscent of “Our Lady of the Underpass:” a local phenomenon that went mainstream. Why things like these tend to happen in Chicago is another discussion. But the fact that they do only enriches our urban fabric. 

Of course, being literally embedded in the sidewalk means that the Rat Hole is uncomfortably close to the neighboring apartment building, which has had to post a sign not to lean against the window and to generally be respectful of the neighbors. But despite the crowds and minor disturbances the attention the Hole has brought to Roscoe Village has been fun and oddly enduring. Even the New York Times couldn’t resist reporting on it.

Instead of destroying the hole, though, here is a low-cost solution that can both preserve it and give the neighbors the peace they deserve: carve out the Hole and donate it to the Chicago History Museum. 

Carving a one foot by one foot cube out of the cement is neither time consuming, disruptive, or costly; it certainly cannot cost more than the previous two attempts to fill it in. And by donating it to the Chicago History Museum it can have a permanent home in a space built for crowds. 

Is the Rat Hole worth this kind of effort? It is a viral phenomenon that shows no signs of abating, but more than that, it is a snapshot of the city’s culture at this moment in time.

It is worth the effort. Save the Rat Hole.