What is in the building at the corner of Ash Street and Fourth Avenue?

Hey, Matt:

At the corner of Ash Street and Fourth Avenue there is a strange-looking, Gothic-style building. I've never seen anyone go in or out. Over the front door it states "SDG&E." What goes on there exactly, and why does it look like Dracula's summer home?

-- Evan Collins, San Diego

Like, you figure that's where SDG&E stores the blood it draws from us each month? Sorry. That's in underground bunkers. The little downtown Victorian is now/has always been a power substation designed (with steel framing, lined with ceramic tile) by Richard Requa, the well-known architect of other local buildings. But that was back in 1922, when life was simpler. Cheaper. Darker.