National Steinbeck Center building in Salinas is up sale.

For the past two years, CSU Monterey Bay has had the National Steinbeck Center building in Salinas up for sale.

The NSC is a space for John Steinbeck’s legacy, a local writer that won the Nobel Prize in 1962. It is one the largest literary museums in the country and is a popular place for community events and meetings. 

On Nov. 7, Supervisor Luis Alejo shared his concerns on social media about this move, noting former CSUMB President Eduardo Ochoa was committed to having a strong CSUMB presence in Salinas. 

“I urged President Quinones to not disinvest in Salinas and that such an action would be a shameful part of her legacy while at CSUMB! The public has a right to know about her decision and what it could mean for our downtown Salinas!” Alejo wrote. 

In a statement, CUSMB officials confirmed the building was on the market. lan Fisher, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance/CFO at CSUMB, stressed the university is creating educational pathways for high school and Hartnell College students. (On Oct. 31, CSUMB and Hartnell College announced a new Panther Otter Pathway Program that will make it easier for students to obtain a college degree). 

Fisher’s statement said the university is recognizing its infrastructure and finances. “The decision to sell the CSUMB Salinas City Center building has been made to generate proceeds that will be reinvested into the development of affordable student housing. This step is aligned with our mission to provide greater support for students and enhance their college experience,” the statement said.

According to university officials they, along with local community leaders, are seeking an appropriate potential buyer. “Our commitment is to ensure that the new owner respects the needs of the National Steinbeck Center and that their plans align with the vision for a revitalized downtown Salinas.”

The university has already declined an offer, as officials said it didn’t align with Salinas’ downtown revitalization plan, nor the community. 

CSUMB officials said the transfer won’t impact the NSC location or operations. The NSC has a long-term lease agreement with CSUMB if the building is sold; its tenancy will be transferred to the new owner.