The Lara Soto Adobe, constructed between 1842 and 1849, is the oldest building on campus and one of eight historic buildings. It was briefly home to John Steinbeck who lived there while he wrote The Pearl. The adobe was deeded to the Institute in 1976 and restored in 1987. For many years, it housed the Institute's Admissions Office, and its street address, 460 Pierce Street, remains the Institute's official mailing address. It currently houses the faculty/staff lounge.