Among other things, Los Angeles is known for its film industry and city life. But there’s a rather interesting and unexpected secret underlying the surface: hidden oil wells in plain sight in LA. Once a tiny seaside town, L.A. was changed forever when Edward L. Doheny struck oil in 1892. That one small find gave way to the development of the Los Angeles Oil Field, which would soon become one of California’s largest oil producers. By 1901, several oil companies were running operations inside the city’s limits, showcasing its booming oil industry.
As the city expanded, it built over these oil fields, obscuring many oil wells from view. However, Los Angeles still hosts several oil rigs hidden in plain sight. Let us dive in and find examples of oil wells hidden in plain sight in LA.
1. Packard Well Site

First, the Packard Well Site stands as a prime example of a hidden oil well. Built in 1967, this site disguises itself as an ordinary beige office building on Pico Boulevard in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood. Inside this unremarkable structure, Sentinel Peak Resources operates 52 oil and gas wells. Notably, a roofless design allows a mobile derrick to move from wellhead to wellhead efficiently. This setup keeps the oil wells hidden in plain sight, showcasing the integration of industrial operations within urban settings.
Additionally, the Packard Well Site highlights the clever concealment of oil wells amidst modern development. While the building’s exterior appears mundane, the active extraction of oil continues discreetly. Consequently, this site exemplifies how Los Angeles manages to preserve its oil heritage through innovative urban design.

2. Beverly Center hidden oil well

Next, the Beverly Center rig demonstrates another clever use of concealment for oil wells. Located on the western side of the Beverly Center, this rig is partially obscured by tall walls and dense foliage. Passersby on San Vicente Boulevard rarely notice the rig, as it blends seamlessly with its environment. From the top of the mall’s parking garage, however, one can view the site’s full expanse.
Moreover, this rig is home to 54 wells that tap into the Salt Lake and Beverly Hills oil fields. The operation of these wells produces tens of thousands of barrels of oil each year. Thus, the Beverly Center site exemplifies how commercial spaces can effectively hide industrial operations while maintaining high visibility and accessibility.
3. Tower of Hope hidden oil well

Furthermore, the Tower of Hope presents a unique case of oil well camouflage. Situated at Beverly Hills High School, this 165-foot derrick was covered with a vinyl sheath adorned with flowers painted by hospitalized children. This artistic covering aimed to make the industrial rig more acceptable to the community. Despite its creative disguise, the site faced legal issues and claims that chemicals from the rig caused health problems.
Consequently, the Tower of Hope closed in 2017 following the bankruptcy of its owner, Venoco. Nevertheless, it remains a notable example of hidden oil wells integrated into public spaces. The Tower of Hope highlights the lengths taken to blend industrial needs with community sensitivities.
4. Cardiff Tower

Finally, the Cardiff Tower in Pico-Robertson exemplifies another inventive approach to concealing oil wells. Originally built in 1966, this site was designed to resemble a synagogue, reflecting the neighborhood’s cultural heritage. Occidental Petroleum, the original owner, used this disguise to blend oil drilling into the local architectural context.
Today, Pacific Coast Energy owns the Cardiff Tower, which houses 40 wells. Additionally, a movable derrick allows access to these wells, tapping into the same oil field as the Tower of Hope. This clever disguise and continued operation of the Cardiff Tower demonstrate how Los Angeles manages to balance industrial activities with community identity.
Adverse effects
Oil drilling in dense urban areas like Los Angeles is not without high costs. People living or working near these sites face exposure to cancer-causing harmful air pollutants that can lead to serious health problems. Issues such as headaches, sleep deprivation from noise pollution, cardiovascular disease, skin conditions, and respiratory illnesses like asthma are linked to being close to drilling activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Los Angeles’s hidden oil wells offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s oil-rich history and modern urban landscape. These concealed rigs, whether integrated into office buildings, shopping malls, or community landmarks, showcase the city’s ongoing relationship with its oil past. However, there is also a glaring underside due to these urban oil extractions as well. As the population lives near oil rigs this gives rise to a plethora of health complaints, which might affect the sustainability of these hidden rigs.
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