NUVEEN TAX FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 945
S-6EL24, 1997-05-15
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<PAGE>
                                                    40 ACT FILE NO. 811-2271
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM S-6
 
For  Registration  under  the  Securities  Act of  1933  of  Securities  of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on
Form N-8B-2
 
   
<TABLE>
<S> <C>                 <C>
A.  Exact name of Trust: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 945
 
B.  Name of Depositor:  JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
 
C.  Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:
 
                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
D.  Name and complete address of agents for service:
 
                        JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                        Attn: Gifford R. Zimmerman
                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
                        CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                        Attn: Eric F. Fess
                        111 West Monroe Street
                        Chicago, Illinois 60603
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
 
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
/ / on May 15, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
 
/ / on May 15, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486
E.  Title and  amount of  securities being  registered: An  indefinite number  of  Units
    pursuant  to Rule  24f-2 promulgated  under the investment  company act  of 1940, as
    amended.
 
F.  Proposed maximum offering price  to the public of  the securities being  registered:
    Indefinite.
 
G.  Amount of filing fee: $0
 
H.  Approximate  date of proposed sale  to the public: As  soon as practicable after the
    effective date of the Registration Statement.
 
/ / Check box if  it is proposed  that this filing  will become effective  on (date)  at
    (time) pursuant to Rule 487.
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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  THE  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE  COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION  8(A)
MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>
   
                                  MAY 15, 1997
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
    
                                           A
   
NUVEEN                  NUVEEN ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 51
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 940)
    
                                               CUSIP NUMBERS:
   
                                               Monthly:               67101J 824
                                               Quarterly:             67101J 832
                                               Semi-Annually:         67101J 840
    
   
              PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- MAY 15, 1997
 THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
                                   PART B OF
THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 1, 1997, TO WHICH SUCH
                                   REFERENCE
   HEREIN APPLIES. BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
                                   REFERENCE.
    
 
   
    Arizona   Insured  Trust  51  (the  "Trust")  consists  of  a  portfolio  of
interest-bearing obligations issued  by or on  behalf of the  State of  Arizona,
certain  United  States Territories  or  authorities and  political subdivisions
thereof which,  in  the  opinion  of recognized  bond  counsel  to  the  issuing
authorities,  provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and Arizona
income tax, to the extent indicated below.
    
    The objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state  income
taxes,  and conservation  of capital. The  objectives are,  of course, dependent
upon the continuing  ability of the  issuers, obligors and/or  insurers to  meet
their respective obligations.
   
    The  Portfolio of  the Trust  consists of  8 obligations  issued by entities
located in Arizona. The Bonds in the Trust are either general obligations of the
governmental entity issuing them and are  backed by the taxing power thereof  or
are  payable as to principal and interest  from the income of a specific project
or authority and  are not supported  by the  issuer's power to  levy taxes.  The
sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NUMBER OF                                              PORTFOLIO
      ISSUES                PURPOSE OF ISSUE                PERCENTAGE
  ---------------  ----------------------------------------------------
  <C>              <S>                                     <C>
         2         Water and/or Sewer Revenue                   26.4   %
         2         General Obligations                          24.3
         2         Health Care Facility Revenue                 20.7
         1         Combination Utility Revenue                  14.3
         1         College and University Revenue               14.3
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Approximately  28.6% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 26.7% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount bonds. See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
Prospectus  for a discussion  of the characteristics of  such obligations and of
the risks associated therewith.
    
    All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance  obtained
from  the  MBIA  Insurance  Corporation guaranteeing  payment  of  principal and
interest when due. As a  result of such insurance, the  Bonds in the Trust  have
received  a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard
& Poor's. Insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of Trust
Units.
   
    The Trust is considered  to be concentrated in  Bonds of Water and/or  Sewer
Revenue  Issuers whose revenues are subject  to certain risks including problems
obtaining timely and adequate rate increases and population decline resulting in
decreased user fees. For a discussion  of the risks associated with  investments
in  the  bonds  of  various  issuers,  see "RISK  FACTORS"  in  Part  B  of this
Prospectus.
    
   
                             ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
                 REGARDING THE NUVEEN ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 51
         ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, MAY 14, 1997
    
         Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
         Trustee.............................. The Chase Manhattan Bank
                ------------------------------------------------
 
The income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been  calculated
for   Unitholders  receiving  monthly,  quarterly  or  semi-annual  distribution
options.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $     3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................           35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....         1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $     3,391,738
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $         96.91
    Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
     Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit)..........  $          4.99
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        101.90
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $         96.50
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $         96.91
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $          5.40
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $          4.99
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)...........       20.5 years
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON  THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
Information   contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration statement  relating to  these securities  has 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  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or the
solicitation 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 State.
 
                                     1 of 7
<PAGE>
                         ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  MONTHLY        QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
  <S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
  Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
    Interest Income Per Unit
      Annual Interest Income(3)............         $5.3416         $5.3416        $5.3416
      Less Estimated Annual Expense........          $.2414          $.2094         $.1904
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
      Estimated Net Annual Interest
        Income(4)..........................         $5.1002         $5.1322        $5.1512
  Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit...........         $.01416         $.01425        $.01430
  ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5)..............            5.01%           5.04%          5.06 %
  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............            4.99%           5.02%          5.04 %
  Trustee's Annual Fees(6).................         $1.5463         $1.2263        $1.0363
Date of Deposit.......................................................................................May 15, 1997
Settlement Date.......................................................................................May 20, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02971 per Unit
- ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
The evaluation time for purpose  of sale, purchase or  redemption of Units is  4
p.m.  Eastern time or as of  any earlier closing time on  a day on which the New
York Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.  (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
   
(1) Units  are offered at  the Public Offering Price  plus accrued interest from
    the preceding Record  Date to,  but not  including, the  date of  settlement
    (normally  three business days  after purchase). The Date  of Deposit of the
    Fund has  been  designated  as  the  First Record  Date  for  all  plans  of
    distribution  of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
    of Deposit, $.07 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
    the Public Offering  Price. (See "WHAT  IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"  in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.)
    
 
(2) The  Average Maturity  of Bonds  in the Trust  is calculated  based upon the
    stated maturities of the Bonds in the  Trust (or, with respect to Bonds  for
    which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
    a  stated call  date, based  upon such call  date). The  Average Maturity of
    Bonds in the  Trust may  increase or  decrease from  time to  time as  Bonds
    mature or are called or sold.
 
(3) Assumes  delivery of  all Bonds. (See  "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" appearing in
    Part B of this  Prospectus.) Interest income does  not include accretion  of
    original  issue  discount on  "zero coupon"  Bonds, Stripped  Obligations or
    other original issue discount Bonds. (See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)
 
(4) The  amount and  timing of interest  distributions from the  Trust under the
    various plans of distribution  are set forth below.  It is anticipated  that
    the  amount of interest to  be distributed per Unit  in each year under each
    plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the  Estimated
    Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
    be  distributed  annually  per  Unit, will  generally  change  as  Bonds are
    redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
(5) Estimated Long  Term Return  for the  Trust represents  the average  of  the
    yields  to  maturity  (or  call)  of  the  Bonds  in  the  Trust's portfolio
    calculated in  accordance  with  accepted bond  practices  and  adjusted  to
    reflect  a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
    Return is computed by  dividing the Net Annual  Interest Income per Unit  by
    the  Public Offering  Price, and in  contrast to Estimated  Long Term Return
    does not reflect the  amortization of premium or  accretion of discount,  if
    any.  For  more information  see "WHAT  ARE ESTIMATED  LONG TERM  RETURN AND
    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
(6) Each Trustee annual  fee is per  $1,000 principal amount  of the  underlying
    Bonds  in  the  Trust  for  that portion  of  the  Trust  that  represents a
    particular plan of distribution.
 
(7) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    organizational   costs  (including  costs   of  preparing  the  registration
    statements, the  trust indenture  and other  closing documents,  registering
    Units  with the Securities  and Exchange Commission  and states, the initial
    audit of the Trust  portfolio, initial evaluation fees,  legal fees and  the
    initial  fees and  expenses of  the Trustee  but not  including the expenses
    incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
    incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other  advertising
    materials  and any  other selling expenses)  as is common  for mutual funds.
    Total organizational expenses will be amortized over a five year period. See
    "WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in Part B of this Prospectus and
    "Statement of  Condition." Historically,  the  sponsors of  unit  investment
    trusts have paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
 
                                     2 of 7
<PAGE>
                             INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
 
    Details  of interest distributions  per Unit of the  Trust under the various
plans appear in  the following table  based upon estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                         1997                                  1998                   PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        6/1            8/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................       6/15           8/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .2265(1)                                                               $  5.1002
                                                              --------   $.4248 every month   --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .2265(1)   $   .8550(2)   $  1.2825      $  1.2825      $  1.2825      $  5.1322
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .2265(1)                  $  2.1450(3)                  $  2.5740      $  5.1512
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Record  Dates for  semi-annual distributions  are May  1 and  November 1; for
   quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
   Record Dates  for monthly  distributions are  the first  day of  each  month.
   Distribution  Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
   month  in  which  the  respective   Record  Date  occurred.  For   additional
   information  see "WHEN ARE  DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?"  in Part B of
   this Prospectus.
 
(1) The first distribution will  be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of  the
    distribution  plan selected.  Such distribution may  be more or  less than a
    regular monthly distribution.
 
   
(2) The second distribution under the  quarterly distribution plan represents  a
    2-month  distribution;  subsequent quarterly  distributions will  be regular
    3-month distributions.
    
 
   
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
    5-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual  distributions will be  regular
    6-month distributions.
    
 
                              ARIZONA RISK FACTORS
 
    The  financial  condition of  the State  of Arizona  is affected  by various
national,  economic,   social  and   environmental  policies   and   conditions.
Additionally,  Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State and
its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters  may
constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the State and its local governments
and,  therefore,  the ability  of  the issuers  of  the Bonds  to  satisfy their
obligations.  Historically,  the  State  has  experienced  significant   revenue
shortfalls.
 
    The  economic vitality of the State  and its various regions and, therefore,
the ability of the  State and its  local governments to  satisfy the Bonds,  are
affected by numerous factors. The economy of the State continues to be dependent
on  services, tourism and  manufacturing. These sectors tend  to by cyclical. In
1986, the value  of Arizona  real estate began  a steady  decline, reflecting  a
market  which had been overbuilt in the previous decade with a resulting surplus
of completed inventory.  This decline adversely  affected both the  construction
industry and those Arizona financial institutions which had aggressively pursued
many  facets of  real estate  lending. In  the near  future, Arizona's financial
institutions are  likely to  continue to  experience problems  until the  excess
inventories of commercial and residential properties are resolved.
 
    The State is a party to numerous lawsuits in which an adverse final decision
could materially affect the State's governmental operations and consequently its
ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
 
    Further  information concerning  Arizona risk  factors may  be obtained upon
written or telephonic request to the Trustee as described in "OTHER  INFORMATION
- -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
                                   TAX STATUS
 
    For  a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
   
    The assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations  issued
by  or  on  behalf  of  the  State  of  Arizona  (the  "State"),  its  political
subdivisions and authorities (the "Arizona Bonds"),  and by or on behalf of  the
government  of Puerto  Rico, the  government of Guam,  or the  government of the
Virgin Islands (collectively the  "Possession Bonds") (collectively the  Arizona
Bonds and Possession Bonds shall be referred to herein as the "Bonds"), provided
the  interest on such  Bonds received by  the Trust is  exempt from State income
taxes.
    
 
    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler counsel to the Sponsor, under  existing
law:
 
        For  Arizona income tax purposes, each Unitholder will be treated as the
    owner of  a pro  rata portion  of the  Trust, and  the income  of the  Trust
    therefore will be treated as the income of the Unitholder under State law.
 
        For  Arizona  income  tax  purposes,  interest  on  the  Bonds  which is
    excludable from Federal gross income and which is exempt from Arizona income
    taxes when  received  by the  Trust,  and  which would  be  excludable  from
 
                                     3 of 7
<PAGE>
    Federal  gross  income  and exempt  from  Arizona income  taxes  if received
    directly by a Unitholder, will retain its status as tax-exempt interest when
    received by the Trust and distributed to the Unitholders.
 
        To the extent that interest derived from the Trust by a Unitholder  with
    respect  to the Bonds is excludable from Federal gross income, such interest
    will not be subject to Arizona income taxes.
 
        Each Unitholder will receive taxable gain or loss for Arizona income tax
    purposes when Bonds held in the Trust are sold, exchanged, redeemed or  paid
    at  maturity, or when the Unitholder redeems or sells Units, at a price that
    differs from original cost as adjusted for amortization of Bond discount  or
    premium  and other basis adjustments, including any basis reduction that may
    be required to reflect a Unitholder's share of interest, if any, accruing on
    Bonds during the interval between  the Unitholder's settlement date and  the
    date such Bonds are delivered to the Trust, if later.
 
   
        Amounts paid by the Insurer under an insurance policy or policies issued
    to the Trust, if any, with respect to the Bonds in the Trust which represent
    maturing interest on defaulted Bonds held by the Trustee will be exempt from
    State  income taxes if, and to the  same extent as, such interest would have
    been so exempt if paid by the  issuer of the defaulted Bonds provided  that,
    at  the time such policies are purchased, the amounts paid for such policies
    are reasonable,  customary and  consistent with  the reasonable  expectation
    that the issuer of the Bonds, rather than the insurer, will pay debt service
    on the Bonds.
    
 
        Arizona law does not permit a deduction for interest paid or incurred on
    indebtedness  incurred or continued to purchase or carry Units in the Trust,
    the interest on which is exempt from Arizona income taxes.
 
        Neither the Bonds  nor the  Units will  be subject  to Arizona  property
    taxes, sales tax or use tax.
 
        Chapman  and Cutler  has expressed no  opinion with  respect to taxation
    under any other provision of Arizona law. Ownership of the Units may  result
    in  collateral Arizona  tax consequences  to certain  taxpayers. Prospective
    investors should consult their tax advisors  as to the applicability of  any
    such collateral consequences.
 
                                     4 of 7
<PAGE>
   
                        NUVEEN ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 51
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 940)
          SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, MAY 15, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's        Price
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   425,000      City of Chandler, Arizona, Water and Sewer          2006 at 101        AAA         Aaa     $       423,938
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1996, 5.50% Due 7/1/15.
    500,000      Industrial Development Authority of the City of     2006 at 101        AAA         Aaa             500,915
                   Glendale, Arizona, Refunding and Educational
                   Facilities Revenue Bonds (American Graduate
                   School of International
                   Management-Thunderbird), Series 1996, 5.625%
                   Due 7/1/20.
    350,000      Madison Elementary School District No. 38 of        2006 at 101        AAA         Aaa             358,624
                   Maricopa County, Arizona, School Improvement
                   Bonds, Project of 1995, Series B (1996),
                   5.80% Due 7/1/15. (General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      City of Mesa, Arizona, Utility Systems Revenue      2007 at 101        AAA         Aaa             482,420
                   Bonds, Series 1997, 5.25% Due 7/1/16.
    500,000      City of Phoenix Civic Improvement Corporation       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             435,820
                   (Arizona), Wastewater System Lease Revenue
                   Refunding Bonds, Series 1993, 4.75% Due
                   7/1/23. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about November 4, 1993 at a
                   price of 92.50% of principal amount.)
    225,000      The Industrial Development Authority of the         2007 at 102        AAA         Aaa             225,466
                   County of Pima (Arizona), Insured Refunding
                   Revenue Bonds (HealthPartners of Southern
                   Arizona), Series 1997A, 5.625% Due 4/1/14.
    500,000      Washington Elementary School District No. 6 of      2006 at 101        AAA         Aaa             470,610
                   Maricopa County, Arizona, School Improvement
                   Bonds (Projects of 1996), Series A (1996),
                   5.00% Due 7/1/16. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about August 7, 1996 at
                   a price of 91.393% of principal
                   amount.)(General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      The Industrial Development Authority of the         2007 at 102        AAA         Aaa             493,945
                   City of Yuma, Arizona, Hospital Revenue
                   Refunding Bonds, Series 1997 (Yuma Regional
                   Medical Center), 5.50% Due 8/1/17.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,391,738
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
    (1)  The Sponsor's contracts to purchase  Bonds were entered into during the
period from May 12, 1997 to May 14, 1997. Other information regarding the  Bonds
in the Trust on the Date of Deposit is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ANNUAL
                                                           PROFIT      INTEREST
                                              COST TO     (OR LOSS)    INCOME TO    BID PRICE
                   TRUST                      SPONSOR    TO SPONSOR      TRUST      OF BONDS
  ----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
  ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 51................  $ 3,379,615  $   12,123   $  186,956   $ 3,377,363
</TABLE>
    
 
   
In  addition,  the difference  between the  Trustee's determination  of Offering
Price and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .41%. Neither  cost
to  Sponsor nor  profit (or  loss) to  Sponsor reflects  underwriting profits or
losses received  or  incurred  by  the  Sponsor  through  its  participation  in
underwriting  syndicates. The  Sponsor did  not participate  as either  the sole
underwriter or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the  original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
    
 
    (2)  The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and at
the prices,  shown. Unless  otherwise  indicated, the  Bonds, except  for  Bonds
issued  at a  substantial original issue  discount, are  redeemable at declining
prices (but not below  par value) in subsequent  years. Original issue  discount
bonds,  including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based on
the issue  price  plus  the  amount  of  original  issue  discount  accreted  to
redemption  plus, if applicable, some premium,  the amount of which will decline
in subsequent years. The  Bonds may also be  subject to sinking fund  redemption
without  premium  prior to  the dates  shown.  Certain Bonds  may be  subject to
redemption without  premium prior  to  the date  shown  pursuant to  special  or
mandatory  call provisions specified in the  instruments setting forth the terms
and provisions of  such Bonds.  See "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS", "WHAT  IS THE  TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    (3)  All the  Bonds in the  Insured Trusts,  as insured by  the Insurer, are
rated AAA  by  Standard &  Poor's,  AAA by  Fitch  and/or Aaa  by  Moody's.  The
insurance obtained by the Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal
on  the Bonds when due  but does not cover  certain market risks associated with
fixed income  securities  such  as accelerated  payments,  premiums  payable  on
mandatory  redemptions or interest rate  risks. (See "WHY AND  HOW ARE THE BONDS
INSURED?" in  Part B  of this  Prospectus and  "Description of  Ratings" in  the
Information Supplement.)
 
                                     5 of 7
<PAGE>
                             Statement of Condition
 
   
                        NUVEEN ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 51
    
 
   
                    (Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 940)
    
 
   
                               AS OF MAY 15, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
    TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
  backed by an irrevocable letter of
  credit(1)(2)....................................  $    3,391,738
Accrued interest to May 15, 1997 on underlying
  Bonds(1)........................................          55,814
Organizational costs(3)...........................           5,200
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,452,752
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
   LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to May 15, 1997 on underlying
     Bonds(4).....................................  $       55,814
    Accrued organizational costs(3)...............           5,200
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $       61,014
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest
     outstanding (35,000)
      Cost to investors(5)........................  $    3,566,480
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)....        (174,742)
                                                    --------------
    Net amount applicable to investors............  $    3,391,738
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,452,752
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) Represented  by contracts to  purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds  which include "when
    issued" or  "regular  way" or  "delayed  delivery" contracts  for  which  an
    irrevocable  letter of  credit issued  by a  major commercial  bank has been
    deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
    of credit  and any  cash  deposited exceeds  the  amount necessary  for  the
    purchase  of the Bonds plus accrued interest  to the Date of Deposit. At the
    Date of Deposit, Bonds  may have been delivered  to the Sponsor pursuant  to
    certain  of these contracts; the Sponsor has  assigned to the Trustee all of
    its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the  Bonds
    listed  under "Schedule of Investments" herein,  and their aggregate cost to
    the Trust are the  same. Such offering prices  were determined by Kenny  S&P
    Evaluation  Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close of
    business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
    PRICE OF THE BONDS  DETERMINED AT THE  DATE OF DEPOSIT?" in  Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)  Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when due,
    of all principal of and interest on  the Bonds in an Insured Trust has  been
    obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
    not  guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units. Both
    the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
    include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
 
(3) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    estimated  organizational costs  which will  be deferred  and amortized over
    five years from the Date of Deposit.
 
(4) Representing, as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus,  advancement by  the Trustee of  an amount equal  to the accrued
    Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
 
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed  as
    set  forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of
    this Prospectus.
 
(6) The gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price  has
    been  calculated on the assumption that the  Units sold are not subject to a
    reduction of sales  charge for  quantity purchases.  In single  transactions
    involving  500 Units or more, the sales  charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS THE
    PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
                                     6 of 7
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN  NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS  OF
ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 51:
    
 
   
    We  have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at  date of  deposit (included  in  Part A  of this  Prospectus)  of
Arizona  Insured Trust 51 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 940),
as of May  15, 1997. These  financial statements are  the responsibility of  the
Sponsor.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these financial
statements based on our audit.
    
 
    We conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities,   described  in  Note   (1)  to  the   statement  of  condition,  by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used  and significant  estimates  made by  the  Sponsor, as  well  as
evaluating  the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In our opinion, the statement of  condition and the schedule of  investments
at  date of deposit referred to above  present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial  position of  Arizona Insured  Trust 51  as of  May 15,  1997,  in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
Chicago, Illinois,
May 15, 1997.
    
 
                                     7 of 7
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                           B
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS -- PART B
            (GENERAL TERMS)
              FEBRUARY 1, 1997
 
THIS  PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY PART
A. BOTH PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
   
FURTHER DETAIL REGARDING CERTAIN OF  THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE  PROSPECTUS
MAY  BE OBTAINED WITHIN FIVE  BUSINESS DAYS OF WRITTEN  OR TELEPHONIC REQUEST TO
THE TRUSTEE AT 4 NEW YORK PLAZA, NEW YORK, NY 10004-2413 OR (800) 257-8787.
    
 
INTEREST INCOME TO A TRUST AND TO UNITHOLDERS, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL,  UNDER
EXISTING  LAW IS  EXEMPT FROM  FEDERAL INCOME  TAX. CAPITAL  GAINS, IF  ANY, ARE
SUBJECT TO TAX. IN ADDITION, INTEREST INCOME OF STATE TRUSTS IS, IN THE  OPINION
OF  COUNSEL,  EXEMPT,  TO THE  EXTENT  INDICATED,  FROM STATE  AND  LOCAL TAXES.
INTEREST INCOME OF ANY TRUST  OTHER THAN A STATE TRUST  MAY BE SUBJECT TO  STATE
AND LOCAL TAXES.
 
CURRENTLY  OFFERED AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PLUS INTEREST ACCRUED TO THE DATE OF
SETTLEMENT. MINIMUM PURCHASE-- EITHER $5,000 OR 50 UNITS, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
 
   
THIS NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES consists of the underlying separate  unit
investment  trusts set forth in Part A  to this Prospectus. Each Trust initially
consists of delivery  statements relating  to contracts to  purchase Bonds  and,
thereafter,  will consist of a diversified portfolio of obligations issued by or
on behalf of  states and territories  of the United  States and authorities  and
political  subdivisions thereof (see "Schedule of Investments" appearing in Part
A of this Prospectus). Except in specific  instances as noted in Part A of  this
Prospectus,  the information contained in this Part  B shall apply to each Trust
in its entirety.  All obligations  in each Traditional  Trust are  rated in  the
category  "A" or  better by  Standard &  Poor's, a  division of  The McGraw Hill
Companies ("Standard & Poor's"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")  or
Fitch  Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") on the Date of Deposit. All obligations
in each Insured  Trust are covered  by policies of  insurance obtained from  the
MBIA  Insurance Corporation guaranteeing payment  of principal and interest when
due. All such policies of insurance remain effective so long as the  obligations
are  outstanding. As a result of such  insurance, the Bonds in each portfolio of
the Insured Trusts have received  a rating of "Aaa"  by Moody's, "AAA" by  Fitch
and/  or "AAA" by Standard & Poor's. INSURANCE  RELATES ONLY TO THE BONDS IN THE
INSURED TRUSTS AND NOT  TO THE UNITS  OFFERED HEREBY OR  TO THEIR MARKET  VALUE.
(See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?")
    
 
   
THE  OBJECTIVES of  a Trust  are tax-exempt  income and  conservation of capital
through a diversified investment  in tax-exempt Bonds.  The payment of  interest
and  the preservation of principal are, of course, dependent upon the continuing
ability of  the issuers  of  Bonds and  of any  insurer  thereof to  meet  their
obligations  thereunder. There is no guarantee that a Trust's objectives will be
achieved. (See "RISK FACTORS.")
    
 
DISTRIBUTIONS of interest received by a Trust will be made semi-annually  unless
the  Unitholder  elects to  receive them  monthly or  quarterly. (See  "WHEN ARE
DISTRIBUTIONS MADE  TO UNITHOLDERS?")  Distribution of  funds in  the  Principal
Account, if any, will ordinarily be made semi-annually.
 
   
FOR  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS to Unitholders on
the business day prior to the Date of Deposit, see Part A of this Prospectus and
"WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?"
    
 
   
THE PUBLIC OFFERING  PRICE per Unit  of each Trust  during the initial  offering
period  is equal to a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such
Trust's portfolio plus  a sales charge  of up  to 4.90% of  the Public  Offering
Price  (equivalent to 5.152%  of the net  amount invested); the  sales charge is
somewhat lower on Trusts with lesser average maturities. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC
OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?") The Secondary Market Public Offering Price per Unit
for each Trust will be equal to a pro rata share of the sum of BID prices of the
Bonds in such Trust  plus the sales  charges determined based  on the number  of
years  remaining  to  the  maturity  of each  Bond.  Accrued  interest  from the
preceding Record Date to, but not including, the settlement date (normally three
business days after purchase) is added  to the Public Offering Price. The  sales
charge  is reduced on a graduated scale  for sales involving at least $50,000 or
500 Units  and will  be applied  on whichever  basis is  more favorable  to  the
purchaser. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?")
    
 
   
A  UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee at prices based upon
the BID prices of the Bonds. The  price received upon redemption may be more  or
less  than the amount paid by Unitholders, depending upon the value of the Bonds
on the date of tender  for redemption. (See "HOW  UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED  WITHOUT
CHARGE.")  The  Sponsor, although  not  required to  do  so, intends  to  make a
secondary market for the Units of the Trusts at prices based upon the BID prices
of the Bonds in the respective Trusts. (See "MARKET FOR UNITS.")
    
 
RISK FACTORS. An investment in a Trust  should be made with an understanding  of
the risks associated therewith, including, among other factors, the inability of
the issuer or an insurer to pay the principal of or interest on a Bond when due,
volatile interest rates, early call provisions, and changes to the tax status of
the Bonds. See Part A of this Prospectus and "RISK FACTORS."
 
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
  NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      TABLE OF CONTENTS                                  PAGE
<C>   <S>                                                <C>
      WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST?            4
      WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?             4
      SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS                              4
      RISK FACTORS                                       5
      COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS                              7
      WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?                 8
      HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?       9
      MARKET FOR UNITS                                   12
      WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?                          12
      WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED
      CURRENT RETURN?                                    13
      HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE
      DATE
      OF DEPOSIT?                                        13
      WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?             14
      WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?          16
      WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?        17
      ACCUMULATION PLAN                                  17
      HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?           18
      UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION                          18
      HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE
      PUBLIC                                             18
      OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS                    19
      HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE           20
      HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR          21
      HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS           21
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE                      22
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR                      22
      OTHER INFORMATION                                  23
</TABLE>
 
                  2
<PAGE>
  NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      TOPICAL INDEX                                              PAGE
<C>   <S>                                               <C>      <C>
      Accrued Interest                                           12
      Accumulation Plan                                          17
                                                           Information
      Bond Ratings, Description of                         Supplement
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price             13
      Bonds, How Selected                                        4
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                       7
      Bonds, Removal from a Trust                                21
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                         7
      Capital Gains Taxability                                   14
      Composition of Trusts                                      7
      Dealer Discounts                                           18
      Distributions to Unitholders                               17
                                                                 Part
      Distribution Payment Dates                                 A,17
      Distribution of Units to the Public                        18
                                                                 Part
      Essential Information Regarding the Trusts                 A,13
                                                                 Part
      Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current Return    A,13
      Evaluation                                                 18
      Expenses for Normal Trust Operation                        16
      Indenture, Amendment of                                    23
      Indenture, Termination of                                  23
      Insurance on the Bonds                                     8
      Interest Account Distributions                             Part A
      Legal Opinion                                              23
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee          22
      Market for Units                                           12
      Minimum Transaction                                        18
      Objectives of the Trusts                                   4
      Optional Distribution Plan                                 17
      Other Information                                          23
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                            19
      Principal Account Distributions                            17
      Public Offering Price of Units                             9
      Purchase of Units by Sponsor                               21
      Quantity Purchases                                         9
                                                                 Part A,
      Record Dates                                               17
      Redemption of Units Without Charge                         20
      Report of Independent Public Accountants                   Part A
      Reports to Unitholders                                     18
      Risk Factors                                               5
      Sales Charge                                               9
      Schedules of Investments                                   Part A
      Sponsor, Information About                                 22
      State Tax Status                                           Part A
      Statements of Condition                                    Part A
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                            22
      Supplemental Information                                   23
      Tax Status of Unitholders                                  14
      Trustee, Information About                                 22
      Units, Description of                                      4
</TABLE>
 
                  3
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST?
 
   
This Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit Trust  is one  of a  series of  separate but  similar
investment  companies created by the  Sponsor, each of which  is designated by a
different Series number. The underlying unit investment trusts contained in this
Series  are  combined  under  one   Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement.   Specific
information  regarding this Trust is set forth in Part A of this Prospectus. The
various Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trusts are  collectively referred to herein as  the
"Trusts"; the trusts in which few or none of the Bonds are insured are sometimes
referred  to as the "Traditional  Trusts," the trusts in  which all of the Bonds
are insured  as described  herein  are sometimes  referred  to as  the  "Insured
Trusts,"  and  the state  trusts (both  Traditional  and Insured)  are sometimes
referred to as the "State Trusts." This Series was created under the laws of the
State of New York pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the Date  of
Deposit  (the "Indenture") between  John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated ("Nuveen" or
the "Sponsor") and The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Trustee").
    
 
   
    The Sponsor has deposited with  the Trustee delivery statements relating  to
contracts  for the  purchase of municipal  debt obligations  together with funds
represented by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank
in the amount, including accrued interest,  required for their purchase (or  the
obligations  themselves) (the "Bonds"). See "Schedule  of Investments" in Part A
of this Prospectus, for  a description of  the Bonds deposited  in a Trust.  See
"SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS" and "RISK FACTORS" for a discussion of zero coupon bonds
and  stripped obligations included in  the Trusts, if any.  Some of the delivery
statements may relate to  contracts for the purchase  of "when issued" or  other
Bonds  with delivery dates after  the date of settlement  for a purchase made on
the Date  of Deposit.  See  the "Schedule  of Investments"  in  Part A  of  this
Prospectus  and  "COMPOSITION  OF TRUSTS."  For  a discussion  of  the Sponsor's
obligations in the event of a failure of any contract for the purchase of any of
the Bonds and its limited right to substitute other bonds to replace any  failed
contract, see "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS."
    
 
   
    Payment  of interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust, and of principal at
maturity, is guaranteed under policies of  insurance obtained by the Sponsor  or
by  the issuers of  the Bonds. (See "WHY  AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS INSURED?") AS A
GENERAL MATTER, NEITHER THE ISSUER NOR  THE SPONSOR HAS OBTAINED INSURANCE  WITH
RESPECT TO THE BONDS IN ANY TRADITIONAL TRUST.
    
 
    The  Trustee has delivered  to the Sponsor  registered Units which represent
ownership of  the  entire  Trust,  and  which  are  offered  for  sale  by  this
Prospectus.  Each Unit of a Trust  represents a fractional undivided interest in
the principal and net income of such Trust in the ratio set forth in  "Essential
Information"  in Part A of this Prospectus. Units  may only be sold in states in
which they  are registered.  To  the extent  that any  Units  of any  Trust  are
redeemed by the Trustee, the aggregate value of the Trust's assets will decrease
by  the amount  paid to the  redeeming Unitholder, but  the fractional undivided
interest of each unredeemed  Unit in such  Trust will increase  proportionately.
The  Sponsor will  initially, and  from time to  time thereafter,  hold Units in
connection with their offering.
 
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?
 
   
The objectives of the Trusts are income  exempt from Federal income tax and,  in
the  case of State Trusts, where applicable, state income and intangibles taxes,
and conservation of capital, through an  investment in obligations issued by  or
on  behalf of states  and territories of  the United States  and authorities and
political subdivisions thereof,  the interest  on which  is, in  the opinion  of
recognized  bond counsel  to the  issuing governmental  authorities, exempt from
Federal income tax under existing law  and for State Trusts, from certain  state
income  taxes  and intangibles  taxes,  if any,  for  purchasers who  qualify as
residents of that State  in which Bonds are  issued. Insurance guaranteeing  the
timely  payment, when due,  of all principal  and interest on  the Bonds in each
Insured Trust has been obtained by the  Sponsor or by the issuers of such  Bonds
from  MBIA Insurance Corporation, and as a result of such insurance the Bonds in
the Insured Trusts are rated  "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA"  by Fitch and/or "AAA"  by
Standard & Poor's. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?") All obligations in
each  Traditional Trust are rated in the category  "A" or better (SP-1, MIG 2 or
F-2 or better, respectively, in the case of short term obligations included in a
Short Term  Traditional  Trust)  by  Standard &  Poor's,  Moody's  and/or  Fitch
(including  provisional or conditional  ratings). In addition,  certain Bonds in
certain Traditional Trusts may be  covered by insurance guaranteeing the  timely
payment,  when  due, of  all principal  and  interest. There  is, of  course, no
guarantee that the Trusts' objectives will be achieved. For a comparison of  net
after-tax return for various tax brackets, see the "TAXABLE EQUIVALENT ESTIMATED
CURRENT  RETURN TABLES" included in the Appendices to the Information Supplement
of this Prospectus.
    
 
SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS
 
   
In selecting  Bonds for  the  respective Trusts,  the following  factors,  among
others, were considered: (i) the Standard & Poor's, Moody's and/or Fitch ratings
of  the Bonds (see "WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?" for a description of
minimum rating standards), (ii) the prices of the Bonds relative to other  bonds
of  comparable quality  and maturity, (iii)  the diversification of  Bonds as to
purpose of issue and location of issuer,  (iv) the maturity dates of the  Bonds,
and  (v)  in the  case  of the  Insured Trusts  only,  the availability  of MBIA
Insurance Corporation insurance on such Bonds.  (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS
INSURED?")
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
 
   
An  investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of the
risks that such  an investment  may entail.  Each Trust  consists of  fixed-rate
municipal  debt  obligations. As  such, the  value of  the debt  obligations and
therefore of  the  Units will  decline  with  increases in  interest  rates.  In
general,  the longer the period until the maturity of a Bond, the more sensitive
its value will be to fluctuations in interest rates. The Sponsor cannot  predict
the  extent or timing  of such fluctuations and,  accordingly, their effect upon
the value  of the  Bonds. Additional  risk factors  include the  ability of  the
issuer,  or,  if  applicable,  an  insurer, to  make  payments  of  interest and
principal when  due, "mandatory  put" features,  early call  provisions and  the
potential  for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As set forth in Part A of
this Prospectus, the Trusts may contain or be concentrated in one or more of the
types of bonds discussed below. The following paragraphs briefly discuss certain
circumstances which may adversely affect the ability of issuers of Bonds held in
the portfolio of a Trust to make payments of principal and interest thereon, and
which also  therefore may  adversely  affect the  ratings  of such  Bonds.  With
respect  to Insured  Trusts, however, because  of the insurance  obtained by the
Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds, such changes should not adversely affect
an Insured Trust's receipt  of principal and interest  or the Standard &  Poor's
"AAA",  the Moody's "Aaa" or the Fitch "AAA" ratings of the Bonds in the Insured
Trust portfolio.  The  Bonds  described  below may  be  subject  to  special  or
extraordinary   redemption  provisions.  For  economic  risks  specific  to  the
individual Trusts,  see Part  A of  this Prospectus  and the  Appendices to  the
Information Supplement of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
    ESCROW  SECURED OBLIGATIONS are  typically secured by  direct obligations of
the U.S.  Government  or  in  some cases  obligations  guaranteed  by  the  U.S.
Government  placed in  an escrow  account maintained  by an  independent trustee
until maturity  or  a  predetermined  redemption  date.  These  obligations  are
generally noncallable prior to maturity or the predetermined redemption date. In
a  few isolated instances, however,  bonds which were thought  to be escrowed to
maturity have been called for redemption prior to maturity.
    
   
    HEALTH CARE FACILITY OBLIGATIONS are  obligations of issuers whose  revenues
are derived from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities,
including  nursing  homes. The  ability  of such  issuers  to make  debt service
payments on  these  obligations  is  dependent  on  various  factors,  including
occupancy  levels  of the  facility, demand  for  services, wages  of employees,
overhead  expenses,  competition  from   other  similar  providers,   government
regulation,  the cost of  malpractice insurance, and  the degree of governmental
financial assistance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
    
 
    HOUSING OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are  primarily
derived  from mortgage loans on single family residences or housing projects for
low to moderate income families. Housing obligations are generally prepayable at
any time and  therefore their average  life will ordinarily  be less than  their
stated  maturities. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments on
these obligations is dependent on  various factors, including occupancy  levels,
rental  income, mortgage default rates,  taxes, operating expenses, governmental
regulations and the appropriation of subsidies.
 
    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS  are  industrial  revenue  bonds  ("IRBs"),
including  pollution  control  revenue bonds,  which  are  tax-exempt securities
issued by  states, municipalities,  public authorities  or similar  entities  to
finance  the  cost of  acquiring, constructing  or improving  various industrial
projects. Debt  service  payment on  IRBs  is dependent  upon  various  factors,
including  the creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor, revenues  generated from the project,  expenses
associated with the project and regulatory and environmental restrictions.
 
   
    UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from the sale of several types of energy, including electric and natural
gas. The  ability  of  such issuers  to  make  debt service  payments  on  these
obligations is dependent on various factors, including the rates for electricity
and  natural gas,  the demand  for electricity  and natural  gas, the  degree of
competition, governmental regulation, overhead expenses and variable costs, such
as fuel.
    
 
    TRANSPORTATION FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers which
are payable  from  and  secured  by revenues  derived  from  the  ownership  and
operation  of airports, public transit systems and ports. The ability of issuers
to make  debt  service payments  on  airport  obligations is  dependent  on  the
capability  of airlines to  meet their obligations under  use agreements. Due to
increased competition,  deregulation, increased  fuel costs  and other  factors,
many  airlines may  have difficulty  meeting their  obligations under  these use
agreements. Bonds  that are  secured primarily  by the  revenue collected  by  a
public  transit system typically  are additionally secured by  a pledge of sales
tax receipts collected  at the state  or local level,  or of other  governmental
financial  assistance. The revenue of issuers of transit system obligations will
be affected by variations in utilization, which  in turn may be affected by  the
degree  of  local governmental  subsidization, competition  from other  forms of
transportation, and  increased costs.  Port  authorities derive  their  revenues
primarily  from fees imposed  on ships using the  facilities which may fluctuate
depending on  the local  economy  and on  competition  from competing  forms  of
transportation  such  as air,  rail and  trucks. The  revenues of  issuers which
derive  their  payments  from  bridge,  road  or  tunnel  toll  revenues   could
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
be  adversely affected  by increases in  fuel costs,  competition from toll-free
vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes of transportation.
 
   
    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose  revenues
are  payable from user fees from the sale of water and/or sewerage services. The
problems  of  such  issuers  include  the  ability  to  obtain  rate  increases,
population  declines,  the limitations  on  operations and  increased  costs and
delays attributable to environmental considerations, the difficulties  obtaining
new supplies of fresh water, the effect of conservation programs and "no-growth"
zoning ordinances.
    
 
    UNIVERSITY  AND COLLEGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose
revenues are  derived  mainly  from  tuition,  dormitory  revenues,  grants  and
endowments.  General  problems faced  by such  issuers  include declines  in the
number of "college" age  individuals, possible inability  to raise tuitions  and
fees,  the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal grants and state funding,
and government  legislation  or  regulations  which  may  adversely  affect  the
revenues or costs of such issuers.
 
    DEDICATED-TAX  SUPPORTED OBLIGATIONS  are obligations  of issuers  which are
payable from  and  secured by  tax  revenues  from a  designated  source,  which
revenues  are pledged to secure the bonds.  The various types of Bonds described
below differ in structure and with respect  to the rights of the bondholders  to
the  underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax supported Bond has distinct
risks, only  some  of which  are  set forth  below.  One type  of  dedicated-tax
supported  Bond  is  secured by  the  incremental  tax received  on  either real
property or on sales within a  specifically defined geographical area; such  tax
generally will not provide bondholders with a lien on the underlying property or
revenues.  Another type of dedicated-tax supported  Bond is secured by a special
tax levied on real property within a defined geographical area in such a  manner
that  the  tax is  levied  on those  who benefit  from  the project;  such bonds
typically provide for  a statutory lien  on the underlying  property for  unpaid
taxes.  A third  type of dedicated-tax  supported Bond  may be secured  by a tax
levied upon the  manufacture, sale  or consumption  of commodities  or upon  the
license  to pursue  certain occupations  or upon  corporate privileges  within a
taxing jurisdiction. As  to any  of these  types of  Bonds, the  ability of  the
designated revenues to satisfy the interest and principal payments on such bonds
may  be affected by changes  in the local economy,  the financial success of the
enterprise responsible for the payment of  the taxes, the value of any  property
on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in a timely
fashion.  Each of these  factors will have  a different affect  on each distinct
type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
 
    MUNICIPAL LEASE  OBLIGATIONS  are  obligations that  are  secured  by  lease
payments  of a  governmental entity  and are  normally subject  to annual budget
appropriations of the  leasing governmental entity.  A governmental entity  that
enters  into  such  a  lease agreement  cannot  obligate  future  governments to
appropriate for and make lease payments but covenants to take such action as  is
necessary  to include  any lease  payments due  in its  budgets and  to make the
appropriations therefor. A governmental entity's failure to appropriate for  and
to  make payments under its lease  obligation could result in insufficient funds
available for payment of the obligations secured thereby.
 
    ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT OBLIGATIONS AND STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS are bonds which
were issued with  nominal interest  rates less than  the rates  then offered  by
comparable  securities and as  a consequence were originally  sold at a discount
from their face,  or par,  values. In a  stable interest  rate environment,  the
market  value of  an original  issue discount bond  would tend  to increase more
slowly in early years and in greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
 
    Certain of the original  issue discount obligations in  a Trust may be  zero
coupon  bonds. Zero coupon bonds  do not provide for  the payment of any current
interest; the buyer receives only  the right to receive  a final payment of  the
face  amount  of the  bond at  its maturity.  Zero coupon  bonds are  subject to
substantially greater  price  fluctuations  during periods  of  changing  market
interest  rates  than are  securities of  comparable  quality that  pay interest
currently.
 
    Original issue discount  obligations, including  zero coupon  bonds, may  be
subject  to redemption  at prices based  on the  issue price plus  the amount of
original issue discount accreted to  redemption (the "accreted value") plus,  if
applicable,  some premium. Pursuant  to such call  provisions, an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than  its
face  value.  See the  "Schedule of  Investments"  appearing in  Part A  of this
Prospectus for more information about the call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be stripped obligations, which represent
evidences of  ownership with  respect to  either the  principal amount  of or  a
payment  of interest on  a tax-exempt obligation  ("Stripped Obligations"). Each
Stripped Obligation has been purchased at a discount from the amount payable  at
maturity.  A Stripped Obligation therefore  has economic characteristics similar
to zero coupon bonds, as described above.
 
    Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the  state
and  local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state  and
local  taxes,  interest  on  original  issue  discount  obligations  or Stripped
Obligations may be  deemed to be  received in  the year of  accrual even  though
there is no corresponding cash payment.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
    Certain  bonds may carry a "mandatory put" (also referred to as a "mandatory
tender" or "mandatory repurchase") feature pursuant to which the holder of  such
bonds will receive payment of the full principal amount thereof on a stated date
prior  to the maturity date unless such  holder affirmatively acts to retain the
bond. The Trustee does not have the  authority to act to retain Bonds with  such
features;  accordingly, it will receive payment  of the full principal amount of
any such Bonds on the stated put date and such date is therefore treated as  the
maturity date of such Bonds in selecting Bonds for the respective Trusts and for
purposes of calculating the average maturity of the Bonds in any Trust.
 
COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
 
Each  Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedule of  Investments"
in  Part A of this Prospectus and, thereafter,  of such Bonds as may continue to
be held from time to time  (including certain securities deposited in the  Trust
in  substitution  for  Bonds  not  delivered  to  a  Trust  or  in  exchange  or
substitution for  Bonds  upon certain  refundings),  together with  accrued  and
undistributed   interest  thereon  and  undistributed  cash  realized  from  the
disposition of Bonds.
 
   
    "WHEN-ISSUED"  AND  "DELAYED  DELIVERY"  TRANSACTIONS.    The  contracts  to
purchase  Bonds delivered to  the Trustee represent an  obligation by issuers or
dealers to deliver Bonds to  the Sponsor for deposit  in the Trusts. Certain  of
the  contracts relate  to Bonds  which have not  been issued  as of  the Date of
Deposit and which are commonly referred to as "when issued" or "when, as and  if
issued"  Bonds. Although  the Sponsor  believes it  unlikely, if  such Bonds, or
replacement bonds  described below,  are not  acquired by  a Trust  or if  their
delivery  is  delayed, the  Estimated Current  Returns  and Estimated  Long Term
Returns shown  in Part  A of  this Prospectus  may be  reduced. Certain  of  the
contracts for the purchase of Bonds provide for delivery dates after the date of
settlement  for purchases made  on the Date  of Deposit. Interest  on such "when
issued" and  "delayed delivery"  Bonds  accrues to  the benefit  of  Unitholders
commencing with the first settlement date for the Units. However, in the opinion
of  counsel, Unitholders who purchase  their Units prior to  the date such Bonds
are actually delivered to the Trustee must  reduce the tax basis of their  Units
for  interest accruing on such Bonds  during the interval between their purchase
of Units and the delivery of the Bonds because such amounts constitute a  return
of  principal. As a result of such adjustment, the Estimated Current Returns set
forth in Part A of this Prospectus (which are based on the Public Offering Price
as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit) may be slightly lower  than
that which Unitholders will receive after the first year, assuming the Portfolio
does  not change and estimated annual expense  does not vary from that set forth
under "Essential Information" in Part A of this Prospectus. Those Bonds in  each
Trust  purchased with delivery dates after  the date of settlement for purchases
made on the Date  of Deposit are  so noted in the  "Schedule of Investments"  in
Part A of this Prospectus.
    
 
    LIMITED  REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN BONDS.   Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee
shall be liable in any  way for any default, failure  or defect in any Bond.  In
the  event of a failure to deliver any  Bond that has been purchased for a Trust
under a contract, including those  Bonds purchased on a  when, as and if  issued
basis  ("Failed Bonds"), the Sponsor is authorized under the Indenture to direct
the Trustee to acquire  other specified Bonds ("Replacement  Bonds") to make  up
the  original corpus of the Trust within 20 days after delivery of notice of the
failed contract and the  cost to the Trust  (exclusive of accrued interest)  may
not  exceed the amount of  funds reserved for the  purchase of the Failed Bonds.
The Replacement Bonds  must satisfy  the criteria previously  described for  the
Trusts  and shall be substantially identical to the Failed Bonds they replace in
terms of (i) the exemption from  federal and state taxation; (ii) maturity  and;
(iii)  cost to the Trust. In addition,  Replacement Bonds shall not be "when, as
and if issued" Bonds. Whenever a Replacement Bond has been acquired for a Trust,
the Trustee shall, within five days after the delivery thereof, mail or  deliver
a  notice of such acquisition to all Unitholders of the Trust involved. Once the
original corpus of the Trust is acquired, the Trustee will have no power to vary
the investment of the Trust.
 
    To the extent Replacement Bonds are  not acquired, the Sponsor shall  refund
to  all Unitholders of the Trust involved  the sales charge attributable to such
Failed Bonds not replaced, and  the principal and accrued interest  attributable
to such Bonds shall be distributed not more than 30 days after the determination
of  such failure or at  such earlier time as the  Trustee in its sole discretion
deems to be in the interest of  the Unitholders. Any such accrued interest  paid
to Unitholders will be paid by the Sponsor and, accordingly, will not be treated
as  tax-exempt  income.  In the  event  Failed Bonds  in  a Trust  could  not be
replaced, the  Net Annual  Interest Income  per  Unit for  such Trust  would  be
reduced and the Estimated Current Return thereon might be lowered.
 
    SALE,  MATURITY AND REDEMPTION OF BONDS.  Certain of the Bonds may from time
to time  under certain  circumstances be  sold  or redeemed  or will  mature  in
accordance  with their terms. The proceeds from  such events will be used to pay
for  Units  redeemed   or  distributed  to   Unitholders  and  not   reinvested;
accordingly,  no assurance can be given that  a Trust will retain for any length
of time its present size and composition.
 
   
    All of the Bonds in  each Trust are subject to  being called or redeemed  in
whole  or in  part prior  to their  stated maturities  pursuant to  the optional
redemption provisions described in  the "Schedule of Investments"  in Part A  of
this  Prospectus and  in most  cases pursuant  to a  sinking fund  or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions. See
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
the discussion of the  various types of bond  issues, above, for information  on
the  call provisions of such bonds,  particularly single family mortgage revenue
bonds.
 
   
    The exercise of redemption or call provisions will (except to the extent the
proceeds of the called Bonds are used to pay for Unit redemptions) result in the
distribution of  principal  and may  result  in a  reduction  in the  amount  of
subsequent  interest distributions;  it may  also affect  the current  return on
Units of the Trust  involved. The exercise of  redemption or call provisions  is
more  likely  to occur  in  situations where  the  Bonds have  an  offering side
evaluation which represents a  premium over par (as  opposed to a discount  from
par).  (In  the  case  of  original issue  discount  bonds,  such  redemption is
generally to  be made  at the  issue price  plus the  amount of  original  issue
discount accreted to the date of redemption; such price is referred to herein as
"accreted  value"). Because Bonds may have been  valued at prices above or below
par value or the then current accreted  value at the time Units were  purchased,
Unitholders  may realize  gain or loss  upon the redemption  of portfolio Bonds.
(See "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS  OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS  MADE
TO  UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B and the "Schedule  of Investments" in Part A of this
Prospectus.)
    
 
   
    CERTAIN TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.    Certain of  the  Bonds  in  a  Trust's
portfolio  may be subject to continuing requirements regarding the actual use of
bond proceeds,  the  manner of  operation  of  the project  financed  from  bond
proceeds  or the rebate  of excess earnings  on bond proceeds,  any of which may
affect the exemption  of interest on  such Bonds from  Federal income  taxation.
Although  at the time of issuance of each  of the Bonds in each Trust an opinion
of bond counsel was rendered as to the exemption of interest on such obligations
from Federal income  taxation, and  the issuers  covenanted to  comply with  all
requirements  necessary to retain the tax-exempt  status of the Bonds, there can
be  no  assurance  that  the  respective  issuers  or  other  obligors  on  such
obligations  will fulfill  the various continuing  requirements established upon
issuance of the Bonds. A  failure to comply with  such requirements may cause  a
determination  that interest  on such obligations  is subject  to Federal income
taxation, perhaps even retroactively  from the date of  issuance of such  Bonds,
thereby   reducing  the  value  of  the  Bonds  and  subjecting  Unitholders  to
unanticipated tax liabilities.
    
 
    To the best knowledge of the Sponsor,  there is no litigation pending as  of
the  Date of Deposit in respect of  any Bonds which might reasonably be expected
to have a  material adverse effect  on any of  the Trusts. It  is possible  that
after  the Date of Deposit, litigation may be initiated with respect to Bonds in
any Trust. Any  such litigation may  affect the  validity of such  Bonds or  the
tax-exempt  nature of the interest thereon,  but while the outcome of litigation
of such nature can never be entirely predicted, the opinions of bond counsel  to
the  issuer of  each Bond  on the date  of issuance  state that  such Bonds were
validly issued and that the interest thereon is, to the extent indicated, exempt
from Federal income tax.
 
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
   
Insurance guaranteeing  the  timely payment,  when  due, of  all  principal  and
interest  on the Bonds in each Insured Trust has been obtained by the Sponsor or
by the issuers or underwriters of the Bonds from the MBIA Insurance  Corporation
(the  "Insurer"). Certain of the  Bonds in an Insured Trust  may be covered by a
policy or policies of insurance obtained  by the issuers or underwriters of  the
Bonds  from  Municipal Bond  Insurance Association  (the "Association")  or Bond
Investors Guaranty Insurance Company ("BIG"). The claims-paying ability of  both
the  Insurer  and the  Association was  rated  "AAA Prime  Grade" by  Standard &
Poor's. Moody's  rates all  bond issues  insured by  either the  Insurer or  the
Association  "Aaa" and short-term loans "MIG  1." Fitch, upon request, rates all
bond issues insured by the Insurer or the Association "AAA" and short-term loans
"F-1." All such ratings designate the highest quality. The Insurer has issued  a
policy  or  policies of  insurance covering  each  of the  Bonds in  the Insured
Trusts, each policy to remain in force  until the payment in full of such  Bonds
and  whether or not  the Bonds continue to  be held by an  Insured Trust. By the
terms of each policy the Insurer  will unconditionally guarantee to the  holders
or  owners of  the Bonds the  payment, when due,  required of the  issuer of the
Bonds of an amount equal to the principal  of and interest on the Bonds as  such
payments  shall become  due but  not be paid  (except that  in the  event of any
acceleration of the  due date of  principal by reason  of mandatory or  optional
redemption,  default or otherwise, the payments  guaranteed will be made in such
amounts and  at  such times  as  would  have been  due  had there  not  been  an
acceleration).
    
 
   
    Insurance  guaranteeing the timely  payment, when due,  of all principal and
interest on certain Bonds in a Traditional  Trust may have been obtained by  the
Sponsor,  issuer or underwriter  of the particular Bonds  involved or by another
party. Such insurance, which  provides coverage substantially  the same as  that
obtained  with  respect  to  Bonds  in Insured  Trusts  as  described  above, is
effective so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer remains  in
business.  Insurance relates only  to the particular  Bond and not  to the Units
offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a rating of
"Aaa" by  Moody's,  "AAA"  by  Fitch  and/or  "AAA"  by  Standard  &  Poor's  in
recognition of such insurance.
    
 
   
    If  a Bond in a Traditional Trust  is insured, the "Schedule of Investments"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus  will identify the insurer. There can  be
no  assurance  that any  insurer  listed therein  will  be able  to  satisfy its
commitments in the  event claims  are made in  the future.  However, Standard  &
Poor's,  Fitch  and/or  Moody's have  rated  the claims-paying  ability  of each
insurer "AAA," "AAA" or "Aaa," respectively.
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
   
    The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New  York
Stock  Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is  not obligated to pay the debts of
or claims against the Insurer. The Insurer is domiciled in the State of New York
and licensed to do business in and  subject to regulation under the laws of  all
50  states,  the District  of  Columbia, the  Commonwealth  of Puerto  Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,  the Virgin Islands of the  United
States  and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European branches, one in
the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has  laws
prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of
investments  and requiring  the approval of  policy rates and  forms. State laws
also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual risks that may  be
insured,  the  payment  of dividends  by  the  insurer, changes  in  control and
transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves  on its  liabilities  in certain  amounts and  for  certain
periods of time.
    
   
    As  of December  31, 1995  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.8 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $2.5 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $1.3  billion  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of September 30, 1996, the  Insurer had admitted assets of $4.3
billion (unaudited), total  liabilities of $2.9  billion (unaudited), and  total
capital  and surplus of  $1.4 billion (unaudited)  determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.
    
 
    The  Association is comprised  of the five insurance  companies set forth in
the following table, which provides certain unaudited financial information with
respect to each of the five insurance companies comprising the Association.
 
   
                      MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                             AS OF MARCH 31, 1995.
                                (000'S OMITTED)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               NEW YORK      NEW YORK       NEW YORK
                                                                              STATUTORY     STATUTORY    POLICYHOLDERS
                                                                                ASSETS     LIABILITIES      SURPLUS
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>
The AEtna Casualty & Surety Company........................................  $ 10,225,604  $  8,312,158  $   1,913,446
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company...........................................     7,126,217     5,116,059      2,010,158
The Travelers Indemnity Company............................................    10,461,356     8,654,130      1,807,226
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly Aetna Insurance Company).....     4,260,177     3,637,513        622,664
The Continental Insurance Company..........................................     3,060,583     2,380,723        679,860
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
        Total..............................................................  $ 35,133,937  $ 28,100,583  $   7,033,354
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Insurance companies  are subject  to  extensive regulation  and  supervision
where  they  do  business  by state  insurance  commissioners  who  regulate the
standards of solvency which must be maintained, the nature of and limitations on
investments, reports of financial condition, and requirements regarding reserves
for unearned premiums, losses  and other matters. A  significant portion of  the
assets  of insurance companies is required by  law to be held in reserve against
potential claims on policies and is not available to general creditors. Although
the federal  government does  not regulate  the business  of insurance,  federal
initiatives  including  pension  regulation,  controls  on  medical  care costs,
minimum standards for no-fault automobile insurance, national health  insurance,
tax  law changes affecting life insurance  companies and repeal of the antitrust
exemption for  the insurance  business can  significantly impact  the  insurance
business.
    
 
    The  above ratings are not  recommendations to buy, sell  or hold the Bonds,
and such ratings may  be subject to  revision or withdrawal at  any time by  the
rating  agencies. Any downward revision or  withdrawal of either or both ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds. See the Information
Supplement--for further information concerning insurance.
 
    Because the insurance on the Bonds, if any, will be effective so long as the
Bonds are outstanding, such insurance will be taken into account in  determining
the  market value  of the  Bonds and therefore  some value  attributable to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Insured Trusts.  The
insurance  does not, however, guarantee the market  value of the Bonds or of the
Units.
 
HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?
 
The Public Offering Price of the Units  of each Trust is equal to the  Trustee's
determination  of the aggregate  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds deposited therein
(minus any  advancement  to the  principal  account of  the  Trust made  by  the
Trustee)  plus a sales charge set forth  in "Essential Information" in Part A of
this Prospectus, in  each case  adding to  the total  thereof cash  held by  the
Trust,  if  any,  and  dividing the  sum  so  obtained by  the  number  of Units
outstanding in the Trust. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."
 
    The sales charge applicable to quantity purchases is reduced on a  graduated
scale  for sales to any purchaser  of at least $50,000 or  500 Units and will be
applied on whichever basis is more  favorable to the purchaser. For purposes  of
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
   
calculating  the applicable  sales charge,  purchasers who  have indicated their
intent to purchase a specified  amount of Units of any  Trust in the primary  or
secondary  offering period by executing and delivering a letter of intent to the
Sponsor, which letter of intent must be in a form acceptable to the Sponsor  and
shall  have a maximum duration of thirteen months, will be eligible to receive a
reduced sales charge according  to the following tables  based on the amount  of
intended  aggregate  purchases as  expressed  in the  letter  of intent.  Due to
administrative limitations and in  order to permit  adequate tracking, the  only
secondary  market  purchases that  will be  permitted to  be applied  toward the
intended specified amount and that will receive the corresponding reduced  sales
charge  are  those Units  that  are acquired  through  or from  the  Sponsor. By
establishing a letter of intent, a Unitholder agrees that the first purchase  of
Units  following the execution of  such letter of intent will  be at least 5% of
the  total  amount  of  the  intended  aggregate  purchases  expressed  in  such
Unitholder's  letter of intent. Further, through the establishment of the letter
of intent, such Unitholder agrees that Units representing 5% of the total amount
of the  intended  purchases  will be  held  in  escrow by  the  Trustee  pending
completion of these purchases. All distributions on Units held in escrow will be
credited  to  such  Unitholder's  account.  If  total  purchases  prior  to  the
expiration of the letter of intent  period equal or exceed the amount  specified
in a Unitholder's letter of intent, the Units held in escrow will be transferred
to such Unitholder's account. A Unitholder who purchases Units during the letter
of  intent period in excess  of the number of  Units specified in a Unitholder's
letter of intent, the amount of which would cause the Unitholder to be  eligible
to receive an additional sales charge reduction, will be allowed such additional
sales  charge reduction on the purchase of  Units which caused the Unitholder to
reach such new breakpoint level and on all additional purchases of Units  during
the  letter of intent  period. If the  total purchases are  less than the amount
specified, the Unitholder involved must pay  the Sponsor an amount equal to  the
difference  between the amounts  paid for these purchases  and the amounts which
would have been paid if the higher sales charge had been applied; the Unitholder
will, however, be entitled to any reduced sales charge qualified for by reaching
any lower  breakpoint level.  If such  Unitholder does  not pay  the  additional
amount  within 20 days after written request  by the Sponsor or the Unitholder's
securities representative, the Sponsor  will instruct the  Trustee to redeem  an
appropriate  number  of the  escrowed  Units to  meet  the required  payment. By
establishing a letter of intent,  a Unitholder irrevocably appoints the  Sponsor
as  attorney to  give instructions  to redeem  any or  all of  such Unitholder's
escrowed Units, with full power of substitution in the premises. A Unitholder or
his securities representative must notify  the Sponsor whenever such  Unitholder
makes  a purchase  of Units that  he wishes  to be counted  towards the intended
amount. Sales charges during the primary offering period are as follows:
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              NATIONAL AND
                                                                                                                 STATE
                                          NATIONAL AND STATE LONG TERM        LONG INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS        INTERMEDIATE
                                                     TRUSTS                                                      TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET             OF
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Less than 500...........................         4.90 %           5.152%           4.25 %           4.439%           3.90%
500 but less than 1,000.................         4.75             4.987            4.15             4.330            3.70
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         4.50             4.712            3.85             4.004            3.50
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         4.25             4.439            3.60             3.734            3.25
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         3.50             3.627            3.35             3.466            3.00
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         3.00             3.093            3.00             3.093            2.75
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         2.50             2.564            2.50             2.564            2.50
50,000 or more..........................         2.00             2.041            2.00             2.041            2.00
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                       <C>
                                            PERCENT
                                             OF NET
                                             AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------
Less than 500...........................         4.058%
500 but less than 1,000.................         3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         2.564
50,000 or more..........................         2.041
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NATIONAL AND STATE SHORT
                                               INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS                SHORT TERM TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Less than 500...........................         3.00 %           3.093%           2.50 %           2.564%
500 but less than 1,000.................         2.80             2.881            2.30             2.354
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         2.60             2.670            2.10             2.145
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         2.35             2.407            1.85             1.885
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         2.10             2.145            1.60             1.626
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         1.85             1.885            1.35             1.368
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         1.80             1.833            1.25             1.266
50,000 or more..........................         1.50             1.523            1.15             1.163
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on  a dollar basis and on the  basis
 of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
 2,500  Units to $250,000 etc., and will be  applied on that basis which is more
 favorable to the purchaser.
 
    For "secondary market"  sales the  Public Offering  Price per  Unit of  each
Trust is determined by adding to the Trustee's determination of the BID price of
each  Bond in the Trust  a sales charge determined  in accordance with the table
set forth below based upon the number of years remaining to the maturity of each
such Bond. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."  The effect of this method of  sales
charge  calculation will be that different sales charge rates will be applied to
the various Bonds in a Trust portfolio based upon the maturities of such  Bonds.
As shown, the
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
sales  charge on Bonds in each maturity range (and therefore the aggregate sales
charge on the purchase) is reduced with respect to purchases of at least $50,000
or 500 Units:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                            $50,000      $100,000     $250,000     $500,000    $1,000,000   $2,500,000
                                UNDER          TO           TO           TO           TO           TO           TO       $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY              $50,000      $99,999      $249,999     $499,999     $999,999    $2,499,999   $4,999,999    OR MORE
- ----------------------------------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Less than 1...................         0           0            0            0            0            0            0            0
1 but less than 2.............     1.523 %     1.446 %      1.369 %      1.317 %      1.215 %      1.061 %       .900 %       .750 %
2 but less than 3.............     2.041       1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626        1.420        1.225        1.030
3 but less than 4.............     2.564       2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041        1.781        1.546        1.310
4 but less than 5.............     3.093       2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459        2.175        1.883        1.590
5 but less than 7.............     3.627       3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881        2.460        2.165        1.870
7 but less than 10............     4.167       3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239        2.828        2.489        2.150
10 but less than 13...........     4.712       4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788        3.253        2.842        2.430
13 but less than 16...........     5.263       4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167        3.627        3.169        2.710
16 or more....................     5.820       5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603        4.004        3.500        3.000
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on a dollar basis and on the  basis
  of  the  number of  Units  purchased, using  the  equivalent of  500  Units to
  $50,000, 2,500 Units  to $250,000,  etc., and will  be applied  on that  basis
  which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The  secondary market sales charges above are  expressed as a percent of the
net amount invested; expressed  as a percent of  the Public Offering Price,  the
maximum  sales charge on a Trust, for  instance one consisting entirely of Bonds
with 16 years  or more to  maturity, would be  5.50% (5.820% of  the net  amount
invested).  The  actual secondary  market sales  charge  included in  the Public
Offering Price of  any particular  Trust will depend  on the  maturities of  the
Bonds in the portfolio of such Trust.
 
    Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Trustee may terminate a Trust if
the  net asset value of such Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than 20%
of the original principal amount of the Trust.
 
   
    At all  times while  Units are  being  offered for  sale, the  Sponsor  will
appraise  or cause to  be appraised daily  the value of  the underlying Bonds in
each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as of any earlier closing time on  a
day  on  which the  New York  Stock  Exchange (the  "Exchange") is  scheduled in
advance to close at such earlier time and will adjust the Public Offering  Price
of  the Units commensurate with such  appraisal. Such Public Offering Price will
be effective for all orders received by a  dealer or the Sponsor at or prior  to
4:00  p.m. eastern time on each such day or  as of any earlier closing time on a
day on which the Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.
Orders received after that time, or on a  day when the Exchange is closed for  a
scheduled  holiday  or weekend,  will be  held until  the next  determination of
price.
    
 
   
    Accrued interest from the preceding Record  Date to, but not including,  the
settlement  date of the transaction (three business days after purchase) will be
added to the Public Offering Price to determine the purchase price of Units. See
"WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"
    
 
    The graduated sales  charges set forth  above will apply  on all  applicable
purchases  of Nuveen investment  company securities on  any one day  by the same
purchaser in the amounts stated, and  for this purpose purchases of this  Series
will be aggregated with concurrent purchases of any other Series or of shares of
any  open-end management  investment company of  which the  Sponsor is principal
underwriter and with respect to the purchase of which a sales charge is imposed.
Purchases by or  for the  account of  an individual and  his or  her spouse  and
children  under 21 years of age  ("immediate family members") will be aggregated
to determine the applicable sales charge.  The graduated sales charges are  also
applicable  to a trustee  or other fiduciary purchasing  securities for a single
trust estate or single fiduciary account.  Units may be purchased at the  Public
Offering Price without a sales charge by officers or directors and by bona fide,
full-time  employees  of  Nuveen, Nuveen  Advisory  Corp.,  Nuveen Institutional
Advisory Corp.  and  The John  Nuveen  Company,  including in  each  case  these
individuals and their immediate family members (as defined above).
 
   
    Units  may be purchased in the primary market with sales charges of 1.70% of
the Public Offering Price for National and State Long Term Trusts, 1.35% of  the
Public Offering Price for Long Intermediate Trusts, 1.20% of the Public Offering
Price  for National and  State Intermediate Trusts, 1.0%  of the Public Offering
Price for National and  State Short Intermediate Trusts  and 1.0% of the  Public
Offering Price for Short Term Trusts by (1) investors who purchase Units through
registered  investment  advisers,  certified financial  planners  and registered
broker-dealers who  in  each case  either  charge periodic  fees  for  financial
planning,  investment  advisory or  asset management  services, or  provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a comprehensive  "wrap  fee"  charge  is imposed,  (2)  bank  trust  departments
investing  funds  over which  they  exercise exclusive  discretionary investment
authority and  that  are held  in  a  fiduciary, agency,  custodial  or  similar
capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director
or  bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors or their
immediate family members (as  defined above) and (4)  officers and directors  of
bank   holding  companies  that   make  Units  available   directly  or  through
subsidiaries or bank affiliates  (collectively, the "Discounted Purchases").  In
addition,  such  investors may  purchase Units  in the  secondary market  at the
Public Offering  Price for  non-breakpoint purchases  minus the  concession  the
Sponsor typically allows to brokers and dealers for
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
non-breakpoint  purchases.  Notwithstanding  anything to  the  contrary  in this
Prospectus, investors who purchase Units as described in this paragraph will not
receive sales charge reductions for quantity purchases.
    
    The initial or primary Public Offering Price  of the Units in each Trust  is
based upon a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices per Unit of the Bonds in such
Trust  plus the  applicable sales charge.  The secondary  market Public Offering
Price of each Trust is based upon a pro rata share of the BID prices per Unit of
the Bonds in such Trust plus the applicable sales charge. The OFFERING prices of
Bonds in a Trust may be expected to average between 1/2% to 2% more than the BID
prices of such  Bonds. The difference  between the bid  side evaluation and  the
offering side evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust on the business day prior to
the Date of Deposit is shown in the discussion of each Trust portfolio.
 
    Whether  or not Units are being offered for sale, the Sponsor will determine
the aggregate value of each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time: (i) on each June
30 or December 31 (or, if such date is not a business day, the last business day
prior thereto), (ii) on any day on  which a Unit is tendered for redemption  (or
the  next succeeding business day  if the date of  tender is a non-business day)
and (iii) at such other times as may be necessary. For this purpose, a "business
day" shall be any day on which  the Exchange is normally open. (See "UNIT  VALUE
AND EVALUATION.")
 
MARKET FOR UNITS
 
   
During  the  initial public  offering period,  the Sponsor  intends to  offer to
purchase Units of each  Trust at a  price equivalent to the  pro rata share  per
Unit  of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such Trust (plus accrued interest).
Afterward, although  it  is not  obligated  to do  so,  the Sponsor  intends  to
maintain  a secondary  market for  Units of  each Trust  at its  own expense and
continuously to offer  to purchase  Units of each  Trust at  prices, subject  to
change  at  any time,  which  are based  upon  the BID  prices  of Bonds  in the
respective portfolios of the  Trusts. UNITHOLDERS WHO WISH  TO DISPOSE OF  THEIR
UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS TO THE CURRENT REDEMPTION
PRICE.  (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?") In connection with its
secondary marketmaking activities, the Sponsor may from time to time enter  into
secondary  market  joint  account  agreements with  other  brokers  and dealers.
Pursuant to such an agreement, the  Sponsor will purchase Units from the  broker
or dealer at the bid price and will place the Units into a joint account managed
by  the Sponsor; sales from the account will be made in accordance with the then
current prospectus and the Sponsor and  the broker or dealer will share  profits
and  losses in  the joint account  in accordance  with the terms  of their joint
account agreement.
    
 
   
    Certificates, if any, for Units are  delivered to the purchaser as  promptly
after the date of settlement (three business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can  complete  the mechanics  of registration,  normally  within 48  hours after
registration instructions are received. Purchasers of Units to whom Certificates
are issued will be unable  to exercise any right  of redemption until they  have
received their Certificates, properly endorsed for transfer. (See "HOW UNITS MAY
BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?")
    
 
WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?
 
Accrued  interest is the accumulation of unpaid interest on a bond from the last
day on which  interest thereon  was paid.  Interest on  Bonds in  each Trust  is
accounted  for daily on an accrual basis. For this reason, the purchase price of
Units of a Trust will  include not only the Public  Offering Price but also  the
proportionate  share  of accrued  interest to  the  date of  settlement. Accrued
interest does not  include accrual  of original  issue discount  on zero  coupon
bonds,  Stripped Obligations  or other  original issue  discount bonds. Interest
accrues to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date  of
their purchase transaction.
 
    In  an effort to reduce the amount  of accrued interest that investors would
have to pay in addition to the Public Offering Price, the Trustee has agreed  to
advance  to each Trust the amount of accrued interest due on the Bonds as of the
Date of Deposit (which has been designated  the first Record Date for all  plans
of  distribution). This  accrued interest  will be  paid to  the Sponsor  as the
holder of record of all Units on  the Date of Deposit. Consequently, the  amount
of  accrued interest  to be  added to  the Public  Offering Price  of Units will
include only accrued interest  from the Date of  Deposit to, but not  including,
the  date of  settlement of the  investor's purchase (three  business days after
purchase), less any distributions from the related Interest Account. The Trustee
will recover its  advancements (without interest  or other cost  to the  Trusts)
from interest received on the Bonds deposited in each Trust.
 
    The  Trustee has no  cash for distribution to  Unitholders until it receives
interest payments on the Bonds in  the Trusts. Since municipal bond interest  is
accrued  daily but  paid only  semi-annually, during  the initial  months of the
Trusts, the Interest  Accounts, consisting of  accrued but uncollected  interest
and  collected interest  (cash), will  be predominantly  the uncollected accrued
interest that is not available for distribution. However, due to advances by the
Trustee, the Trustee will provide a first distribution between approximately  30
and  60 days after the Date of Deposit. Assuming each Trust retains its original
size and composition  and expenses  and fees  remain the  same, annual  interest
collected  and distributed  will approximate  the estimated  Net Annual Interest
Income stated herein. However,  the amount of accrued  interest at any point  in
time  will  be greater  than  the amount  that  the Trustee  will  have actually
received and distributed to the Unitholders. Therefore, there will always remain
an item of  accrued interest  that is  included in  the Purchase  Price and  the
redemption price of the Units.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
    Interest  is accounted  for daily and  a proportionate share  of accrued and
undistributed interest computed from the preceding  Record Date is added to  the
daily  valuation of each Unit of each Trust.  (See Part A of this Prospectus and
"WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?") As Bonds mature, or are  redeemed
or  sold,  the  accrued  interest  applicable to  such  bonds  is  collected and
subsequently distributed to Unitholders. Unitholders who sell or redeem all or a
portion of their Units will be  paid their proportionate share of the  remaining
accrued  interest to,  but not including,  the third business  day following the
date of sale or tender.
    
 
WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?
 
   
The Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to  the
investor  expected  to be  earned  over the  estimated  life of  the  Trust. The
Estimated Long Term Return represents an  average of the yields to maturity  (or
call)  of  the Bonds  in  the Trust's  portfolio  calculated in  accordance with
accepted bond practice and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges. Under
accepted bond practice, tax-exempt bonds are customarily offered to investors on
a "yield price" basis, which involves computation of yield to maturity or to  an
earlier  call date  (whichever produces the  lower yield), and  which takes into
account not only the interest payable on the bonds but also the amortization  or
accretion  of  any premium  over,  or discount  from,  the par  (maturity) value
inherent in the bond's purchase price. In the calculation of Estimated Long Term
Return, the average yield for a  Trust's portfolio is derived by weighting  each
Bond's yield by the market value of the Bond and by the amount of time remaining
to  the date to  which the Bond is  priced. This weighted  average yield is then
adjusted to  reflect estimated  expenses, is  compounded, and  is reduced  by  a
factor  which represents the amortization of  the sales charge over the expected
average life of  a Trust. The  Estimated Long Term  Return calculation does  not
take  into account the effect  of a first distribution which  may be less than a
regular distribution or may  be paid at  some point after 30  days (or a  second
distribution  which may be  less than a normal  distribution for Unitholders who
choose quarterly or  semi-annual plans of  distribution), and it  also does  not
take into account the difference in timing of payments to Unitholders who choose
quarterly  or semi-annual plans  of distribution, each of  which will reduce the
return.
    
 
   
    Estimated Current Return  is computed  by dividing the  Net Annual  Interest
Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price. In contrast to Estimated Long Term
Return, Estimated Current Return does not reflect the amortization of premium or
accretion  of discount, if any, on the  Bonds in a Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
a Trust, less estimated expenses, by the number of Units outstanding.
    
 
   
    Net Annual Interest  Income per  Unit, used to  calculate Estimated  Current
Return,  will vary  with changes  in fees  and expenses  of the  Trustee and the
Evaluator and  with the  redemption,  maturity, exchange  or  sale of  Bonds.  A
Unitholder's  actual return may vary  significantly from the Estimated Long-Term
Return, based  on their  holding  period, market  interest rate  changes,  other
factors  affecting  the  prices  of  individual  bonds  in  the  portfolio,  and
differences between  the expected  remaining  life of  portfolio bonds  and  the
actual  length of time that they remain  in a Trust; such actual holding periods
may be reduced by termination of  a Trust, as described in "OTHER  INFORMATION."
Since  both  the Estimated  Current Return  and the  Estimated Long  Term Return
quoted herein are  based on  the market  value of  the underlying  Bonds on  the
business  day prior  to the  Date of  Deposit, subsequent  calculations of these
performance  measures  will  reflect  the  then  current  market  value  of  the
underlying  Bonds and may be higher or lower. The Sponsor will provide estimated
cash flow  information relating  to a  Trust without  charge to  each  potential
investor  in a Trust who  receives this prospectus and  makes an oral or written
request to the Sponsor for such information.
    
 
   
    A portion of the  monies received by  a Trust may be  treated, in the  first
year  only, as a return of principal due to the inclusion in the Trust portfolio
of "when-issued"  or  other  Bonds  having delivery  dates  after  the  date  of
settlement  for purchases  made on  the Date of  Deposit. A  consequence of this
treatment is that in the computation  of Estimated Current Return for the  first
year, such monies are excluded from Net Annual Interest Income and treated as an
adjustment  to the Public Offering Price. (See "Essential Information" appearing
in Part A  of this  Prospectus, "COMPOSITION  OF TRUSTS"  and "WHAT  IS THE  TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?")
    
    A  comparison of tax-free  and equivalent taxable  estimated current returns
with the returns on  various taxable investments is  one element to consider  in
making  an  investment  decision. The  Sponsor  may  from time  to  time  in its
advertising and sales materials compare the then current estimated returns on  a
Trust  and returns  over specified periods  on other similar  Nuveen Trusts with
returns on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds,  bank
CD's  and  money  market accounts  or  money  market funds,  each  of  which has
investment characteristics  that  may  differ  from those  of  the  Trust.  U.S.
Government  bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of the federal government. Money market accounts and money market funds  provide
stability  of principal, but pay interest at  rates that vary with the condition
of the short-term debt market. The investment characteristics of the Trusts  are
described more fully elsewhere in the Prospectus.
 
HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?
 
The prices at which the Bonds deposited in the Trusts would have been offered to
the  public on the business day prior to  the Date of Deposit were determined by
the  Trustee  on  the  basis  of  an  evaluation  of  such  Bonds  prepared   by
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
Kenny  S&P Evaluation  Services, a  division of  J. J.  Kenny Co.,  Inc. ("Kenny
S&P"), a  firm regularly  engaged  in the  business  of evaluating,  quoting  or
appraising comparable bonds. With respect to Bonds in Insured Trusts and insured
Bonds  in Traditional Trusts, Kenny S&P evaluated  the Bonds as so insured. (See
"WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?")
    
 
    The amount by which  the Trustee's determination of  the OFFERING PRICES  of
the  Bonds deposited  in the Trusts  was greater or  less than the  cost of such
Bonds to  the  Sponsor was  PROFIT  OR LOSS  to  the Sponsor  exclusive  of  any
underwriting  profit.  (See Part  A of  this Prospectus.)  The Sponsor  also may
realize FURTHER PROFIT OR  SUSTAIN FURTHER LOSS as  a result of fluctuations  in
the  Public Offering  Price of the  Units. Cash,  if any, made  available to the
Sponsor prior to the settlement  date for a purchase of  Units, or prior to  the
acquisition  of all Portfolio securities by a Trust, may be available for use in
the Sponsor's business, and may be of benefit to the Sponsor.
 
WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?
 
   
At the  respective times  of issuance  of the  Bonds, opinions  relating to  the
validity  thereof and  to the exclusion  of interest thereon  from Federal gross
income were rendered by bond counsel  to the respective issuing authorities.  In
addition,  with respect to  State Trusts, where applicable,  bond counsel to the
issuing authorities rendered opinions  as to the exemption  of interest on  such
Bonds,  when held by residents  of the state in which  the issuers of such Bonds
are located, from state income taxes and certain state or local intangibles  and
local income taxes. For a discussion of the tax status of State Trusts, see Part
A  of this Prospectus. Neither  the Sponsor nor Chapman  and Cutler has made any
special review for the Trusts of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the
Bonds or of the basis for the opinions rendered in connection therewith. If  the
interest  on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would generally
have to  be sold  at a  substantial discount.  In addition,  investors could  be
required  to pay  income tax  on interest  received prior  to the  date of which
interest is determined to be taxable.
    
 
    Federally tax-exempt income, including income  on Units of the Trusts,  will
be taken into consideration in computing the portion, if any, of social security
benefits  received that will be included in a taxpayer's gross income subject to
the Federal income tax.
 
   
    Gain realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or of  a
Unit  by  a Unitholder  is includable  in  gross income  for Federal  income tax
purposes, and may be  includable in gross income  for state tax purposes.  (Such
gain  does not  include any  amounts received  in respect  of tax-exempt accrued
interest or accrued original issue discount, if any.) Sections 1288 and 1272  of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") provide a complex set
of  rules governing the accrual of  original issue discount. These rules provide
that original issue discount accrues either on the basis of a constant  compound
interest  rate or ratably over  the term of the Bond,  depending on the date the
Bond was issued. In  addition, special rules  apply if the  purchase price of  a
Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the amount of original issue discount
which  would have previously  accrued based upon its  issue price (its "adjusted
issue price") to prior owners. If a Bond is acquired with accrued interest, that
portion of the price paid for the accrued interest is added to the tax basis  of
the  Bond. When this accrued interest is received,  it is treated as a return of
capital and reduces  the tax basis  of the Bond.  If a Bond  is purchased for  a
premium,  the amount of the premium is added  to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond
premium is amortized over the remaining term  of the Bond, and the tax basis  of
the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of the premium amortized in that
tax  year. The application of these rules  will also vary depending on the value
of the  Bond on  the date  a Unitholder  acquires his  Units and  the price  the
Unitholder  pays  for  his  Units. Unitholders  should  consult  with  their tax
advisers regarding these rules and their application.
    
 
   
    The "Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-exempt
bonds to the market  discount rules of the  Code, effective for bonds  purchased
after  April 30,  1993. In general,  market discount  is the amount  (if any) by
which the stated  redemption price  at maturity exceeds  an investor's  purchase
price  (except to the  extent that such  difference, if any,  is attributable to
original issue discount  not yet  accrued), subject  to a  statutory DE  MINIMIS
rule.  Market discount can arise based on the price the Trust pays for the Bonds
or the  price a  Unitholder  pays for  his  or her  Units.  Under the  Tax  Act,
accretion of market discount is taxable as ordinary income; under prior law, the
accretion  had been treated as capital gain. Market discount that accretes while
the Trust holds a Bond would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unitholders
when principal payments  are received on  the Bond, upon  sale or at  redemption
(including  early redemption),  or upon  the sale  or redemption  of his  or her
Units, unless a Unitholder elects to  include market discount in taxable  income
as  it accrues.  The market  discount rules  are complex  and Unitholders should
consult their tax advisors regarding these rules and their application.
    
 
    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Counsel to the Sponsor, under existing
law:
 
   
    (1) the Trusts  are not  associations taxable  as corporations  for  Federal
        income tax purposes, and interest and accrued original issue discount on
        Bonds  which is excludable from gross  income under the Code will retain
        its status when  distributed to the  Unitholders; however such  interest
        may  be taken into account in  computing the alternative minimum tax, an
        additional tax on branches of foreign corporations and the environmental
        tax (the  "Superfund  Tax").  See "CERTAIN  TAX  MATTERS  APPLICABLE  TO
        CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS", below;
    
 
   
    (2) each  Unitholder of a Trust is considered to  be the owner of a pro rata
        portion of such Trust under Subpart E, subchapter J of Chapter 1 of  the
        Code  and will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes of a Bond or
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
   
        when the Unitholder redeems or sells Units. Unitholders must reduce  the
        tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by
        the  Trust, if  any, on  Bonds delivered  after the  Unitholders pay for
        their Units  to the  extent that  such interest  accrued on  such  Bonds
        before  the  date the  Trust acquired  ownership of  the Bonds  (and the
        amount of this reduction may exceed the amount of accrued interest  paid
        to the seller) during the period from the Unitholders settlement date to
        the  date  such  Bonds  are  delivered  to  the  respective  Trusts and,
        consequently, such Unitholders may have  an increase in taxable gain  or
        reduction  in capital loss  upon the disposition of  such Units. Gain or
        loss upon the sale or redemption  of Units is measured by comparing  the
        proceeds  of  such sale  or redemption  with the  adjusted basis  of the
        Units. If the  Trustee disposes of  Bonds (whether by  sale, payment  at
        maturity,  redemption or otherwise),  gain or loss  is recognized to the
        Unitholder. The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing
        the Unitholder's  pro  rata  share  of  the  total  proceeds  from  such
        disposition  with  the  Unitholder's  basis for  his  or  her fractional
        interest in  the asset  disposed of.  In the  case of  a Unitholder  who
        purchases Units, such basis (before adjustment for earned original issue
        discount   and  amortized  bond  premium,   if  any)  is  determined  by
        apportioning the  cost of  the  Units among  each  of the  Trust  assets
        ratably  according to value as of the valuation date nearest the date of
        acquisition of the Units. The  tax basis reduction requirements of  said
        Code   relating  to  amortization  of   bond  premium  may,  under  some
        circumstances, result in  the Unitholder realizing  a taxable gain  when
        his  or her Units are sold or redeemed  for an amount less than or equal
        to their original cost; and
    
 
   
    (3) any amounts paid on defaulted Bonds  held by the Trustee under  policies
        of  insurance issued with respect to  such Bonds will be excludable from
        Federal gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest  would
        have  been so excludable if  paid in the normal  course by the issuer of
        the defaulted  Bonds  provided  that,  at the  time  such  policies  are
        purchased,  the amounts paid for such policies are reasonable, customary
        and consistent with the  reasonable expectation that  the issuer of  the
        Bonds,  rather than  the insurer,  will pay  debt service  on the Bonds.
        Paragraph (2)  of  this  opinion is  accordingly  applicable  to  policy
        proceeds representing maturing interest.
    
 
In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, counsel to the Trustee, and, in the
absence  of a New York Trust from the Series, special counsel for the Series for
New York tax matters, under existing law:
 
        Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, each  Trust
    is  not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of each Trust
    will be treated as the income of the Unitholders.
 
    For a summary  of each opinion  of special counsel  to the respective  State
Trusts for state tax matters, see Part A of this Prospectus.
 
   
    ALL  STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME FOR
FEDERAL, STATE OR OTHER TAX PURPOSES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO
CONSTRUED.
    
 
   
    Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the Code,
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued  to purchase or carry Units of  a
Trust  is not deductible  for Federal income tax  purposes. The Internal Revenue
Service has  taken the  position that  such indebtedness  need not  be  directly
traceable  to the purchase or carrying  of Units (however, these rules generally
do not apply to interest paid on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve  a
personal  residence). Also,  under Section  265 of  the Code,  certain financial
institutions that acquire Units would generally not be able to deduct any of the
interest expense attributable to ownership of  such Units. On December 7,  1995,
the  U.S. Treasury  Department released  proposed legislation  that, if enacted,
would generally  extend the  financial institution  rules to  all  corporations,
effective  for obligations  acquired after  the date  of announcement. Investors
with questions regarding this issue should consult with their tax advisers.
    
   
    In the case  of certain  of the  Bonds in the  Trust, the  opinions of  bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial user" of
the  facilities  being financed  with the  proceeds of  these Bonds,  or persons
related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by such a user or related
person, will not be excludable from  Federal gross income, although interest  on
such  Bonds received  by others would  be excludable from  Federal gross income.
"Substantial user" and  "related person"  are defined  under the  Code and  U.S.
Treasury  Regulations.  Any  person  who  believes  that  he  or  she  may  be a
"substantial user" or a "related person" as so defined should contact his or her
tax adviser.
    
    For purposes of computing  the alternative minimum  tax for individuals  and
corporations, interest on certain specified tax-exempt private activity bonds is
included as a preference item. The Trusts do not include any such bonds.
 
   
    CERTAIN  TAX MATTERS  APPLICABLE TO  CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS.  In the  case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum  tax and the Superfund Tax  depend
upon the corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's  taxable income  with certain  adjustments. One  of the adjustment
items used in computing AMTI and the Superfund Tax of a corporation (other  than
an S corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, or
REMIC)  is an amount equal to 75%  of the excess of such corporation's "adjusted
current earnings" over an amount equal to its AMTI (before such adjustment  item
and  the  alternative  tax  net  operating  loss  deduction).  "Adjusted current
earnings"  includes  all   tax-exempt  interest,  including   interest  on   all
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
Bonds  in the Trust. Under  current Code provisions, the  Superfund Tax does not
apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1996. However, the Superfund
Tax could be extended retroactively. Under the provisions of Section 884 of  the
Code,  a branch profits tax is levied on the "effectively connected earnings and
profits" of certain foreign corporations which include tax-exempt interest  such
as  interest on  the Bonds  in the Trust.  Unitholders should  consult their tax
advisors with respect to the particular  tax consequences to them including  the
corporate  alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and the branch profits tax
imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
    
   
    Ownership  of  the  Units  may  result  in  collateral  federal  income  tax
consequences  to certain taxpayers,  including, without limitation, corporations
subject to either  the environmental tax  or the branch  profits tax,  financial
institutions,  certain insurance  companies, certain  S corporations, individual
recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and taxpayers  who
may  be deemed to have incurred (or continued) indebtedness to purchase or carry
tax-exempt obligations. Prospective investors should consult their tax  advisers
as to the applicability of any such collateral consequences.
    
   
    EXCEPT  AS NOTED ABOVE  AND IN PART  A OF THIS  PROSPECTUS, THE EXEMPTION OF
INTEREST ON  STATE  AND  LOCAL  OBLIGATIONS  FOR  FEDERAL  INCOME  TAX  PURPOSES
DISCUSSED  ABOVE DOES  NOT NECESSARILY RESULT  IN EXEMPTION UNDER  THE INCOME OR
OTHER TAX LAWS OF ANY  STATE OR CITY. THE LAWS  OF THE SEVERAL STATES VARY  WITH
RESPECT TO THE TAXATION OF SUCH OBLIGATIONS.
    
 
WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
 
No  annual advisory  fee is charged  to the  Trusts by the  Sponsor. The Sponsor
does, however, receive a fee as set  forth in "Essential Information" in Part  A
of  this  Prospectus  for regularly  evaluating  the Bonds  and  for maintaining
surveillance over the portfolio. (See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION.")
 
   
    The Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for  each
plan  of distribution  for each  Trust as  set forth  in "Essential Information"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus. Each annual fee is per $1,000  principal
amount  of the underlying  Bonds in a Trust  for that portion  of the Trust that
represents  a  particular  plan  of  distribution.  The  Trustee's  fee  may  be
periodically  adjusted in response to  fluctuations in short-term interest rates
(reflecting the  cost to  the Trustee  of advancing  funds to  a Trust  to  meet
scheduled  distributions) and  may be  further adjusted  in accordance  with the
cumulative percentage  increase  of  the United  States  Department  of  Labor's
Consumer  Price Index  entitled "All  Services Less  Rent of  Shelter" since the
establishment of the Trusts.  The Trustee has  the use of  funds, if any,  being
held   in  the  Interest  and  Principal  Accounts  of  each  Trust  for  future
distributions,  payment  of  expenses   and  redemptions.  These  Accounts   are
non-interest  bearing to Unitholders. Pursuant to normal banking procedures, the
Trustee benefits  from the  use of  funds held  therein. Part  of the  Trustee's
compensation  for its services to the Trusts is expected to result from such use
of these funds.
    
    Premiums for the  policies of insurance  obtained by the  Sponsor or by  the
Bond issuers with respect to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and with respect to
insured  Bonds in Traditional Trusts have been paid in full prior to the deposit
of the Bonds in the Trusts, and the value of such insurance has been included in
the evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust and accordingly in the Public Offering
Price of Units of each Trust. There  are no annual continuing premiums for  such
insurance.
 
   
    All  or  a portion  of  the expenses  incurred  in establishing  the Trusts,
including costs of preparing the registration statement, the trust indenture and
other closing  documents, registering  Units with  the Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  and states, the  initial audit of each  Trust portfolio, the initial
evaluation, legal fees,  the initial fees  and expenses of  the Trustee and  any
other  non-material  out-of-pocket  expenses, will  be  paid by  the  Trusts and
amortized over the first five years of such Trusts. The following are additional
expenses of the Trusts and, when paid by or are owed to the Trustee, are secured
by a lien  on the  assets of  the Trust  or Trusts  to which  such expenses  are
allocable: (1) the expenses and costs of any action undertaken by the Trustee to
protect  the Trusts  and the  rights and interests  of the  Unitholders; (2) all
taxes and other governmental charges  upon the Bonds or  any part of the  Trusts
(no  such taxes or charges are being levied  or made or, to the knowledge of the
Sponsor, contemplated); (3) amounts payable to the Trustee as fees for  ordinary
recurring   services  and  for  extraordinary  non-recurring  services  rendered
pursuant to the Indenture, all disbursements and expenses including counsel fees
(including fees  of bond  counsel which  the Trustee  may retain)  sustained  or
incurred  by  the  Trustee  in  connection  therewith;  and  (4)  any  losses or
liabilities accruing to  the Trustee  without negligence, bad  faith or  willful
misconduct  on its part. The Trustee is empowered  to sell Bonds in order to pay
these amounts if funds  are not otherwise available  in the applicable  Interest
and Principal Accounts.
    
 
    The  Indenture requires each Trust  to be audited on  an annual basis at the
expense of the Trust by independent public accountants selected by the  Sponsor.
The  Trustee  shall not  be  required, however,  to cause  such  an audit  to be
performed if its cost to a Trust shall exceed $.05 per Unit on an annual  basis.
Unitholders  of a  Trust covered by  an audit may  obtain a copy  of the audited
financial statements upon request.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
Interest received by the Trustee on the Bonds in each Trust, including that part
of the proceeds of  any disposition of Bonds  which represents accrued  interest
and  including  any insurance  proceeds representing  interest due  on defaulted
Bonds, shall be credited to the "Interest  Account" of such Trust and all  other
moneys  received by the Trustee shall be  credited to the "Principal Account" of
such Trust.
 
    The pro rata share of  cash in the Principal Account  in each Trust will  be
computed as of each semi-annual Record Date and distributions to the Unitholders
as of such Record Date will be made on or shortly after the fifteenth day of the
month. Proceeds received from the disposition, including sale, call or maturity,
of  any of the Bonds and all amounts  paid with respect to zero coupon bonds and
Stripped Obligations will be  held in the Principal  Account and either used  to
pay  for Units  redeemed or distributed  on the Distribution  Date following the
next semi-annual Record Date. The Trustee is not required to make a distribution
from the  Principal  Account  of  any Trust  unless  the  amount  available  for
distribution in such account equals at least ten cents per Unit.
 
    The pro rata share of the Interest Account in each Trust will be computed by
the  Trustee each month as of each Record Date and distributions will be made on
or shortly after the fifteenth day of the month to Unitholders of such Trust  as
of the Record Date who are entitled to distributions at that time under the plan
of  distribution chosen. Persons who purchase Units  between a Record Date and a
Distribution Date will receive their first distribution on the Distribution Date
following the next Record Date under the applicable plan of distribution.
 
    Purchasers of  Units  who desire  to  receive interest  distributions  on  a
monthly or quarterly basis may elect to do so at the time of purchase during the
initial  public offering  period. Those indicating  no choice will  be deemed to
have chosen the  semi-annual distribution  plan. All  Unitholders, however,  who
purchase  Units during the initial  public offering period and  who hold them of
record on the first Record Date will receive the first distribution of interest.
Thereafter, Record Dates for monthly distributions will be the first day of each
month; Record  Dates  for quarterly  distributions  will  be the  first  day  of
February,   May,  August  and   November;  and  Record   Dates  for  semi-annual
distributions will be  the first day  of May and  November. See Part  A of  this
Prospectus for details of distributions per Unit of each Trust under the various
plans  based upon estimated Net  Annual Interest Income at  the Date of Deposit.
The amount of  the regular distributions  will generally change  when Bonds  are
redeemed, mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease. For
the  purpose of minimizing  fluctuations in the  distributions from the Interest
Account of a Trust, the Trustee is authorized to advance such amounts as may  be
necessary  to provide for interest distributions of approximately equal amounts.
The Trustee shall be  reimbursed, without interest, for  any such advances  from
funds  in  the Interest  Account of  such  Trust. The  Trustee's fee  takes into
account the costs  attributable to  the outlay of  capital needed  to make  such
advances.
 
    The  plan of  distribution selected  by a  Unitholder will  remain in effect
until changed.  Unitholders  purchasing  Units  in  the  secondary  market  will
initially  receive distributions  in accordance with  the election  of the prior
owner. Unitholders desiring to  change their plan of  distribution may do so  by
sending   a   written  notice   requesting   the  change,   together   with  any
Certificate(s), to  the  Trustee. The  notice  and any  Certificate(s)  must  be
received  by  the Trustee  not  later than  the  semi-annual Record  Date  to be
effective  as  of   the  semi-annual  distribution   following  the   subsequent
semi-annual  Record Date.  Unitholders are  requested to  make any  such changes
within 45 days prior to the applicable Record Date. Certificates should only  be
sent  by registered or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their being
lost or stolen. (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS.")
 
   
    As of the first day of each month the Trustee will deduct from the  Interest
Account  of a Trust or, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from the
Principal Account of  a Trust, amounts  needed for payment  of expenses of  such
Trust.  The Trustee also may withdraw from said accounts such amount, if any, as
it deems necessary to establish a  reserve for any governmental charges  payable
out  of such  Trust. Amounts so  withdrawn shall not  be considered a  part of a
Trust's assets until such time  as the Trustee shall return  all or any part  of
such amounts to the appropriate account. In addition, the Trustee shall withdraw
from  the Interest Account and the Principal  Account of a Trust such amounts as
may be necessary to  cover redemptions of  Units of such  Trust by the  Trustee.
Funds  which are available for future  distributions, redemptions and payment of
expenses are held in accounts which are non-interest bearing to Unitholders  and
are available for use by the Trustee pursuant to normal banking procedures.
    
 
ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
   
The  Sponsor is also the principal  underwriter of several open-end mutual funds
(the "Accumulation Funds") into which  Unitholders may choose to reinvest  Trust
distributions.  Unitholders  may elect  to  reinvest principal  distributions or
interest and principal  distributions automatically, without  any sales  charge.
Each  Accumulation  Fund  has  investment  objectives  which  differ  in certain
respects from those of the Trusts and  may invest in securities which would  not
be  eligible  for  deposit in  the  Trusts. Further  information  concerning the
Accumulation Plan  and  a  list  of  Accumulation Funds  is  set  forth  in  the
Information  Supplement of this Prospectus, which  may be obtained by contacting
the Trustee at the phone number listed on the back cover of this Prospectus.
    
Participants may at any time, by so  notifying the Trustee in writing, elect  to
change   the  Accumulation  Fund  into   which  their  distributions  are  being
reinvested, to change from principal  only reinvestment to reinvestment of  both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
receive  future distributions on their Units in cash. There will be no charge or
other penalty for such change of election or termination. The character of Trust
distributions for income  tax purposes will  remain unchanged even  if they  are
reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
 
HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
   
The  Trustee  shall  furnish Unitholders  of  a  Trust in  connection  with each
distribution, a statement of the amount of  interest, if any, and the amount  of
other  receipts (received  since the preceding  distribution) being distributed,
expressed in each case  as a dollar  amount representing the  pro rata share  of
each Unit of a Trust outstanding and a year to date summary of all distributions
paid  on said Units.  Within a reasonable period  of time after  the end of each
calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to each person, who at any time  during
the  calendar year  was a  registered Unitholder  of a  Trust, a  statement with
respect to  such  Trust  (i)  as to  the  Interest  Account:  interest  received
(including  amounts  representing  interest  received  upon  any  disposition of
Bonds), and, except  for any  State Trust, the  percentage of  such interest  by
states  in which the issuers  of the Bonds are  located, deductions for fees and
expenses of such Trust, redemption of Units and the balance remaining after such
distributions and deductions,  expressed in  each case  both as  a total  dollar
amount  and as  a dollar  amount representing  the pro  rata share  of each Unit
outstanding on the  last business  day of  such calendar  year; (ii)  as to  the
Principal  Account: the dates of  disposition of any Bonds  and the net proceeds
received therefrom (excluding  any portion representing  accrued interest),  the
amount  paid for purchase of Replacement  Bonds, the amount paid upon redemption
of Units, deductions for  payment of applicable taxes  and fees and expenses  of
the  Trustee, and the balance remaining  after such distributions and deductions
expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount representing  the
pro  rata  share of  each  Unit outstanding  on the  last  business day  of such
calendar year;  (iii)  a  list  of  the Bonds  held  and  the  number  of  Units
outstanding  on the last business day of such calendar year; (iv) the Unit Value
based upon the last computation thereof made during such calendar year; and  (v)
amounts actually distributed during such calendar year from the Interest Account
and  from  the Principal  Account, separately  stated,  expressed both  as total
dollar amounts and  as dollar amounts  representing the pro  rata share of  each
Unit  outstanding. Each annual  statement will reflect  pertinent information in
respect of  all  plans of  distribution  so  that Unitholders  may  be  informed
regarding the results of other plans of distribution.
    
 
UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION
 
   
The  value of each  Trust is determined by  the Sponsor on the  basis of (1) the
cash on hand in the Trust or moneys  in the process of being collected, (2)  the
value  of the Bonds in  the Trust based on  the BID prices of  the Bonds and (3)
interest  accrued  thereon   not  subject  to   collection,  LESS  (1)   amounts
representing  taxes or governmental charges payable out of the Trust and (2) the
accrued expenses of the Trust. The result of such computation is divided by  the
number  of Units of such  Trust outstanding as of  the date thereof to determine
the per Unit value ("Unit Value") of  such Trust. The Sponsor may determine  the
value  of the Bonds in each Trust (1) on  the basis of current BID prices of the
Bonds obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds  comparable
to  those held by a  Trust, (2) if bid  prices are not available  for any of the
Bonds, on the basis of bid prices for comparable bonds, (3) by causing the value
of the Bonds to be determined by  others engaged in the practice of  evaluating,
quoting  or appraising comparable bonds or (4)  by any combination of the above.
Although the Unit Value of each Trust is  based on the BID prices of the  Bonds,
the Units are sold initially to the public at the Public Offering Price based on
the OFFERING prices of the Bonds.
    
 
    Because  the insurance obtained  by the Sponsor  or by the  issuers of Bonds
with respect to  the Bonds in  the Insured  Trusts and with  respect to  insured
Bonds  in Traditional Trusts is effective so long as such Bonds are outstanding,
such insurance will be  taken into account in  determining the bid and  offering
prices  of such  Bonds and therefore  some value attributable  to such insurance
will be included in the value of Units of Trusts that include such Bonds.
 
HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC
 
   
Nuveen, in addition to being the Sponsor, is the sole Underwriter of the  Units.
It  is  the  intention  of  the  Sponsor  to  qualify  Units  of  National, Long
Intermediate, Intermediate, Short  Intermediate and Short  Term Trusts for  sale
under  the  laws of  substantially all  of the  states of  the United  States of
America, and Units  of State Trusts  only in the  state for which  the Trust  is
named and selected other states.
    
 
    Promptly following the deposit of Bonds in exchange for Units of the Trusts,
it  is the practice of the Sponsor to place all of the Units as collateral for a
letter or letters of credit from one or more commercial banks under an agreement
to release such Units from time to  time as needed for distribution. Under  such
an  arrangement  the Sponsor  pays  such banks  compensation  based on  the then
current interest  rate. This  is  a normal  warehousing arrangement  during  the
period  of  distribution of  the Units  to public  investors. To  facilitate the
handling of  transactions,  sales of  Units  shall be  limited  to  transactions
involving a minimum of either $5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is less. The Sponsor
reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for the purchase of
Units.
 
    The  Sponsor plans to allow a discount  to brokers and dealers in connection
with  the  primary  distribution   of  Units  and   also  in  secondary   market
transactions. The primary market discounts are as follows:
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DISCOUNT PER UNIT
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
                                 NATIONAL    LONG INTER-                  SHORT INTER-
                                AND STATE      MEDIATE     INTERMEDIATE      MEDIATE     SHORT TERM
NUMBER OF UNITS*                  TRUSTS       TRUSTS         TRUSTS         TRUSTS        TRUSTS
- ------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Less than 500.................    $3.20         $2.90          $2.70          $2.00         $1.50
500 but less than 1,000.......     3.20         2.90           2.70           2.00          1.50
1,000 but less than 2,500.....     3.20         2.70           2.50           1.80          1.30
2,500 but less than 5,000.....     3.20         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
5,000 but less than 10,000....     2.50         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
10,000 but less than 25,000...     2.00         2.00           2.00           1.30           .80
25,000 but less than 50,000...     1.75         1.75           1.75           1.30           .60
50,000 or more................     1.75         1.50           1.50           1.00           .60
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint  sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
 dollar basis and  on the  basis of  the number  of Units  purchased, using  the
 equivalent  of 500 Units to  $50,000, 2,500 Units to  $250,000 etc. and will be
 applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The Sponsor currently intends  to maintain a secondary  market for Units  of
each  Trust. See  "MARKET FOR  UNITS." The  amount of  the dealer  concession on
secondary market purchases of Trust Units  through the Sponsor will be  computed
based  upon the value of  the Bonds in the  Trust portfolio, including the sales
charge computed as described in "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE  DETERMINED?",
and  adjusted to reflect the  cash position of the  Trust principal account, and
will vary with the size of the purchase as shown in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
                                        $50,000   $100,000   $250,000   $500,000   $1,000,000  $2,500,000
                              UNDER       TO         TO         TO         TO          TO          TO      $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY            $50,000    $99,999   $249,999   $499,999   $999,999   $2,499,999  $4,999,999   OR MORE
- --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Less than 1...............      0          0          0          0          0          0           0           0
1 but less than 2.........    1.00%      .90%       .85%       .80%       .70%        .55%       .467%       .389%
2 but less than 3.........    1.30%      1.20%      1.10%      1.00%      .90%        .73%       .634%       .538%
3 but less than 4.........    1.60%      1.45%      1.35%      1.25%      1.10%       .90%       .781%       .662%
4 but less than 5.........    2.00%      1.85%      1.75%      1.55%      1.40%      1.25%       1.082%      .914%
5 but less than 7.........    2.30%      2.15%      1.95%      1.80%      1.65%      1.50%       1.320%      1.140%
7 but less than 10........    2.60%      2.45%      2.25%      2.10%      1.95%      1.70%       1.496%      1.292%
10 but less than 13.......    3.00%      2.80%      2.60%      2.45%      2.30%      2.00%       1.747%      1.494%
13 but less than 16.......    3.25%      3.15%      3.00%      2.75%      2.50%      2.15%       1.878%      1.606%
16 or more................    3.50%      3.50%      3.40%      3.35%      3.00%      2.50%       2.185%      1.873%
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
  dollar basis and  on the basis  of the  number of Units  purchased, using  the
  equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000, 2,500 Units to $250,000, etc., and will be
  applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The  Sponsor reserves the  right to change  the foregoing dealer concessions
from time to time.
 
   
    Registered investment advisers, certified financial planners and  registered
broker-dealers  who  in  each case  either  charge periodic  fees  for financial
planning, investment  advisory or  asset management  services, or  provide  such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a  comprehensive  "wrap  fee"  charge is  imposed,  and  bank  trust departments
investing funds  over which  they  exercise exclusive  discretionary  investment
authority  and  that  are held  in  a  fiduciary, agency,  custodial  or similar
capacity, are not entitled to receive  any dealer concession for any sales  made
to  investors which  qualified as "Discounted  Purchases" during  the primary or
secondary market. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?")
    
    Certain commercial banks are making Units  of the Trusts available to  their
customers  on  an agency  basis. A  portion of  the sales  charge paid  by these
customers is retained by or  remitted to the banks in  the amounts shown in  the
above  table.  The Glass-Steagall  Act prohibits  banks from  underwriting Trust
Units; the Act  does, however,  permit certain agency  transactions and  banking
regulators  have not indicated that these particular agency transactions are not
permitted under the Act. In Texas and  in certain other states, any bank  making
Units available must be registered as a broker-dealer under state law.
 
OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS
 
The  ownership of  Units is  evidenced by book  entry positions  recorded on the
books and records of the Trustee  unless the Unitholder expressly requests  that
the  purchased Units be evidenced in Certificate form. The Trustee is authorized
to treat as the owner of Units that person who at the time is registered as such
on the books of the Trustee. Any  Unitholder who holds a Certificate may  change
to  book entry ownership by submitting to the Trustee the Certificate along with
a written request that the Units represented by such Certificate be held in book
entry form. Likewise, a Unitholder who holds Units in book entry form may obtain
a Certificate for such  Units by written  request to the  Trustee. Units may  be
held in denominations of one Unit or any multiple or fraction thereof. Fractions
of  Units are computed to three decimal  places. Any Certificates issued will be
numbered serially for identification, and  are issued in fully registered  form,
transferable  only  on the  books of  the Trustee.  Book entry  Unitholders will
receive a Book Entry Position Confirmation reflecting their ownership.
 
    For Trusts allowing optional plans  of distribution, Certificates for  Units
will  bear  an  appropriate notation  on  their  face indicating  which  plan of
distribution has been selected. When a change is made, the existing Certificates
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
must be surrendered to  the Trustee and new  Certificates issued to reflect  the
currently  effective  plan of  distribution. There  will be  no charge  for this
service. Holders of book  entry Units can change  their plan of distribution  by
making  a written  request to  the Trustee,  which will  issue a  new Book Entry
Position Confirmation to reflect such change.
 
    Units are transferable by  making a written request  to the Trustee and,  in
the  case of Units  evidenced by Certificate(s),  by presenting and surrendering
such Certificate(s) to the Trustee, at its  address listed on the back cover  of
this  Part B of  the Prospectus, properly  endorsed or accompanied  by a written
instrument or  instruments  of  transfer.  The  Certificate(s)  should  be  sent
registered  or  certified  mail  for  the  protection  of  the  Unitholder. Each
Unitholder must sign such written  request, and such Certificate(s) or  transfer
instrument,  exactly as his name  appears on (a) the  face of the Certificate(s)
representing the  Units  to be  transferred,  or  (b) the  Book  Entry  Position
Confirmation(s)  relating to the Units to be transferred. Such signature(s) must
be guaranteed by a guarantor acceptable to the Trustee. In certain instances the
Trustee may require  additional documents  such as,  but not  limited to,  trust
instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or administrator or
certificates  of corporate authority. Mutilated Certificates must be surrendered
to the Trustee in order for a replacement Certificate to be issued. Although  at
the  date hereof no charge is made and none is contemplated, a Unitholder may be
required to pay $2.00 to the  Trustee for each Certificate reissued or  transfer
of  Units requested and to  pay any governmental charge  which may be imposed in
connection therewith.
 
REPLACEMENT OF LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.
 
    To obtain a  new Certificate replacing  one that has  been lost, stolen,  or
destroyed,   the   Unitholder   must  furnish   the   Trustee   with  sufficient
indemnification  and  pay  such  expenses   as  the  Trustee  may  incur.   This
indemnification  must be in the form of an Open Penalty Bond of Indemnification.
The premium for such an indemnity bond may vary, but currently amounts to 1%  of
the  market  value of  the Units  represented  by the  Certificate. In  the case
however, of  a Trust  as to  which notice  of termination  has been  given,  the
premium  currently amounts to 0.5% of the  market value of the Units represented
by such Certificate.
 
HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE
 
   
Unitholders may redeem all or a portion  of their Units by (1) making a  written
request  for such redemption (book entry Unitholders may use the redemption form
on the reverse side of their Book Entry Position Confirmation) to the Trustee at
its address  listed  on  the  back  cover of  this  Part  B  of  the  Prospectus
(redemptions  of 1,000 Units or more will require a signature guarantee), (2) in
the case of Units evidenced by a Certificate, by also tendering such Certificate
to the Trustee, duly endorsed or  accompanied by proper instruments of  transfer
with signatures guaranteed as explained above, or provide satisfactory indemnity
required  in  connection with  lost, stolen  or  destroyed Certificates  and (3)
payment of applicable governmental charges, if any. Certificates should be  sent
only  by registered or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their being
lost or stolen. (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS.") No redemption fee  will
be   charged.  A  Unitholder  may  authorize  the  Trustee  to  honor  telephone
instructions for  the  redemption  of  Units held  in  book  entry  form.  Units
represented  by Certificates may  not be redeemed by  telephone. The proceeds of
Units redeemed by telephone will  be sent by check  either to the Unitholder  at
the  address specified on his account or to a financial institution specified by
the Unitholder for credit to the account of the Unitholder. A Unitholder wishing
to  use  this  method  of  redemption  must  complete  a  Telephone   Redemption
Authorization  Form and  furnish the Form  to the  Trustee. Telephone Redemption
Authorization  Forms   can   be   obtained  from   a   Unitholder's   registered
representative  or by calling the  Trustee. Once the completed  Form is on file,
the Trustee will honor telephone  redemption requests by any authorized  person.
The  time a  telephone redemption  request is  received determines  the "date of
tender" as discussed below. The redemption proceeds will be mailed within  three
business days following the telephone redemption request. Only Units held in the
name  of individuals may be redeemed by telephone; accounts registered in broker
name, or  accounts  of  corporations or  fiduciaries  (including  among  others,
trustees,  guardians, executors  and administrators)  may not  use the telephone
redemption privilege.
    
 
   
    On the third business day following the date of tender, the Unitholder  will
be  entitled to receive  in cash for each  Unit tendered an  amount equal to the
Unit Value of  such Trust determined  by the  Trustee, as of  4:00 p.m.  eastern
time,  or as  of any  earlier closing  time on  a day  on which  the Exchange is
scheduled in advance to  close at such  earlier time, on the  date of tender  as
defined  hereafter,  plus  accrued interest  to,  but not  including,  the third
business day after the date of  tender ("Redemption Price"). The price  received
upon  redemption may  be more  or less  than the  amount paid  by the Unitholder
depending on the value of  the Bonds on the  date of tender. Unitholders  should
check  with the Trustee or their broker to determine the Redemption Price before
tendering Units.
    
 
   
    The "date of  tender" is  deemed to  be the date  on which  the request  for
redemption  of Units is received  in proper form by  the Trustee, except that as
regards a redemption request received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as of any
earlier closing time on a day on  which the Exchange is scheduled in advance  to
close  at such  earlier time, or  on any day  on which the  Exchange is normally
closed, the date of tender  is the next day on  which such Exchange is  normally
open  for trading and such request will be  deemed to have been made on such day
and the redemption  will be effected  at the Redemption  Price computed on  that
day.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    Accrued  interest paid  on redemption shall  be withdrawn  from the Interest
Account of the  appropriate Trust or,  if the balance  therein is  insufficient,
from  the Principal Account of such Trust.  All other amounts paid on redemption
shall be withdrawn from the Principal Account. The Trustee is empowered to  sell
underlying  Bonds of a  Trust in order  to make funds  available for redemption.
(See "HOW BONDS MAY  BE REMOVED FROM  THE TRUSTS.") Units  so redeemed shall  be
cancelled.  To  the  extent that  Bonds  are sold  from  a Trust,  the  size and
diversity of such Trust will  be reduced. Such sales may  be required at a  time
when  Bonds would not  otherwise be sold  and might result  in lower prices than
might otherwise be realized.
 
   
    The Redemption Price is  determined on the  basis of the  BID prices of  the
Bonds  in each Trust, while  the initial Public Offering  Price of Units will be
determined on the  basis of the  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds as  of 4:00  p.m.
eastern  time on any day on which the  Exchange is normally open for trading, or
as of any earlier closing  time on a day on  which the Exchange is scheduled  in
advance to close at such earlier time, and such determination is made. As of any
given time, the difference between the bid and offering prices of such Bonds may
be  expected to average 1/2% to 2% of  principal amount. In the case of actively
traded Bonds, the difference may be  as little as 1/4 to  1/2 of 1%, and in  the
case of inactively traded Bonds such difference usually will not exceed 3%.
    
 
    The  right  of redemption  may be  suspended and  payment postponed  for any
period during  which  the Securities  and  Exchange Commission  determines  that
trading  in the municipal bond market is restricted or an emergency exists, as a
result  of  which  disposal  or  evaluation  of  the  Bonds  is  not  reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission
may by order permit.
 
    Under  regulations issued by the Internal  Revenue Service, the Trustee will
be required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a Unit
redemption if the Trustee has not been furnished the redeeming Unitholder's  tax
identification  number in the manner required by such regulations. Any amount so
withheld is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and may be recovered  by
the   Unitholder  only  when  filing  his   or  her  tax  return.  Under  normal
circumstances the  Trustee obtains  the Unitholder's  tax identification  number
from  the  selling broker  at  the time  the  Certificate or  Book  Entry Return
Confirmation is issued, and  this number is printed  on the Certificate or  Book
Entry  Return Confirmation and on distribution statements. If a Unitholder's tax
identification number does not appear as described above, or if it is incorrect,
the Unitholder should contact  the Trustee before  redeeming Units to  determine
what action, if any, is required to avoid this "back-up withholding."
 
HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR
 
The  Trustee will notify the  Sponsor of any tender  of Units for redemption. If
the Sponsor's bid in  the secondary market  at that time  equals or exceeds  the
Redemption  Price it may purchase such Units by notifying the Trustee before the
close of business on  the second succeeding business  day and by making  payment
therefor  to  the Unitholder  not  later than  the  day on  which  payment would
otherwise have been made by the Trustee. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT
CHARGE.") The Sponsor's current  practice is to bid  at the Redemption Price  in
the  secondary market. Units held by the  Sponsor may be tendered to the Trustee
for redemption as any other Units.
 
HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS
 
Bonds will be removed from a Trust as they mature or are redeemed by the issuers
thereof. See Part A of  this Prospectus and "RISK  FACTORS" for a discussion  of
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
   
    The  Indenture also empowers  the Trustee to  sell Bonds for  the purpose of
redeeming Units tendered by any Unitholder, and for the payment of expenses  for
which income may not be available. Under the Indenture, the Sponsor is obligated
to  provide the Trustee with a current list of Bonds in each Trust to be sold in
such circumstances. In deciding which Bonds  should be sold the Sponsor  intends
to  consider, among  other things, such  factors as: (1)  market conditions; (2)
market  prices  of  the  Bonds;  (3)  the  effect  on  income  distributions  to
Unitholders  of the sale of various Bonds; (4) the effect on principal amount of
underlying Bonds  per Unit  of the  sale  of various  Bonds; (5)  the  financial
condition of the issuers; and (6) the effect of the sale of various Bonds on the
investment  character of the Trust. Such sales, if required, could result in the
sale of Bonds by the Trustee at prices less than original cost to the Trust.  To
the extent Bonds are sold, the size and diversity of such Trust will be reduced.
    
 
    In  addition, the  Sponsor is empowered  to direct the  Trustee to liquidate
Bonds upon the happening of certain other events, such as default in the payment
of principal and/or interest, an action of the issuer that will adversely affect
its ability to continue payment of the  principal of and interest on its  Bonds,
or  an  adverse  change  in  market, revenue  or  credit  factors  affecting the
investment character of the Bonds. If a default in the payment of the  principal
of  and/or interest  on any  of the Bonds  occurs, and  if the  Sponsor fails to
instruct the Trustee whether to  sell or continue to  hold such Bonds within  30
days  after notification  by the  Trustee to  the Sponsor  of such  default, the
Indenture provides that  the Trustee  shall liquidate said  Bonds forthwith  and
shall  not be liable for  any loss so incurred. The  Sponsor may also direct the
Trustee to liquidate Bonds in a Trust if the Bonds in the Trust are the  subject
of  an advanced refunding,  generally considered to be  when refunding bonds are
issued and the proceeds thereof are deposited in irrevocable trust to retire the
refunded Bonds on their redemption date.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    Except as stated in "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" regarding the limited right  of
substitution  of Replacement  Bonds for Failed  Bonds, and  except for refunding
securities that may be exchanged for Bonds under certain conditions specified in
the Indenture, the Indenture does not  permit either the Sponsor or the  Trustee
to  acquire or deposit bonds either in  addition to, or in substitution for, any
of the Bonds initially deposited in a Trust.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
 
The Trustee and its address are stated on  the back cover of this Part B of  the
Prospectus. The Trustee is subject to supervision and examination by the Federal
Deposit  Insurance Corporation,  the Board of  Governors of  the Federal Reserve
System and either the Comptroller of the Currency or state banking authorities.
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES OF SPONSOR AND TRUSTEE
 
    The Sponsor and the Trustee shall  be under no liability to Unitholders  for
taking  any action or for  refraining from any action  in good faith pursuant to
the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be liable only for their own
negligence, lack of good faith or  willful misconduct. The Trustee shall not  be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the Trustee of
any  of the Bonds. In the  event of the failure of  the Sponsor to act under the
Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder and shall not be liable for any action
taken by it in good faith under the Indenture.
 
    The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental  charges
imposed  upon or in respect of the Bonds or upon the interest thereon or upon it
as Trustee under  the Indenture or  upon or in  respect of any  Trust which  the
Trustee  may be required  to pay under any  present or future  law of the United
States of  America or  of any  other taxing  authority having  jurisdiction.  In
addition,  the  Indenture  contains  other  customary  provisions  limiting  the
liability of the Trustee.
 
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES AND SPONSORS
 
    The Trustee or any successor trustee  may resign by executing an  instrument
of resignation in writing and filing same with the Sponsor and mailing a copy of
a  notice of resignation to all Unitholders  then of record. Upon receiving such
notice, the Sponsor is required to promptly appoint a successor trustee. If  the
Trustee becomes incapable of acting or is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a
receiver  or other public officer shall take  charge of its property or affairs,
the  Sponsor  may  remove  the  Trustee  and  appoint  a  successor  by  written
instrument.  The resignation or  removal of a  trustee and the  appointment of a
successor trustee shall become effective only when the successor trustee accepts
its appointment as such. Any successor trustee shall be a corporation authorized
to exercise  corporate  trust  powers, having  capital,  surplus  and  undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000. Any corporation into which a trustee may be
merged  or with which it may be  consolidated, or any corporation resulting from
any merger or consolidation to  which a trustee shall be  a party, shall be  the
successor trustee.
 
    If  upon resignation of  a trustee no  successor has been  appointed and has
accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee
may apply  to  a  court of  competent  jurisdiction  for the  appointment  of  a
successor.
 
    If the Sponsor fails to undertake any of its duties under the Indenture, and
no  express  provision is  made for  action by  the Trustee  in such  event, the
Trustee may, in addition to its other  powers under the Indenture (1) appoint  a
successor sponsor or (2) terminate the Indenture and liquidate the Trusts.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
   
Founded  in  1898, Nuveen  is  the oldest  and  largest investment  banking firm
specializing in the underwriting and  distribution of tax-exempt securities  and
maintains  the largest research  department in the  investment banking community
devoted exclusively to  the analysis  of municipal securities.  In 1961,  Nuveen
began  sponsoring the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust  and since that time has issued
more than $36 billion in tax-exempt  unit trusts, including over $12 billion  in
tax-exempt  insured  unit trusts.  In addition,  Nuveen open-end  and closed-end
funds held approximately $35  billion in securities under  management as of  the
date  of this  Statement. Over  1,000,000 individuals  have invested  to date in
Nuveen's tax-exempt funds and trusts. Nuveen is a subsidiary of The John  Nuveen
Company  which, in turn, is  approximately 78% owned by  the St. Paul Companies,
Inc. ("St. Paul"). St. Paul is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and is principally
engaged in providing property-liability  insurance through subsidiaries.  Nuveen
is  a member  of the  National Association of  Securities Dealers,  Inc. and the
Securities Industry Association and has its principal offices located in Chicago
(333 W. Wacker  Drive) and New  York (Swiss  Bank Tower, 10  East 50th  Street).
Nuveen maintains 11 regional offices.
    
   
    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment  in  the Trusts  to  reach their  investment  goals, the  Sponsor may
advertise and create specific investment programs and systems. For example, such
activities may include presenting information on how to use an investment in the
Trust, alone or in combination with an investment in other mutual funds or  unit
investment trusts sponsored by Nuveen, to accumulate assets for future education
needs  or periodic payments such as  insurance premiums. The Trusts' sponsor may
produce software or  additional sales  literature to promote  the advantages  of
using the Trusts to meet these and other specific investor needs.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
AMENDMENT OF INDENTURE
 
    The  Indenture may  be amended  by the Trustee  and the  Sponsor without the
consent of any of  the Unitholders (1)  to cure any ambiguity  or to correct  or
supplement  any provision thereof which may be defective or inconsistent, or (2)
to make such  other provisions as  shall not adversely  affect the  Unitholders,
provided,  however, that the Indenture may not be amended to increase the number
of Units in any Trust or to permit the deposit or acquisition of bonds either in
addition to, or in substitution for any of the Bonds initially deposited in  any
Trust except as stated in "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" regarding the limited right of
substitution  of Replacement Bonds and except  for the substitution of refunding
bonds under certain circumstances. The  Trustee shall advise the Unitholders  of
any amendment promptly after execution thereof.
 
TERMINATION OF INDENTURE
 
    Each  Trust may be liquidated at any time  by written consent of 100% of the
Unitholders or by  the Trustee when  the value of  such Trust, as  shown by  any
evaluation,  is less than 20% of the original principal amount of such Trust and
will be  liquidated  by  the Trustee  in  the  event that  Units  not  yet  sold
aggregating  more  than 60%  of the  Units originally  created are  tendered for
redemption by the Sponsor thereby reducing the  net worth of such Trust to  less
than  40%  of the  principal amount  of  the Bonds  originally deposited  in the
portfolio. (See "Essential Information" appearing in Part A of this Prospectus.)
The sale of Bonds from the Trusts upon termination may result in realization  of
a  lesser amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required
at such time. For this reason, among others, the amount realized by a Unitholder
upon termination  may be  less than  the principal  amount of  Bonds  originally
represented  by the Units held by  such Unitholder. The Indenture will terminate
upon the redemption, sale or other disposition of the last Bond held thereunder,
but in no event shall it continue beyond the end of the calendar year  preceding
the  fiftieth anniversary of its execution for National and State Trusts, beyond
the end  of  the  calendar  year preceding  the  twentieth  anniversary  of  its
execution  for Long Intermediate,  and Intermediate Trusts or  beyond the end of
the calendar year  preceding the tenth  anniversary of its  execution for  Short
Intermediate and Short Term Trusts.
 
   
    Written  notice of  any termination  specifying the  time or  times at which
Unitholders may surrender their Certificates, if any, for cancellation shall  be
given  by  the  Trustee to  each  Unitholder  at the  address  appearing  on the
registration books of  a Trust maintained  by the Trustee.  Within a  reasonable
time  thereafter, the Trustee shall  liquidate any Bonds in  the Trust then held
and shall deduct from  the assets of  the Trust any  accrued costs, expenses  or
indemnities  provided  by  the  Indenture which  are  allocable  to  such Trust,
including estimated compensation of the Trustee and costs of liquidation and any
amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable taxes  or
other  governmental charges. The Trustee shall then distribute to Unitholders of
such Trust their pro  rata share of  the balance of  the Interest and  Principal
Accounts.  With such  distribution, the Unitholders  shall be  furnished a final
distribution  statement,  in   substantially  the  same   form  as  the   annual
distribution statement, of the amount distributable. At such time as the Trustee
in  its sole discretion shall determine that  any amounts held in reserve are no
longer necessary, it shall make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the  same
manner.
    
 
LEGAL OPINION
 
    The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon by Chapman and
Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Special counsel for the
Trusts for respective state tax matters are named in "Tax Status" for each Trust
appearing  in  Part A  of this  Prospectus.  Carter, Ledyard  & Milburn,  2 Wall
Street, New York,  New York 10005,  has acted  as counsel for  the Trustee  with
respect  to the Series, and, in the absence of a New York Trust from the Series,
as special New York tax counsel for the Series.
 
AUDITORS
 
    The "Statement  of  Condition" and  "Schedule  of Investments"  at  Date  of
Deposit  included  in Part  A of  this  Prospectus have  been audited  by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public  accountants, as indicated  in their report  in
Part  A  of  this Prospectus,  and  are  included herein  in  reliance  upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
    Upon written or telephonic request to the Trustee, investors will receive at
no cost to  the investor supplemental  information about this  Trust, which  has
been  filed  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  and is  intended to
supplement information contained in  Part A and Part  B of this Prospectus.  The
supplemental  information includes more  detailed information concerning certain
of the Bonds included in the Trusts contained in the applicable Series and  more
specific   risk  information  concerning  the   individual  state  Trusts.  This
supplement also includes  additional general information  about the Sponsor  and
the Trusts.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                          NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
 
                              PROSPECTUS -- PART B
                                FEBRUARY 1, 1997
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                       <S>        <C>
                 SPONSOR             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                     333 West Wacker Drive
                                     Chicago, IL 60606-1286
                                     Telephone: 312.917.7700
 
                                     Swiss Bank Tower
                                     10 East 50th Street
                                     New York, NY 10022
                                     212.207.2000
 
                 TRUSTEE             The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                     4 New York Plaza
                                     New York, NY 10004-2413
                                     800.257.8787
 
           LEGAL COUNSEL             Chapman and Cutler
              TO SPONSOR             111 West Monroe Street
                                     Chicago, IL 60603
 
             INDEPENDENT             Arthur Andersen LLP
                  PUBLIC             33 West Monroe Street
             ACCOUNTANTS             Chicago, IL 60603
          FOR THE TRUSTS
</TABLE>
    
 
                                 --------------
 
           Except  as to  statements made herein  furnished by  the Trustee, the
Trustee  has  assumed   no  responsibility  for   the  accuracy,  adequacy   and
completeness of the information contained in this Prospectus.
 
           This  Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in
the registration  statement  and  exhibits  relating  thereto,  filed  with  the
Securities  and Exchange Commission, Washington,  D.C., under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to which reference is made.
 
   
           No  person  is  authorized  to  give  any  information  or  to   make
representations  not contained in this Prospectus or in supplemental information
or  sales  literature  prepared   by  the  Sponsor,   and  any  information   or
representation  not contained  therein must  not be  relied upon  as having been
authorized by either  the Trusts, the  Trustee or the  Sponsor. This  Prospectus
does  not constitute  an offer to  sell, or a  solicitation of an  offer to buy,
securities in any  State to any  person to whom  it is not  lawful to make  such
offer  in such state. The Trusts are  registered as Unit Investment Trusts under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Such registration does not imply
that the  Trusts  or  any  of  their  Units  have  been  guaranteed,  sponsored,
recommended  or approved by the United States  or any State or agency or officer
thereof.
    

<PAGE>
                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS
 
                 ---------------------------------------------
 
                             INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT
 
   
                               NUVEEN SERIES 940
    
 
   
                This   Information  Supplement  provides  additional
            information concerning  the  structure,  operations  and
            risks  of a Nuveen Tax-Free Unit  Trust not found in the
            prospectuses for the Trusts. This Information Supplement
            is not  a prospectus  and does  not include  all of  the
            information  that a prospective investor should consider
            before investing in a Trust. This Information Supplement
            should be read  in conjunction with  the prospectus  for
            the  Trust in which an investor is considering investing
            ("Prospectus"). Copies of the Prospectus can be obtained
            by calling  or  writing  the Trustee  at  the  telephone
            number   and  address   indicated  in  Part   B  of  the
            Prospectus. This Information Supplement has been created
            to supplement information contained in the Prospectus.
    
 
   
                This Information Supplement is  dated May 15,  1997.
            Capitalized terms have been defined in the Prospectus.
    
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
               --------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE.....................................................           2
  Health Care Facility Obligations..........................................           2
  Housing Obligations.......................................................           2
  Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds......................................           2
  Federally Enhanced Obligations............................................           3
  Industrial Revenue Obligations............................................           3
  Electric Utility Obligations..............................................           3
  Transportation Facility Revenue Bonds.....................................           4
  Water and/or Sewerage Obligations.........................................           4
  University and College Revenue Obligations................................           4
  Bridge Authority and Tollroad Obligations.................................           4
  Dedicated-Tax Supported Bonds.............................................           4
  Municipal Lease Bonds.....................................................           5
  Original Issue Discount Bonds and Stripped Obligations....................           5
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?..........................................           6
ACCUMULATION PLAN...........................................................           7
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR...............................................           9
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS......................................................          10
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE..........................................          12
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME......................................          13
Appendix A -- Arizona Disclosure............................................         A-1
Appendix B -- Massachusetts Disclosure......................................         B-1
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE
 
    An  investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of
the risks that such an investment may  entail. These include the ability of  the
issuer,  or,  if  applicable,  an  insurer, to  make  payments  of  interest and
principal when due, the  effects of changes in  interest rates generally,  early
call provisions and the potential for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As
set  forth in the portfolio  summaries in Part A  of this Prospectus, the Trusts
may contain or be concentrated  in one or more of  the types of bonds  discussed
below.   The  following  paragraphs  discuss  certain  circumstances  which  may
adversely affect the  ability of issuers  of Bonds  held in the  portfolio of  a
Trust  to make payment of principal and  interest thereon or which may adversely
affect the  ratings of  such Bonds;  with respect  to Insured  Trusts,  however,
because of the insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds,
such changes should not adversely affect an Insured Trust's receipt of principal
and  interest, the Standard & Poor's AAA or  Moody's Aaa ratings of the Bonds in
the Insured Trust portfolio, or the Standard & Poor's AAA rating of the Units of
each such Insured Trust. For economic  risks specific to the individual  Trusts,
see "Risk Factors" for each Trust.
 
    HEALTH  CARE FACILITY  OBLIGATIONS.   Some of  the Bonds  in a  Trust may be
obligations of  issuers whose  revenues are  derived from  services provided  by
hospitals  or other health care facilities,  including nursing homes. Ratings of
bonds issued  for health  care  facilities are  sometimes based  on  feasibility
studies  that contain projections of occupancy  levels, revenues and expenses. A
facility's gross  receipts and  net income  available for  debt service  may  be
affected  by future events and conditions  including, among other things, demand
for services, the ability of the  facility to provide the services required,  an
increasing  shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in nursing salaries,
physicians'  confidence  in  the  facility,  management  capabilities,  economic
developments  in  the service  area, competition  from other  similar providers,
efforts by  insurers  and  governmental agencies  to  limit  rates,  legislation
establishing  state rate-setting agencies,  expenses, government regulation, the
cost and possible unavailability of  malpractice insurance, and the  termination
or  restriction of governmental financial  assistance, including that associated
with Medicare, Medicaid and other  similar third party payor programs.  Medicare
reimbursements are currently calculated on a prospective basis and are not based
on  a provider's actual costs. Such method of reimbursement may adversely affect
reimbursements to hospitals and other facilities for services provided under the
Medicare program and thereby may have an  adverse effect on the ability of  such
institutions  to satisfy  debt service requirements.  In the event  of a default
upon a bond  secured by hospital  facilities, the limited  alternative uses  for
such  facilities may result  in the recovery upon  such collateral not providing
sufficient funds to fully repay the bonds.
 
    Certain hospital  bonds  provide for  redemption  at par  upon  the  damage,
destruction  or  condemnation of  the hospital  facilities  or in  other special
circumstances.
 
    HOUSING OBLIGATIONS.  Some  of the Bonds  in a Trust  may be obligations  of
issuers  whose revenues  are primarily  derived from  mortgage loans  to housing
projects for  low  to  moderate  income  families.  Such  issues  are  generally
characterized  by mandatory redemption at par or,  in the case of original issue
discount bonds, accreted  value in  the event of  economic defaults  and in  the
event of a failure of the operator of a project to comply with certain covenants
as  to the operation of the project. The failure of such operator to comply with
certain covenants related  to the tax-exempt  status of interest  on the  Bonds,
such  as provisions requiring that a specified  percentage of units be rented or
available for rental to low or moderate income families, potentially could cause
interest on such Bonds to be subject to Federal income taxation from the date of
issuance of the Bonds. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments
will  be  affected  by  events  and  conditions  affecting  financed   projects,
including,  among other  things, the  achievement and  maintenance of sufficient
occupancy levels and  adequate rental income,  employment and income  conditions
prevailing  in local labor markets, increases  in taxes, utility costs and other
operating expenses, the managerial ability of project managers, changes in  laws
and  governmental regulations,  the appropriation  of subsidies,  and social and
economic trends  affecting the  localities in  which the  projects are  located.
Occupancy of such housing projects may be adversely affected by high rent levels
and income limitations imposed under Federal and state programs.
 
    SINGLE  FAMILY MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS.  Some of  the Bonds in a Trust may be
single family  mortgage revenue  bonds,  which are  issued  for the  purpose  of
acquiring  from originating financial institutions notes secured by mortgages on
residences located within the issuer's boundaries and owned by persons of low or
moderate income. Mortgage  loans are generally  partially or completely  prepaid
prior  to their  final maturities  as a  result of  events such  as sale  of the
mortgaged premises, default, condemnation or casualty loss. Because these  bonds
are  subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption in whole or in part from such
prepayments of mortgage loans, a substantial portion of such bonds will probably
be redeemed prior to their scheduled maturities or even prior to their  ordinary
call dates. Extraordinary mandatory redemption without premium could also result
from  the failure  of the  originating financial  institutions to  make mortgage
loans in sufficient amounts within a specified time period. The redemption price
of such  issues may  be more  or less  than the  offering price  of such  bonds.
Additionally, unusually
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
high  rates  of default  on the  underlying mortgage  loans may  reduce revenues
available for the payment of principal  of or interest on such mortgage  revenue
bonds.  Single family mortgage revenue bonds issued after December 31, 1980 were
issued under Section 103A of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1954, as amended,  or
Section 143 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which Sections contain certain
requirements  relating to the use of the proceeds of such bonds in order for the
interest on such bonds to retain its tax-exempt status. In each case, the issuer
of the bonds  has covenanted  to comply  with applicable  requirements and  bond
counsel  to such issuer has issued an opinion  that the interest on the bonds is
exempt from Federal income tax under existing laws and regulations. There can be
no assurance that such continuing requirements will be satisfied; the failure to
meet such  requirements could  cause interest  on  the Bonds  to be  subject  to
Federal income taxation, possibly from the date of issuance of the Bonds.
 
    FEDERALLY  ENHANCED OBLIGATIONS.   Some  of the  mortgages which  secure the
various health care or housing projects which underlie the previously  discussed
Health  Facility, Housing, and  Single Family Mortgage  Revenue Obligations (the
"Obligations") in a Trust may be  insured by the Federal Housing  Administration
("FHA").  Under FHA  regulations, the  maximum insurable  mortgage amount cannot
exceed 90%  of  the FHA's  estimated  value of  the  project. The  FHA  mortgage
insurance  does not constitute a guarantee of timely payment of the principal of
and interest on the Obligations. Payment  of mortgage insurance benefits may  be
(1)  less than the principal amount of Obligations outstanding or (2) delayed if
disputes arise as to  the amount of  the payment or if  certain notices are  not
given  to the FHA within  the prescribed time periods.  In addition, some of the
previously discussed Obligations may be secured by mortgage-backed  certificates
guaranteed  by the Government  National Mortgage Association  ("GNMA"), a wholly
owned corporate  instrumentality  of  the  United  States,  and/or  the  Federal
National   Mortgage  Association  ("Fannie  Mae")   a  federally  chartered  and
stockholder-owed corporation. GNMA  and Fannie Mae  guarantee timely payment  of
principal  and  interest on  the  mortgage-backed certificates,  even  where the
underlying  mortgage  payments   are  not  made.   While  such   mortgage-backed
certificates  are often pledged  to secure payment of  principal and interest on
the Obligations, timely payment of interest and principal on the Obligations  is
not  insured or guaranteed by  the United States, GNMA,  Fannie Mae or any other
governmental agency or  instrumentality. The  GNMA mortgage-backed  certificates
constitute  a general obligation of  the United States backed  by its full faith
and credit. The obligations of Fannie  Mae, including its obligations under  the
Fannie  Mae mortgage-backed securities, are obligations solely of Fannie Mae and
are not backed  by, or  entitled to,  the full faith  and credit  of the  United
States.
 
    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  of the Bonds  in a  Trust may be
industrial revenue bonds  ("IRBs"), including pollution  control revenue  bonds,
which  are  tax-exempt  securities  issued  by  states,  municipalities,  public
authorities or similar entities to  finance the cost of acquiring,  constructing
or improving various industrial projects. These projects are usually operated by
corporate entities. Issuers are obligated only to pay amounts due on the IRBs to
the  extent that funds are available from the unexpended proceeds of the IRBs or
receipts or revenues of the issuer  under an arrangement between the issuer  and
the  corporate operator of  a project. The arrangement  may be in  the form of a
lease, installment sale agreement, conditional sale agreement or loan agreement,
but in each case  the payments to  the issuer are designed  to be sufficient  to
meet  the payments  of amounts  due on  the IRBs.  Regardless of  the structure,
payment of IRBs is solely dependent  upon the creditworthiness of the  corporate
operator  of  the project  and,  if applicable,  corporate  guarantor. Corporate
operators or  guarantors may  be affected  by  many factors  which may  have  an
adverse  impact on  the credit  quality of  the particular  company or industry.
These include cyclicality of revenues and earnings, regulatory and environmental
restrictions, litigation  resulting  from  accidents  or  environmentally-caused
illnesses,  extensive competition  and financial deterioration  resulting from a
corporate restructuring pursuant to a leveraged buy-out, takeover or  otherwise.
Such  a restructuring may  result in the  operator of a  project becoming highly
leveraged which may have an impact on such operator's creditworthiness which  in
turn  would have  an adverse impact  on the  rating and/or market  value of such
Bonds. Further, the  possibility of  such a  restructuring may  have an  adverse
impact  on the market for and consequently  the value of such Bonds, even though
no actual takeover or other action is ever contemplated or effected. The IRBs in
a Trust may be subject to  special or extraordinary redemption provisions  which
may  provide for redemption  at par or,  in the case  of original issue discount
bonds, accreted value. The  Sponsor cannot predict the  causes or likelihood  of
the redemption of IRBs in a Trust prior to the stated maturity of such Bonds.
 
    ELECTRIC  UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS.    Some  of the  Bonds  in  a  Trust  may be
obligations of issuers  whose revenues are  primarily derived from  the sale  of
electric  energy. The problems  faced by such issuers  include the difficulty in
obtaining approval for timely  and adequate rate  increases from the  applicable
public  utility  commissions,  the difficulty  of  financing  large construction
programs, increased competition,  reductions in estimates  of future demand  for
electricity  in certain areas of the  country, the limitations on operations and
increased costs  and delays  attributable to  environmental considerations,  the
difficulty   of   the   capital   market   in   absorbing   utility   debt,  the
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
difficulty in  obtaining fuel  at reasonable  prices and  the effect  of  energy
conservation.  All  of  such issuers  have  been experiencing  certain  of these
problems  in  varying  degrees.  In  addition,  Federal,  state  and   municipal
governmental  authorities  may from  time to  time  review existing,  and impose
additional, regulations governing the  licensing, construction and operation  of
nuclear  power plants, which may adversely affect  the ability of the issuers of
certain of the Bonds in a Trust to make payments of principal and/or interest on
such Bonds.
 
    TRANSPORTATION FACILITY REVENUE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may  be
obligations  of issuers which  are payable from and  secured by revenues derived
from the ownership and operation of airports, public transit systems and  ports.
The  major portion of  an airport's gross operating  income is generally derived
from fees received  from airlines pursuant  to use agreements  which consist  of
annual  payments for airport  use, occupancy of  certain terminal space, service
fees and  leases. Airport  operating income  may therefore  be affected  by  the
ability  of the airlines to meet their obligations under the use agreements. The
air transport industry  is experiencing significant  variations in earnings  and
traffic,  due  to  increased  competition,  excess  capacity,  increased  costs,
deregulation, traffic constraints  and other factors,  and several airlines  are
experiencing  severe financial difficulties. In  particular, facilities with use
agreements involving airlines experiencing financial difficulty may experience a
reduction in revenue  due to the  possible inability of  these airlines to  meet
their  use  agreement obligations  because  of such  financial  difficulties and
possible bankruptcy.  The  Sponsor cannot  predict  what effect  these  industry
conditions  may have on airport revenues which  are dependent for payment on the
financial condition of the  airlines and their usage  of the particular  airport
facility.  Bonds that are secured primarily by the revenue collected by a public
transit system  typically are  additionally secured  by a  pledge of  sales  tax
receipts  collected  at  the state  or  local  level, or  of  other governmental
financial assistance. Transit system net revenues will be affected by variations
in  utilization,  which  in  turn  may  be  affected  by  the  degree  of  local
governmental  subsidization, demographic and  population shifts, and competition
from other  forms of  transportation; and  by increased  costs, including  costs
resulting  from previous deferrals of maintenance. Port authorities derive their
revenues primarily from fees imposed on ships using the facilities. The rate  of
utilization  of such facilities may fluctuate depending on the local economy and
on competition from  competing forms  of transportation  such as  air, rail  and
trucks.
 
    WATER  AND/OR SEWERAGE  OBLIGATIONS.  Some  of the  Bonds in a  Trust may be
obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from the sale of water  and/or
sewerage services. Such Bonds are generally payable from user fees. The problems
of  such  issuers  include  the  ability  to  obtain  timely  and  adequate rate
increases, population decline resulting in  decreased user fees, the  difficulty
of  financing  large construction  programs, the  limitations on  operations and
increased costs  and delays  attributable to  environmental considerations,  the
increasing  difficulty of obtaining or discovering  new supplies of fresh water,
the effect  of  conservation  programs  and the  impact  of  "no-growth"  zoning
ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems
in varying degrees.
 
    UNIVERSITY  AND COLLEGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.   Some of the  Bonds in a Trust
may be  obligations of  issuers which  are, or  which govern  the operation  of,
colleges  and universities and  whose revenues are  derived mainly from tuition,
dormitory revenues,  grants and  endowments. General  problems of  such  issuers
include  the prospect of a declining  percentage of the population consisting of
"college" age  individuals,  possible  inability  to  raise  tuitions  and  fees
sufficiently  to cover increased  operating costs, the  uncertainty of continued
receipt of  Federal grants  and  state funding,  and government  legislation  or
regulations  which may adversely  affect the revenues or  costs of such issuers.
All of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems in  varying
degrees.
 
    BRIDGE AUTHORITY AND TOLLROAD OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be  obligations  of issuers  which derive  their payments  from bridge,  road or
tunnel toll revenues. The revenues of such an issuer could be adversely affected
by competition from toll-free vehicular bridges and roads and alternative  modes
of transportation. Such revenues could also be adversely affected by a reduction
in  the availability of fuel to motorists  or significant increases in the costs
thereof. Specifically, governmental regulations restricting the use of  vehicles
in  the New  York City  metropolitan area may  adversely affect  revenues of the
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
 
    DEDICATED-TAX SUPPORTED  BONDS.    Some of  the  Bonds  in a  Trust  may  be
obligations of issuers which are payable from and secured by tax revenues from a
designated  source, which revenues are pledged  to secure the bonds. The various
types of  Bonds described  below differ  in structure  and with  respect to  the
rights of the bondholders to the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax
supported  Bond has distinct risks, only some  of which are set forth below. One
type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is secured by the incremental tax  received
on  either real property or on  sales within a specifically defined geographical
area; such  tax  generally will  not  provide bondholders  with  a lien  on  the
underlying property or revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is
secured  by a special tax levied on  real property within a defined geographical
area in such  a manner  that the tax  is levied  on those who  benefit from  the
project;  such bonds  typically provide for  a statutory lien  on the underlying
property for unpaid taxes. A third  type of dedicated-tax supported Bond may  be
secured by a tax levied upon the manufacture, sale or consumption of commodities
or upon the license to pursue certain occupations or
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
upon corporate privileges within a taxing jurisdiction. As to any of these types
of  Bonds, the ability  of the designated  revenues to satisfy  the interest and
principal payments  on  such bonds  may  be affected  by  changes in  the  local
economy,  the financial success of the enterprise responsible for the payment of
the taxes, the  value of any  property on which  taxes may be  assessed and  the
ability  to collect such taxes  in a timely fashion.  Each of these factors will
have a different affect on each distinct type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
 
    MUNICIPAL LEASE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations that
are secured  by lease  payments  of a  governmental  entity. Such  payments  are
normally  subject to  annual budget  appropriations of  the leasing governmental
entity. A governmental  entity that enters  into such a  lease agreement  cannot
obligate  future  governments to  appropriate for  and  make lease  payments but
covenants to take such action as is necessary to include any lease payments  due
in  its budgets and to make the appropriations therefor. A governmental entity's
failure to appropriate for and to make payments under its lease obligation could
result in insufficient funds  available for payment  of the obligations  secured
thereby.
 
    ORIGINAL  ISSUE DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  of the
Bonds in a Trust may be original  issue discount bonds. These Bonds were  issued
with  nominal  interest rates  less than  the rates  then offered  by comparable
securities and as a  consequence were originally sold  at a discount from  their
face,  or par, values. This original  issue discount, the difference between the
initial purchase price and face value, is deemed under current law to accrue  on
a  daily basis and the accrued portion  is treated as tax-exempt interest income
for federal income tax purposes. On  sale or redemption, gain, if any,  realized
in  excess of the earned  portion of original issue  discount will be taxable as
capital gain. See "What is the Tax Status of Unitholders". The current value  of
an original issue discount bond reflects the present value of its face amount at
maturity. In a stable interest rate environment, the market value of an original
issue  discount bond would  tend to increase  more slowly in  early years and in
greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
 
    Certain of the original issue discount bonds  in a Trust may be zero  coupon
bonds. Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest;
the  buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face amount
of the bond at its maturity. The effect  of owning a zero coupon bond is that  a
fixed  yield is earned not only on  the original investment but also, in effect,
on all  discount  earned  during  the life  of  the  obligation.  This  implicit
reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to
reinvest  the income on such obligation at a rate as high as the implicit yield,
but at the same time also eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at  higher
rates  in  the  future.  For  this reason,  zero  coupon  bonds  are  subject to
substantially greater  price  fluctuations  during periods  of  changing  market
interest  rates  than are  securities of  comparable  quality that  pay interest
currently.
 
    Original issue discount bonds, including  zero coupon bonds, may be  subject
to  redemption at prices  based on the  issue price plus  the amount of original
issue  discount  accreted  to  redemption   (the  "accreted  value")  plus,   if
applicable,  some premium.  Pursuant to such  call provisions  an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than  its
face  value. See the  "Schedules of Investments" for  more information about the
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be Stripped Obligations, which represent
evidences of  ownership with  respect to  either the  principal amount  of or  a
payment  of interest on a tax-exempt  obligation. An obligation is "stripped" by
depositing it with  a custodian, which  then effects a  separation in  ownership
between  the bond and any interest payment which has not yet become payable, and
issues evidences of ownership with respect to such constituent parts. A Stripped
Obligation therefore has economic characteristics similar to zero coupon  bonds,
as described above.
 
    Each  Stripped Obligation has  been purchased at a  discount from the amount
payable at maturity. With respect to each Unitholder, the Internal Revenue  Code
treats  as "original issue discount" that portion of the discount which produces
a yield to maturity (as of the date of purchase of the Unitholder's Units) equal
to the lower of the coupon rate of interest on the underlying obligation or  the
yield  to maturity on the basis of  the purchase price of the Unitholder's Units
which is allocable to  each Stripped Obligation.  Original issue discount  which
accrues with respect to a Stripped Obligation will be exempt from Federal income
taxation  to the  same extent  as interest  on the  underlying obligations. (See
"WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
    Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the  state
and  local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state  and
local  taxes, interest on original issue  discount bonds or Stripped Obligations
may be deemed  to be received  in the year  of accrual even  though there is  no
corresponding cash payment.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
INSURANCE ON BONDS
 
INSURED  TRUSTS--The Insurer's policy unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees
the full and complete payment required to be made by or on behalf of the  Issuer
to  the Paying Agent or its successor of an amount equal to (i) the principal of
(either at the stated maturity  or by an advancement  of maturity pursuant to  a
mandatory  sinking fund  payment) and  interest on,  the Bonds  as such payments
shall become due  but shall  not be so  paid (except  that in the  event of  any
acceleration  of  the due  date  of such  principal  by reason  of  mandatory or
optional redemption or acceleration resulting  from default or otherwise,  other
than  any advancement of maturity pursuant  to a mandatory sinking fund payment,
the payments guaranteed by  the Insurer's policy shall  be made in such  amounts
and  at such times as  such payments of principal would  have been due had there
not been any such acceleration); and (ii) the reimbursement of any such  payment
which  is subsequently removed from  any owner of the  Bonds pursuant to a final
judgment by a court of competent  jurisdiction that such payment constitutes  an
avoidable  preference  to  such  owner  within  the  meaning  of  any applicable
bankruptcy law (a "Preference").
 
    The Insurer's policy does not insure against loss of any prepayment  premium
which  may at any time be payable with respect to any Bond. The Insurer's policy
does not, under any circumstance, insure against loss relating to: (i)  optional
or  mandatory redemptions (other than  mandatory sinking fund redemptions); (ii)
any payments to be made on an accelerated basis; (iii) payments of the  purchase
price  of Bonds upon tender by an owner thereof; or (iv) any Preference relating
to (i) through (iii)  above. The Insurer's policy  also does not insure  against
nonpayment  of  principal  of  or  interest  on  the  Bonds  resulting  from the
insolvency, negligence or any other act or  omission of the Paying Agent or  any
other paying agent for the Bonds.
 
    Upon  receipt of telephonic or  telegraphic notice, such notice subsequently
confirmed in writing by registered or certified mail, or upon receipt of written
notice by registered or certified mail, by the Insurer from the Paying Agent  or
any owner of a Bond the payment of an insured amount for which is then due, that
such  required payment has  not been made, the  Insurer on the  due date of such
payment or within one business day  after receipt of notice of such  nonpayment,
whichever  is later,  will make  a deposit  of funds,  in an  account with State
Street Bank and Trust Company,  N.A., in New York,  New York, or its  successor,
sufficient  for the payment of any such insured amounts which are then due. Upon
presentment and surrender of  such Bonds or presentment  of such other proof  of
ownership  of the Bonds, together with any appropriate instruments of assignment
to evidence the assignment of the insured  amounts due on the Bonds as are  paid
by  the Insurer,  and appropriate instruments  to effect the  appointment of the
Insurer as agent for such owners of the Bonds in any legal proceeding related to
payment of  insured amounts  on the  Bonds,  such instruments  being in  a  form
satisfactory to State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., State Street Bank and
Trust Company, N.A. shall disclose to such owners or the Paying Agent payment of
the  insured amounts due on such Bonds, less any amount held by the Paying Agent
for the payment of such insured amounts and legally available therefor.
 
    The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New  York
Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA Inc. is not obligated to pay the debts of or
claims  against the Insurer. The  Insurer is domiciled in  the State of New York
and licensed to do business in and  subject to regulation under the laws of  all
50  states,  the District  of  Columbia, the  Commonwealth  of Puerto  Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,  the Virgin Islands of the  United
States  and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European branches, one in
the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has  laws
prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of
investments  and requiring  the approval of  policy rates and  forms. State laws
also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual risks that may  be
insured,  the  payment  of dividends  by  the  Insurer, changes  in  control and
transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves  on its  liabilities  in certain  amounts and  for  certain
periods of time.
 
    As  of December  31, 1995  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.8 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $2.5 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $1.3  billion  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of December 31,  1996, the Insurer had  admitted assets of $4.4
billion (audited),  total  liabilities  of $3.0  billion  (audited),  and  total
capital  and surplus  of $1.4  billion (audited)  determined in  accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.
 
    Furthermore,  copies of the Insurer's year end financial statements prepared
in accordance with statutory accounting  practices are available without  charge
from  the Insurer. A  copy of the  Annual Report on  Form 10-K of  MBIA, Inc. is
available from  the  Insurer or  the  Securities and  Exchange  Commission.  The
address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504. The telephone
number of the Insurer is (914) 273-4545.
 
    Moody's  Investors Service  rates the claims  paying ability  of the Insurer
"Aaa".
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
    Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of the McGraw Hill  Companies,
Inc., rates the claims paying ability of the Insurer "AAA".
 
    Fitch  Investors  Service,  L.P., rates  the  claims paying  ability  of the
Insurer "AAA".
 
    Each rating of the  Insurer should be  evaluated independently. The  ratings
reflect   the   respective   rating   agency's   current   assessment   of   the
creditworthiness of the Insurer and its ability to pay claims on its policies of
insurance. Any further explanation as to  the significance of the above  ratings
may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.
 
    The  above ratings are not  recommendations to buy, sell  or hold the Bonds,
and such ratings may  be subject to  revision or withdrawal at  any time by  the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or withdrawal of any of the above ratings
may  have an adverse effect  on the market price of  the Bonds. The Insurer does
not guaranty the market price of the Bonds nor does it guaranty that the ratings
on the Bonds will not be revised or withdrawn.
 
TRADITIONAL TRUSTS--Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of  all
principal  and interest on  certain Bonds in  a Traditional Trust  may have been
obtained by the Sponsor, issuer or underwriter of the particular Bonds  involved
or  by another party. Such insurance,  which provides coverage substantially the
same as  that obtained  with respect  to Bonds  in Insured  Trusts as  described
above,  is effective so long as the  insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer
remains in business. Insurance  relates only to the  particular Bond and not  to
the Units offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a
rating  of "Aaa" by Moody's  Investors Service, Inc. and/or  "AAA" by Standard &
Poor's Corporation in recognition of such insurance.
 
    If a Bond in a Traditional Trust is insured, the Schedule of Investments  in
Part  A of  this Prospectus  will identify the  insurer. Such  insurance will be
provided by  Financial  Guaranty  Insurance Company  ("FGIC"),  AMBAC  Indemnity
Corporation  ("AMBAC"), Bond Investors Guaranty  Insurance Company, now known as
MBIA Corp. of  Illinois ("BIG"),  Capital Guaranty  Insurance Company  ("CGIC"),
Financial Security Assurance, Inc. ("FSA"), Municipal Bond Insurance Association
(the "Association"), MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA") or Connie Lee Insurance
Company  ("ConnieLee"). The Sponsor to date  has purchased and presently intends
to purchase insurance for Bonds in Traditional Trusts exclusively from MBIA (see
the preceding disclosure  regarding MBIA). There  can be no  assurance that  any
insurer  listed therein  will be  able to satisfy  its commitments  in the event
claims are made in the future. However, Standard & Poor's Corporation has  rated
the  claims-paying ability of each insurer  "AAA," and Moody's Investors Service
has rated  all bonds  insured by  each such  insurer, except  ConnieLee,  "Aaa."
Moody's Investor's Service gives no ratings for bonds insured by ConnieLee.
 
    Because  any such insurance will  be effective so long  as the insured Bonds
are outstanding, such insurance  will be taken into  account in determining  the
market  value  of  such Bonds  and  therefore  some value  attributable  to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Trust that  includes
such  Bonds. The insurance does not, however,  guarantee the market value of the
Bonds or of the Units.
 
ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
The Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, is also the principal  underwriter
of  the Accumulation Funds listed in the following table. Each of these funds is
an open-end, diversified  management investment company  into which  Unitholders
may  choose  to reinvest  Trust distributions  automatically, without  any sales
charge. Unitholders may  reinvest both interest  and principal distributions  or
principal  distributions only. Each Accumulation  Fund has investment objectives
which differ in  certain respects from  those of  the Trusts and  may invest  in
securities which would not be eligible for deposit in the Trusts. The investment
adviser  to each Accumulation Fund is  a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sponsor.
Unitholders should contact their financial  adviser or the Sponsor to  determine
which  of  the Accumulation  Funds they  may reinvest  into, as  reinvestment in
certain of the Accumulation Funds may be restricted to residents of a particular
state or states. Unitholders may obtain a prospectus for each Accumulation  Fund
through  their financial adviser or through the Sponsor at (800) 621-7227. For a
more detailed  description,  Unitholders  should  read  the  prospectus  of  the
Accumulation Fund in which they are interested.
 
The  following is a complete list of the Accumulation Funds currently available,
as of  the  Date  of  Deposit  of this  Prospectus,  to  Unitholders  under  the
Accumulation Plan. The list of available Accumulation Funds is subject to change
without the consent of any of the Unitholders.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
ACCUMULATION FUNDS
 
MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MUNICIPAL TRUST
 
       Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship All-American Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST I
 
       Nuveen Flagship Arizona Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Colorado Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Florida Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship New Mexico Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST II
 
       Nuveen California Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen California Insured Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Massachusetts Insured Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship New York Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen New York Insured Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST III
 
       Nuveen Flagship Alabama Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Louisiana Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST IV
 
       Nuveen Flagship Kansas Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Michigan Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Missouri Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
       Nuveen Flagship Wisconsin Municipal Bond Fund
 
Flagship Utility Income Fund
 
Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund
 
Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund
 
Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund
 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
 
Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
Nuveen New York Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves, Inc.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc.
 
    Each  person who purchases Units of a  Trust may become a participant in the
Accumulation Plan and elect  to have his  or her distributions  on Units of  the
Trust  invested directly in shares of one of the Accumulation Funds. Reinvesting
Unitholders  may  select  any  interest  distribution  plan.  Thereafter,   each
distribution  of  interest  income  or  principal  on  the  participant's  Units
(principal only in  the case of  a Unitholder  who has chosen  to reinvest  only
principal  distributions) will, on the applicable distribution date, or the next
day on which the New  York Stock Exchange is  normally open ("business day")  if
the  distribution date is not  a business day, automatically  be received by the
transfer agent for each of the Accumulation Funds, on behalf of such participant
and applied  on that  date to  purchase  shares (or  fractions thereof)  of  the
Accumulation  Fund chosen at net asset value as computed as of 4:00 p.m. eastern
time on each such date. All distributions will be reinvested in the Accumulation
Fund chosen and no part  thereof will be retained  in a separate account.  These
purchases will be made without a sales charge.
 
    The Transfer Agent of the Accumulation Fund will mail to each participant in
the  Accumulation  Plan  a  quarterly  statement  containing  a  record  of  all
transactions involving  purchases  of  Accumulation Fund  shares  (or  fractions
thereof)  with Trust  interest distributions or  as a result  of reinvestment of
Accumulation Fund  dividends. Any  distribution of  principal used  to  purchase
shares  of an  Accumulation Fund  will be  separately confirmed  by the Transfer
Agent. Unitholders will  also receive distribution  statements from the  Trustee
detailing the amounts transferred to their Accumulation Fund accounts.
 
    Participants  may at any time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect
to change  the  Accumulation  Fund  into which  their  distributions  are  being
reinvested,  to change from principal only  reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units  in
cash.  There will be no  charge or other penalty for  such change of election or
termination. The character of Trust  distributions for income tax purposes  will
remain unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
Founded  in  1898, Nuveen  is  the oldest  and  largest investment  banking firm
specializing in the underwriting and  distribution of tax-exempt securities  and
maintains  the largest research  department in the  investment banking community
devoted exclusively to  the analysis  of municipal securities.  In 1961,  Nuveen
began  sponsoring the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust  and since that time has issued
more than $36 billion in tax-exempt  unit trusts, including over $12 billion  in
tax-exempt insured unit trusts. The Sponsor is also principal underwriter of the
registered  open-end investment  companies set forth  herein under "Accumulation
Plan" as well as for the Golden  Rainbow A James Advised Mutual Fund, and  acted
as  co-managing  underwriter  of  Nuveen  Municipal  Value  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen
California Municipal Value  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen New York  Municipal Value  Fund,
Inc.,  Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund,
Inc.,  Nuveen  Performance   Plus  Municipal  Fund,   Inc.,  Nuveen   California
Performance  Plus  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  New  York  Performance  Plus
Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Municipal Advantage  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Municipal
Market  Opportunity Fund,  Inc., Nuveen California  Municipal Market Opportunity
Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Investment Quality Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  California
Investment  Quality  Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  New York  Investment Quality
Municipal Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Insured Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen
Florida  Investment  Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen  Pennsylvania  Investment
Quality Municipal Fund,  Nuveen New  Jersey Investment  Quality Municipal  Fund,
Inc.,  and the  Nuveen Select  Quality Municipal  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen California
Select Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New  York Select Quality  Municipal
Fund, Inc., Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured Municipal
Opportunity  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Florida  Quality Income  Municipal Fund, Nuveen
Michigan Quality  Income  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Ohio  Quality  Income
Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Texas  Quality  Income  Municipal  Fund, Nuveen
California Quality Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New York Quality  Income
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premier
Insured  Municipal Income Fund,  Inc., Nuveen Select  Tax-Free Income Portfolio,
Nuveen Select  Tax-Free Income  Portfolio 2,  Nuveen Insured  California  Select
Tax-Free  Income  Portfolio,  Nuveen  Insured New  York  Select  Tax-Free Income
Portfolio, Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc., Nuveen Select  Tax-Free
Income  Portfolio  3, Nuveen  Select Maturities  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Insured
California Premium Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Arizona Premium  Income
Municipal  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Insured Florida  Premium Income  Municipal Fund,
Nuveen Michigan Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen New Jersey  Premium
Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Insured New  York Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premium  Income Municipal Fund  4, Inc., Nuveen  Pennsylvania
Premium  Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund,
Nuveen Virginia  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund, Nuveen  Massachusetts  Premium
Income  Municipal Fund, Nuveen Insured  California Premium Income Municipal Fund
2, Inc., Nuveen Washington Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Georgia Premium
Income Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Missouri  Premium Income  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen
Connecticut
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Premium  Income Municipal Fund,  Nuveen North Carolina  Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Nuveen California  Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Insured  Premium
Income  Municipal  Fund  2,  all  registered  closed-end  management  investment
companies.  These  registered  open-end  and  closed-end  investment   companies
currently  have approximately $35  billion in securities  under management. Over
1,000,000 individuals have  invested to  date in Nuveen's  tax-exempt funds  and
trusts.  Nuveen is a  subsidiary of The  John Nuveen Company  which, in turn, is
approximately 78% owned by the St.  Paul Companies, Inc. ("St. Paul"). St.  Paul
is  located  in St.  Paul,  Minnesota and  is  principally engaged  in providing
property-liability insurance through  subsidiaries. Nuveen  is a  member of  the
National  Association of  Securities Dealers,  Inc. and  the Securities Industry
Association and has  its principal  offices located  in Chicago  (333 W.  Wacker
Drive) and New York (Swiss Bank Tower, 10 East 50th Street). Nuveen maintains 11
regional offices.
 
    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment  in the Trust  to reach their investment  goals, the Trust's sponsor,
John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated,  may advertise and  create specific  investment
programs  and  systems.  For  example, such  activities  may  include presenting
information on how to use  an investment in the  Trust, alone or in  combination
with  an investment in other mutual funds or unit investment trusts sponsored by
Nuveen, to accumulate  assets for  future education needs  or periodic  payments
such  as  insurance  premiums.  The  Trust's  sponsor  may  produce  software or
additional sales literature to promote the advantages of using the Trust to meet
these and other specific investor needs.
 
    The  Sponsor  offers  a  program   of  advertising  support  to   registered
broker-dealer  firms, banks and bank affiliates  ("Firms") that sell Trust Units
or shares  of  Nuveen  Open-End  Mutual  Funds  (excluding  money-market  funds)
("Funds"). Under this program, the Sponsor will pay or reimburse the Firm for up
to one half of specified media costs incurred in the placement of advertisements
which  jointly feature the Firm and  the Nuveen Funds and Trusts. Reimbursements
to the Firm will be based on the number of the Firm's registered representatives
who have sold  Fund Shares  and/or Trust Units  during the  prior calendar  year
according  to an established schedule. Reimbursements under this program will be
made by the Sponsor and not by the Funds or Trusts.
 
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS*
 
    STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION.  A  description of the applicable Standard  &
Poor's Corporation rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    A  Standard & Poor's rating is  a current assessment of the creditworthiness
of an obligor with  respect to a specific  debt obligation. This assessment  may
take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers or lessees.
 
    The  rating is not  a recommendation to  purchase, sell or  hold a security,
inasmuch as  it  does not  comment  as to  market  price or  suitability  for  a
particular investor.
 
    The  ratings are  based on  current information  furnished by  the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard
& Poor's does not  perform an audit  in connection with any  rating and may,  on
occasion,  rely on unaudited financial information.  The ratings may be changed,
suspended or withdrawn  as a result  of changes in,  or unavailability of,  such
information, or for other circumstances.
 
    The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
 
     I.  Likelihood  of default--capacity and  willingness of the  obligor as to
         the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
         with the terms of the obligation;
 
     II.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
 
    III.  Protection afforded by,  and relative position  of, the obligation  in
          the  event of  bankruptcy, reorganization or  other arrangements under
          the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
    AAA--This is the  highest rating  assigned by Standard  & Poor's  to a  debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
    AA--Bonds  rated AA have  a very strong  capacity to pay  interest and repay
principal, and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
 
    A--Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.
 
- ----------
*As published by the rating companies.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    BBB--Bonds rated BBB  are regarded  as having  an adequate  capacity to  pay
interest  and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse  economic  conditions  or changing  circumstances  are  more
likely  to lead to a  weakened capacity to pay  interest and repay principal for
bonds in this category than for bonds in the higher rated categories.
 
    PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BB" may be modified by  the
addition  of a  plus or minus  sign to  show relative standing  within the major
rating categories.
 
    PROVISIONAL  RATINGS:  The   letter  "p"  indicates   that  the  rating   is
provisional.  A  provisional rating  assumes  the successful  completion  of the
project being financed by  the issuance of the  bonds being rated and  indicates
that  payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon
the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while
addressing credit  quality subsequent  to completion  of the  project, makes  no
comment  on the  likelihood of,  or the  risk of  default upon  failure of, such
completion. Accordingly,  the investor  should exercise  his own  judgment  with
respect to such likelihood and risk.
 
    NOTE  RATINGS:  A  Standard  & Poor's  note  rating  reflects  the liquidity
concerns and market access risks unique to  notes. Notes due in 3 years or  less
will  likely receive  a note  rating. Notes  maturing beyond  3 years  will most
likely receive a long-term debt rating.
 
    Note rating symbols are as follows:
 
        SP-1  Very strong  or strong  capacity to  pay principal  and  interest.
              Those   issues   determined   to   possess   overwhelming   safety
              characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.
 
        SP-2  Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
    MOODY'S INVESTORS  SERVICE, INC.    A brief  description of  the  applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry
the  smallest degree of investment  risk and are generally  referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally  stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to  change, such changes  as can be  visualized are most  unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues. Their safety is so absolute  that,
with  the  occasional  exception  of oversupply  in  a  few  specific instances,
characteristically, their  market  value  is affected  solely  by  money  market
fluctuations.
 
    Aa--Bonds  which  are rated  Aa  are judged  to be  of  high quality  by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are  rated lower than the  best bonds because margins  of
protection  may  not  be  as  large as  in  Aaa  securities  or  fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater  amplitude or there may be other  elements
present  which  make the  long-term  risks appear  somewhat  larger than  in Aaa
securities. Their  market value  is virtually  immune to  all but  money  market
influences,  with  the  occasional exception  of  oversupply in  a  few specific
instances.
 
    A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes  and
are  to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered  adequate, but elements may be  present
which  suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future. The market
value of A-rated bonds may be influenced to some degree by economic  performance
during  a sustained period of depressed business conditions, but, during periods
of normalcy,  A-rated  bonds  frequently  move  in  parallel  with  Aaa  and  Aa
obligations,  with  the occasional  exception of  oversupply  in a  few specific
instances.
 
    Moody's bond rating  symbols may  contain numerical modifiers  of a  generic
rating  classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond ranks at the high
end of  its category;  the modifier  2 indicates  a mid-range  ranking; and  the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
 
    Baa--Bonds  which are rated Baa are  considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither  highly protected nor  poorly secured. Interest  payments
and  principal security appear  adequate for the  present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may  be characteristically unreliable over any  great
length  of time. Such  bonds lack outstanding  investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative  characteristics as  well. The market  value of  Baa-rated
bonds  is more  sensitive to changes  in economic circumstances,  and aside from
occasional speculative factors applying to some bonds of this class, Baa  market
valuations  move in parallel  with Aaa, Aa  and A obligations  during periods of
economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.
 
    Con. (--)--Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of  some
act  or the  fulfillment of  some condition  are rated  conditionally. These are
bonds secured by (a)  earnings of projects under  construction, (b) earnings  of
projects  unseasoned  in  operation  experience, (c)  rentals  which  begin when
facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes  probable credit stature upon  completion
of construction or elimination of basis of condition.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
NOTE RATINGS:
 
    MIG 1  This  designation  denotes  best  quality.  There  is  present strong
           protection by established cash  flows, superior liquidity support  or
           demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
 
    MIG 2  This  designation  denotes high  quality.  Margins of  protection are
           ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
 
    FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.  A brief description  of the applicable  Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follow:
 
    AAA--Bonds  considered  to be  investment grade  and  of the  highest credit
quality. The obligor  has an exceptionally  strong ability to  pay interest  and
repay  principal, which  is unlikely  to be  affected by  reasonably foreseeable
events.
 
    AA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's  ability to  pay  interest and  repay  principal is  very  strong,
although  not quite as strong as bonds rated  AAA. Bonds rated in the AAA and AA
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments.
 
    A--Bonds considered to be investment grade  and of high credit quality.  The
obligor's  ability  to pay  interest  and repay  principal  is considered  to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
    BBB--Bonds considered  to be  investment grade  and of  satisfactory  credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to  be  adequate.  Adverse  changes in  economic  conditions  and circumstances,
however, are more likely  to have adverse impact  on these bonds, and  therefore
impair  timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
 
    To provide more detailed  indications of credit quality,  the AA, A and  BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
NOTE RATINGS:
 
    FIN-1  Notes  assigned  this rating  are  regarded as  having  the strongest
           degree of assurance for timely payment.
 
    FIN-2  Notes assigned this rating reflect  a degree of assurance for  timely
           payment only slightly less in degree than the highest category.
 
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE
 
    The  Sponsor may compare the estimated returns of the Trust with the returns
or yields  of  other  tax-free  and taxable  investments,  often  on  a  taxable
equivalent  basis. In addition, the Sponsor from  time to time may quote various
performance measures  and studies  in order  to compare  the historical  returns
available  from an investment  in municipal securities  with investments in both
tax-free and taxable securities.
 
    In September 1995, Nuveen  Research prepared one  such study which  compared
the  after-tax value  of $100,000  initially invested  in 1975  in various asset
classes including  municipal  bonds,  treasury bonds  and  corporate  bonds.  As
indicated  in the chart  provided below, the 20-year  study shows that municipal
bonds significantly outperformed corporate and  treasury bonds once the  effects
of  taxes were  factored in.  In fact, over  the 20-year  period, municipal bond
returns in dollars were more than double those of treasury bonds.
 
                 AFTER-TAX VALUE OF $100,000 INVESTED IN 1975*
 
    The graph  appearing on  this page  of the  Information Supplement  compares
after-tax  total returns  of $100,000  initially in 1975  in each  of the Lehman
Brothers MuniBond Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index.
As indicated in the  graph, such an investment  in the Lehman Brothers  MuniBond
Index,  Long-Term  Treasury  Index  and  Long-Term  Corporate  Index  would have
appreciated to  $448,740, $267,668,  and $304,049,  respectively at  the end  of
1994.  The  graph  assumes all  proceeds  of  investment are  reinvested  at the
respective index rates at the time of reinvestment and also assumes that 20%  of
the assets in each category are turned over annually and proceeds are reinvested
in the respective indexes. The tax rates assumed to generate the after-tax total
returns  were based upon the income and  capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1975-1994 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents  of
$400,000  in 1994. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The  graph
is  for  illustrative  purposes  only,  and does  not  represent  the  return or
performance of any  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit  Trust and is  not intended to  predict
future results.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    *  The  graph compares  after-tax total  returns  using the  Lehman Brothers
MuniBond Index,  Long-Term Treasury  Index and  Long-Term Corporate  Index.  The
graph  assumes all proceeds of investment are reinvested at the respective index
rates at the time  of reinvestment and  also assumes that 20%  of the assets  in
each  category  are turned  over  annually and  proceeds  are reinvested  in the
respective indexes.  The  tax rates  assumed  to generate  the  after-tax  total
returns  were based upon the income and  capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1975-1994 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents  of
$100,000  in 1994. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The  graph
is  for  illustrative  purposes  only,  and does  not  represent  the  return or
performance of any  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit  Trust and is  not intended to  predict
future results.
 
    A  comparison  of  the  estimated  returns of  the  Trust  and  the historic
performance  of  municipal  bonds  to  the  returns  and  performance  of  other
investments  is  one  element  to  consider  in  making  an  informed investment
decision. Taxable investments have  investment characteristics that differ  from
those  of the Trust.  U.S. Government bonds are  long-term investments backed by
the full faith  and credit of  the U.S.  Government and are  subject to  federal
income  tax  but are  exempt from  state  income taxes.  Bank CDs  are generally
short-term FDIC insured investments, which pay fixed principal and interest  but
are subject to fluctuating rollover rates. Both bank CDs and corporate bonds are
generally subject to both federal and state income taxes. Money market funds are
short  term investments  with stable  net asset  values, fluctuating  yields and
special features that enhance liquidity.
 
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME
 
    The examples provided below illustrate how to calculate the estimated annual
income generated by a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each respective  Trust.
The  illustrations assume that the  investment was made on  the day prior to the
date of deposit  by an investor  electing the monthly  distribution plan.  These
hypothetical  examples are  for illustrative purposes  only and  not intended to
reflect or predict the results of any actual investment.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>        <C>                              <C>        <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
 
    ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 51
 
    $10,000                       DIVIDED  BY $101.97                        =          98.068
    Investment                              Offering price and                          # of units purchased
    (as of 05/14/97)                        accrued interest
 
    98.068                       X          $5.1002                          =          $500.17
    # of units purchased                    Annual income per unit                      annual income
                                            (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>        <C>                              <C>        <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
 
    MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 146
 
    $10,000                       DIVIDED  BY $101.41                        =          98.609
    Investment                              Offering price and                          # of units purchased
    (as of 05/14/97)                        accrued interest
 
    98.609                       X          $5.1357                          =          $506.43
    # of units purchased                    Annual income per unit                      annual income
                                            (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
                               ARIZONA DISCLOSURE
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--ARIZONA
 
    GENERAL  ECONOMIC  CONDITIONS.   The following  brief summary  regarding the
economy of  Arizona is  based  upon information  drawn from  publicly  available
sources  and  is included  for the  purpose of  providing the  information about
general economic conditions that  may or may not  affect issuers of the  Arizona
Bonds.  The  Sponsor  has  not independently  verified  any  of  the information
contained in such publicly available documents.
 
   
    Arizona is the nation's sixth largest state in terms of area. Arizona's main
economic/employment sectors include services, trade, tourism and  manufacturing.
Mining  and  agriculture are  also significant,  although they  tend to  be more
capital than labor intensive.  Services is the  single largest economic  sector.
Many of these jobs are directly related to tourism.
    
 
   
    Employment  in  the  services  sector  increased  7.3%  during  1995  and is
projected to increase 6.2% for 1996  and 6.0% for 1997. Construction  employment
showed  an 8.3% job growth  in 1995 with projections in  job growth for 1996 and
1997 declining to 6.5% and 4.4%, respectively. Trade employment also had a  high
increase  in job growth in  1995 at 7.7%, with 1996  and 1997 estimates at 4.4%,
and 4.2%, respectively. Overall, Arizona's wage and salary employment grew  5.4%
in  1995 and is  expected to increase  4.3% in 1996,  3.7% in 1997,  and 3.0% in
1998-1999. This translates  into an increase  of over 153,000  new jobs  through
1997.  Total employment growth for Arizona from 1995-96 was 4.2%, which compares
favorably with the national figure of 2.3% during 1995-96. Arizona's economy  is
expected  to continue to show  moderate growth, albeit at  slower rates over the
next few years.
    
 
   
    The unemployment rate in Arizona as of January 1997 was 5.4%. This is  lower
than  the national rate of 5.9% in January 1997 and an increase from the Arizona
unemployment rate of 5.1% in 1995. The annual unemployment rate for the U.S.  in
1995  and 1996 was 5.6% and 5.4% (not seasonally adjusted) respectively. Part of
Arizona's increase  in  unemployment  is attributed  to  structural  changes  in
industries resulting from new technologies and methods.
    
 
   
    In 1986, the value of Arizona real estate began a steady decline, reflecting
a  market  which had  been overbuilt  in  the previous  decade with  a resulting
surplus of  completed  inventory.  This  decline  adversely  affected  both  the
construction  industry  and  those  Arizona  financial  institutions  which  had
aggressively pursued many  facets of real  estate lending. In  the near  future,
Arizona's  financial institutions are likely  to continue to experience problems
until the  excess  inventories  of commercial  and  residential  properties  are
absorbed.  The problems  of the  financial institutions  have adversely affected
employment and economic  activity. Longer-term prospects  are brighter.  Arizona
has  been, and is projected to continue to  be, one of the fastest growing areas
in the United States. Over the last several decades, the State has outpaced most
other regions  of the  country  in virtually  every  major category  of  growth,
including population, personal income, gross state product and job creation.
    
 
   
    Arizona's  per  capita personal  income  in 1994  and  1995 was  $19,389 and
$20,489, respectively,  a 5.7%  increase.  The national  increase for  the  same
period  was 5.3%. Arizona ranked  third in the nation  in personal income growth
during 1990-95. Personal income growth for  Arizona is estimated at 8% in  1996,
6.7% in 1997, 6.1% in 1998, and 5.5% in 1999.
    
 
    BUDGETARY  PROCESS.  Arizona operates on a  fiscal year beginning July 1 and
ending June 30. Fiscal year 1996 refers to the year ending June 30, 1996.
 
   
    Arizona began fiscal  year 1996 with  a $269.5 million  cash surplus.  Total
sources of funds in the general fund for fiscal year 1996 were $4,933.0 million.
Total expenditures were $4,533.1 million, leaving a cash surplus for fiscal year
1997  of $399.9 million. This was 50% higher than projected and set a record for
the State.  That record  balance did  not  include $235  million in  the  Budget
Stabilization Fund and $14.1 million in the Medical Services Stabilization Fund.
    
 
   
    Total  revenue for the General Fund in  fiscal year 1996 was $4.663 billion.
Approximately 45% of this  budgeted revenue came from  sales and use taxes,  42%
from  income taxes (individual  and corporate), and 4%  from property taxes. All
taxes totaled approximately $4.408 billion,  or 94.5% of General Fund  revenues.
Non-tax revenue includes items such as income from state lottery, licenses, fees
and permits, and interest.
    
 
   
    For  fiscal  year 1996,  General Fund  expenditures totaled  $4.378 billion.
These expenditures  fell  into the  following  major categories:  education  58%
($2.527 billion), health and welfare 23% ($1.032 billion), protection and safety
10% ($469.6 million), general government 6% ($273.1 million), and inspection and
regulation, transportation, and natural resources 3% ($149.6 million).
    
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
   
    Fiscal  year 1997 revenues  will most likely  be impacted by  a $200 million
property tax reduction  in 1996.  This reduction  has reduced  Fiscal year  1997
revenues  by almost  3.2%; yet, General  Fund revenues are  expected to increase
2.4% from fiscal year 1996. Total revenues  in the General Fund for fiscal  year
1997  are forecast at $4.776 billion. General Fund expenditures are estimated at
$4.771 billion. Total  sources of funds  for fiscal year  1997 are estimated  at
$5,176.0  million  with expenditures  at $4,921.1  million, leaving  a projected
$254.9 million cash  surplus for  fiscal year  1998. However,  fiscal year  1998
ending balance is projected at only $11.2 million. The Budget Stabilization Fund
is  expected to  grow to  $246.7 million  at the  end of  fiscal year  1998. The
Medical Services Stabilization  Fund is  estimated at $74.2  million for  fiscal
year   1998  and  $17.2  million  is  projected  for  the  Temporary  Assistance
Stabilization Fund. General Fund revenues for  fiscal year 1998 are forecast  to
increase 3.4% to $4.939 billion, with expenditures at $4.94 billion.
    
 
    Most  or all of  the Bonds of the  Arizona Trust are  not obligations of the
State of  Arizona, and  are not  supported  by the  State's taxing  powers.  The
particular  source of payment and security for  each of the Bonds is detailed in
the instruments themselves and  in related offering materials.  There can be  no
assurances,  however, with respect to whether  the market value or marketability
of any of the Bonds issued by an entity other than the State of Arizona will  be
affected  by the  financial or  other condition  of the  State or  of any entity
located within the  State. In addition,  it should  be noted that  the State  of
Arizona,  as well as counties,  municipalities, political subdivisions and other
public authorities of the state, are subject to limitations imposed by Arizona's
constitution with respect to ad valorem taxation, bonded indebtedness and  other
matters.  For  example, the  state  legislature cannot  appropriate  revenues in
excess of 7% of the total personal income of the state in any fiscal year. These
limitations may  affect the  ability  of the  issuers  to generate  revenues  to
satisfy their debt obligations.
 
    Although  most of the Bonds in the  Arizona Trust are revenue obligations of
local governments or authorities  in the State, there  can be no assurance  that
the  fiscal and economic conditions referred to above will not affect the market
value or marketability of the Bonds or the ability of the respective obligors to
pay principal of and interest on the Bonds when due.
 
    On July  21,  1994,  the  Arizona Supreme  Court  rendered  its  opinion  in
ROOSEVELT  ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 66, ET AL V.C. DIANNE BISHOP, ET AL
(the "ROOSEVELT OPINION"). In this opinion, the Arizona Supreme Court held  that
the  present statutory  financing scheme  for public  education in  the State of
Arizona does not comply with the Arizona constitution. Subsequently, the Arizona
School Boards Association, with the approval of the appellants and the appellees
to the ROOSEVELT OPINION, and certain  Arizona school districts, filed with  the
Arizona  Supreme  Court  motions  for clarification  of  the  ROOSEVELT OPINION,
specifically with respect  to seeking prospective  application of the  ROOSEVELT
OPINION.  On July  29, 1994, the  Arizona Supreme Court  clarified the ROOSEVELT
OPINION to hold that such opinion will have prospective effect only.
 
    Certain other circumstances are relevant to the market value,  marketability
and  payment of any hospital and health care revenue bonds in the Arizona Trust.
The Arizona Legislature has in the past sought to enact health care cost control
legislation. Certain  other health  care  regulatory laws  have expired.  It  is
expected  that  the  Arizona legislature  will  at future  sessions  continue to
attempt to adopt  legislation concerning  health care cost  control and  related
regulatory  matters.  The effect  of any  such legislation  or of  the continued
absence of any legislation restricting  hospital bed increases and limiting  new
hospital  construction on the ability of Arizona hospitals and other health care
providers to pay  debt service on  their revenue bonds  cannot be determined  at
this time.
 
   
    Arizona does not participate in the federally administered Medicaid program.
Instead,  the state administers an alternative program, Arizona Health Care Cost
Containment System ("AHCCCS"),  which provides health  care to indigent  persons
meeting certain financial requirements, through managed care programs. In fiscal
year  1996, AHCCCS was  financed approximately 55%  by federal funds  and 45% by
state funds.
    
 
   
    In 1996,  voters in  Arizona passed  an initiative  (Proposition 203)  which
provides  for an  expansion of eligibility  for AHCCCS. For  1997, the Executive
recommended an  $8.3 million  supplemental to  the AHCCCS  for  disproportionate
share hospital payments. Actual expenditures for the program in fiscal year 1996
were $128.9 million, and are projected at $135.3 million in fiscal year 1997.
    
 
   
    Under  state  law,  hospitals  retain  the  authority  to  raise  rates with
notification and review  by, but  not approval  from, the  Department of  Health
Services.  Hospitals in  Arizona have  experienced profitability  problems along
with those in other states. At least two Phoenix-based hospitals have  defaulted
on  or reported difficulties  in meeting their bond  obligations during the past
three or four years.
    
 
    Insofar as tax-exempt Arizona public utility pollution control revenue bonds
are concerned, the issuance of such bonds and the periodic rate increases needed
to cover  operating costs  and debt  service are  subject to  regulation by  the
Arizona  Corporation Commission, the  only significant exception  being the Salt
River Project Agricultural Improvement  and Power District  which, as a  Federal
instrumentality, is exempt from rate regulation.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
On  July 15, 1991,  several creditors of Tucson  Electric Power Company ("Tucson
Electric") filed involuntary petitions under  Chapter 11 of the U.S.  Bankruptcy
Code to force Tucson Power to reorganize under the supervision of the bankruptcy
court.  On December 31, 1991, the Bankruptcy Court approved the utility's motion
to dismiss the July  petition after five months  of negotiations between  Tucson
Electric  and  its  creditors  to  restructure  the  utility's  debts  and other
obligations. In December 1992, Tucson  Electric announced that it had  completed
its  financial restructuring. In January 1993, Tucson Electric asked the Arizona
Corporation Commission for a 9.3% average rate increase. Tucson Electric  serves
approximately  270,000 customers, primarily in the Tucson area. Inability of any
regulated public  utility to  secure necessary  rate increases  could  adversely
affect,  to an  indeterminable extent,  its ability to  pay debt  service on its
pollution control revenue bonds.
 
    Based on a  recent U.S. Supreme  Court ruling, the  State has determined  to
refund  $197  million,  including  statutory  interest,  in  State  income taxes
previously collected from Federal retirees on their pensions. This payment  will
be  made over a  four-year period beginning with  approximately $14.6 million in
tax refunds in fiscal year 1993-94. A combination of tax refunds and tax credits
will be used to satisfy this liability.
 
ARIZONA TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1997 marginal  Federal
tax  rates and marginal state tax rates  currently available and scheduled to be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers  that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993. The
table assumes that federal  taxable income is equal  to state income subject  to
tax,  and for  cases in which  more than one  state rate falls  within a Federal
bracket, the state rate corresponding to the highest income within that  Federal
bracket  is used. The combined state and  Federal tax brackets shown reflect the
fact that state tax payments are  currently deductible for Federal tax  purposes
and  for Arizona tax purposes. The tables do  not reflect any local taxes or any
taxes other than  personal income taxes.  The tables illustrate  what you  would
have  to earn on  taxable investments to equal  the tax-exempt estimated current
return for your income tax bracket.  A taxpayer's marginal tax rate is  affected
by  both his taxable income and his  adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted
gross and your taxable  income (which is your  adjusted gross income reduced  by
any  deductions and exemptions), then locate your  tax bracket based on joint or
single tax  filing. Read  across  to the  equivalent taxable  estimated  current
return you would need to match the tax-free income.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 41.2 $    0-121.20      17.5   %     5.15    5.45    5.76    6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27
    41.2- 99.6      0-121.20      30.5         6.12    6.47    6.83    7.19    7.55    7.91    8.27    8.63
               121.20-181.80      31.5         6.20    6.57    6.93    7.30    7.66    8.03    8.39    8.76
   99.6-151.75      0-121.20      34.0         6.44    6.82    7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09
               121.20-181.80      35.0         6.54    6.92    7.31    7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23
               181.80-304.30      37.5         6.80    7.20    7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60
 151.75-271.05 121.20-181.80      40.0         7.08    7.50    7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00
               181.80-304.30      43.0         7.46    7.89    8.33    8.77    9.21    9.65   10.09   10.53
                 Over 304.30      40.0   2     7.08    7.50    7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00
   Over 271.05 181.80-304.30      47.0         8.02    8.49    8.96    9.43    9.91   10.38   10.85   11.32
                 Over 304.30      44.0   3     7.59    8.04    8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $    0- 24.65 $    0-121.20      17.5   %     5.15    5.45    5.76    6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27
  24.65- 59.75      0-121.20      31.5         6.20    6.57    6.93    7.30    7.66    8.03    8.39    8.76
  59.75-124.65      0-121.20      34.0         6.44    6.82    7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09
               121.20-243.70      36.0         6.64    7.03    7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38
 124.65-271.05 121.20-243.70      41.0         7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17
                 Over 243.70      40.5   4     7.14    7.56    7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08
   Over 271.05   Over 243.70      44.0   3     7.59    8.04    8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
      1  The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and the  deduction for  personal exemptions.  They were  designed to  phase  out
certain  benefits  of  these  deductions  for  higher  income  taxpayers.  These
limitations, in effect, raise the current maximum marginal combined Federal  and
state  tax  rate to  approximately 46.98  percent for  taxpayers filing  a joint
return and  entitled to  four  personal exemptions  and to  approximately  43.79
percent  for  taxpayers filing  a single  return entitled  to only  one personal
exemption. These limitations are  subject to certain  maximums, which depend  on
the number of exemptions claimed and the total amount of the taxpayer's itemized
deductions.  For example, the limitation on itemized deductions will not cause a
taxpayer to  lose more  than  80% of  his  allowable itemized  deductions,  with
certain exceptions.
 
      2  Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 38.93% after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
      3 Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 42.57% after the 80%  cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
      4  Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 39.15% after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
                                      A-4

<PAGE>
                ------------------------------------------------
 
   
                   PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 15, 1997
    
                ------------------------------------------------
 
                           NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
         100,000 UNITS                                       SERIES 945
                                                       (A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The attached final Prospectus for a prior Series is hereby used as a preliminary
Prospectus  for the above-stated Series. The narrative information and structure
of the attached final Prospectus will be  substantially the same as that of  the
final  Prospectus  for this  Series. Although  the attached  Prospectus includes
trusts as indicated therein,  the specific trusts included  in this Series  when
deposited  may differ from  such trusts. Information with  respect to the actual
trusts to  be  included,  pricing,  the  number  of  Units,  dates  and  summary
information  regarding the characteristics of securities to be deposited in this
Series is not now available and will be different since each Series has a unique
Portfolio. Accordingly  the  information contained  herein  with regard  to  the
previous  Series  should  be  considered  as  being  included  for informational
purposes only.  Ratings of  the securities  in this  Series are  expected to  be
comparable to those of the securities deposited in the previous Series. However,
the  Estimated Current Return for this Series  will depend on the interest rates
and offering prices  of the securities  in this Series  and may vary  materially
from that of the previous Series.
 
A  REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING  TO THE UNITS  OF THIS SERIES  HAS BEEN FILED
WITH THE SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE COMMISSION BUT HAS  NOT YET BECOME  EFFECTIVE.
INFORMATION  CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO  COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. SUCH UNITS
MAY NOT  BE SOLD  NOR  MAY OFFERS  TO BUY  BE  ACCEPTED PRIOR  TO THE  TIME  THE
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS  PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF  AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE  ANY
SALE  OF THE UNITS 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.
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELECTRONIC FILING AND PRINTED DOCUMENT.
 
    Pursuant  to Rule 499(c) (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 20-11
under the Investment  Company Act  of 1940, Registrant  hereby identifies  those
differences  in the foregoing document between the electronic format in which it
is filed and the printed form in which it will be circulated:
 
    (1)  The printed and distributed prospectus may be paged differently because
the printed document may contain a different amount of information on each  page
from that contained in the electronic transmission.
 
    (2)   In the  printed document, footnote  symbols may include  a "dagger" or
multiple "dagger". The  "dagger" symbol is  represented as #  in the  electronic
document.
 
    (3)  The printed and distributed prospectus will not contain the preliminary
prospectus legend included at the beginning of the first prospectus page.
<PAGE>
                     NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 945
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
 
                    PURSUANT TO RULE 404(C) OF REGULATION C
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                (FORM N-8B-2 ITEMS REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 1 AS
                           TO PROSPECTUS ON FORM S-6)
 
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
FORM N-8B-2                                                FORM S-6
ITEM NUMBER                                                HEADING IN PROSPECTUS
          I. ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
 1.  (a)  Name of trust                                 )  Prospectus Part A -- Cover Page
     (b)  Title of securities issued                    )
 2.  Name and address of Depositor                      )  Information About the Sponsor
 3.  Name and address of Trustee                        )  Information About the Trustee
 4.  Name and address of principal Underwriter          )  Information About the Sponsor
 5.  Organization of trust                              )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
 6.  Execution and termination of Trust Agreement       )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
                                                        )  Information About The Trustee
                                                        )  Other Information
 7.  Changes of Name                                    )  *
 8.  Fiscal Year                                        )
 9.  Litigation                                         )
 
          II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND SECURITIES OF THE TRUST
10.  General Information regarding trust's securities   )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made to Unitholders?
                                                        )  Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge?
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts?
                                                        )  Information About the Trustee
                                                        )  Information About the Sponsor
                                                        )  Other Information
                                                        )  What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders?
11.  Type of securities comprising units                )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
                                                        )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  What Are The Objectives Of The Trusts?
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
12.  Certain information regarding                      )  *
     periodic payment certificates                      )
13.  (a)  Load, fees, expenses, etc.                    )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  Market For Units
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
                                                        )  What Are Estimated Long Term Return
                                                        )  And Estimated Current Return?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  Summary Of Portfolios
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
     (b)  Certain information regarding                 )  *
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
          periodic payment certificates                 )
     (c)  Certain percentages                           )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  Market For Units
                                                        )  What Are Estimated Long Term Return
                                                        )  And Estimated Current Return?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date Of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
     (d)  Certain other fees, etc. payable by holders   )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds Determined
                                                        )  At The Date Of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  Ownership And Transfer Of Units
     (e)  Certain profits receivable by depositor,      )  Composition Of Trusts
          principal underwriter, trustee or             )
          affiliated persons                            )
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
 
     (f)  Ratio of annual charges to income             )  *
14.  Issuance of trust's securities                     )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
15.  Receipt and handling of payments                   )  *
     from purchasers                                    )
16.  Acquisition and Disposition of                     )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
     Underlying Securities                              )
                                                        )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
                                                        )  Other Information
17.  Withdrawal or redemption                           )  Market For Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
18.  (a)  Receipt and disposition of income             )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
     (b)  Reinvestment of distributions                 )  Accumulation Plan
     (c)  Reserves or special funds                     )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
     (d)  Schedule of distributions                     )  *
19.  Records, accounts and reports                      )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
20.  Certain miscellaneous provisions of                )  Information About the Trustee
     Trust Agreement                                    )
                                                        )  Information About the Sponsor
                                                        )  Other Information
21.  Loans to security holders                          )  *
22.  Limitations on liability                           )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  Information About The Trustee
23.  Bond arrangements                                  )  *
24.  Other material provisions of Trust Agreement.      )  *
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
          III. ORGANIZATION, PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATED PERSONS OF DEPOSITOR
25.  Organization of Depositor                          )  Information About the Sponsor
26.  Fees received by Depositor                         )  *
27.  Business of Depositor                              )  Information About the Sponsor
28.  Certain information as to officials                )  *
     and affiliated persons of Depositor                )
29.  Voting Securities of Depositor                     )  Information About the Sponsor
30.  Persons controlling Depositor                      )
31.  Payments by Depositor for certain                  )
     services rendered to trust                         )
32.  Payments by Depositor for certain                  )  *
     other services rendered to trust                   )
33.  Remuneration of employees of Depositor             )
     for certain services rendered to trust             )
34.  Remuneration of other persons for                  )
     certain services rendered to trust                 )
 
          IV. DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
35.  Distribution of trust's securities by states       )  *
36.  Suspension of sales of trust's securities          )
37.  Revocation of authority to distribute              )
38.  (a)  Method of distribution                        )
     (b)  Underwriting agreements                       )  How Units of The Trusts Are
                                                        )  Distributed To The Public
     (c)  Selling agreement                             )
39.  (a)  Organization of principal underwriter         )  Information About The Sponsor
     (b)  NASD membership of principal underwriter      )
40.  Certain fees received by principal underwriter     )  *
41.  (a)  Business of principal underwriter             )
     (b)  Branch offices of principal underwriter       )  *
     (c)  Salesmen of principal underwriter             )
42.  Ownership of trust's securities by                 )  *
     certain persons                                    )
43.  Certain brokerage commissions received             )  *
     by principal underwriter                           )
44.  (a)  Method of valuation                           )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
     (b)  Schedule as to offering price                 )  *
     (c)  Variation in offering price to                )  How Is the Public Offering Price
          certain persons                               )  Determined?
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
45.  Suspension of redemption rights                    )  *
46.  (a)  Redemption valuation                          )  Unit Value and Evaluation
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
     (b)  Schedule as to redemption price               )  *
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
47.  Maintenance of position in underlying              )  How Is the Public Offering Price
     securities                                         )  Determined?
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
 
          V. INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN
48.  Organization and regulation of Trustee             )  Information About The Trustee
49.  Fees and expenses of Trustee                       )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
50.  Trustee's lien                                     )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
 
          VI. INFORMATION CONCERNING INSURANCE OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
51.  Insurance of holders of trust's securities         )  *
 
          VII. POLICY OF REGISTRANT
52.  (a)  Provisions of trust agreement with            )  What Are Normal Trust Operating
          respect to selection or elimination           )  Expenses?
          of underlying securities                      )
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
     (b)  Transactions involving elimination            )  *
          of underlying securities                      )
     (c)  Policy regarding substitution or              )  Summary of Portfolios
          elimination of underlying securities          )
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
     (d)  Fundamental policy not otherwise covered      )  *
53.  Tax status of trust                                )  What Is The Tax Status Of Unitholders?
 
          VIII. FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION
54.  Trust's securities during last ten years           )  *
55.                                                     )
56.  Certain information regarding                      )  *
     periodic payment certificate                       )
57.                                                     )
58.                                                     )
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
* Inapplicable, omitted, answer negative or not required.
<PAGE>
                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
A.  BONDING ARRANGEMENTS OF DEPOSITOR:
 
    The  Depositor has obtained the following Stockbrokers Blanket Bonds for its
officers, directors and employees:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
    INSURER/POLICY NO.                                                       AMOUNT
    United Pacific Insurance Co.                                          $ 10,000,000
    Reliance Insurance Company
    B 74 92 20
    Aetna Casualty and Surety                                             $ 10,000,000
    08 F10618BCA
    St. Paul Insurance Co.                                                $  6,000,000
    400 HC 1051
</TABLE>
 
B.  THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT COMPRISES THE FOLLOWING PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS:
 
                                The facing sheet
 
                                 The Prospectus
 
                                 The signatures
 
                              Consents of Counsel
 
                                    Exhibits
 
C.  EXPLANATORY NOTE:
 
    The Registration Statement will contain multiple separate prospectuses. Each
prospectus will relate to an individual  unit investment trust and will  consist
of  a Part A,  a Part B and  an Information Supplement.  Each prospectus will be
identical with the  exception of the  respective Part A  which will contain  the
financial information specific to such underlying unit investment trust.
 
D.  UNDERTAKINGS:
 
    1.   With the  exception of the  information included in  the state specific
appendices to the  Information Supplement,  which will vary  depending upon  the
make-up  of a  Fund or  updated to  reflect current  events, any  amendment to a
Fund's Information Supplement will be subject to the review of the staff of  the
Securities and Exchange Commission prior to distribution; and
 
    2.   The Information  Supplement to the  Trust will not  include third party
financial information.
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the  Registrant,
Nuveen  Tax-Free  Unit  Trust,  Series 945  has  duly  caused  this Registration
Statement to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned  thereunto  duly
authorized in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on May 15, 1997.
    
 
                                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 945
                                                             (Registrant)
 
                                          By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                                             (Depositor)
 
                                          By:  Larry Woods Martin
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Vice President
 
                                          Attest:  Morrison C. Warren
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Assistant Secretary
 
    Pursuant   to  the  requirements  of  the   Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Registration Statement has  been signed below  by the following  persons in  the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          SIGNATURE                        TITLE*                 DATE
<S>                            <C>                              <C>        <C>
Timothy T. Schwertfeger        Chairman, Board of Directors         )
                               Chief Executive Officer and          )
                               Director                             )
                                                                    )
Anthony T. Dean                President, Chief Operating           )
                               Officer and Director                 )           Larry Woods Martin
                                                                    )           Attorney-In-Fact**
                                                                    )
John P. Amboian                Chief Financial Officer and          )              May 15, 1997
                               Executive Vice President             )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
O. Walter Renfftlen            Vice President and Controller        )
                               (Principal Accounting Officer)       )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------
 
*  The  titles of  the  persons named  herein  represent their  capacity  in and
relationship to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Depositor.
 
** The powers of attorney were filed on Form SE for Messrs. Renfftlen, Dean  and
Schwertfeger  with the  Amendment to the  Registration Statement on  Form S-6 of
Nuveen Tax-Exempt  Unit Trust,  Series 671  (File No.  33-49175). The  Power  of
Attorney  for Messr.  Amboian was filed  with the Amendment  to the Registration
Statement on Form  S-6 of  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit  Trust, Series  823 (File  No.
33-62325).
<PAGE>
                         CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
 
    The  consent of Chapman and Cutler to the  use of its name in the Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.
 
                            CONSENT OF STATE COUNSEL
 
    The consents of special counsel to the Fund for state tax matters to the use
of their names in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will  be
filed by amendment.
 
                         CONSENT OF STANDARD & POOR'S,
                    A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
 
    The  consent of Standard & Poor's,  a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
to the use of its name in the Prospectus included in the Registration  Statement
will be filed by amendment.
 
                    CONSENT OF KENNY S&P EVALUATION SERVICES
 
    The  consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services to  the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.
 
                      CONSENT OF CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN
 
    The consent of  Carter, Ledyard  & Milburn  to the use  of its  name in  the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.
 
                         CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
    The  consent of  Arthur Andersen  LLP to the  use of  its report  and to the
reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in the Registration  Statement
will be filed by amendment.

<PAGE>
                                LIST OF EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
1.1(a)      Copy  of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
            Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, Trustee. Filed as Exhibit 1.1(A) to the  Spon-
            sor's  Registration Statement filed with respect to  Series 823 (File No. 33-62325) and
            is incorporated herein by reference.
1.1(b)      Trust Indenture and Agreement (to be supplied by amendment).
1.2*        Copy of Certificate of  Incorporation, as amended, of  John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated,
            Depositor.
1.3**       Copy  of amendment of Certificate  of Incorporation changing name  of Depositor to John
            Nuveen & Co. Incorporated.
2.1         Copy of Certificate of Ownership (included in Exhibit 1.1(A) and Incorporated herein by
            reference).
3.1         Opinion of counsel as  to legality of  securities being registered  (to be supplied  by
            amendment).
3.2         Opinion  of counsel as to Federal income  tax status of securities being registered (to
            be supplied by amendment).
3.3         Consents of special state  counsel to the Fund  for state tax matters  to use of  their
            names in the Prospectus (to be supplied by amendment).
4.1         Consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation (to be supplied by amendment).
4.2         Consent of Kenny S+P Evaluation Services (to be supplied by amendment).
4.3         Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn (to be supplied by amendment).
6.1         List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related information (incorporated
            by  reference to Form S-6 [File  No. 33-62325] filed on September  7, 1995 on behalf of
            Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 823).
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
    * Incorporated by  reference to  Form N-8B-2  (File No.  811-1547) filed  on
behalf of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 16.
 
    **  Incorporated by  reference to Form  N-8B-2 (File No.  811-2198) filed on
behalf of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 37.


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