Steinbeck Center building still on the market: There have been offers, but CSUMB still looking for right match
SALINAS – Cal State Monterey Bay has turned down two offers to buy the building that is home to the National Steinbeck Center, one of the largest literary museums in the country dedicated to a single author.
The CSUMB Salinas City Center building was bought for $3 million in 2015 by the University Corporation, CSUMB’s arm for business and financial matters. CSUMB also purchased the land under the building for $100,000. In November, university officials confirmed the building in downtown Salinas was up for sale. They have since turned down two offers. Who made the offers, the terms and the asking price have not been disclosed.
The university decided to sell the City Center building in order to invest in its students and create more affordable housing according to Alan Fisher, interim vice president for administration and finance/CFO.
“Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to the Salinas area in many ways, including building a strong pathway to education for local students, engaging in the community and creating strong partnerships with local industries, businesses and community organizations,” said Fisher in a prepared statement.
As CSUMB’s enrollment continues to reach new heights, the university has had to get creative in finding housing solutions for its growing population. Proceeds from the sale “will be reinvested into the development of strategic infrastructure that supports student success,” said Fisher.
CSUMB had originally planned to utilize the space for “cultural and educational programming and outreach” according to its website. Under the 2015 contract, the Steinbeck Center had a 80-year lease which will carry on to the new building owner so museum activities will not be impacted.
The museum and memorial is dedicated to the author John Steinbeck, whose hometown is Salinas. Originally championed by community leaders and activists, the center also serves as a gathering place for locals.
“The Steinbeck Center is a centerpiece of downtown Salinas,” said Supervisor Luis Alejo, who represents the district where the Center is located. “Not only the museum, but the conference center itself is a beloved part of the city. We’re able to hold events there that wouldn’t be possible anywhere else in our city.”
University Corporation board members, including President Vanya Quiñones, will continue to review any offers made until the right fit is found, according to Fisher. The two offers already made were turned down because they “were not suitable for the community or the downtown revitalization effort.”
After initial planning and outreach began in 2012, the Salinas City Council and Monterey Board of Supervisors approved the Salinas Downtown Vibrancy Plan in 2015. The revitalization effort aimed to “restore activity, commerce and vitality” in downtown Salinas. The Steinbeck Center sits on one of the blocks targeted in this plan.
“It is unfortunate that CSUMB is selling its only asset in the Salinas Valley,” said Alejo. “I hope the university will work with local leaders who desire to keep the beloved Steinbeck Center in public hands and who have a vision to enhance its use and benefit to Salinas residents and visitors.”
Despite the sale of the building, Fisher said CSUMB remains committed to its high population of commuter students from Salinas as well as maintaining a deep partnership with the city.
Last fall, the university launched the Panther Otter Pathway program, a joint partnership with Hartnell Community College that expands access for local high school students to attend the university after obtaining an associate’s degree from Hartnell.
“As an institution, we are deeply committed to fostering workforce development in the region,” Fisher said. “Our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, helping to drive economic growth not only in Salinas but across the state.”
