PRENTISS PROPERTIES TRUST/MD
S-3D, 1998-08-06
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>
 
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST ________, 1998
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-_____

================================================================================

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                           ________________________
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            _______________________

                           PRENTISS PROPERTIES TRUST
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                             <C> 
                         MARYLAND                                             75-2261588
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)  (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE> 

                     3890 W. NORTHWEST HIGHWAY, SUITE 400
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75220
                                (214) 654-0886
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
       INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                               J. KEVAN DILBECK
                           PRENTISS PROPERTIES TRUST
                     3890 W. NORTHWEST HIGHWAY, SUITE 400
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75220
                                (214) 654-0886
               (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
              NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                                   COPY TO:
                             MR. RANDALL S. PARKS
                               HUNTON & WILLIAMS
                          RIVERFRONT PLAZA, EAST TOWER
                              951 EAST BYRD STREET
                         RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219-4074

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:  FROM TIME TO
TIME AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT IN LIGHT OF MARKET
CONDITIONS AND OTHER FACTORS.

IF THE ONLY SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED ON THIS FORM ARE BEING OFFERED PURSUANT
TO DIVIDEND OR INTEREST REINVESTMENT PLANS, PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX. [X]

IF ANY OF THE SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED ON THIS FORM ARE TO BE OFFERED ON A
DELAYED OR CONTINUOUS BASIS PURSUANT TO RULE 415 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, OTHER THAN SECURITIES OFFERED ONLY IN CONNECTION WITH DIVIDEND OR INTEREST
REINVESTMENT PLANS, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX. [_]

IF THIS FORM IS FILED TO REGISTER ADDITIONAL SECURITIES FOR AN OFFERING PURSUANT
TO RULE 462(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX AND LIST
THE SECURITIES ACT REGISTRATION STATEMENT NUMBER OF THE EARLIER EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SAME OFFERING: [_]

IF THIS FORM IS A POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 462(C) UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX AND LIST THE SECURITIES  ACT
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  NUMBER  OF  THE  EARLIER  EFFECTIVE  REGISTRATION
STATEMENT  FOR  THE  SAME  OFFERING: [_]
 
IF DELIVERY OF THE PROSPECTUS IS EXPECTED TO BE MADE PURSUANT TO RULE 434 UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT, PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX: [_]

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================================
                                                                    PROPOSED MAXIMUM          PROPOSED MAXIMUM          
        TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            AGGREGATE AMOUNT         OFFERING PRICE PER        AGGREGATE OFFERING       AMOUNT OF
     SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED          TO BE REGISTERED               UNIT(1)                  PRICE(1)        REGISTRATION FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                      <C>                       <C>                  <C> 
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest,
    $.01 par value, per share                2,500,000                  $24.0313                $60,078,250            $17,724
 
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant
     to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1993 based on the 

     average of the high and low sales prices reported on the New York Stock
     Exchange on August 3, 1998.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
     Information contained in this Prospectus is subject to completion or
amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities had been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold
nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement
becomes effective. This prospectus supplement shall not constitute an offer to
sell or the solitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these
securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be
unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any
such state.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

              SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST ________, 1998

PROSPECTUS
                           PRENTISS PROPERTIES TRUST

                 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND SHARE PURCHASE PLAN

                2,500,000 COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

Prentiss Properties Trust (the "Company") hereby offers participation in its
Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (the "Plan") to holders of the
Company's common shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share
("Common Shares"), holders of the preferred shares of beneficial interest of the
Company, par value $.01 per share ("Preferred Shares"), and other interested
investors. The Plan offers a convenient and economical method to purchase Common
Shares and to reinvest all or a portion of the cash dividends, if any, received
with respect to Common or Preferred Shares in additional Common Shares. The Plan
also is intended to provide the Company with a cost-efficient and flexible
mechanism to raise equity capital because shares issuable under the Plan will be
newly issued Common Shares. A glossary of the defined terms used herein appears
on pages 21-22. Some of the significant features of the Plan are as follows:

     -    Participants may purchase Common Shares by making optional cash
          investments of $100 to $2,500 in a given month. Optional cash
          investments of greater than $2,500 may be made only with permission of
          the Company.

     -    Persons who are not presently shareholders of the Company ("Initial
          Investors") may purchase Common Shares by making an initial optional
          cash investment of $500 to $2,500. Optional cash investments of
          greater than $2,500 may be made only with permission of the Company.

     -    Participants may purchase Common Shares by reinvesting all or portion
          of the cash dividends, if any, received on their Common or Preferred
          Shares.

With respect to reinvested cash dividends and capital cash investments not
exceeding $2,500, the price to be paid for each Common Share purchased under the
Plan will be the greater of the average of the Daily Prices of one Common Share
for the twelve Trading Days in the applicable Investment Period or the Daily
Price on the Investment Date.  With respect to optional cash investments in
excess of $2,500, the price to be paid for each Common Share will be the Daily
Price of one Common Share on the applicable Investment Date.  Each month, the
Company may establish a Discount at a percentage between 0% to 5% applicable to
the purchase of Common Shares under the Plan with optional cash investments
pursuant to a Request for Waiver.  The Discount initially will be set at 2.25%.

Optional cash investments in excess of $2,500 per month may be made only
pursuant to an accepted written Request for Waiver. At least three days prior to
the applicable Investment Period, the Company (i) will determine whether to
establish a Threshold Price and, if a Threshold Price is established, its amount
and (ii) may establish a Discount from the market price applicable to shares
purchased under the Plan in connection with optional cash investments pursuant
to a Request for Waiver, which Discount may be increased or decreased by the
Company each month. Those determinations will be made by the Company in its sole
discretion after a review of current market conditions, the level of
participation in the Plan, and its current and projected capital needs. For each
Trading Day of an Investment Period in which the Threshold Price is not
satisfied or for each day on which no trades of Common Shares are reported on
the New York Stock Exchange, one-twelfth of the total amount of any optional
cash investment pursuant to a Request for Waiver will be returned without
interest.

A broker, bank or other nominee may reinvest dividends and make optional cash
investments on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Optional cash investments submitted
by brokerage firms or other nominees on behalf of Participants will be
aggregated for purposes of determining whether the $2,500 limit would be
exceeded. Purchasers of shares (including 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
brokers or dealers) under the Plan who resell such shares may be deemed to be
underwriters.

The Common Shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"PP." On August 3, 1998, the closing price of the Common Shares on the New York
Stock Exchange was $23.8125 per share. The Company will pay the costs of
administration of the Plan, except that Participants will bear the cost of
brokerage commissions for resale of Common Shares purchased under the Plan,
certain service charges and fees and applicable taxes.

This Prospectus contains a summary of the material provisions of the Plan and
should be retained by Participants in the Plan for future reference.

                                 ------------

         THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
           SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
              AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
               ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION
                    TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                 ------------

                THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST ___, 1998.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

          The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission").  Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by
the Company with the Commission can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at its Regional Offices at Suite 1400,
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and
Suite 1300, 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, and can also be
inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.  Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, upon payment of the prescribed fees or from the
Commission's site on the World Wide Web at http://www.sec.gov.

          This Prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3
(together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules of the Commission.  For further information, reference is made to the
Registration Statement.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

          The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission
(Commission File No. 001-14516) under the Exchange Act are hereby incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus:

          (1)  the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, filed March 30, 1997;

          (2)  the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for the quarter
ended March 31, 1998, filed May 13, 1998;

          (3)  the Company's Current Reports on Forms 8-K, filed on January 15,
1998, February 10, 1998, February 17, 1998, February 25, 1998, and July 1, 1998;

          (4)  the description of the Common Shares contained in the Company's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on October 17, 1996, under the
Exchange Act, including any reports filed under the Exchange Act for the purpose
of updating such description; and

          (5)  the description of the Series B Preferred Shares contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on February 17, 1998, as
amended by the Company's Registration Statement of Form 8-A/A filed on March 10,
1998, including any reports filed under the Exchange Act for the purpose of
updating such description.


          All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the offering of all
of the Offered Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein.  Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein, in any accompanying Prospectus Supplement relating to a
specific offering of any Offered Securities or in any other subsequently filed
document, as the case may be, which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus or any accompanying Prospectus
Supplement.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          The Company will provide on request and without charge to each person
to whom this Prospectus is delivered a copy (without exhibits) of any or all
documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.  Requests for such
copies should be directed to Prentiss Properties Trust, 3890 W. Northwest
Highway, Suite 400, Dallas, Texas, 75220, Attention: Secretary (telephone (214)
654-0886).

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY

     The Company is a self-administered and self-managed REIT engaged in the
business of owning, managing, acquiring and developing office and industrial
properties. The Company operates through Prentiss Properties Acquisition
Partners, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), of which it is the sole general
partner and in which it owns an approximately 95.9% interest, and through
Prentiss Properties Limited, Inc., and its affiliates.

     As of June 30, 1998, the Company owned interests in a diversified portfolio
of 240 office and industrial properties (the "Properties") containing
approximately 22.2 million net rentable square feet. The Properties are located
in 19 major U.S. markets and consist of 115 office buildings containing
approximately 13.0 million net rentable square feet and 125 industrial buildings
containing approximately 9.2 million net rentable square feet. As of June 30,
1998, the Office Properties were approximately 95% leased to 1,142 tenants, and
the Industrial Properties were approximately 96% leased to 348 tenants. The
Company manages approximately 29.2 million square feet in 256 office and
industrial properties that are owned by third parties.

     The Company is a Maryland real estate investment trust. Its executive
offices are located at 3890 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 400, Dallas, Texas
75220, and its telephone number is (214) 654-0886.

          
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

     The following describes in question and answer format the provisions of the
Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (the "Plan").

PURPOSE

1.   WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN?

     The purpose of the Plan is to provide registered holders or beneficial
     owners of Common and Preferred Shares (each, a "Participant") and other
     interested investors (each, an "Initial Investor") with a convenient and
     economical method to purchase Common Shares and to reinvest all or a
     portion of their cash dividends in Common Shares.  In addition, the Plan
     will provide the Company with a cost-efficient and flexible mechanism to
     raise equity capital through sales of Common Shares under the Plan.
     Whether significant capital is raised may be affected, in part, by the
     Company's decision whether or not to permit optional cash investments in
     excess of $2,500 pursuant to Requests for Waiver.  See Question 13
     regarding the Company's criteria for granting a Request for Waiver.

PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

2.   WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN?

     Participants and Initial Investors may elect to participate in the Plan.
     Participants may make optional cash investments to purchase Common Shares,
     subject to a minimum investment of $100 and a maximum investment of $2,500
     per month. Optional cash investments submitted by brokerage firms or other
     nominees on behalf of Participants will be aggregated for purposes of
     determining whether the $2,500 limit will be exceeded. Initial Investors
     may make initial optional cash investments in Common Shares of not less
     than $500 and not more than $2,500. In certain instances, however, the
     Company may permit greater optional cash investments. See Question 12
     regarding optional cash investments and Question 13 regarding a Request for
     Waiver. Participants also may elect to have cash dividends, if any,
     received with respect to all or a portion of their Common and Preferred
     Shares automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares.  A Participant
     may elect to reinvest dividends, to make optional cash purchases, or both.

3.   WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE PLAN?

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     BENEFITS

     Participants may purchase Common Shares pursuant to optional cash
     investments of not less than $100 and not more than $2,500 (other than
     pursuant to a Request for Waiver) in any month. Optional cash investments
     may be made occasionally or at regular intervals, as each Participant
     desires. The Plan also provides Participants the opportunity to
     automatically reinvest the cash dividends, if any, received on all or a
     portion of their Common and Preferred Shares. Participants may make
     optional cash investments even if they have not elected dividend
     reinvestment under the Plan.

     Initial Investors may become Participants by making an initial cash
     investment of not less than $500 and not more than $2,500 (other than
     pursuant to a Request for Waiver) to purchase Common Shares under the Plan.

     Common Shares purchased by Participants and Initial Investors with optional
     cash investments pursuant to a Request for Waiver, which, like all Plan
     shares, will be purchased directly from the Company under the Plan, may be
     issued at a Discount to the market price; such Discount may vary each month
     between 0% and 5% at the sole discretion of the Company.  See Questions 12
     and 13 regarding Optional Cash Investments and Requests for Waiver.

     Participants will avoid the need for safekeeping of certificates for Common
     Shares credited to their Plan accounts and may submit for safekeeping
     certificates held by them and registered in their name. See Questions 15
     and 16.

     Participants that are registered holders may direct the Administrator to
     sell or transfer all or a portion of their Common Shares held in their Plan
     account and therefore may find the Plan an economical way to liquidate
     their holdings. See Question 17.

     Periodic statements reflecting all current activity in Plan accounts,
     including purchases, sales and latest balances, will simplify recordkeeping
     for registered holders. See Question 18.

     RESTRICTIONS

     Participants and Initial Investors may not be able to depend on the
     availability of a Discount regarding Common Shares acquired under the Plan
     with optional cash investments pursuant to a Request for Waiver, and such
     optional cash investments may be subject to the trading price for Common
     Shares satisfying a minimum price (a "Threshold Price") during the
     applicable Investment Period. See Question 11 regarding the establishment
     of a Threshold Price. Any Discount established in any month for the
     purchase of Common Shares pursuant to a Request for Waiver will not insure
     the availability of a Discount or the same Discount in future months. Each
     month the Company may establish a Discount, may not establish a Discount,
     or may change or eliminate the Discount or set any Threshold Price without
     prior notice to Participants. Discounts, if any, will not apply either to
     the purchase of shares pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or to optional
     cash investments of $2,500 or less (unless part of a larger optional cash
     investment made pursuant to a Request for Waiver). See Question 13.

     Because of certain tax concerns which the Company has as a REIT, a Request
     for Waiver will only be considered for investors who certify that they are
     NOT participating in the dividend reinvestment portion of the plan.

     Execution of sales of Common Shares held in the Plan may be subject to
     delay. See Questions 12 and 17.

     No interest will be paid on funds held by the Company pending dividend
     reinvestment or purchase of Common Shares with optional cash investments.
     See Questions 12 and 13.

     Common Shares deposited in a Plan account may not be pledged until the
     shares are withdrawn from the

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     Plan. See Question 27.

4.   WHO WILL ADMINISTER THE PLAN?

     The Plan will be administered by First Chicago Trust Company of New York or
     such successor administrator as the Company may designate (the
     "Administrator"). The Administrator acts as agent for Participants, keeps
     records of the accounts of Participants, sends regular account statements
     to Participants, and performs other duties relating to the Plan. Common
     Shares purchased for each Participant under the Plan will be held by the
     Administrator and will be registered in the name of such Participant unless
     and until a Participant requests that a share certificate for all or part
     of such shares be issued, as more fully described in Question 15.
     Correspondence with the Administrator should be sent to:

     PRENTISS PROPERTIES TRUST DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
     FIRST CHICAGO TRUST
     COMPANY OF NEW YORK
     Mail Suite 4692
     P.O. Box 2534
     Jersey City, NJ 07303-2534
     TELEPHONE:  201-222-4115
     FAX NUMBER: 201-222-4129


PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY

5.   WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

     A "registered holder" (which means a shareholder whose Common or Preferred
     Shares are registered in the stock transfer books of the Company in his or
     her name) or a "beneficial owner" (which means a shareholder whose Common
     or Preferred Shares are registered in the stock transfer books of the
     Company in a name other than his or her name, for example, in the name of a
     broker, bank, or other nominee), may participate in the Plan. A registered
     holder may participate in the Plan directly; a beneficial owner must either
     become a registered holder by having such shares transferred into his or
     her name or by making arrangements with his or her broker, bank or other
     nominee to participate in the Plan on the Participant's behalf. In
     addition, an Initial Investor may participate in the Plan by making an
     initial optional cash investment in Common Shares of not less than $500 or
     more than $2,500. In certain circumstances, however, the Company may permit
     greater optional cash investments. See Question 6 regarding enrollment and
     Question 13 regarding a Request for Waiver.

     The right to participate in the Plan is not transferable to another person
     apart from a transfer of the underlying shares. The Company reserves the
     right to exclude from participation in the Plan persons who use the Plan to
     engage in short-term trading activities that cause aberrations in the
     trading volume of Common Shares. In addition, the Company reserves the
     right, but not the obligation, to treat optional cash investments submitted
     on forms reflecting Participants with the same name, address or social
     security or taxpayer identification number as a single investment for
     purposes of determining whether the $2,500 limit would be exceeded.

     Participants residing in jurisdictions in which their participation in the
     Plan would be unlawful will not be eligible to participate in the Plan.

ENROLLMENT

6.   HOW DOES AN ELIGIBLE HOLDER OF COMMON SHARES OR ANY OTHER INITIAL INVESTOR
     ENROLL IN THE PLAN AND BECOME A PARTICIPANT?

     Each eligible registered holder of Common or Preferred Shares may enroll in
     the Plan and become a Participant by completing and signing an
     Authorization and Enrollment Form (enclosed herein) and returning it to the
     Administrator at the address set forth in Question 4. An Authorization and
     Enrollment 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     Form may also be obtained at any time upon request from the Administrator
     at the same address. If shares are registered in more than one name (e.g.,
     joint tenants, trustees), all registered holders of such shares must sign
     the Authorization and Enrollment Form exactly as their names appear on the
     account registration.

     Eligible Beneficial Owners must instruct their brokers, banks or other
     nominees in whose name their shares are held to participate in the Plan on
     their behalf. If a broker, bank or other nominee holds shares through a
     securities depository, such broker, bank or other nominee may also be
     required to provide a Broker and Nominee Form (a "B/N Form") to the
     Administrator in order to participate in the optional cash investment
     portion of the Plan. Optional cash investments submitted by brokerage firms
     or other nominees on behalf of Participants, whether on the same B/N Form
     or different B/N Forms, will be aggregated for purposes of determining
     whether the $2,500 limit will be exceeded. See Questions 12 and 13.

     An Initial Investor may join the Plan by signing an Authorization and
     Enrollment Form and forwarding it, together with its initial investment, to
     the Administrator at the address set forth in Question 4. See Question 12
     regarding initial optional cash investments.

7.   WHAT DOES THE AUTHORIZATION AND ENROLLMENT FORM PROVIDE?

     The Authorization and Enrollment Form will appoint the Administrator as
     agent for the Participant and direct the Administrator to apply optional
     cash investments (transmitted with the Authorization and Enrollment Form as
     well as optional cash investments subsequently submitted) to the purchase
     on such Participant's behalf of full and fractional Common Shares in
     accordance with the Plan.

     With respect to dividends, the Authorization and Enrollment Form will
     appoint the Administrator as agent for the Participant and direct the
     Company to pay to the Administrator the Participant's cash dividends, if
     any, on all or a specified number of Common and/or Preferred Shares owned
     by the Participant on the applicable record date and designated by the
     Participant to be included in the Plan and to reinvest, at the
     Participant's discretion, cash dividends, if any, on whole and fractional
     shares that have been credited to the Participant's account pursuant to
     dividend reinvestment or optional cash investment ("Plan Shares"). Cash
     dividends, if any, will continue to be reinvested with respect to the
     number of Common and Preferred Shares (including Plan Shares) designated on
     the Authorization and Enrollment Form until the Participant specifies
     otherwise in writing or terminates participation in the Plan or until the
     Plan is terminated.

     The Authorization and Enrollment Form provides for the purchase of Common
     Shares through the following investment options:

     (1)  "FULL DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT"

          This option directs the Administrator to invest in accordance with the
          Plan all cash dividends, if any, on all Common and Preferred Shares
          then or subsequently registered in the Participant's name. This option
          also permits the Participant to make optional cash investments and
          directs the Administrator to apply such investments towards the
          purchase of Common Shares in accordance with the Plan.

     (2)  "PARTIAL DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT"

          This option directs the Administrator to invest in accordance with the
          Plan all cash dividends, if any, on a specified number of Common and
          Preferred Shares then registered in the Participant's name and so
          designated in the appropriate space on the Authorization and
          Enrollment Form. If this option is selected, the Participant will
          continue to receive cash dividends, if any, in the usual manner on all
          Common and Preferred Shares that have not been designated for
          participation in the Plan. This option also permits the Participant to
          make optional cash investments and directs the Administrator to apply
          such investments towards the purchase of Common Shares in accordance
          with the Plan.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     (3)  "OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTS ONLY"

          This option permits a Participant to make optional cash investments
          and directs the Administrator to apply such investments towards the
          purchase of Common Shares in accordance with the Plan. If this option
          is selected, unless the Participant designates such additional shares
          for participation in the Plan, the Participant will continue to
          receive cash dividends, if any, on all shares registered in his or her
          name in the usual manner, and the Administrator will apply only
          optional cash investments received from the Participant towards the
          purchase of Common Shares.

     Any one of the above three options may be selected. In each case, cash
     dividends, if any, will be reinvested on all shares designated for
     participation in the Plan until the Participant specifies otherwise or
     withdraws from the Plan altogether, or until the Plan is terminated.

     Any Participant who returns a properly executed Authorization and
     Enrollment Form to the Administrator without electing an investment option
     will be enrolled as having selected Full Dividend Reinvestment.

8.   WHEN WILL PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN BEGIN?

     A Participant who has properly completed and submitted an Authorization and
     Enrollment Form may submit an optional cash investment to purchase shares
     under the Plan with such Authorization and Enrollment Form.  Thereafter,
     optional cash investments may be made at any time, but not more frequently
     than once each month, through the use of the appropriate forms sent to
     Participants with each periodic statement. Payments received by the
     Administrator by 12:00 (Noon) Central Time on the last business day prior
     to the first day of an Investment Period (as defined in Question ll) will
     be used to purchase shares on the applicable Investment Date (as defined
     below).

     If a properly completed Authorization and Enrollment Form requesting
     reinvestment of dividends is received by the Administrator on or before the
     record date, if any, established by the Company's Board of Trustees for a
     particular cash dividend, that dividend will be used to purchase Common
     Shares for the Participant on the next applicable Investment Date following
     the dividend payment date. If an Authorization and Enrollment Form is
     received from a Participant after the record date established for a
     particular dividend, the reinvestment of dividends will begin with respect
     to dividends paid following the next dividend record date. For a discussion
     of the price to Participants of the Common Shares purchased under the Plan
     and the limitations on optional cash investments, see Questions 11 and 13,
     respectively.

     The dates on which optional cash investments are to be invested and any
     dividends are to be reinvested are herein collectively referred to as the
     "Investment Dates."  With respect to the reinvestment of dividends and the
     investment of optional cash investments not exceeding $2,500, the
     Investment Date will be the last Trading Day of the Investment Period.
     With respect to optional investments in excess of $2,500 pursuant to a
     Request for Waiver which has been granted by the Company, each Trading Day
     of the Investment Period will be an Investment Date with respect to 1/12 of
     such optional cash investment.  A "Trading Day" means a day on which trades
     in Common Shares are reported on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").
     See Schedule A hereto for listing of key dates over the next two years with
     respect to Optional Cash Investments.

     No interest will be paid on optional cash investments or cash dividends
     pending investment in Common Shares.

     Participants and Initial Investors may enroll in the Plan at any time. Once
     enrolled, a Participant will remain enrolled until the Participant
     discontinues participation or until the Company terminates the Plan. See
     Question 19 regarding withdrawal from the Plan and Question 26 regarding
     termination of the Plan.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
PURCHASES

9.   WHEN WILL SHARES BE ACQUIRED UNDER THE PLAN?

     Dividends, if any, and optional cash investments will be reinvested or
     invested, as the case may be, on the Investment Date, as defined herein.
     The "Investment Period" is a period of twelve Trading Days, where, in the
     case of optional cash investments not exceeding $2,500 and reinvested
     dividends, the last Trading Day of the Investment Period is the relevant
     Investment Date and where, in the case of optional cash investments
     exceeding $2,500 pursuant to a Request for Waiver which has been granted by
     the Company, each Trading Day of the Investment Period is an Investment
     Date with respect to 1/12 of such optional cash investment. Accordingly,
     for optional cash investments not exceeding $2,500 and reinvested
     dividends, the entire investment will be made on the Investment Date which
     is the last Trading Day of the Investment Period. For optional cash
     investments exceeding $2,500 pursuant to a Request for Waiver which has
     been granted by the Company, 1/12 of the investment will be made on each
     Investment Date of the Investment Period. Optional cash investments must be
     received by 12:00 (noon) central time on the last business day prior to the
     first day of the applicable Investment Period in order to be invested with
     that month's investment. Any funds received after the deadline will be
     invested with the next monthly investment. No interest will be paid on any
     funds held by the Administrator between Investment Dates. Accordingly,
     participants are urged to time their optional cash investments so that they
     will be received by the Administrator shortly before, but not after, the
     deadline or to enroll in the Automatic Funds Transfer Option which assures
     the most timely transfer of funds to the Administrator. See Schedule A for
     key dates over the next two years with respect to Optional Cash
     Investments.

10.  WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF COMMON SHARES TO BE PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

     Optional cash investments and dividends reinvested through the Plan will be
     used to purchase Common Shares directly from the Company from authorized
     but unissued shares.

11.  WHAT WILL BE THE PRICE OF COMMON SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

     The price to Participants and Initial Investors of each Common Share
     purchased with optional cash investments not exceeding $2,500 or with cash
     dividends will be the greater of (i) the average of the Daily Prices
     (defined below) of a Common Share for the twelve Trading Days in the
     applicable Investment Period and (ii) the Daily Price for a Common Share on
     the Investment Date. In the case of an optional cash investment exceeding
     $2,500 approved by the Company pursuant to a Request for Waiver, the
     purchase price of Common Shares purchased on each Investment Date in the
     relevant Investment Period with 1/12 of such optional cash investment will
     be the average of the Daily Price for the relevant Investment Date, less
     any applicable Discount. The Company may establish a Discount of 0% to 5%
     applicable to the purchase of Common Shares under the Plan pursuant to a
     Request for Waiver. The Discount will not apply to shares purchased
     pursuant to the dividend reinvestment feature of the Plan or to optional
     cash investments of $2,500 or less. See Question 13. The period
     encompassing the first twelve Trading Days of each calendar month
     constitutes the relevant "Investment Period" for that particular month. See
     Schedule A for a list of Investment Periods over the next two years. The
     Daily Price for a Trading Day will be the average of the high and low
     trading prices of the Common Shares on that day on the NYSE, rounded to
     three decimal places.

     The Company may, in its sole discretion, establish for any given Investment
     Period a minimum price (the "Threshold Price") that the Daily Price must
     meet in order to consider such Daily Price in the determination of the
     purchase price for Common Shares purchased with optional cash investments
     pursuant to a Request for Waiver. Any such Threshold Price will be a stated
     dollar amount established by the Company at least three Trading Days prior
     to the commencement of each Investment Period. In addition, a portion of
     each optional cash investment will be returned for each Trading Day of an
     Investment Period in which the Threshold Price is not satisfied.  The
     returned amount will equal 1/12 of the total amount of such optional cash
     investment (not just the amount exceeding $2,500) for each Trading Day that
     the Threshold Price is 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
     not satisfied. See Question 13 for information on the determination and
     application of a "Threshold Price."

12.  HOW ARE OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTS MADE?

     All registered holders, including brokers, banks and nominees with respect
     to shares registered in their name on behalf of beneficial owners, that
     have submitted signed Authorization and Enrollment Forms are eligible to
     make optional cash investments at any time.

     A broker, bank or nominee, as holder on behalf of a beneficial owner, may
     utilize an Authorization and Enrollment Form for optional cash investments
     unless it holds the shares in the name of a securities depository. In that
     event, the optional cash investment must be accompanied by a Broker and
     Nominee Form ("B/N Form").

     The B/N Form provides the sole means by which a broker, bank or other
     nominee holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners in the name of a
     securities depository may make optional cash investments on behalf of such
     beneficial owners. In such case, the broker, bank or other nominee must use
     a B/N Form for transmitting optional cash investments on behalf of the
     beneficial owners. A B/N Form must be delivered to the Administrator at the
     address specified in Question 4 each time that such broker, bank or other
     nominee transmits optional cash investments on behalf of the beneficial
     owners. B/N Forms will be furnished by the Administrator upon request.

     Initial Investors also are eligible to make such an initial investment in
     Common Shares through an optional cash investment by submitting
     Authorization and Enrollment Forms and funds representing their desired
     initial investment.

     The Administrator will apply all optional cash investments, for which good
     funds are received on or before 12:00 (Noon) Central Time on the business
     day immediately preceding the first day of the Investment Period, to the
     purchase of Common Shares on the Investment Dates in the next following
     Investment Period.  All optional cash investments are subject to collection
     by the Administrator for full face value in U.S. dollars.

     There is no obligation to make an optional cash investment at any time, and
     the amount of such investments may vary from time to time.

     Optional cash investments and initial cash investments must be received by
     the Administrator no earlier than the 23rd day of the calendar month
     immediately preceding the applicable Investment Period and no later than
     12:00 (Noon) Central Time on the business day immediately preceding the
     relevant Investment Period in order to be invested. If an investor wishes
     to make an optional cash investment in excess of $2,500, the investor must
     submit a Request for Waiver to the Company on or before 12:00 (Noon)
     Central Time two business days preceding the first day of the applicable
     Investment Period.  See Schedule A for a list of the beginning and ending
     dates of the Investment Periods over the next two years.  Because of
     certain tax concerns which the Company has as a REIT, a Request for Waiver
     may only be considered for investors who certify that they are NOT
     participating in the dividend reinvestment component of the Company's plan.
     A Request for Waiver should be directed to the Chief Financial Officer of
     the Company at (214) 654-0886, or at such other number as may be
     established by the Company from time to time.  Optional cash investments
     exceeding $2,500 must be received (together with the written approval of
     the Company waiving the $2,500 limitation) by the Administrator no later
     than 12:00 (Noon) Central Time on the business day immediately preceding
     the related Investment Period in order for such funds to be invested on the
     related Investment Dates.  Otherwise, the optional cash investment or
     initial cash investment amount will be returned automatically by the
     Administrator to the participant as soon as is practicable. Furthermore,
     upon a Participant's or Initial Investor's written request received by the
     Administrator no later than two business days prior to the Investment
     Period, a timely optional cash investment or initial cash investment not
     already invested under the Plan will be canceled or returned to the
     participant, as appropriate. However, in the latter event, no refund of a
     check or money order will be made until the funds have been actually
     received by the Administrator. Accordingly, such refunds may be delayed by
     up to three weeks.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
     No interest will be earned on optional cash investments or dividends held
     pending investment nor on amounts to be refunded. The Company suggests
     therefore that any optional cash investment should be sent so as to reach
     the Administrator as close as possible to the first business day preceding
     the first day of the applicable Investment Period. Any questions regarding
     these dates should be directed to the Administrator at the address or
     telephone number set forth in Question 4.

     Participants and Initial Investors should be aware that since investments
     under the plan are made as of specified dates, a Participant or Initial
     Investor may lose any advantage that otherwise might be available from
     being able to select the timing of an investment. Neither the Company nor
     the Administrator can assure a profit or protect against a loss on shares
     purchased under the Plan.

     All optional cash investments made by check should be made payable to FIRST
     CHICAGO TRUST -- PRENTISS PROPERTIES TRUST and mailed to the Administrator
     at the address listed in Question 4. Any checks not drawn on a United
     States bank or not payable in United States dollars will be returned, as
     will any third party checks. Other forms of payment, such as wire
     transfers, may be made, but only if approved in advance by the
     Administrator. Inquiries regarding other forms of payments and all other
     written inquiries should be directed to the Administrator at the address
     listed in Question 4.

13.  WHAT LIMITATIONS APPLY TO OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTS?

     MINIMUM/MAXIMUM LIMITS. Optional cash investments made by Participants are
     subject to a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $2,500 per month (except as
     noted below), and optional cash investments made by Initial Investors are
     subject to a minimum initial investment of $500 and a maximum of $2,500
     (except as noted below). See Question 8 regarding the determination of
     Investment Dates for optional cash investments. Optional cash investments
     of less than the allowable monthly minimum amount and that portion of any
     optional cash investment that exceeds the allowable monthly maximum amount
     will be returned promptly, except as noted below, without interest.
     Optional cash investments submitted by brokerage firms or other nominees on
     behalf of Participants, whether on the same B/N Form or different B/N
     Forms, will be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the $2,500
     limit will be exceeded. In addition, the Company reserves the right to
     treat optional cash investments submitted on forms reflecting Participants
     or Initial Investors with the same name, address or social security or
     taxpayer identification number as a single investor for purposes of
     determining whether the $2,500 limit would be exceeded.

     REQUEST FOR WAIVER. Optional cash investments in excess of $2,500 per month
     may be made only pursuant to a request for waiver (a "Request for Waiver")
     accepted by the Company. Because of certain tax concerns which the Company
     has as a REIT, a Request for Waiver will only be considered for investors
     who certify that they are NOT participating in the dividend reinvestment
     component of the Plan. Participants and Initial Investors who wish to
     submit an optional cash investment in excess of $2,500 for any Investment
     Period, including those whose proposed investments have been aggregated so
     as to exceed $2,500 as described above, must obtain the prior written
     approval of the Company and a copy of such written approval must accompany
     any such optional cash investment. See Question 12. A Request for Waiver
     should be directed to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at (214)
     654-0886, or at such other number as may be established by the Company from
     time to time, and must be received by the Company on or before 12:00 (Noon)
     Central Time two business days preceding the applicable Investment Period.
     The Company has sole discretion to grant any approval for optional cash
     investments in excess of $2,500.

     In deciding whether to approve a Request for Waiver, the Company will
     consider relevant factors including, but not limited to, the Company's need
     for additional funds, the attractiveness of obtaining such additional funds
     through the sale of Common Shares as compared to other sources of funds,
     the purchase price likely to apply to any sale of Common Shares, and the
     aggregate amount of optional cash investments in excess of $2,500 for which
     Requests for Waiver have been submitted by all Participants and Initial
     Investors. If Requests for Waiver are submitted for any Investment Period
     for an aggregate amount in excess of the amount the Company is then willing
     to accept, the Company, in its sole discretion, may honor the requests 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
     of Initial Investors before it honors the requests of Participants.
     However, if the Company decides to grant the Request for Waiver of any
     Participant for an Investment Period, the Company will honor all Requests
     for Waiver from Participants pro rata for such Investment Period.

     The Company reserves the right to modify, suspend or terminate
     participation in the Plan by otherwise eligible Participants for any reason
     whatsoever including elimination of practices that are not consistent with
     the purposes of the Plan.

     THRESHOLD PRICE WITH RESPECT TO OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTS MADE PURSUANT TO
     REQUESTS FOR WAIVER. The Company may establish for any Investment Period a
     Threshold Price applicable to optional cash investments made pursuant to
     Requests for Waiver. At least three Trading Days prior to the first day of
     the applicable Investment Period, the Company will determine whether to
     establish a Threshold Price and if a Threshold Price is established, its
     amount, and will so notify the Administrator. This determination will be
     made by the Company in its sole discretion after a review of current market
     conditions, the level of participation in the Plan, and current and
     projected capital needs. Participants may ascertain whether a Threshold
     Price has been set or waived for any given Investment Period by telephoning
     the Company at (214) 654-0886 or at such other number as may be established
     by the Company from time to time.

     If established for any Investment Period, the Threshold Price will be
     stated as a dollar amount that the Daily Price for each Trading Day of the
     relevant Investment Period must equal or exceed.  In the event that the
     Threshold Price is not satisfied for a Trading Day in the Investment
     Period, then no investment will occur on that Investment Date.

     In addition, a portion of each optional cash investment will be returned
     for each Trading day of an Investment Period in which the Threshold Price
     is not satisfied.  The returned amount will equal 1/12 of the total amount
     of such optional cash investment (not just the amount exceeding $2,500) for
     each Trading Day that the Threshold Price is not satisfied.  Thus, for
     example, if the Threshold Price is not satisfied for three of the twelve
     Trading Days in an Investment Period, 3/12 (i.e., 25%) of such optional
     cash investment will be returned to the Participant by check (or wire
     transfer, if payment was received by wire transfer) without interest.

     The establishment of a Threshold Price and the possible return of a portion
     of the investment applies only to optional cash investments made pursuant
     to a Request for Waiver but applies to the entire amount thereof, including
     the first $2,500. Setting a Threshold Price for an Investment Period shall
     not affect the setting of a Threshold Price for any subsequent Investment
     Period. For any particular month, the Company may waive its right to set a
     Threshold Price by failing to set such a price at least three Trading Days
     prior to the first day of the Investment Period. Unlike the procedure for
     establishing a Discount, if the Company fails to set a Threshold Price for
     any Investment Period, the Threshold Price for the previous Investment
     Period will not continue to apply in the current Investment Period.
     Neither the Company nor the Administrator shall be required to provide any
     written notice to Participants as to the Threshold Price for any Investment
     Period. Participants may, however, ascertain whether a Threshold Price has
     been set or waived for any given Investment Period by telephoning the
     Company at (214) 654-0886 or at such other number as may be established by
     the Company from time to time.

     DISCOUNT. Each month, at least three Trading Days prior to the first day of
     the applicable Investment Period, the Company may establish a discount from
     the Daily Price applicable to shares purchased under the Plan with optional
     cash investments made pursuant to a Request for Waiver. Such discount (the
     "Discount") may be between 0% and 5% of the purchase price.  The Discount
     initially will be 2.25%.  The Company may change the amount of the Discount
     prior to each Investment Period in its sole discretion after a review of
     current market conditions, the level of participation in the Plan, and
     current and the Company's projected capital needs. If the Company does not
     affirmatively change the Discount at least three Trading Days prior to the
     first day of the applicable Investment Period, the Discount will remain the
     same as it was for the previous month. Participants may obtain the Discount
     applicable to the next Investment Period by telephoning the Company at
     (214) 654-0886 or at such other number as may be established by the Company

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
     from time to time. Discounts apply only to shares purchased in connection
     with optional cash investments made pursuant to a Request for Waiver, and
     apply to the entire amount thereof, including the first $2,500.


14.  WHAT IF A PARTICIPANT HAS MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT?

     For the purpose of the limitations discussed in Question 13, the Company
     reserves the right to aggregate all optional cash investments for
     Participants with more than one account using the same name, address or
     social security or taxpayer identification number. For Participants unable
     to supply a social security or taxpayer identification number,
     participation may be limited by the Company to only one Plan account. Also
     for the purpose of such limitations, all Plan accounts that the Company
     believes to be under common control or management or to have common
     ultimate beneficial ownership may be aggregated. In the event the Company
     exercises its right to aggregate investments and the result would be an
     investment in excess of $2,500 without an approved Request for Waiver, the
     Company will return, without interest, as promptly as practicable, any
     amounts in excess of the investment limitations.

CERTIFICATES

15.  WILL CERTIFICATES BE ISSUED FOR SHARE PURCHASES?

     All shares purchased pursuant to the Plan will be held in "book entry" form
     through accounts maintained by the Administrator. This service protects
     against the loss, theft, or destruction of certificates evidencing shares.
     Upon written request of a Participant or upon withdrawal of a Participant
     from the Plan or upon the termination of the Plan, the administrator will
     have certificates issued and delivered for all full shares credited to that
     Participant's account. Certificates will be issued only in the same names
     as those enrolled in the Plan. In no event will certificates for fractional
     shares be issued. See Questions 16 and 17.

16.  MAY A PARTICIPANT ADD SHARES TO HIS OR HER ACCOUNT BY TRANSFERRING SHARE
     CERTIFICATES THAT THE PARTICIPANT POSSESSES?

     Any Participant may send to the Plan for safekeeping all Common and
     Preferred Share certificates which such Participant holds. Certificates
     forwarded to the Administrator by registered mail will be automatically
     covered by an Administrator blanket bond up to the first $250,000 of value.
     The safekeeping of shares offers the advantage of protection against loss,
     theft or destruction of certificates as well as convenience, if and when
     shares are sold through the Plan. All shares represented by such
     certificates will be kept for safekeeping in "book entry" form and combined
     with any full and fractional shares then held by the Plan for the
     Participant.

     To deposit certificates for safekeeping under the Plan, a Participant must
     be enrolled in the Plan. Share certificates as well as all written
     inquiries about the safekeeping service should be directed to the
     Administrator at the address listed in Question 4.

     Shares deposited for safekeeping may be withdrawn by the Participant by
     submitting a written request to the Administrator.

SALE OF COMMON SHARES

17.  CAN PARTICIPANTS SELL SHARES HELD UNDER THE PLAN?

     Participants may request that all or a portion of the Common or Preferred
     Shares held in their accounts by the Plan (including shares held for
     safekeeping) be sold. Following receipt of written instructions from a
     Participant, the Administrator will sell, through an independent broker or
     institution, those shares as soon as practicable and will remit a check for
     the proceeds of such sale, less applicable brokerage charges, trading fees,
     service charges and any taxes. Shares to be sold will be aggregated by the
     Administrator and generally 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
     sold once per week at then current market prices in transactions carried
     out through one or more brokerage firms. This procedure for selling shares
     may be particularly attractive to holders of small amounts of shares
     because the Plan can combine odd lots and small numbers of shares into
     larger blocks to be sold, and thereby take advantage of lower trading fees
     that otherwise might not be available to individual Participants upon the
     sale of their shares. The initial trading fee for sales of shares will be
     $15.00 per transaction plus $.12 per share. See Question 23.


REPORTS

18.  WHAT REPORTS WILL BE SENT TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN?

     Unless a Participant participates in the Plan through a broker, bank or
     nominee, each Participant will receive from the Administrator a detailed
     statement of the Participant's account following each dividend payment and
     account transaction. These detailed statements will show total cash
     dividends received, if any, total optional cash investments received, total
     shares purchased (including fractional shares), price paid per share, and
     total shares held in the Plan. These statements should be retained by the
     Participant to determine the tax basis for shares purchased pursuant to the
     Plan. Any Participant that participates in the Plan through a broker, bank
     or nominee should contact such party for such a statement.

WITHDRAWAL

19.  HOW MAY PARTICIPANTS WITHDRAW FROM THE PLAN?

     Except as set forth below, a Participant may terminate enrollment in the
     Plan by giving written notice to the Administrator no later than two days
     prior to the first day of the next Investment Period, and thereafter all
     cash dividends, if any, on shares owned by such Participant will be sent to
     the Participant. See Question 17. In the event that a purchase of shares on
     behalf of a Participant pursuant to the Plan is pending, such Participant
     may not terminate enrollment until after the last Investment Date relating
     to such Investment Period. Any fractional shares held in the Plan at the
     time of termination will be converted to cash on the basis of the then
     current market price of the Common Shares. If a Participant's Plan account
     balance falls below one full share, the Administrator reserves the right to
     liquidate the fractional share and remit the proceeds, less any applicable
     fees, to the Participant at its address of record.

TAXES

20.  WHAT ARE THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE PLAN?

     In the case of Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator pursuant
     to the reinvestment feature of the Plan, Participants will be treated for
     federal income tax purposes as having received, on the distribution payment
     date, a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of the cash
     distribution that was reinvested.  Such distribution will be taxable as a
     dividend to the extent of the Company's current and accumulated earnings
     and profits.  To the extent the distribution exceeds the Company's current
     and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be treated
     first as a tax-free return of capital, reducing the tax basis in a
     Participant's shares, and the distribution in excess of a Participant's tax
     basis will be taxable as gain realized from the sale of its shares.  A
     Participant's tax basis in Common Shares acquired with reinvested dividends
     will be equal to the amount of the cash distribution that was reinvested to
     purchase the Common Shares.

     It is not entirely clear under current law how purchases of Common Shares
     pursuant to the optional cash investment feature of the Plan should be
     treated for federal income tax purposes. The tax treatment of the purchase
     of Common Shares by a Participant pursuant to an optional cash investment
     will differ depending on whether the Participant is participating in the
     dividend reinvestment feature of the Plan. The Company currently intends to
     take the position for tax reporting purposes that Participants that are not
     participating in the dividend reinvestment feature of the Plan and Initial
     Investors will not be treated for federal income tax purposes as having
     received a distribution from the Company upon the purchase of Common Shares
     with optional cash investments. For those Participants and Initial
     Investors, the tax basis in the Common Shares purchased will equal the
     amount paid for such shares. However, the Company currently intends to take
     position for tax reporting purposes that Participants that participate in
     the dividend reinvestment future of the Plan will be treated for federal
     income tax purposes as having received a distribution from the Company upon
     the purchase of Common Shares with optional cash investments in an amount
     equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the Daily Price of a Common Share on
     the Investment Date (the "Tax FMV"), multiplied by the number of Common
     Shares (including any

                                       17

<PAGE>
 
     fractional share) purchased, over (ii) the purchase price of such Common
     Shares, taking into account any Discount, and that any such distribution
     will be treated as a taxable dividend to the extent of the Company's
     current and accumulated earnings and profits. The Company currently intends
     to take the position for tax reporting purposes that such Participants that
     participate in the dividend reinvestment feature of the Plan will receive a
     tax basis in Common Shares acquired with optional cash investments equal to
     the greater of the Tax FMV or the purchase price of the shares.
     Participants and Initial Investors are encouraged to consult with their own
     tax advisors with regard to the federal income tax treatment of optional
     cash purchases.

     The holding period for Common Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan will
     begin on the day following the Investment Date.  A share consisting of
     fractional shares purchased on different Investment Dates will have a split
     holding period, with the holding period for each fractional component
     beginning the day after the Investment Date on which it was purchased.
     When a Participant receives certificates for whole shares credited to the
     Participant's account under the Plan, the Participant will not realize any
     taxable income.  However, a Participant that receives a cash adjustment for
     a fraction of a share will realize gain or loss with respect to such
     fraction.  Gain or loss also will be realized by the Participant whenever
     whole shares are sold, either pursuant to the Participant's request, upon
     withdrawal from the Plan or after withdrawal from the Plan.  The amount of
     such gain or loss will be the difference between the amount that the
     Participant receives for the shares (including any fractional share) and
     the tax basis of the Participant in the shares.

     THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
     PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX ADVICE. THIS SUMMARY
     DOES NOT REFLECT EVERY POSSIBLE OUTCOME THAT COULD RESULT FROM
     PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN AND, THEREFORE, PARTICIPANTS ARE ADVISED TO
     CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES
     APPLICABLE TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS.

OTHER PROVISIONS

21.  WHAT HAPPENS IF A PARTICIPANT SELLS OR TRANSFERS SHARES OR ACQUIRES
     ADDITIONAL SHARES?

     If a Participant has elected to have dividends automatically reinvested in
     the Plan and subsequently sells or transfers all or any part of the shares
     registered in the Participant's name, automatic reinvestment will continue
     as long as shares are registered in the name of the Participant or held for
     the Participant by the Administrator or until termination of enrollment.
     Similarly, if a Participant has elected the "Full Dividend Reinvestment"
     option under the Plan and subsequently acquires additional shares
     registered in the Participant's name, dividends paid on such shares will
     automatically be reinvested until termination of enrollment. If, however, a
     Participant has elected the "Partial Dividend Reinvestment" option and
     subsequently acquires additional shares that are registered in the
     Participant's name, dividends paid on such shares will not be automatically
     reinvested under the Plan. See Question 7. Participants may, however,
     change their dividend reinvestment elections by submitting new Enrollment
     Forms.

22.  HOW WILL A PARTICIPANT'S SHARES BE VOTED?

     For any meeting of shareholders, each Participant will receive proxy
     materials in order to vote all shares held by the Plan for the
     Participant's account. All shares will be voted as designated by the
     Participant or may be voted in person at the meeting of shareholders.

23.  WHO PAYS THE EXPENSES OF THE PLAN?

     There is no fee for enrolling in the program. Participation is voluntary
     and a Participant may discontinue its 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
     participation at any time. However, there are fees associated with the Plan
     and the Administrator's services. Shares for the Plan will be purchased
     directly from the Company. Except as provided below, there will be no
     trading fees or service charges in connection with purchases of shares by
     current shareholders. In addition, Participants that request the sale of
     any of their shares held in the Plan must pay a fee initially equal to
     $15.00 per transaction plus $.12 per share plus any applicable taxes and
     brokerage charges. The Administrator may effect any sale of shares for the
     Plan through a broker-dealer, in which case such broker-dealer will receive
     a commission for effecting such transactions. The Administrator may also
     charge Participants for additional services not provided under the Plan or
     where specified charges are indicated. Any fees may be changed by the
     Administrator at any time, without notice to Participants. Participants may
     obtain a current listing of all applicable administrative fees by
     contacting the Administrator at the address or telephone number listed in
     Question 4 above. Brokers or nominees that participate on behalf of
     beneficial owners for whom they are holding shares may also charge such
     beneficial owners fees in connection with such participation, for which
     neither the Administrator nor the Company will be responsible. The table
     below provides certain information with regard to fees paid by the
     Participant on certain transactions.

        INVESTOR PAID FEES
        ------------------

<TABLE> 
       <S>                                                            <C>
        PURCHASES
        Initial purchase for non-shareholders.......................  $10.00 per initial purchase
        Voluntary cash purchases....................................  $5.00 per purchase by check
        Automatic fund transfer (ACH) debit for purchases...........  $2.00 per purchase by ACH
</TABLE>
        
        REINVESTMENT
        Reinvestment of dividends each quarter will be charged to the
        shareholder at the rate of 5% of the investing amount, with a maximum
        charge of $3.00 per quarter.

        SALES
        Sales are charged $15.00 per transaction, plus $0.12 per share sold.


24.  WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE ADMINISTRATOR UNDER
     THE PLAN?

     Neither the Company nor the Administrator will be liable for any act done
     in good faith or for any good faith omission to act, including, without
     limitation, any claims of liability arising out of a failure to terminate a
     Participant's account upon such Participant's death or adjudication of
     incompetence prior to the receipt of notice in writing by the Company or
     the Administrator of such death or adjudication of incompetence, the prices
     at which shares are purchased for the Participant's account, the times when
     purchases are made or fluctuations in the market value of the Common
     Shares. Neither the Company nor the Administrator has any duties,
     responsibilities or liabilities except those expressly set forth in the
     Plan.

     Participants should recognize that the Company cannot assure profit or
     protect against a loss on the shares purchased by a Participant under the
     Plan.

25.  WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COMPANY ISSUES A SHARE DIVIDEND OR DECLARES A SHARE
     SPLIT?

     Any shares distributed by the Company as a result of a share dividend or a
     share split on shares held under the Plan for a Participant will be
     credited to the Participant's account.

26.  IF THE COMPANY HAS A RIGHTS OFFERING RELATED TO THE COMMON SHARES, HOW WILL
     A PARTICIPANT'S ENTITLEMENT BE COMPUTED?

     A Participant's entitlement in a rights offering related to the Common
     Shares will be based upon the number of whole shares credited to the
     Participant's account. Rights based on a fraction of a share credited to a

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
     Participant's Plan account will be sold for that account and the net
     proceeds will be invested as an optional cash payment on the next
     Investment Date.  In the event of a rights offering, transaction processing
     may be curtailed or suspended by the Administrator for a short period of
     time following the record date for such action to permit the Administrator
     to calculate the rights allocable to each account.

27.  MAY SHARES IN A PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT BE PLEDGED?

     No shares credited to a Participant's account may be pledged and any such
     purported pledge will be void.  If a Participant wishes to pledge shares,
     those shares must be withdrawn from the Plan.  See Question 19.

28.  MAY A PARTICIPANT TRANSFER ALL OR A PART OF THE PARTICIPANT'S SHARES
     HELD IN THE PLAN TO ANOTHER PERSON?

     A Participant who is not an affiliate of the Company may transfer or give
     gifts of shares to anyone by contacting the Administrator and requesting a
     Gift/Transfer Form. A notice indicating the deposit of shares will be
     forwarded to the recipient.  A Participant who is not an affiliate of the
     Company may also transfer all or a portion of his or her shares into an
     account established for another person within the Plan. In order to effect
     such a "book-to-book" transfer, the transferee must complete an
     Authorization and Enrollment Form to open a new account within the Plan.
     (See Question 7) . The Authorization and Enrollment Form should be sent to
     the Administrator along with a written request to effect the "book-to-book"
     transfer indicating the number of shares to be transferred to the new
     account.

     Participants who are affiliates of the Company and who wish to transfer
     shares in his or her account should call the Corporate Secretary of the
     Company at (214) 654-0886.

29.  MAY THE PLAN BE CHANGED OR TERMINATED?

While the Plan is intended to continue indefinitely, the Company reserves the
right to amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time.  Participants
will be notified in writing of any modifications made to the Plan.

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

The Company intends to contribute the net proceeds of the sale of the Common
Shares offered hereby to the Operating Partnership in exchange for an equal
number of units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership.
The Operating Partnership will use such proceeds to repay indebtedness or for
general purposes.

                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The Common Shares acquired under the Plan are being sold directly by the
Company.  The Company may sell Common Shares to owners of shares (including
brokers or dealers) who, in connection with any resales of such shares, may be
deemed to be underwriters.  Such shares, including shares acquired pursuant to
Requests for Waiver granted with respect to the optional cash investment feature
of the Plan, may be resold in market transactions (including coverage of short
positions) on any national securities exchange on which Common Shares trade or
in privately negotiated transactions.  These exchanges include the NYSE, the
national exchange on which the Common Shares are currently listed.  The
difference between the price such owners pay to the Company for Common Shares
acquired under the Plan after deduction of the applicable Discount, if any, and
the price at which such shares are resold, may be deemed to constitute
underwriting commissions received by such owners in connection with such
transactions.  The Company does not have any formal or informal understanding
with any such owners. The Company reserves the right to exclude from
participation in the Plan persons who use the Plan to engage in short-term
trading activities that cause alterations in the trading volume of the Common
Shares.

The Company will pay any expenses incurred in connection with purchases of
Common Shares under the Plan. Participants that request the sale of any of their
Common Shares held in the Plan must pay a fee initially equal to $10.00 per
transaction plus $.12 per share plus any applicable taxes and, if the sale is
effected through a broker-dealer, a commission.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
Common Shares may not be available under the Plan in all states. This Prospectus
does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any
Common Shares or other securities in any state or any other jurisdiction to any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the validity of the Common Shares
offered hereby have been passed upon for the Company by Hunton & Williams,
Richmond, Virginia, who have relied on the opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews &
Ingersoll, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, with respect to matters of Maryland law.

                                    EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 1997 and
1996 and for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the period October 22, 1996
(inception of operations) to December 31, 1996 and the combined financial
statements of the Predecessor Company as of December 31, 1995 and the period
January 1, 1996 to October 21, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995 are
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1997 and incorporated by reference herein.  The combined statements of
revenue and certain operating expenses for the Newport National Properties and
the Silicon Valley Properties for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the
statement of revenue and certain operating expenses for the Carrara Place
Property for the year ended June 30, 1997 are included in the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 1998 and incorporated by reference herein.
These reports have been incorporated herein in reliance on the reports of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                          FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

     This Prospectus, any Prospectus Supplement and the documents incorporated
by reference herein may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), including, without limitation, statements containing the words
"believes," "anticipates," "expects" and words of similar import.  Such forward-
looking statements relate to future events, the future financial performance of
the company, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Company or industry to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking
statements.  Prospective investors should specifically consider the various
factors identified in the Prospectus, any Prospectus Supplement, and the
documents incorporated by reference herein, which could cause actual results to
differ, including particularly those discussed in the section entitled "Risk
Factors."  The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to
publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking
statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

                                    GLOSSARY


"Administrator"          First Chicago Trust Company of New York or such
                         successor administrator as the Company may designate.

"Beneficial Owner"       Shareholder whose Common Shares are registered in the
                         stock transfer books of the Company in a name other
                         than his or her name.

"Business Day"           Any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday
                         on which the NYSE is closed or on which the
                         Administrator is authorized or obligated by law to
                         close.

"B/N Form"               Broker and Nominee Form.    

"Common Shares"          Common shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01
                         per share, of the Company.

"Daily Price"            The average of the high and low trading prices of the
                         Common Shares on a day on NYSE, rounded to three
                         decimal places.

"Discount"               Discount between 0% and 5% of the purchase price as
                         established, at the sole discretion of the Company,
                         each month at least three Trading Days prior to the
                         first day of the

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                         applicable Investment Period; provided, however, that
                         in no event shall the Discount be set such that the
                         purchase price for a Common Share is less than 95% of
                         its Tax FMV.

"Initial Investor"       Person other than a Participant making an optional cash
                         investment in the Common Shares.

"Investment Date"        Date on which optional cash investments are to be
                         invested and any dividends are to be reinvested. With
                         respect to optional cash investments not exceeding
                         $2,500, the last Trading Day of the Investment Period
                         is the Investment Date, and with respect to optional
                         cash investments exceeding $2,500 pursuant to a Request
                         for Waiver that has been granted by the Company, each
                         Trading Day of the period is an Investment Date for 
                         one-twelfth of the investment.

"Investment Period"      A period encompassing the first 12 Trading Days of each
                         month, in which, with respect to optional cash
                         investments not exceeding $2,500, the last Trading Day
                         of the period is the Investment Date and in which, with
                         respect to optional cash investments exceeding $2,500
                         pursuant to a Request for Waiver that has been granted
                         by the Company, each Trading Day of the period is an
                         Investment Date with respect to 1/12 of such optional
                         cash investment.

"Participant"            Registered holder or beneficial owner of Common Shares
                         under the Plan.

"Plan Shares"            Common Shares that have been credited to the
                         Participant's account pursuant to dividend reinvestment
                         or optional cash investment. 

"Preferred Shares"       Preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01
                         per share, of the Company.

"Registered Holder"      Shareholder whose Common Shares are registered in the
                         stock transfer books of the Company in his or her name.

"Request for Waiver"     Request that the Company waive the maximum requirement
                         for optional cash investments of $2,500 per month.

"Tax FMV"                Daily Price of a Common Share on the applicable
                         Investment Date.

"Threshold Price"        Minimum price that the Daily Price must meet in order
                         to consider prices from such Trading Day in determining
                         the purchase price of Common Shares purchased with
                         optional cash investments pursuant to a Request for
                         Waiver.

"Trading Day"            Day on which trades in Common Shares are reported on
                         NYSE.


NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING HEREBY TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES TO ANY PERSON
OR BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE A

                           OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Threshold Price          Record Date and
     and                  Optional Cash           Investment Period        Investment Period
Discount Set Date      Investment Due Date        Commencement Date        Conclusion Date
- -----------------      -------------------        -----------------        -----------------
<S>                    <C>                        <C>                      <C> 
August 27, 1998        August 31, 1998            September 1, 1998        September 17, 1998
September 28, 1998     September 30, 1998         October 1, 1998          October 16, 1998
October 28, 1998       October 30, 1998           November 2, 1998         November 17, 1998
November 25, 1998      November 30, 1998          December 1, 1998         December 16, 1998
December 29, 1998      December 31, 1998          January 4, 1999          January 20, 1999
January 27, 1999       January 29, 1999           February 1, 1999         February 17, 1999
February 24, 1999      February 26, 1999          March 1, 1999            March 16, 1999
March 29, 1999         March 31, 1999             April 1, 1999            April 19, 1999
April 28, 1999         April 30, 1999             May 3, 1999              May 18, 1999
May 26, 1999           May 28, 1999               June 1, 1999             June 16, 1999
June 28, 1999          June 30, 1999              July 1, 1999             July 19, 1999
July 28, 1999          July 30, 1999              August 2, 1999           August 17, 1999
August 27, 1999        August 31, 1999            September 1, 1999        September 17, 1999
September 28, 1999     September 30, 1999         October 1, 1999          October 18, 1999
October 27, 1999       October 29, 1999           November 1, 1999         November 16, 1999
November 26, 1999      November 30, 1999          December 1, 1999         December 16, 1999
December 29, 1999      December 31, 1999          January 3, 2000          January 19, 2000
January 27, 2000       January 31, 2000           February 1, 2000         February 16, 2000
February 25, 2000      February 29, 2000          March 1, 2000            March 16, 2000
March 29, 2000         March 31, 2000             April 3, 2000            April 18, 2000
April 26, 2000         April 28, 2000             May 1, 2000              May 16, 2000
May 26, 2000           May 31, 2000               June 1, 2000             June 16, 2000
June 28, 2000          June 30, 2000              July 3, 2000             July 19, 2000
July 27, 2000          July 31, 2000              August 1, 2000           August 16, 2000
</TABLE> 
  
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Available Information.....................................................  5

Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference...........................  5
The Company...............................................................  7

Description of the Plan...................................................  7
  Purpose.................................................................  7
  Participation Options...................................................  7
  Benefits................................................................  8
  Restrictions............................................................  8
  Participation Eligibility...............................................  9
  Enrollment..............................................................  9
  Purchases............................................................... 12
  Certificates............................................................ 16
  Sale of Common Shares................................................... 16
  Reports................................................................. 17
  Withdrawal.............................................................. 17
  Taxes................................................................... 17
  Other Provisions........................................................ 18

Use of Proceeds........................................................... 20

Plan of Distribution...................................................... 20

Legal Matters............................................................. 21

Experts................................................................... 21

Forward-Looking Information............................................... 21

Glossary.................................................................. 21
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

     The estimated expenses in connection with the offering are as follows:

<TABLE>
          <S>                                                     <C>
          Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee..   $17,724
          Accounting fees and expenses.........................     3,000
          Professional fees and expenses.......................    10,000
          Miscellaneous........................................     4,276
 
               TOTAL...........................................   $35,000
</TABLE>

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS


          The Maryland REIT Law permits a Maryland real estate investment trust
to include in its Declaration of Trust a provision limiting the liability of its
trustees and officers to the trust and its shareholders for money damages except
for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit
in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty
established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. The
Declaration of Trust of the Company contains such a provision which eliminates
such liability to the maximum extent permitted by the Maryland REIT Law.

          The Declaration of Trust of the Company authorizes it, to the maximum
extent permitted by Maryland law, to obligate itself to indemnify and to pay or
reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to
(a) any present or former Trustee or officer or (b) any individual who, while a
Trustee of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served
another real estate investment trust, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a trustee, director,
officer or partner of such real estate investment trust, corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise
as a trustee, director, officer or partner of such real estate investment trust,
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise from and against any claim or liability to which such person may
become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his status as present
or former shareholder. The Bylaws of the Company obligate it, to the maximum
extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify and to pay or reimburse
reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any
present or former Trustee or officer who is made a party to the proceeding by
reason of his service in that capacity or (b) any individual who, while a
Trustee of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served
another real estate investment trust, corporation partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a trustee, director,
officer or partner of such real estate investment trust, corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and
who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his service in that capacity.
The Declaration of Trust and Bylaws also permit the Company to indemnify and
advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of the Company in any of
the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of the Company or a
predecessor of the Company. The Bylaws require the Company to indemnify a
Trustee or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the
defense of any proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of his service
in that capacity.

          Maryland REIT Law permits a Maryland real estate investment trust to
indemnify and advance expenses to its trustees, officers, employees and agents
to the same extent as is permitted by the MGCL for directors and officers of
Maryland corporations. The MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its present
and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties,
fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in
connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of
their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the
act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result
of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually
received an improper personal benefit in money, 

                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director
or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was
unlawful. However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse
judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation. In accordance with the
MGCL, the Bylaws of the Company require it, as a condition to advancing
expenses, to obtain (a) a written affirmation by the Trustee or officer of his
good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary for
indemnification by the Company as authorized by the Bylaws and (b) a written
statement by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the
Company if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was
not met.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS

4.1 *     Form of Common Shares Certificate.

4.2 *     Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Company.

4.3 *     Articles Supplementary to the Amended and Restated Declaration of
          Trust Classifying and Designating the Series A Preferred Shares (filed
          as Exhibit 3.1 to the company's current Report on Form 8-K filed
          January 14, 1998).

4.4       Articles Supplementary to the Amended and Restated Declaration of
          Trust Classifying and Designating the Series B Preferred Shares (filed
          as Exhibit 3 to the company's Registration Statement on Form 8-K filed
          February 17, 1998).

4.5 *     Bylaws of the Company.

4.6       Rights Agreement, dated February 6, 1998, between the Company and
          First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent (filed as an
          Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on
          February 17, 1998.

4.7       Form of Rights Certificate (included as Exhibit A to the Rights 
          Agreement).

5.1       Opinion of Hunton & Williams.

23.1      Consent of Hunton & Williams (included in Exhibit 5.1).

23.2      Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

24        Power of Attorney (located on the signature page of this Registration
          Statement).

_______________________________
 *   Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11,
     File No. 33-09863, as amended, and incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

     (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of
the securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this
registration statement:

     (i)  to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
     Securities Act of 1933;

     (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
     effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
     effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
     represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
     registration statement (Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
     decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of

                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
     securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
     deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering range
     may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
     pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
     price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
     offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
     the effective registration statement); and

     (iii)  to include any material information with respect to the plan of
     distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
     material change to such information in the registration statement;

     provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in subparagraphs (i) and
     (ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
     post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic
     reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant
     pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
     are incorporated by reference in this registration statement;

     (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof;

     (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

     The undersigned registrant hereby further undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has
been advised that the in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the
registrant by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of
its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by
it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.

     The undersigned registrant further hereby undertakes that:

     (1)  For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.

     (2)  For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Dallas, State of Texas, on the 22nd day of July,
1998.


                              Prentiss Properties Trust,
                              a Maryland real estate investment trust
                              (Registrant)
 

                              By:  /s/  Thomas F. August
                                   -------------------------------------------
                                             Thomas F. August
                                        President and Chief Operating Officer

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints
Michael V. Prentiss, Thomas F. August and Gregory S. Imhoff, or any of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for him and in his name, place and stead, to
sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
Registration Statement, to sign any Registration Statements filed pursuant to
Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, and to cause the same to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting to said attorneys-
in-fact full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing
whatsoever requisite or desirable to be done in and about the premises as fully
to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person,
hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things that said attorneys-in-fact
may do or cause to be done by virtue of these presents.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below on the 22nd day of July, 1998 by
the following persons in the capacities indicated.

               SIGNATURE                               TITLE
               ---------                               -----

/s/  Michael V. Prentiss
- -------------------------------
          Michael V. Prentiss      Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive 
                                   Officer (Principal Executive Officer)


/s/  Thomas F. August
- -------------------------------
          Thomas F. August         President, Chief Operating Officer and 
                                   Trustee


/s/  Thomas J. Hynes, Jr.
- -------------------------------
          Thomas J. Hynes, Jr.     Trustee


/s/  Barry J. C. Parker
- -------------------------------
          Barry J.C. Parker        Trustee


/s/  Leonard M. Riggs, Jr.
- -------------------------------
          Leonard M. Riggs, Jr.    Trustee


/s/  Ronald G. Steinhart
- -------------------------------
          Ronald G. Steinhart      Trustee

                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
/s/  Lawrence A. Wilson
- -------------------------------
          Lawrence A. Wilson       Trustee


/s/  Mark R. Doran
- -------------------------------
          Mark R. Doran            Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
                                   Officer and  Treasurer (Principal Financial
                                   Officer)

/s/  Richard J. Bartel
- -------------------------------
          Richard J. Bartel        Executive Senior Vice President--Financial
                                   Operationsand Administration, and Chief
                                   Administrative Officer (Principal Accounting
                                   Officer)

                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
NUMBER    EXHIBIT                                                          PAGE
- ------    -------                                                          ----

4.1*      Form of Common Shares Certificate.

4.2*      Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Company.

4.3*      Articles Supplementary to the Amended and Restated Declaration of
          Trust Classifying and Designating the Series A Preferred Shares (filed
          as Exhibit 3.1 to the company's current Report on Form 8-K filed
          January 14, 1998).

4.4       Articles Supplementary to the Amended and Restated Declaration of
          Trust Classifying and Designating the Series B Preferred Shares (filed
          as Exhibit 3 to the company's Registration Statement on Form 8-K filed
          February 17, 1998).

4.5*      Bylaws of the Company.

4.6       Rights Agreement, dated February 6, 1998, between the Company and
          First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent (filed as an
          Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on
          February 17, 1998.

4.7       Form of Rights Certificate (included as Exhibit A to the Rights
          Agreement).

5.1       Opinion of Hunton & Williams.

23.1      Consent of Hunton & Williams (included in Exhibit 5.1).

23.2      Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

24        Power of Attorney (located on the signature page of this Registration
          Statement).

_______________________________
*    Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11,
     File No. 33-09863, as amended, and incorporated by reference herein.

                                     II-6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 5.1
                                                                     -----------


                                August 4, 1998


  Board of Directors
  Prentiss Properties Trust
  3890 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 400
  Dallas, TX  75220


                           Prentiss Properties Trust
                      Registration Statement on Form S-3
                     ____________________________________

  Ladies and Gentlemen:

       We are counsel for Prentiss Properties Trust, a Maryland real estate
  investment trust, (the "Company") in connection with its registration under
  the Securities Act of 1933 of 2,500,000 of the Company's common shares of
  beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share ("the Shares") which are
  proposed to be offered and sold as described in the Company's Registration
  Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on August 5, 1998.

       In rendering this opinion, we have relied upon, among other things, our
  examination of such records of the Company and certificates of its officers
  and of public officials as we have deemed necessary.  With respect to matters
  of Maryland law, we have relied upon the opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews &
  Ingersoll, LLP.

       Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

       1. The Company is a real estate investment trust duly formed and existing
  under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good
  standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland.

       2. When the issuance of the shares has been duly authorized by
  appropriate action and the Shares have been offered and sold as described in
  the Registration Statement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and
  nonassessable.

       We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an
  exhibit to the Registration Statement and the reference to our firm under the
  heading "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement.

                                        Very truly yours,


                                        Hunton & Williams

                                       1

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 23.2
                                                                    ------------

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDANT ACCOUNTANTS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 333-____) of our reports dated (i) February 5, 1998 on our
audits of the consolidated and combined financial statements and financial
statements schedule of Prentiss Properties Trust and the Predecessor Company,
(ii) October 20, 1997 on our audit of the combined statement of revenues and
certain operating expenses of the Silicon Valley Properties and (iii) February
6, 1998 on our audits of the combined statement of revenues and certain
operating expenses of the Newport National Properties and the statement of
revenues and certain operating expenses of the Carrara Place Property. We also
consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."



Dallas, Texas
August 3, 1998



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