SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
DEF13E3, 1999-02-22
HOTELS & MOTELS
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<PAGE>   1
                     U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                               AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO

                        RULE 13E-3 TRANSACTION STATEMENT
       (Pursuant to Section 13e-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                              SEC File No. 5-54999
                              (Name of the Issuer)

                               Gerald L. Whitcomb
                               Maryanne Whitcomb
                        Columbus Motel Properties L.L.C.
                       (Name of Persons Filing Statement)

                            Limited Partnership Units
                         (Title of Class of Securities)

                                       N/A
                      (CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)

                               Gerald L. Whitcomb
                                 General Partner
                           Super 8 Motels Northwest I
                           7515 Terminal Street, S.W.
                           Tumwater, Washington 98501
                            Telephone: (360) 943-8000

   (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices
            and Communications on Behalf of Persons Filing Statement)

                          COPIES OF CORRESPONDENCE TO:

                                Marion V. Larson
                                William W. Barker
                    Graham & James LLP/Riddell Williams P.S.
                      1001 Fourth Avenue Plaza, 45th Floor
                         Seattle, Washington 98154-1065
                            Telephone: (206) 624-3600
                            Facsimile: (206) 389-1708

This statement is filed in connection with:

[X]   The filing of solicitation materials or an information statement
      subject to Regulation 14A, Regulation 14C or Rule 13e-3(c) under the
      Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
[ ]   The filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933.
[ ]   A tender offer.
[ ]   None of the above.

Check the following box if the soliciting materials or information statement
referred to above are preliminary copies: [N/A]



                            CALCULATION OF FILING FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Transaction Valuation*                                          Amount of Filing Fee
         ----------------------                                          --------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>
         $9,760,000 (*Based on purchase price of property)                      $2,715

[X]      Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided 
         by Rule 0-11(a) (2) and identify the filing with
         which the offsetting fee was previously paid.

         Identify the previous filing by registration statement number or the
         Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

         Amount Previously Paid                           $2,715
         Form or Registration No.                         Schedule 14A
         Filing Party                                     Registrant
         Date Filed                                       January 6, 1999
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   2
                    CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET SHOWING LOCATION IN
                         PROXY STATEMENT OF INFORMATION
                       REQUIRED BY ITEMS OF SCHEDULE 13E-3



The following is the cross reference sheet required pursuant to General
Instruction "F" of Schedule 13E-3. It shows the location in the proxy statement
filed as Exhibit 99(d)(1) hereto of the responses of the filing persons to each 
item and subparagraph of Schedule 13E-3.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM IN SCHEDULE 13E-3                                               LOCATION IN PROXY STATEMENT
<S>   <C>                                                            <C>
1.    ISSUER AND CLASS OF SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE TRANSACTION
      (a)..........................................................  Summary--Super 8 Motels Northwest I
      (b)..........................................................  Summary--Required Vote; Beneficial Ownership
      (c)..........................................................  Summary--Market Information
      (d)..........................................................  Summary--Market Information
      (e)..........................................................  Summary--Market Information
      (f)..........................................................  Summary--Market Information

2.    IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND
      (a) .........................................................  Summary--The Buyer
      (b) .........................................................  Summary--The Buyer
      (c) .........................................................  Summary--The Buyer
      (d) .........................................................  Summary--The Buyer; Information About Northwest I-Directors
                                                                     and Executive Officers of the Registrant
      (e) .........................................................  None
      (f) .........................................................  None

3.    PAST CONTACTS, TRANSACTIONS OR NEGOTIATIONS
      (a)(1) ......................................................  Special Factors--Interests of Affiliates
      (a)(2) ......................................................  None
      (b) .........................................................  None

4.    TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION
      (a) .........................................................  Summary--Merger Consideration; The Merger Agreement
      (b) .........................................................  None
</TABLE>


                                       1

<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                            <C>
5.    PLANS OR PROPOSALS OF THE ISSUER OR AFFILIATE
      (a) .........................................................  Special Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate
                                                                     Following Merger
      (b) .........................................................  Special Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate
                                                                     Following Merger
      (c) .........................................................  Special Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate
                                                                     Following Merger; --Management and Operations of
                                                                     Northwest I Following Merger
      (d) .........................................................  Special Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate
                                                                     Following Merger
      (e) .........................................................  Special Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate
                                                                     Following Merger
      (f) .........................................................  Summary--Effect of Merger
      (g) .........................................................  Summary--Effect of Merger

6.    SOURCE AND AMOUNTS OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION
      (a) .........................................................  Special Factors--Source and Amounts of Merger
                                                                     Consideration and Expenses
      (b) .........................................................  Special Factors--Source and Amounts of Merger
                                                                     Consideration and Expenses

7.    PURPOSE(S), ALTERNATIVES, REASONS AND EFFECTS
      (a) .........................................................  Background of the Transaction;  Summary--Effect of the
                                                                     Merger
      (b) .........................................................  Background of the Transaction
      (c) .........................................................  Background of the Transaction
      (d) .........................................................  Summary--Effect of Merger; Material Federal Income Tax
                                                                     Consequences

8.    FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION
      (a) .........................................................  Special Factors--Fairness of the Transaction
      (b) .........................................................  Special Factors--Fairness of the Transaction
      (c)                                                            Summary--Required Vote by Unitholders
      (d) .........................................................  Special Factors--Conflicts of Interest; Procedural Fairness
      (e) .........................................................  Special Factors--Conflicts of Interest; Procedural
                                                                     Fairness; --Fairness of the Transaction
</TABLE>

                                       2

<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                            <C>
      (f) .........................................................  Background of the Merger--Attempted Sale to Unaffiliated
                                                                     Third Party

9.    REPORTS, OPINIONS, APPRAISALS AND CERTAIN NEGOTIATIONS
      (a) .........................................................  Special Factors--Business Valuation of Exvere;  --
                                                                     Independent Appraisal of Motel Properties by McKee &
                                                                     Schalka; -- Opinion of Financial Adviser; Opinion of
                                                                     Financial Adviser--

      (b) .........................................................  Special Factors--Business Valuation of Exvere; --
                                                                     Independent Appraisal of Motel Properties by
                                                                     McKee & Schalka; -- Opinion of Financial Adviser;
                                                                     Opinion of Financial Adviser--

      (c) .........................................................  Special Factors--Business Valuation of Exvere; --
                                                                     Independent Appraisal of Motel Properties by McKee &
                                                                     Schalka; -- Opinion of Financial Adviser; Opinion of
                                                                     Financial Adviser--

10.   INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER
      (a) .........................................................  Summary--Market Information
      (b) .........................................................  Summary--Market Information


11.   CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, OR UNDERSTANDINGS WITH
      RESPECT TO THE ISSUER'S SECURITIES...........................  None; Not applicable

12.   PRESENT INTENTION AND RECOMMENDATION OF CERTAIN
      PERSONS WITH REGARD TO THE TRANSACTION
      (a) .........................................................  Summary--Required Vote of Unitholders; Beneficial Ownership
      (b) .........................................................  None


13.   OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE TRANSACTION
      (a) .........................................................  Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal
      (b) .........................................................  Special Factors--Conflicts of Interest; Procedural
                                                                     Safeguards
      (c) .........................................................  Not applicable


14.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION .......................................  Financial Statements; Selected Financial Data; Book Value
                                                                     Per Share
</TABLE>

                                       3

<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                            <C>
15.   PERSONS AND ASSETS EMPLOYED, RETAINED OR UTILIZED
      (a) ..............................................  Special Factors--Conflict of Interest; Procedural
                                                          Fairness; Background of the Merger
      (b) ..............................................  Summary--Persons Making Solicitation

16.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...........................  Where You Can Find More Information

17.   MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS
      99.(a)** .........................................  Loan commitment letters from U.S. Bank and rate lock agreement

      99.(b)(1)+ .......................................  Exvere business valuation of Northwest I

      99.(b)(2)** ......................................  McKee & Schalka appraisal of Sea-Tac motel property

      99.(b)(3)** ......................................  McKee & Schalka appraisal of Federal Way motel property

      99.(b)(4)** ......................................  Presentation of Financial Adviser, Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated

      99.(b)(5)**.......................................  Opinion of Financial Advisor Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated (included 
                                                          in Exhibit (d)(1))

      99.(c)     .......................................  None

      99.(d)(1)* .......................................  Proxy statement of Northwest I (as amended)

      99.(d)(2)* .......................................  Second Amendment to limited partnership agreement

      99.(e)(1)**.......................................  Detailed statement of appraisal rights (included in Exhibit (d)(1))
</TABLE>


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

*        Filed herewith

**       Previously filed

+        Pursuant to the hardship exemption provided for in Rule 202 of
         Regulation S-T, in lieu of filing this exhibit via EDGAR, this exhibit
         has been previously filed in paper format with the Securities and 
         Exchange Commission.


                                       4
<PAGE>   6

ITEM 1.        ISSUER AND CLASS OF SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE TRANSACTION

        (a)    The name and address of the issuer of the limited partnership
               units which are subject to the Rule 13e-3 transaction and the
               address of its principal executive offices is: Super 8 Motels
               Northwest I, 7515 Terminal Street, S.W., Tumwater, Washington
               98501.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the captions
               "Summary--Required Vote" and "Beneficial Ownership" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

        (c)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Market Information" is incorporated by reference
               herein.

        (d)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Market Information" is incorporated by reference
               herein.

        (e)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Market Information" is incorporated by reference
               herein.

        (f)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Market Information" is incorporated by reference
               herein.

ITEM 2.        IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--The Buyer" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--The Buyer" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (d)    The relevant information set forth under the captions
               "Summary--The Buyer" and "Information About Northwest
               I--Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

        (e)    None of the filing persons during the last five years has been
               convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations
               or similar misdemeanors).

        (f)    None of the filing persons during the past five years was a
               party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body
               of competent jurisdiction resulting in a judgment, decree or
               final order enjoining further violations of, or prohibiting
               activities subject to, federal and state securities laws or
               finding any violations of such laws.

ITEM 3.        PAST CONTRACTS, TRANSACTIONS OR NEGOTIATIONS

        (a)(1) The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Interests of Affiliates" is incorporated by reference
               herein.

        (a)(1) None; Not applicable.

        (b)    None; Not applicable.

                                       5





<PAGE>   7
ITEM 4.        TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the captions
               "Summary--Merger Consideration" and "The Merger Agreement" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    None; Not applicable.

ITEM 5.        PLANS OR PROPOSALS OF THE ISSUER OR AFFILIATE

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate Following
               Merger" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate Following
               Merger" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (c)    The relevant information set forth under the captions "Special
               Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate Following
               Merger" and "Management and Operations of Northwest I Following
               Merger" are incorporated by reference herein.

        (d)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Plans or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate Following
               Merger" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (e)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Plan or Proposals of Issuer or Affiliate Following
               Merger" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (f)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Effective Date of Merger" is incorporated by reference
               herein.

        (g)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Effective Date of Merger" is incorporated by reference
               herein.

ITEM 6.        SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Source and Amount of Merger Consideration and Expenses"
               is incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Source and Amount of Merger Consideration and Expenses"
               is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 7.        PURPOSE(S), ALTERNATIVES, REASONS AND EFFECTS

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the captions "Background
               of the Transaction" and "Summary--Effect of the Merger" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Background
               of the Transaction" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (c)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Background
               of the Transaction" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (d)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Effect of Merger" and "Material Federal Income Tax
               Consequences" is incorporated by reference herein.

                                       6
<PAGE>   8
ITEM 8.        FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Fairness of the Transaction" is incorporated by
               reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Fairness of the Transaction" is incorporated by
               reference herein.

        (c)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Required Vote by Unitholders" is incorporated by
               reference herein.

        (d)    The relevant information set forth under the captions "Special
               Factors--Conflict of Interest" and "Procedural Fairness" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

        (e)    The relevant information set forth under the captions "Special
               Factors--Conflict of Interest; Procedural Fairness" and "--
               Fairness of the Transaction" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (f)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Background
               of the Merger--Attempted Sale to Unaffiliated Third Party" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 9.        REPORTS, OPINIONS, APPRAISALS AND CERTAIN NEGOTIATIONS

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the captions "Special
               Factors--Business Valuation of Exvere"; "--Independent Appraisal
               of Motel Properties by McKee and Shalka" "--Opinion of Financial
               Advisors" and "Opinion of Financial Advisor--" is incorporated by
               reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the captions "Special
               Factors--Business Valuation of Exvere"; "--Independent Appraisal
               of Motel Properties by McKee and Shalka" "--Opinion of Financial
               Advisors" and "Opinion of Financial Advisor--" is incorporated by
               reference herein.

        (c)    The relevant information set for under the captions "Special
               Factors--Business Valuation of Exvere"; "--Independent Appraisal
               of Motel Properties by McKee and Shalka" "--Opinion of Financial
               Advisors" "Opinion of Financial Advisor--" is incorporated by
               reference herein.

ITEM 10.       INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Summary --
               Market Information" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information contained under the caption "Summary --
               Market Information" is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 11.       CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS OR UNDERSTANDINGS WITH RESPECT TO THE
               ISSUER'S SECURITIES

               None; Not applicable.


                                       7
<PAGE>   9
ITEM 12.       PRESENT INTENTION AND RECOMMENDATION OF CERTAIN PERSONS WITH 
               REGARD TO THE TRANSACTIONS

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Summary --
               Required Vote of Unit Holders; Beneficial Ownership" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    None; Not applicable.

ITEM 13.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE TRANSACTION

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Dissenters'
               Rights of Appraisal" is incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the caption "Special
               Factors--Conflicts of Interest; Procedural Safeguards" is
               incorporated by reference herein.

        (c)    Not applicable

ITEM 14.       FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

        (a)    The relevant information set forth in the financial statements;
               selected financial data; and book value per share is incorporated
               by reference herein.

        (b)    Not applicable

ITEM 15.       PERSONS AND ASSETS EMPLOYED, RETAINED OR UTILIZED

        (a)    The relevant information set forth under the captions "Special
               Factors--Conflict of Interests; Procedural Fairness" and
               "Background of the Merger" are incorporated by reference herein.

        (b)    The relevant information set forth under the caption
               "Summary--Persons Making Solicitation" is incorporated by
               reference herein

ITEM 16.       ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

               The relevant information set forth under the caption "Where You
               Can Find More Information" is incorporated by reference herein.
               In addition, the information set forth in Exhibit (d)(1)
               consisting of the proxy statement of the registrant, is also 
               incorporated by reference herein.

                                       8

<PAGE>   10
                                   SIGNATURES

     After due inquiry and to the best of our knowledge and belief, we certify
that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.


Dated the 22nd day of February, 1999      GERALD L. WHITCOMB, AN INDIVIDUAL

                                          /s/ Gerald L. Whitcomb
                                          Gerald L. Whitcomb
                                          
                                          MARYANNE WHITCOMB, AN INDIVIDUAL

                                          /s/ Maryanne Whitcomb
                                          Maryanne Whitcomb

                                          COLUMBUS MOTEL PROPERTIES L.L.C.

                                          /s/ Gerald L. Whitcomb
                                          Gerald L. Whitcomb,
                                          Its Manager


                                       9



<PAGE>   11
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT                           DESCRIPTION
- -------                           -----------
<S>      <C>
99.(a)**    Loan commitment letters from U.S. Bank and rate lock agreement

99.(b)(1)+  Exvere business valuation of Northwest I

99.(b)(2)** McKee & Schalka appraisal of Sea-Tac motel property

99.(b)(3)** McKee & Schalka appraisal of Federal Way motel property

99.(b)(4)** Presentation of Financial Adviser, Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated

99.(b)(5)** Opinion of Financial Advisor, Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated
            (included in Exhibit (d)(1))

99.(c)      None

99.(d)(1)*  Proxy statement of Northwest I (as amended)

99.(d)(2)*  Second amended limited partnership agreement

99.(e)(1)** Detailed statement of appraisal rights (included in Exhibit 99.(d)(1))
</TABLE>

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

*        Filed herewith

**       Previously filed

+        Pursuant to the hardship exemption provided for in Rule 202 of
         Regulation S-T, in lieu of filing this exhibit via EDGAR, this exhibit
         has been previously filed in paper format with the Securities and 
         Exchange Commission.


                                       10


<PAGE>   1
                                                               EXHBIIT 99.(d)(1)

                   [LETTERHEAD OF SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I]


February 22, 1999


To Our Unitholders:

    You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting (the "Meeting")
of limited partners ("Unitholders") of Super 8 Motels Northwest I, a Washington
limited partnership ("Northwest I"). The Meeting will be held at the offices of
Graham & James LLP/Riddell Williams P.S., 1001 Fourth Avenue Plaza, Suite 4500,
Seattle, Washington 98154 on March 23, 1999 at 11:00 a.m.

    Gerald L. Whitcomb ("Whitcomb"), as the sole general partner of Northwest I
and on its behalf, has entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and
Reorganization dated December 31, 1998, as amended, (the "Merger Agreement")
with Columbus Properties L.L.C., a Washington limited liability company
("Columbus"), owned by Gerald Whitcomb and Maryanne Whitcomb, husband and wife,
and other family members. At the Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote
upon the proposed Merger Agreement which provides for the merger of Northwest I
with and into Columbus (the "Merger"). If the Merger is approved, each
outstanding limited partnership unit ("Unit") of Northwest I held by
unaffiliated Unitholders will be converted into the right to receive $1,609 in
cash (the "Merger Consideration") and unaffiliated Unitholders will have no
further interest in Northwest I.

    The attached proxy statement provides a detailed description of the terms of
the Merger. The Merger Agreement is attached as Annex I to the proxy statement.
Please read these materials carefully. Approval of the Merger Agreement requires
the affirmative vote of 66% of the outstanding Units at the Meeting.

    Because Whitcomb is both the proposed purchaser (through Columbus) and the
general partner of Northwest I, Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated, Investment Bankers
and Brokers, Seattle, Washington ("Ragen MacKenzie") has been retained by
Northwest I to render an opinion concerning the fairness of the Merger
Consideration offered to unaffiliated Unitholders in the Merger. In the opinion
of Ragen MacKenzie, the Merger Consideration to be paid to unaffiliated
Unitholders is fair from a financial point of view. The full text of the Ragen
MacKenzie opinion is attached as Annex II to the proxy statement.

    In addition, McKee & Schalka ("McKee"), Seattle, Washington, Independent
Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants, Seattle, Washington, have appraised the
motel properties owned by Northwest I and have issued their report dated
January 1, 1999. The McKee appraisals are described in greater detail in the
proxy statement.

    On the basis of the Ragen MacKenzie opinion and the McKee appraisals,
Whitcomb, on behalf of Northwest I, has approved the proposed Merger. Whitcomb
and Columbus each believe that the Merger and the Merger Consideration is fair
to unaffiliated Unitholders.

    Your vote is important. Even if you plan to attend the Meeting, please
date, sign and promptly return the proxy in the enclosed envelope. If you
were a Unitholder as of January 6, 1999 and attend the Meeting, you may change
your vote in person even if you have previously mailed a proxy. You may
also change your vote by sending us a later dated properly executed proxy.


<PAGE>   2
    Unitholders may exercise dissenters' rights of appraisal by
complying with the procedural requirements of the Revised Code of Washington,
including not voting in favor of the Merger Agreement.

    Promptly after the Merger, a letter of transmittal, along with the required
transmittal forms required for the Unitholder to receive the Merger
Consideration, will be mailed by Columbus, the surviving company in the Merger,
to each Northwest I Unitholder as of January 6, 1999. Upon receipt of the
required transmittal forms, Columbus will mail the Merger Consideration to the
Unitholders.

    We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Meeting.


- --------------------
Gerald L. Whitcomb,
General Partner


<PAGE>   3
SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
7515 Terminal Street, S.W.
Tumwater, Washington 98501
(360) 943-8000

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF LIMITED PARTNERS
To be held March 23, 1999

    A special meeting (the "Meeting") of limited partners (the
"Unitholders") of Super 8 Motels Northwest I ("Northwest I"), a Washington
limited partnership, will be held at the offices of Graham & James LLP/Riddell
Williams P.S., 1001 Fourth Avenue Plaza, Suite 4500, Seattle, Washington 98154
on March 23, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. for the following purposes:

1. To vote on the adoption of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger
dated December 31, 1998, as amended, (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among
Gerald L. Whitcomb ("Whitcomb"), the sole general partner of Northwest I on
behalf of Northwest I and Columbus Properties L.L.C., a Washington limited
liability company ("Columbus"), owned by Gerald Whitcomb and Maryanne Whitcomb
and family members. If the transaction is approved, Northwest I will be merged
into Columbus (the "Merger") and you will receive cash in the amount of $1,609
for each limited partnership unit ("Unit") you own. Approval of the Merger
Agreement will also constitute an amendment to the limited partnership agreement
to provide that gain, if any, realized by Northwest I in the Merger will be
allocated to the unaffiliated Unitholders receiving the Merger consideration.

2. To transact such other business as may be properly presented at the Meeting
including and any adjournment or postponement thereof, none of which other
business is currently anticipated.

    The Merger Agreement is attached to the proxy statement as Annex I.

    Unitholders as of the close of business on January 6, 1999 (the date of 
the first public announcement of the proposed merger) are entitled to notice of 
and to vote at the Meeting. As of the January 6, 1999 record date, there 
were 6,000 Units outstanding. A list of Unitholders entitled to vote at the 
Meeting will be available at the executive offices of Northwest I commencing 
February 22, 1999. You may inspect the list for purposes germane to the 
Meeting.

    If the Merger is consummated, Unitholders who do not vote to approve the
Merger Agreement and who otherwise comply with the requirements of Article 14 of
Chapter 25.10 of the Revised Code of Washington, have statutory dissenters'
rights of appraisal. A complete copy of Article 14 is attached to the proxy
statement as Annex III. A description of the procedures to be followed to
perfect dissenters' appraisal rights is set forth in the proxy statement
beginning on page 32.

    Units represented by valid unrevoked proxies will be voted as specified
therein. If no specification is made, Units covered by proxies will be voted (i)
"FOR" approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and approval of the
transactions contemplated thereby; and (ii) in the discretion of the persons
named as proxies on such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting.

    Pursuant to the authority granted to Whitcomb by the Northwest I
Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership, Whitcomb will not consent to
any assignee of Units becoming a substituted Unitholder in place of the assignor
between January 6, 1999 through the date of the Meeting, including any
adjournment or postponement thereof.



- ---------------------
Gerald L. Whitcomb,
General Partner


<PAGE>   4


                                PROXY STATEMENT

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                           7515 Terminal Street. S.W.
                           Tumwater, Washington 98501


                         SPECIAL MEETING OF UNITHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON MARCH 23, 1999

    
    This proxy statement is being furnished to the limited partners
("Unitholders") of Super 8 Motels Northwest I, a Washington limited partnership
("Northwest I"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Gerald L.
Whitcomb, the general partner of Northwest I ("Whitcomb"), from Unitholders for
use at the special meeting of Unitholders to be held at the offices of Graham &
James LLP/Riddell Williams P.S., 1001 Fourth Avenue Plaza, Suite 4500, Seattle,
Washington 98154 on March 23, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. including any adjournment or
postponement thereof ("Meeting").

    At the Meeting, Unitholders as of January 6, 1999, the record date, will
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization and Merger, dated December 31, 1998, as amended, ("Merger
Agreement"), pursuant to which Northwest I will merge (the "Merger") with and
into Columbus Properties L.L.C., a Washington limited liability company
("Columbus") beneficially owned by Gerald and Maryanne Whitcomb and family
members. If the Merger is approved, each outstanding unit ("Unit") held by
unaffiliated Unitholders will be converted into the right to receive $1,609 in
cash ("Merger Consideration"). The Units were initially sold by Northwest I for
$1,000 each. Columbus will be the surviving company and Northwest I will cease
to be a public company.

    Whitcomb deems it advisable to require approval of this affiliated
transaction by 66% of the outstanding Units, 99% of which are owned by
unaffiliated Unitholders.

    As you read through this proxy statement, note the following issues which
are discussed in detail herein:

    o Whitcomb faces substantial conflicts of interest in proposing to purchase
      your Units. These conflicts can be mitigated but cannot be eliminated.

    o The Merger proposal was not reviewed by an independent committee.

    o You will pay federal income tax on gain from the sale of your Units.

    o If the Merger is approved, you will have no further interest in Northwest
      I including the right to quarterly distributions and potential
      appreciation of assets over time.

    Your vote is important. Even if you plan to attend the Meeting, please
date, sign and promptly return the proxy in the enclosed envelope. If you
were a Unitholder as of January 6, 1999 and attend the Meeting, you may change
your vote in person even if you have previously mailed a proxy. You may
also change your vote by sending us a later dated properly executed proxy.

    NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND, IF GIVEN
OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN GIVEN BY NORTHWEST I OR ITS AFFILIATES.

    Whitcomb knows of no other additional matters that will be presented at the
Meeting.

             THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS FEBRUARY 22, 1999.


<PAGE>   5
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                                           <C>
SUMMARY ...................................................................................    2
        Super 8 Motels Northwest I.........................................................    2
        The Buyer - Columbus Properties L.L.C..............................................    2
        Affiliated Parties.................................................................    2
        Offers by Columbus for Motel Properties Owned by Northwest II, Lacy, Anchorage         
               and Tongass.................................................................    3
        Date, Time and Place of Meeting....................................................    3
        Purpose of the Meeting.............................................................    4
        Merger Consideration...............................................................    4
        Required Vote by Unitholders; Beneficial Ownership.................................    4
        Persons Making the Solicitation; Expenses..........................................    4
        Revocability of Proxy..............................................................    4
        Effect of the Merger...............................................................    4
        Material Federal Income Tax Consequences...........................................    5
        Effective Time of the Merger.......................................................    5
        Payment of Merger Consideration; Loan Commitment...................................    5
        Opinion of Financial Advisor.......................................................    5
        Independent Appraisal of Motel Properties..........................................    5
        Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal....................................................    5
        Market Information.................................................................    6
                                                                                               
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION........................................................    7
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
SPECIAL FACTORS............................................................................    8
                                                                                               
        Conflicts of Interest; Procedural Safeguards.......................................    8
        Fairness of the Transaction........................................................    9
        An Independent Committee Did Not Review the Merger Proposal........................   11
        Source and Amounts of Merger Consideration and Expenses............................   11
        Plans or Proposals By Issuer Or Affiliates Following Merger........................   11
        Opinion of Financial Advisor.......................................................   11
        Interest of Affiliates in Matters to Be Acted Upon; Past Contracts and                
               Agreements..................................................................   12
        Management and Operations of Northwest I Following Merger..........................   12
        Business Valuation of Northwest I by Exvere........................................   12
        Appraisal of Sea-Tac and Federal Way Properties by McKee & Schalka.................   15
                                                                                              
BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSACTION..............................................................   18
                                                                                              
        Reasons for the Merger.............................................................   18
</TABLE>


                                       i


<PAGE>   6
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                   (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                                           <C>
        Background of the Merger; Alternatives Considered; Attempted Sale of Motel            
               Properties to Unaffiliated Third Party......................................   18
        Acquisition of Motel Properties by Columbus........................................   19
        Acquisition of Northwest I by Columbus; Approach to Determination of Merger           
               Consideration...............................................................   20
                                                                                              
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR...............................................................   21
                                                                                              
                                                                                              
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.......................................................................   26
                                                                                              
                                                                                              
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES...................................................   30
                                                                                              
                                                                                              
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL............................................................   32
                                                                                              
                                                                                              
INFORMATION ABOUT NORTHWEST I..............................................................   35
                                                                                           

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..............................................................  F-1
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNEXES
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Merger Agreement......................................................................   ANNEX I
Opinion of Financial Advisor..........................................................  ANNEX II
Dissenters' Rights Statute............................................................ ANNEX III
Comparison of Values..................................................................  ANNEX IV
</TABLE>


                                       ii


<PAGE>   7
                                     SUMMARY

    The following is a summary of the proposed Merger of Northwest I with and
into Columbus, as described below, and contains information about the Meeting.
While complete in all material respects, this summary is qualified by reference
to the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement and the
attached annexes. You should carefully read all of these materials. Maryanne 
Whitcomb expressly adopts the statements, analyses and findings of Whitcomb 
pertaining to the Merger, fairness of the Merger and the Merger Consideration, 
and the bases for the beliefs related to each.

SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I

    Northwest I is in the business of owning two Super 8 Motels in the Sea-Tac
and Federal Way areas of King County, Washington. Gerald L. Whitcomb is its sole
general partner. Pursuant to the terms of the limited partnership
agreement, Northwest I's existence would terminate on December 31, 2020 unless
earlier terminated under the limited partnership agreement or as otherwise
provided by law.

THE BUYER - COLUMBUS PROPERTIES L.L.C.

    The proposed buyer is Columbus (formerly Whitcomb Family L.L.C.), a
privately-owned Washington limited liability company formed in 1995. Columbus
currently owns and operates four Super 8 Motels: Ferndale Super 8 Motel, in
Ferndale, Washington; Redmond Super 8 Motel, in Redmond, Oregon; Roseburg Super
8 Motel in Roseburg, Oregon; and Woodburn Super 8 Motel, in Woodburn, Oregon.
The principal executive office of Columbus is located at 7515 Terminal Street,
S.W., Tumwater, Washington 98501. Its telephone number is (360) 943-8000.

AFFILIATED PARTIES

    Whitcomb and/or Peninsula Development Services, Inc. ("PDS") (formerly The
Peninsula Group Incorporated), or Super 8 Motel Developers, a Washington general
partnership consisting of Whitcomb and Columbus are also the general partners of
five other limited partnerships engaged in the business of owning and operating
Super 8 Motels. PDS was formed in 1976 to develop the Super 8 Motel franchise
system in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Those five additional
limited partnerships are: Peninsula Motel Associates, a Washington limited
partnership ("Peninsula"); Super 8 Motels Northwest II, a Washington limited
partnership ("Northwest II"); Super 8 Motels of Lacey Associates, a Washington
limited partnership ("Lacey"); Anchorage Motel Associates, a Washington limited
partnership ("Anchorage"); and Juneau Motel Associates, a Washington limited
partnership ("Juneau"). Peninsula, which owns 13 Super 8 Motels, is 100% owned
by Whitcomb and PDS. Lacey (1 Super 8 Motel), Anchorage (1 Super 8 Motel), and
Juneau (1 Super 8 Motel) are privately-owned and have unaffiliated limited
partners. Northwest I (2 Super 8 Motels) and Northwest II (3 Super 8 Motels) are
public companies. Whitcomb is also a partner in Tongass Motel Associates, an
Alaska general partnership ("Tongass"), which owns 1 Super 8 Motel and Peninsula
Properties Partnership, a Washington general partnership ("Peninsula
Properties"), which owns 1 Super 8 Motel.

    Whitcomb has served as a general partner of Northwest I since inception. Mr.
Whitcomb, who leads the day-to-day operations of the various partnerships, has
20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, owning and operating motels
and serving as general partner of limited partnerships that own and operate
motels.

    Peninsula Management Northwest Inc., a Washington corporation ("Peninsula
Management"), was formed in 1979 to provide administrative and motel management
services for the 27 motels owned by the various partnerships and by the
Whitcombs. Prior to January 31, 1999 Peninsula Management was 100% owned by PDS
and on that date it was merged into PDS. 


                                       2


<PAGE>   8
The services that Peninsula Management (now part of PDS) provides include
business and marketing services, accounting and payroll, maintenance, and human
resources. Prior to its merger into PDS, Peninsula Management did not own any
real estate and did not own any interest in any of the limited partnerships,
including Northwest I.

    Peninsula Development Services, Inc., a Washington corporation ("Peninsula
Development"), was formed in 1976 as a general contractor and was licensed in
Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Peninsula Development was responsible for the
development, new construction, and some renovations of motels managed by
Peninsula Management. Prior to January 31, 1999 Peninsula Development was 100%
owned by PDS and on that date was merged into PDS.


                                  [FLOWCHART]



OFFERS BY COLUMBUS FOR MOTEL PROPERTIES OWNED BY NORTHWEST II, LACY, ANCHORAGE,
TONGASS AND PENINSULA PROPERTIES

    Contemporaneous with the proposed Merger, Columbus is making proposals to
the limited partners of Northwest II, Lacey and Anchorage and to the other
general partners of Peninsula Properties and Tongass for the acquisition of a
total of 7 additional Super 8 Motels. Other than the consideration per unit, the
terms of the proposals for the acquisition of the Super 8 Motels owned by these
partnerships are substantially the same.

DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING

    The Meeting will be held at the offices of Graham & James LLP/Riddell
Williams P.S., 1001 Fourth Avenue Plaza, Suite 4500, Seattle, Washington 98154
on March 23, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. Unitholders as of January 6, 1999 will


                                       3


<PAGE>   9
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING

    The Whitcombs, through Columbus, propose to purchase Units owned by
unaffiliated Unitholders in exchange for the Merger Consideration. To accomplish
this, Unitholders are being asked to approve the proposed Merger Agreement.

MERGER CONSIDERATION

    The Merger Consideration is $1,609 per Unit for each Unit exchanged in the
Merger. The Merger Consideration was determined solely by Whitcomb on behalf of
Columbus.

REQUIRED VOTE BY UNITHOLDERS; BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

    The limited partnership agreement of Northwest I does not specifically
address the vote required in the event of a merger. The Northwest I limited
partnership agreement does, however, require that transactions between Northwest
I and Whitcomb with respect to partnership property be approved by 66% of the
outstanding Units. Whitcomb therefore deems it advisable to require approval of
the Merger by 66% of outstanding Units at the Meeting. Each Unit counts as one
vote at the Meeting. Nonvotes and abstentions count as votes "AGAINST" the
Merger.

    As of January 6, 1999 there were approximately 950 Unitholders and 6,000
outstanding Units. As of December 31, 1998 no person or group of related persons
was known by Northwest I to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Units. Whitcomb owns 2% of Northwest I, comprised of 1% in Whitcomb's capacity
as general partner and 1% in Whitcomb's individual capacity as a limited
partner. The remaining Units of Northwest I are owned by unaffiliated
Unitholders. Whitcomb intends to vote his limited partner interest in Northwest
I "FOR" the Merger.

PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION; EXPENSES

    This solicitation is being made by Whitcomb. Employees of Northwest I and
Whitcomb may also solicit proxies. Solicitation may be made either in person, by
telephone, or by other electronic means. Solicitation may be made by paid
solicitors. Costs of solicitation, estimated to be less than $5,000, will be
borne by Columbus.

REVOCABILITY OF PROXY

    If you are an Unitholder as of January 6, 1999 and attend the Meeting,
you may change your vote in person even if you have previously mailed a proxy
card. You may also change your vote by sending us a later dated properly
executed proxy card.

EFFECT OF THE MERGER

    If 66% of the outstanding Units are voted to approve the Merger, and all
required conditions are satisfied or waived, the Merger will be consummated and
Northwest I will be merged into Columbus. Unitholders will receive the Merger
Consideration in exchange for their Units, which Units will then be cancelled.
Unaffiliated Unitholders will no longer have any interest in Northwest I.
Northwest I will cease to be a public company. Northwest I will not file reports
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be subject to other
provisions such as the short swing profits provisions of Section 16, the proxy
rules, and Rule 13e-3, the SEC rule applicable to going private transactions.
The benefits of the Merger to Unitholders are (1) that you will have an
immediate exit strategy, whereas previously there has been no public market for
your Units, and (2) that you will be paid a price for your Units in cash. The
detriment of the transaction to


                                       4
<PAGE>   10
Unitholders is that you will forego the opportunity to continue to participate
as an investor in Northwest I, including the right to quarterly distributions
and potential appreciation of its assets over time.

MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

    This is a taxable transaction. The receipt of cash in exchange for Units
pursuant to the Merger will be a taxable transaction for federal income tax
purposes and may also be a taxable transaction under applicable state, local and
foreign tax laws. Accordingly, you will recognize a gain or loss on the
conversion of Units in the Merger to cash to the extent of the difference
between the amount realized and your adjusted basis in the Units sold. See
"Material Federal Income Tax Consequences" beginning on page 30 of this proxy
statement.

EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER

    The Merger will become effective following the Meeting if all required
conditions have been satisfied or waived, upon filing the required documents
with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington. It is anticipated that
the required documents will be filed at the earliest on the first business day
following the Meeting and at the latest on the last business day of the month in
which the Meeting occurs.

PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION; LOAN COMMITMENT

    As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Merger, Columbus will
mail a letter of transmittal, along with any required forms, to you requesting
that you send in such completed forms. Upon receipt of the required forms,
Columbus will send you the Merger Consideration, without interest. The entire
process should take less than 30 days.

    Columbus has obtained a commitment letter from U.S. Bank, subject to
customary conditions, to lend Columbus sufficient funds to consummate the Merger
and to pay the Merger Consideration to unaffiliated Unitholders.

OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR

    Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated ("Ragen MacKenzie"), has been retained by
Northwest I to act as its financial advisor. Ragen MacKenzie has delivered its
opinion to the effect that the Merger Consideration is fair to unaffiliated
Unitholders from a financial point of view.

INDEPENDENT APPRAISAL OF MOTEL PROPERTIES

    The appraisal firm of McKee & Schalka ("McKee"), Independent Real Estate
Appraisers & Consultants, Seattle, Washington, have appraised the Northwest I
motel properties and have issued their report dated January 1, 1999.

DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL

    You have statutory dissenters' rights of appraisal with respect to your
Units. You may demand an appraisal of the fair value of your Units and payment
in cash according to the procedures as described in Article 14, Chapter 25.10 of
the Revised Code of Washington in lieu of accepting the Merger Consideration.
"Fair value" may be greater than, less than, or the same as the Merger
Consideration. If you desire to preserve your dissenter's rights, you must
either not vote, or if 


                                       5


<PAGE>   11
you execute a proxy you must vote "AGAINST" approval of the Merger or "ABSTAIN"
from voting. Voting "FOR" or delivering an unmarked proxy will, unless revoked
prior to the vote on approval of the Merger, constitute a waiver of your 
statutory dissenter's rights. See Annex III to this proxy statement which 
contains the full text of Article 14.

MARKET INFORMATION 

    Northwest I went public in 1980 through a $6 million, best efforts,
offering that closed after full subscription in 1982. Northwest I files annual
and  quarterly reports with the SEC. Northwest I did not apply to have the
Units quoted on Nasdaq or on an exchange as it was never intended that an
active trading market for the Units would develop. Accordingly, there has never
been an active trading market in the Units and there have been no significant
transactions between private parties that would establish an accurate market
price for the Units. Over the past 18 months, Whitcomb has repurchased 58
units from 9 investors on a voluntary basis, at prices ranging between $1,100
and $1,369 per Unit. 

    The limited partnership agreement of Northwest I provides for an agreed-upon
rate of return of 10% per year which has been paid to the limited partners
including distributions of cash in the amount of $600,000 ($100.00 per Unit) per
year in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement
Northwest I made an additional distribution to Unitholders of $225,000 ($37.50
per Unit) for 1998 on January 31, 1999, with the aggregate distributions to
Unitholders relating to 1998 being $900,000 ($150.00 per Unit). Since inception
of Northwest I, Unitholders have received, in the aggregate, distributions
totaling $375,121 ($62.52 per Unit) more than the required 10% per year return. 


                                       6


<PAGE>   12
                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    Northwest I files reports with the SEC on a regular basis. You may read or
copy any document that Northwest I files with the SEC at the SEC's Public
Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain
information about the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC for further
information at 1-800-SEC-0330. Northwest I's SEC filings are also available from
the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.

    Whitcomb and Columbus are affiliates of Northwest I. Accordingly, they have
jointly filed with the SEC a Schedule 13E-3. This proxy statement does not
contain all of the information contained in the Schedule 13E-3, some of which is
omitted as permitted by SEC rules. Statements made in this proxy statement,
while complete in all material respects, are qualified by reference to documents
filed as exhibits to the Schedule 13E-3. The Schedule 13E-3, including exhibits,
is available for inspection and copying at the SEC as described above.

    Columbus is not a public company and is not required to file reports of any
type with the SEC.


                                       7


<PAGE>   13
                                 SPECIAL FACTORS

    Unitholders are urged to consider a number of special factors that apply to
the Merger in addition to other information in this proxy statement.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS

     Whitcomb faced substantial conflicts of interest in proposing, negotiating
and structuring the Merger. On the one hand, as the general partner of Northwest
I, he owes unaffiliated Unitholders certain fiduciary duties. On the other hand,
Columbus, as the prospective acquiror of Northwest I, which is owned by
Whitcomb, has an interest in not paying more than is fair for the Units acquired
in the Merger. Whitcomb selected Ragen MacKenzie. Although McKee was
commissioned by U.S. Bank, McKee has performed appraisal services for Whitcomb
in the past. Unitholders were not independently represented in the negotiation
of the Merger Agreement. While these conflicts cannot be eliminated, to deal
with and mitigate the conflicts of interest, a number of procedural safeguards
were implemented:

    o   Ragen MacKenzie was retained to act as financial advisor to Northwest I
        and has rendered its opinion as to the fairness to the Unitholders, from
        a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration.

    o   An independent appraisal by McKee of the two Super 8 Motels owned by
        Northwest I was commissioned by U.S Bank in November 1998. The McKee
        appraisal of these two motels is part of a larger appraisal of 26 Super
        8 Motels, and will be relied upon by U.S. Bank to determine its loan to
        value ratio in connection with Columbus' acquisition of the limited
        partnerships.

    o   The law firm of Foster Pepper & Shefelman ("Foster Pepper"), 1111 Third
        Avenue, Suite 3400, Seattle, Washington, 98101, (206) 447-4400, was
        retained by Northwest I to act as independent counsel with respect to
        the Merger and to advise Unitholders concerning the terms of the Merger
        Agreement. Mr. David R. Wilson, a partner in Foster Pepper will be
        available at the Meeting to answer questions by Unitholders and will
        also be available on March 2, 1999, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. to meet
        with or to take phone calls from Unitholders having questions about the
        Merger. Foster Pepper has not been retained to render any opinion or to
        otherwise pass upon the fairness of the transactions contemplated by the
        Merger Agreement.

    o   Unitholders have statutory dissenters' rights of appraisal under
        Washington law.

    o   Northwest I, Whitcomb and Columbus deem it advisable to require that the
        Merger be approved by 66% of the Unitholders.

    The procedural safeguards described above are listed in descending order of
importance, i.e., the first safeguard listed was given the most weight in the
determination that the proposed transaction is procedurally fair, although, as a
practical matter, this process is an approximation of the weight given to each
safeguard because each safeguard is relevant. While the conflicts of interest
cannot be eliminated, Northwest I, Whitcomb and Columbus believe that the steps
taken and to be taken constitute sufficient procedural safeguards for
Unitholders' interests and that the proposed transaction is procedurally fair.


                                       8


<PAGE>   14
FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION

    Columbus and Whitcomb believe that the proposed Merger and the Merger
Consideration to be paid are substantively fair to unaffiliated Unitholders. The
material factors considered are generally listed below in descending order of
importance, i.e., the first factor listed was given the most weight in the
determination that the proposed transaction is substantively fair. As a
practical matter, however, this process is an approximation of the weight given
to each factor because each factor is relevant, some factors are of nearly equal
importance, and it is impossible to weigh each factor precisely:

    o   Northwest I has received a fairness opinion from Ragen MacKenzie that
        the Merger Consideration is fair to the unaffiliated Unitholders from a
        financial point of view. Whitcomb considered the Ragen MacKenzie opinion
        important for its independent analysis of the Merger Consideration.

    o   The Merger Consideration offered to Unitholders is higher than the
        $1,547 per Unit which Whitcomb estimates could be obtained, after costs
        of sale and payment of Northwest I's liabilities, if Northwest I were to
        individually sell the Sea-Tac and Federal Way motels to unaffiliated
        third parties at the McKee appraised values. Whitcomb considered this
        important because it illustrates that the Merger Consideration is higher
        than might be obtained through other transactions.

    o   There is no established trading market for Northwest I Units, except as
        created through sale or merger of Northwest I, which Whitcomb has been
        unsuccessful in arranging to date. The average life of a limited
        partnership investment is 10-12 years. Unitholders that have held their
        Units since the beginning, have held their Units for almost 18 years,
        with most Unitholders having held their Units for 15+ years. Whitcomb
        believes that the circumstances of many Unitholders have changed over
        the life of Northwest I and believes that Unitholders want an
        opportunity to liquidate their investments. Heretofore, since there is
        no trading market, to dispose of their Units, Unitholders have had to
        arrange private sales. The lack of current and historical market prices
        for the Units was considered important because, in considering the
        alternatives to the Merger, it emphasizes that there are limited
        opportunities available to create an exit strategy for Unitholders. 

    o   Through December 31, 1998, Unitholders have received in excess of $10.3
        million ($1,716.67 per Unit) in the form of quarterly distributions. In
        addition, Unitholders received an additional distribution from Northwest
        I in the aggregate amount of $225,000 ($37.50 per Unit) on January 31,
        1999. Upon the sale of their Units as described herein, investors will
        receive Merger Consideration of $1,609 per Unit. Whitcomb considered
        this important because the Merger Consideration is greater than the
        September 30, 1998 $489 net book value per Unit and the $1,000 per Unit
        initially paid by Unitholders in the 1980 initial public offering.

    o   Whitcomb considered going concern value, as that term is commonly
        understood to relate to income producing property, to be important in
        concluding that the transaction was fair to unaffiliated Unitholders. In
        his efforts in 1998 to sell all of the motel properties owned by the
        various partnerships, including those owned by Northwest I, to an
        unaffiliated third party, Whitcomb did not secure any offers which he
        deemed sufficient. As described in "Background of the Transaction,"
        beginning on page 18 of this proxy statement, the best proposal received
        by Exvere, Inc. ("Exvere") on Whitcomb's behalf for all of the Super 8
        Motels was an aggregate cash amount of $80,000,000 ($84,000,000
        including additional contingent purchase price based upon five year
        future performance), which, if allocated on the basis of the Exvere
        assigned values for the Northwest I motels set forth in the Exvere
        valuation report described beginning on page 12 of this proxy statement,
        would have resulted in a per Unit value, after costs of sale and payment
        of Northwest I's liabilities, of $1,148 ($1,210 if the contingent
        purchase price was earned) for the Northwest I Unitholders. Based upon
        this method of allocating the best proposal received by Exvere, the
        Merger Consideration offered by Whitcomb is greater than the amount that
        might have been received from this proposal. However, Whitcomb believes
        that a purchaser of all of the motel properties may have adjusted the
        Exvere assigned values when negotiating the allocation of the purchase
        price, as a result of various factors affecting individual properties. 


                                       9


<PAGE>   15
        Whitcomb believes that the McKee appraisals, which recognize the value
        of the motel properties on an ongoing basis as income producing
        property, represent a more current assessment of the values of the
        respective motel properties.

    o   Whitcomb does not believe that liquidation value, as that term is
        commonly understood, is relevant to the sale of a limited partnership
        owning and operating motel property. Consequently, liquidation value did
        not pay a role in determining that the Merger was fair to unaffiliated
        Unitholders.


    o   The $1,609 per Unit Merger Consideration is greater than the prices paid
        by Whitcomb over the last 18 months to Unitholders seeking to liquidate 
        their investment.

    o   The Merger Consideration will be paid in cash.


    o   Whitcomb believes that liquidation of the interests of Unitholders, 
        rather than continued public ownership, is consistent with the 
        investment objectives of Northwest I.

    o   Unitholders have statutory dissenters' rights of appraisal under
        Washington law.

    o   Although the motels are in good condition, they are now more than 16
        years old and will soon require additional refurbishing. Whitcomb
        believes that the funds for such expenditures would not be available
        from Northwest I's cash flow without reducing future distributions to
        limited partners.

    o   Northwest I's intention has always been to sell the properties when
        market conditions warranted sale. It was never an investment objective
        of Northwest I to hold the properties permanently.

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, Unitholders should note that Whitcomb may
benefit from the Merger. This is most likely to occur if the value of the
properties increases beyond the appraised value or by improving cash flow from
the properties. Therefore, it is possible that Unitholders would receive a
greater return on their investment if Northwest I continued to own and operate
the properties and sold them at a later date, instead of consummating a sale
under the Merger proposal. It is also possible that Unitholders would fare worse
if they kept their Units and the value of the properties declined.

    There were no factors that led Whitcomb or Columbus to believe that the
Merger was unfair to unaffiliated Unitholders. Factors that militate against
the proposed Merger, however, are Whitcomb's decision not to initiate another
marketing process, the lack of an independent committee to review the Merger
Consideration offered by Columbus, and the possibility that the continued
ownership of the Units could be more economically beneficial than a sale if the
value of the properties were to rise or cash flow from the properties were to
increase.

    Whitcomb believes that the Merger, even though it is an affiliated
transaction that was not initiated by the Unitholders, is consistent with
Unitholders' desire for a broad-based exist strategy. Therefore, Whitcomb and
Columbus believe that the factors listed above in favor of the transaction
outweigh negative considerations. Due to the conflicts of interest described 
above, neither Whitcomb nor Maryanne Whitcomb is making any recommendation to 
vote ""FOR," ""AGAINST", or ""ABSTAIN" from voting in the Merger.



                                       10

<PAGE>   16
AN INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE DID NOT REVIEW THE MERGER PROPOSAL

    Northwest I does not have its own governing body, similar to a board of
directors, that manages its day-to-day business and operations. The business and
operations of Northwest I have been managed by Peninsula Management, which is
now part of PDS, which is wholly-owned by Whitcomb who also owns Columbus, the
proposed buyer. Although there are approximately 1,050 investors of record,
Northwest I does not have any single Unitholder or groups of related Unitholders
that own significant amounts of Units from which to readily identify a suitable
independent committee. Therefore, an independent committee was not reasonably
available and, considering the size of the transaction, the prior offers, the
valuation by Exvere, the appraisals by McKee, the fairness opinion by Ragen
MacKenzie and the other procedural safeguards described above, an independent
committee was not considered warranted in this case.

SOURCE AND AMOUNTS OF MERGER CONSIDERATION AND EXPENSES

    The total amount necessary to pay the Unitholders the Merger Consideration
is approximately $9.6 million. As described above, Columbus is also making
similar proposals to acquire for cash the partnership interests in Anchorage,
Northwest II, Lacey, Peninsula Properties and Tongass, subject to any required
approvals under state law. Columbus expects to fund the Merger, and the other
proposed acquisitions, through secured bank loans from U.S. Bank. 

    On behalf of Columbus, Whitcomb has entered into a loan commitment letter
with U.S. Bank, subject to customary terms and conditions. The loan commitment
letter provides for a fixed rate and variable rate option, of which Whitcomb has
selected the fixed rate option. Pursuant to the loan commitment letter, U.S.
Bank agrees to lend up to 75% of the appraisal value of property that is owned
and up to 60% to 75% of property that is leased. Each loan is to be secured.
Under the fixed rate option interest would be at the Treasury Rate plus 3%, but
not less than 7.5%. Under the variable rate option interest would be at the
Prime Rate plus .25%. Whitcomb entered into a separate rate lock agreement with
U.S. Bank, which will provide the necessary financing at approximately 7.5%
interest, provided the transaction closes by April 2, 1999. The loan transaction
covers 26 motels, 23 as part of a loan package, with separate loans for Lacey,
Bremerton and Yakima. The 23 motels in the large loan package include eleven in
Oregon, three in Alaska and nine in Washington, owned by Peninsula (13),
Columbus (4), Anchorage (1), Tongass (1), Northwest I (2), Northwest II (1), and
Peninsula Properties (1). The loans with U.S. Bank will be based on real estate
appraisals recently made by McKee. Columbus will pay the costs and expenses
incident to the loans. The total amount of costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the Merger and the other mergers with the other partnerships and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including costs and expenses incident to
the U.S. Bank loans, is estimated to be an aggregate of approximately $1.9
million. The U.S. Bank commitment is not conditioned on completing all of the
acquisitions contemplated by Columbus, but is expected to be available to
finance any acquisitions that are made.

    The loans are expected to be repaid out of cash flows from the properties,
unless a sale or sales of the properties or businesses is consummated. There are
no specific plans or arrangements in this regard, however.

PLANS OR PROPOSALS BY ISSUER OR AFFILIATES FOLLOWING MERGER

    As general partner, Whitcomb unsuccessfully attempted in early 1998 to
arrange the sale of Northwest I's Super 8 Motels, along with those owned by the
other partnership, in an arm's length transaction with an unaffiliated buyer.
The primary purpose of the Merger is for Whitcomb to provide an exit strategy
for Unitholders by acquiring the outstanding Units of Northwest I. Neither
Columbus nor Whitcomb have any specific plans for the sale or disposition of the
assets or any material change in the business of Northwest I following the
Merger. Columbus will, however, continue to evaluate any proposals and may sell
or dispose of assets if attractive terms are offered. There are presently no
arrangements or proposals to do so, however.

EFFECTS OF TRANSACTION

    Following the Merger, Northwest I will cease to be a public company. 
Northwest I will not file reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
and will not be subject to other provisions such as the short-swing profits
provisions of Section 16 and the proxy rules. Unitholders will forego the 
opportunity to continue to participate as investors in Northwest I, including
the right to quarterly distributions and potential appreciation of its assets
over time.


    Unitholders will recognize a gain or loss on the conversion of Units into
cash in the Merger to the extent of the difference between the amount realized
and the adjusted basis in the Units sold. See "Material Federal Income Tax
Consequences" beginning on page 30 of this proxy statement.

OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR

    Ragen MacKenzie was retained by Northwest I to act as its financial advisor
for Unitholders in connection with the Merger. Ragen MacKenzie delivered its
opinion to Northwest I dated December 


                                       11
<PAGE>   17

31, 1998, to the effect that, as of that date and based on the procedures
followed, factors considered and assumptions made by Ragen MacKenzie as set
forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be paid to unaffiliated Unitholders
pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view. See
"Opinion of Financial Advisor" beginning on page 21 of this proxy statement. The
full text of the Ragen MacKenzie opinion is attached as Annex II to this proxy
statement. Read the opinion carefully.

INTEREST OF AFFILIATES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON; PAST CONTRACTS AND
AGREEMENTS

    Beneficial Ownership

    Whitcomb owns 2% of the partnership interests in Northwest I, 1% in
Whitcomb's capacity as general partner and 1% in Whitcomb's individual capacity
as a limited partner.

    General Partner Fee to Whitcomb

    Under the limited partnership agreement, Northwest I agrees to pay fees for
Whitcomb's management services. In accordance with the agreement, the obligation
to provide management and to recoup management fees was assigned by Whitcomb to
Peninsula Management. Peninsula Management (now part of PDS) receives a fee
equal to 5% of the partnership's gross revenues from motel operations in
addition to reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket cost incurred by Peninsula
Management in connection with management of the property. Payment of fees to
Peninsula Management is subordinated to receipt by investors of a cumulative,
pre-tax return on their adjusted capital investment of 10% per annum. Effective
July 1, 1992, Northwest I began paying monthly the current management fees.
Unpaid management fees relating to 1990 and prior years, totaling $605,348, were
paid in 1997. In fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, and the
nine-months ended September 30, 1998, the management fees paid to Peninsula
Management were $115,938, $148,864, $149,011 and $123,274, respectively.
Peninsula Management also receives reimbursement for direct operating expenses
of motels under a pooling arrangement, whereby each motel is billed directly for
its pro rata share of operating expenses.

    License Fee Rebate

    PDS has a license agreement with Super 8 Motels, Inc. under which it
acquired the exclusive territorial rights to develop Super 8 Motels and
franchises in the states of Washington, Oregon, and in four cities in Alaska
through November 2006. Super 8 Motels developed within this three state area
enter into franchise agreements directly with Super 8 Motels, Inc. As owner of
this exclusive territorial license, PDS receives a franchise fee rebate from
Super 8 Motels, Inc. on each motel. The franchise fee rebates paid on the
Sea-Tac and Federal Way motels owned by Northwest I are equal to 1% of room
revenues. In fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, and the
nine-months ended September 30, 1998, franchise fee rebates paid to PDS with
respect to these two motels were $22,224, $28,548, $28,292 and $23,768,
respectively.

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF NORTHWEST I FOLLOWING MERGER

     It is anticipated that an independent property management company will be
engaged to manage Northwest I and the other motel properties.

BUSINESS VALUATION OF NORTHWEST I BY EXVERE

    The following is a summary of the material methodologies, conclusions, and
assumptions used by Exvere in its business valuation report on Northwest I dated
February 27, 1998. The information and 


                                       12


<PAGE>   18
conclusions in the report were as of June 30, 1997. The Exvere valuation report
was obtained for the purpose of deciding whether or not to attempt to market the
motel properties. As indicated above, the marketing effort to sell the motel
properties to an unaffiliated third party did not result in any offers that
Whitcomb considered sufficient. Although the Exvere business valuation was
provided to Whitcomb in connection with the marketing effort, it was not used by
Columbus as the basis for determining the Merger Consideration and Northwest I
has not used such report in determining whether or not the Merger Consideration
is fair to Unitholders. Nevertheless, because the Exvere valuation report was
received by Whitcomb, under applicable SEC rules the valuation report must be
disclosed and described herein.

    The appraisal was based on information obtained by Exvere during
conversations with key individuals, copies of financial statements, and
estimates of costs furnished by Northwest I. The appraisal also included
consideration of other information, such as that related to transactions in the
private and public markets.

    Exvere's approach was to arrive at Total Invested Capital (TIC), and then
arrive at a "net equity value" by backing out of TIC cash and cash equivalents,
current liabilities and certain interest bearing indebtedness and preferred
stock. Under this approach, TIC is the sum of the market equity of the company
(determined through one of the methods described below) and the fair market
value of interest-bearing debt both short-term and long-term. If TIC is being
valued, it assumes that seller receives TIC value for the company and takes the
company's cash and cash equivalents, but is obligated to pay off all
interest-bearing debt and preferred stock, and buyer assumes the adjusted net
operating working capital position. Net operating working capital is defined as
"all current assets except cash, less all current liabilities except
interest-bearing debt."

     Exvere initially considered eight valuation methods for Northwest I, which
ranged in value from $6.7 million to $12.0 million. Those eight approaches were:
Capitalization of Earnings Approach, Discounted Future EBIT Approach, Discounted
Future Cash Flow Approach, Discounted Future Debt-Free Cash Flow
Approach, Publicly Traded Comparatives Approach, Market Data Approach,
Capitalization of Dividend-Paying Capacity, and Asset Accumulation Approach.
Exvere considered the four most appropriate methods to be: (i) Comparative
Publicly Traded Comparatives Approach; (ii) Market Data Approach; (iii)
Capitalization of Earnings Approach; and (iv) Asset Accumulation Approach. The
four approaches selected ranged in value from $7.25 million to $12.04 million
as described below. Exvere believed these four to be the most appropriate
because they gave Exvere the greatest confidence in qualifications and
appropriateness for use, as well as methodology and resulting value, as 
described below.

    Publicly Traded Comparatives Approach

    Under the Publicly Traded Comparatives Approach a relationship was drawn
between a publicly traded company's stock price in the market place as it
relates to its revenue, earnings, cash flow and/or book value, and then the
compared figures of the comparable companies were applied against the figures of
Northwest I to arrive at a proportional estimation of value based upon the
comparable companies. Using the Publicly Traded Comparatives Approach, the
calculation of value on a debt-free basis resulted in a total pre-adjusted TIC
of $11,702,000. After deducting interest-bearing debt at market of $1,319,000
and normalized non-current liabilities of $442,000, this approach resulted in a
pre-adjusted net equity value of $9,941,000. Similar calculations using weighted
averages, a regression trend analysis, and a forecast yielded values of $9.6
million, $8.5 million, and $9.1 million, respectively.

    Market Data Approach

    Exvere compiled a list of 46 businesses with statistics similar to Northwest
I. Equal weight was applied to the median, historic and expected revenue, and
the normalized EBIT multiples, as the weighting is fairly consistent with the
Publicly Traded Comparatives Approach described above. Additionally, the
multiples were chosen to conform with that derived from a regression analysis of
earnings and multiples derived from two alternate, private transaction sources.
Multiples 


                                       13


<PAGE>   19
of book were excluded, to deal with the uncertainty of how many of the private
transactions included the land component. Under the Market Data Approach, the
calculation of pre-adjusted net equity value was determined by Exvere to be
$11,100,000.

    Capitalization of Earnings Approach

    The Capitalization of Earnings approach assumes that an equally desirable
substitute for the business being valued would be one that had similar
investment characteristics but not necessarily one that was similar from a
physical or operational standpoint.

    Exvere followed the following sequence of steps: first, to determine the
appropriate earnings base capitalized, and then the amount of return
attributable to the business or property to be appraised; second, identify other
types of investments that are similar with regard to investment criteria,
including liquidity, expectation of growth or shrinkage of principal amount,
burden of management, and risk; and third, use the rate of return actually
provided by comparable investments to capitalize the amount of return from the
business to be appraised, thus arriving at an estimate of the value of the
business. Under the Capitalization of Earning Approach, and assuming a
capitalization rate of 16.5%, Exvere arrived at a pre-adjusted net equity value
of $6,128,000. This conclusion assumes that a reasonable long-term compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) for Northwest I over the next 20 years is 5.7%.

    Asset Accumulation Approach

    The Asset Accumulation Approach was used to arrive at an estimate of the
total value by estimating the cost of duplicating (replacing) the individual
elements of the business or other property being appraised, item by item, asset
by asset. In the case of Northwest I, however, premiums were derived from market
data provided by industry sources, which made an estimate of goodwill possible.
The average premium for the economy and budget class motels was determined to be
23.5%. Considering replacement cost of an initial investment in a 60-room new
construction facility, Exvere arrived at a net equity value under the Asset
Accumulation Approach of $10,720,000.

    Reconciliation and Conclusions of Exvere

    The final step in the valuation process was to reconcile the various
valuation techniques and coming to conclusions on the fair market value of
Northwest I. Here, Exvere gave 25% weight to each of the Publicly
Traded Comparatives Approach, Market Data Approach, Capitalization of Earnings
Approach, and the Asset Accumulation Approach. Based upon Exvere's analysis, it
was determined that a gross fair market value of a 100% interest in Northwest I
was $10.5 million. After elimination of cash and debt the net equity was $9.22
million.

    Qualifications of Appraiser and Availability of Report

    Exvere is a financial advisory firm that was founded in 1992 to advise
Northwest businesses on capital transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and
in areas of corporate finance. Exvere was selected to provide an independent
valuation in connection with a possible sale of the business to an unaffiliated
third party on the strength of its reputation in the Northwest in the field of
valuation analysis. During the past two years, Exvere and Northwest I have not
had any material relationship.

     A copy of the Exvere business valuation has been filed with the SEC as an
exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3. A copy of the Exvere valuation is available for
inspection and copying at the principal executive offices of Northwest I during
regular business hours by any interested Unitholder or his designated 


                                       14


<PAGE>   20
representative. A copy of the Exvere business valuation will be sent to you, at
cost, upon your written request for us to do so.

APPRAISAL OF SEA-TAC AND FEDERAL WAY PROPERTIES BY MCKEE & SCHALKA

    In connection with extending credit for the acquisition of Northwest I and
the other motel properties, U.S. Bank commissioned an independent appraisal of
26 of the Whitcomb/PGI-managed motel properties, including the SeaTac and
Federal Way motel properties owned by Northwest I. U.S. Bank selected McKee &
Schalka ("McKee"), Independent Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants, Seattle,
Washington, to appraise the 23 properties located in Washington and Oregon. This
appraisal firm was selected based upon their expertise in the field of
commercial real estate appraisals, with specific experience in the appraisal of
lodging properties.

    The following is a summary of the material methodologies, conclusions,
and assumptions used by McKee in its appraisal reports to the U.S. Bank. No
limitations were placed on the McKee appraisals. The appraisals use both the
Sale Comparison Approach and Income Approach to value. The Cost Approach was
not employed in the valuation process since it would not have significant
bearing on the reconciled market value of the properties. For existing
established motel properties of the size and age of the SeaTac and Federal Way
motel properties, purchasers are primarily interested in the income
characteristics and market price for similar properties. For the Sale
Comparison Approach, McKee reviewed a wide variety of hotel transactions in
Washington and Oregon, and used at least four sale comparisons in each report
for direct comparison to the motel properties. The McKee appraisals considered
the Income Approach compelling based on a detailed income and expense history
for each property over the past several years, as well as a recent local and
regional market analysis. The Income Approach also considered income and
expense comparisons, and market rent comparisons in the estimate of net
operating income. Emphasis was also placed on the Income Approach because of
the reliability of the data and the fact that hotel properties are income
properties.

    In the course of conducting their appraisal, McKee conducted a physical
inspection of the motel properties. McKee also evaluated the local neighborhood
and surrounding areas; surveyed the competitive lodging facilities within the
markets; and reviewed historical data and income and expenses for other similar
properties. McKee spoke with the owner of the properties, managers and other
property managers, owners and government officials within this market. McKee
researched and evaluated the sales of other lodging facilities, both locally
and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

    In comparison to the Exvere business valuation which focused on the business
of Northwest I as a whole without addressing the individual underlying
properties of the Sea-Tac and Federal Way motel properties, the McKee appraisal
focused solely upon the individual properties of the Sea-Tac and Federal Way
motels.

    Sale Comparison Approach

    The Sale Comparison Approach uses analysis and sales of comparable improved
properties to derive units of comparison that are then used to indicate a value
for the subject property. McKee 


                                       15


<PAGE>   21
conducted a broad search for sales of comparable improved properties,
including most major markets in Washington State. The selection of comparisons
included considerable emphasis and understanding of the sales of properties
McKee previously appraised. The primary units of comparison used in this
analysis were price per room, price per square foot and gross income multiplier
(GIM).  In  addition McKee analyzed the capitalization rates for comparable
transactions, which were also used in the subsequent Income Approach Analysis. 

    The most comparable transactions (based on size and similar financial
characteristics) involving Washington State motel/hotel properties considered
comparable by McKee were then analyzed and adjusted relative to the subject
properties. The Sea-Tac sales indicated a range of values on a price per room
from approximately $51,000/room to $70,000/room, price /sf from $101/sf to
$200/sf, and GIM indications from 3.6 to 4.2. The Federal Way sales indicated a
range of values on a price per room from approximately $38,000/room to
$56,000/room price /sf from $99/sf to $146/sf, and GIM indications from 3.6 to
4.2. The majority of these transactions occurred in 1997 or 1998, and typically
represented transactions of limited service motels, or full service motels where
applicable within a specific market. The appraisal conclusions are consistent
with the ranges indicated by these companies. 

    Income Approach

    The purpose of the Income Approach is to value an income property by
analyzing likely future income and expenses to the property. In this case, McKee
employed a Direct Capitalization Analysis by dividing an annual forecast Year 1
net operating income (NOI) by an appropriate capitalization rate, which McKee
believed to be 11.5% for the SeaTac property and 10.25% for the Federal Way
property. McKee relied on a variety of sources as the basis of the forecast of
NOI, including an analysis of each of SeaTac and Federal Way historical income
and expenses. McKee also used expense comparisons for estimating individual
expense items. Based upon an average room rate of $65 and 66% occupancy, the
Income Approach value of the Sea-Tac motel property is $7,600,000. Based upon an
average room rate of $49 and 63% occupancy, the fee simple Income Approach value
of the Federal Way motel property is $3,870,000.

    Reconciliation and Conclusions of McKee

    The final step in the McKee appraisal process was to reconcile the Sale 
Comparison Approach and the Income Approach values to arrive at a final value
conclusion. The primary consideration to reconcile the two approaches are the
reliability of the data used and the applicability of each method for valuing a
particular property. Here, after reconciling the various factors, McKee arrived
at a final appraised value for the Sea-Tac property of $8,300,000, and the
Federal Way property of $4,000,000.

    The value estimates are commensurate with a reasonable marketing and
exposure time of one year. The market values include furnishings, fixtures, and
equipment (F,F,&E), including both permanently affixed real estate, and
personal property. The contributory value of F,F,&E for the SeaTac property is
estimated to be $260,000, which includes personal property of $180,000. The
contributory value of F,F,&E for the Federal Way property is estimated to be
$300,000, which includes personal property of $210,000.

    Qualifications of Appraiser and Availability of Report

    McKee is a real estate appraisal and consulting firm specializing in
providing valuations for commercial real estate. This appraisal firm has a very
strong reputation in the appraisal of complex commercial real estate including
lodging facilities. McKee was selected by U.S. Bank to provide an independent
appraisal of all of the Whitcomb/PGI managed motels in Washington and Oregon in
connection with extending financing for the acquisitions. The McKee & Schalka
Appraisal firm has prepared a number of appraisals of Super 8 properties over
the last eight years. Almost all of these appraisals were conducted at the
request of various lending institutions. The total amount of this appraisal
work was a nominal percentage of the firm's work during this period and no
employee at the appraisal firm has any financial interest in any of these
properties. 

    The McKee appraisals were prepared for U.S. Bank, not for Whitcomb, Columbus
or the Unitholders. U.S. Bank provided copies of the McKee appraisals to
Whitcomb. Each report states that it is intended solely for review and use by
U.S. Bank and may not be transferred to any other party without the specific
written permission of McKee. Unitholders are advised that any attempt to limit
reliance on the appraisals may or may not be valid under applicable state law or
under the federal securities laws. The availability of any such limitation is a
question of law and fact to be decided by a court of competent jurisdiction. The
resolution of issues of this nature will have no effect on the rights and
responsibilities of any other party under state law or federal securities laws.


                                       16


<PAGE>   22
    A copy of each of the McKee appraisals has been filed with the SEC as an
exhibit to the Schedule 13E-3. Copies of the McKee real estate appraisals for
the SeaTac and Federal Way motel properties are also available for inspection
and copying at the principal executive offices of Northwest I during regular
business hours by any interested Unitholder or his designated representative.
Copies of the McKee appraisals will be sent to you, at cost, upon your written
request for us to do so.




                                       17


<PAGE>   23
                          BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSACTION

REASONS FOR THE MERGER

    Northwest I was formed in 1980 and was capitalized through a $6 million best
efforts, minimum/maximum offering with the assistance of selected broker-dealers
in the Northwest. The offering commenced in 1980 and was successfully completed
after full subscription in 1982. Since October 1982, Northwest I has made
distributions to Unitholders which, in the aggregate, exceed the 10% return per
year required by the partnership agreement. Northwest I did not apply to have
its units quoted on Nasdaq, as it was never intended that an active trading
market would develop. At the same time, Northwest I bears the significant
expenses of annually filing required documents and financial statements with the
SEC.

    Whitcomb believes that the typical life of a limited partnership investment
in motels is 10-12 years. Most of Northwest I's Unitholders have held their
Units for more than 15 years. While Northwest I has met its objective of paying
investors a 10% annual return on their investment, other investment
opportunities may offer a rate of return that is as good or better than that
offered by Northwest I. Since the Units are not quoted on Nasdaq or listed on an
exchange, Unitholders are unable to sell their Units except under limited
circumstances. Accordingly, in response to unsolicited inquiries from
Unitholders seeking to liquidate their investment, Whitcomb has occasionally
purchased Units from Unitholders on a voluntary basis and, recently, Whitcomb
has been encouraged by some limited partners to create an exit strategy for all
Unitholders. While Whitcomb believes that the Merger proposal responds to
Unitholders' desire for liquidity, the Merger proposal was not initiated by
Unitholders. The primary purpose of the Merger proposal is to provide all
Unitholders with an opportunity to liquidate their investment in Northwest I at
a price that is fair to unaffiliated Unitholders, yet still attractive to
Columbus and Whitcomb.

BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER; ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED; ATTEMPTED SALE OF MOTEL
PROPERTIES TO UNAFFILIATED THIRD PARTY

    To facilitate an exit strategy for all Unitholders, Whitcomb first
considered a sale of all the limited and general partnerships' properties to an
unaffiliated third-party in an arm's length transaction.

    To that end, there being no public market to value the units, Whitcomb
arranged for the valuation of all of the Whitcomb/PDS-managed partnerships,
including Northwest I, by Exvere in late 1997, which was completed in early
1998. Exvere concluded that, as of June 30, 1997, a reasonable range of value
for all 27 motels and the other assets described below was between approximately
$72 million and approximately $127 million. Exvere also concluded that the
Northwest I properties had a value within a range of $6.6 million to $12.1
million with a selected gross value of $10.5 million. For a description of the
factors considered by Exvere in making its valuation, see "Business Valuation of
Northwest I by Exvere" beginning on page 12 of this proxy statement.

    Based upon the Exvere valuations, Whitcomb authorized Exvere to begin
marketing the portfolio of motels for sale. The assets offered for sale included
the 27 Super 8 Motels, as well as the stock of PDS and its subsidiary, Peninsula
Management, an Exclusive Territorial Agreement (aka "Master Franchise
Agreement") with Super 8 Motels and certain other assets. The terms of the
offering stipulated that any acquisition should be structured as a stock
purchase for PDS and its subsidiary, Peninsula Management, although the
acquisition of the partnership motels could be structured as an 


                                       18


<PAGE>   24
asset purchase. Each bidder was asked to indicate what the bidder would pay for:
(a) the motels and the stock of PDS and its subsidiary, Peninsula Management,
excluding the Exclusive Territory Agreement or (b) the motels and the stock of
PDS and its subsidiary, Peninsula Management with the Exclusive Territory
Agreement. Bidders were also told to assume that all existing debt would be paid
at closing, the sellers and purchaser would have to agree on the allocation of
purchase price, the sale would require the consent of the various entities'
partners, and that a purchaser would either have to enter into a new franchise
agreement with Super 8 Motels, Inc. or pay franchise termination fees.

    Exvere prepared a confidential offering memorandum and sent it to
approximately 77 recipients. It received indications of interest from several of
the recipients, which led to receipt of two proposals that it considered to be
worthy of consideration. One of the proposals indicated an interest in buying
the motels, the PDS and Peninsula Management stock and the Exclusive Territory
Agreement) for $80 million in cash at closing, plus the potential of an
additional $4 million in contingent payments based on future performance of the
motels over a five year period. If the proposed purchase price was allocated on
the basis of the Exvere assigned values for the Northwest I motels the allocated
proposed purchase price for the Northwest I motels would be approximately $9.0
million (excluding the contingent purchase price). That bidder indicated that it
was also willing to pay $1 million in cash and $2 million in a promissory note
for the Exclusive Territory License owned by a Whitcomb affiliate. The second
proposal was from an entity which proposed $61 million in cash and $26 million
in securities to be issued by a REIT that was in the process of formation, for a
total price of $87 million for the motels and the PDS and Peninsula Management
stock, excluding the Exclusive Territory Agreement. Neither prospective buyer
provided any indication as to how it would propose to allocate the purchase
price among the various motel properties.

    Whitcomb concluded that it was not in the best interests of the various
partnerships to sell their assets for less than an aggregate of $87 million in
cash, excluding the stock he owned in PDS and its subsidiaries (which own the
Exclusive Territory Agreement). He asked Exvere to try to get the offers
increased to $87 million for the motels only, but none of the interested parties
were willing to meet that price.

    Accordingly, Whitcomb concluded that he should look for alternative ways to
achieve liquidity for the limited partners. After reviewing the options,
Whitcomb concluded that the partnerships would receive the best net return if he
could obtain financing to purchase all of the interests held by the other
investors in the partnerships. He believes that, as the general partner, he
could avoid certain transaction costs that a third party buyer would incur, and
that he could achieve certain economies of scale by structuring the acquisitions
in a manner that would result in a single ownership entity that was privately
held.

ACQUISITION OF MOTEL PROPERTIES BY COLUMBUS

    Having concluded that the partnerships would receive the best net return if
he could obtain financing to purchase all of the interests held by the investors
in the partnerships, in a manner that would result in a single ownership entity
that was privately held, Whitcomb began working with bankers to secure financing
that would enable Whitcomb to purchase the unaffiliated partners' units in
Northwest I, Northwest II, Lacey, Anchorage, Peninsula Properties, and Tongass
based on the appraised price of the properties at the end of 1998.

    Selling the various motel properties individually was not seriously
considered because it would be too expensive, too time consuming and Whitcomb
did not believe that it would yield the best results for investors in the
various partnerships.


                                       19


<PAGE>   25
    Accordingly, Whitcomb negotiated with U.S. Bank the terms of a loan
commitment dated November 18, 1998, under which U.S. Bank will provide a secured
loan to Whitcomb of up to 75% of the appraised value of the motel properties
owned in fee and 60% to 75% of the motel properties located on leased land.

    The McKee appraisals, dated December 31, 1998, appraised various Super 8
Motels, including those owned by Northwest I, which they appraised at $12.3
million gross value ($8.3 million Sea-Tac and $4.0 million Federal Way) before
any reduction for liabilities or cost of sale. For a description of the factors
considered by McKee in making its appraisals, see "Appraisal of Sea-Tac and
Federal Way Properties by McKee & Schalka," beginning on page 15 of this proxy
statement.

ACQUISITION OF NORTHWEST I BY COLUMBUS; APPROACH TO DETERMINATION OF MERGER
CONSIDERATION

    Whitcomb's attempts to sell the Super 8 Motels owned by the various
partnerships in a package sale to an unaffiliated third party were unsuccessful
because none of the expressions of interest or offers were sufficient to
generate a gross sales price of $87 million for the motel assets alone.
Accordingly, Whitcomb concluded that it would be in the best interest of the
various partnerships, including Northwest I, to structure a proposal whereby
Columbus would acquire the various motel properties pursuant to the proposed
mergers. Whitcomb believes that the proposed Merger will provide a higher net
value to Unitholders than could have been obtained for the Unitholders through a
sale of all of the motel properties as a package to an unaffiliated third party
or which could be obtained if each partnership were to undertake the sale of the
various motels on an individual basis based upon the McKee appraisals. In
formulating the offer by Columbus for the Northwest I properties, Whitcomb
concluded that the Merger Consideration offered to the Unitholders of Northwest
I should be higher than that which could have been obtained based upon the best
offer received by Exvere or which could be obtained through individual motel
sales based on the McKee appraisals, after consideration of the transaction
expenses which would be incurred in either alternative, such as commissions,
title insurance, real estate excise taxes, appraisals, fairness opinions, legal
fees and partnership wind-up cost.

    Attached to this proxy statement as Annex IV is a schedule setting forth
Columbus' estimate of the net amount which would have been received per unit,
after costs of sale, for both the best offer received by Exvere and if Northwest
I were to sell the two Super 8 Motels owned by it in individual sales. For
purposes of comparison, current assets and liabilities and long-term debt of
Northwest I are as of September 30, 1998. The estimates of transaction costs for
the various alternatives are based upon Columbus' best estimates after
consultation with its advisors.

    As shown on Annex IV to this proxy statement, the best offer received by
Exvere would have yielded an estimated per Unit value of $1,148 ($1,210 if the
contingent purchase price was earned) after transaction costs and payment of
liabilities. A sale of the motels on an individual basis by Northwest I at the
values determined by the McKee appraisals would yield an estimated per Unit
value of $1,547, after transaction costs and payment of liabilities as compared
to the $1,609 per Unit Merger Consideration.


                                       20


<PAGE>   26
                          OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR

    Whitcomb, on behalf of Northwest I and the Unitholders requested Ragen
MacKenzie to render its opinion as to whether the consideration to be paid by
Columbus pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair, from a financial point of
view, to the Unitholders of Northwest I. Whitcomb retained Ragen MacKenzie based
upon its prominence as an investment banking and financial advisory firm with
experience in the valuation of businesses, their properties and their securities
in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary
distributions of securities, private placements and valuations for corporate
purposes.

    On December 31, 1998, Ragen MacKenzie delivered its written opinion to
Northwest I that, as of the date of the opinion, based on Ragen MacKenzie's
review and subject to the assumptions, limitations, procedures followed and
qualifications described below and set forth in the opinion, the consideration
to be received by the Unitholders from the Merger is fair to the Unitholders,
from a financial point of view. Ragen MacKenzie is not making, and the opinion
should not be construed as, a recommendation to any Unitholder as to whether or
not a Unitholder should approve the Merger. Additionally, the fairness opinion
does not compare the relative merits of the Merger with those of any other
transactions or business strategies available to Northwest I as alternatives to
the Merger, and Ragen MacKenzie was not requested to, and did not, solicit the
interest of any other party in acquiring the motel properties.

    THE FULL TEXT OF THE FAIRNESS OPINION WHICH CONTAINS A DESCRIPTION OF THE
MATERIAL ASSUMPTIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS
IMPOSED ON THE REVIEW AND ANALYSIS IS SET FORTH IN ANNEX II AND SHOULD BE READ
IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE PARTNERSHIP IMPOSED NO CONDITIONS OR LIMITATIONS ON THE
SCOPE OF RAGEN MACKENZIES' INVESTIGATION OR THE METHODS OR PROCEDURES TO BE
FOLLOWED IN RENDERING THE FAIRNESS OPINION.

    In rendering the fairness opinion, Ragen MacKenzie, among other things: (i)
reviewed the Merger Agreement; (ii) reviewed and analyzed consolidated historic
and projected financial and operating data of Northwest I and the motel
properties, including audited and unaudited financial statements for Northwest I
and unaudited cash-basis estimates prepared by management for the motel
properties; (iii) reviewed and analyzed other internal information concerning
the business and operations of Northwest I and the motel properties furnished to
it by management; (iv) reviewed and analyzed publicly available information
concerning Northwest I and the motel properties; (v) reviewed and analyzed
publicly available information concerning the terms of selected merger and
acquisition transactions that Ragen MacKenzie deemed relevant to its inquiry
(based on size and similar financial characteristics); (vi) reviewed and
analyzed selected market purchase price data that Ragen MacKenzie considered
relevant to its inquiry; (vii) held meetings and discussions with Whitcomb and
employees of Northwest I concerning the operations, financial condition and
prospects of the motel properties; and (viii) conducted such other financial
studies, analyses and investigations, including visits to the Sea-Tac and
Federal Way motels, and considered such other information as Ragen MacKenzie
deemed appropriate.

    In arriving at its opinion, Ragen MacKenzie relied, without independent
verification, on the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other
information that was publicly available, supplied or otherwise communicated to
it by Northwest I. Ragen MacKenzie assumed that the financial estimates
(including the underlying assumptions and bases thereof) examined by it were
reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently available estimates and
good faith judgments of Northwest I as to the future performance of the motel
properties. Ragen MacKenzie expressed no 


                                       21


<PAGE>   27
opinion with respect to any forecasts or the assumptions on which they were
based. Ragen MacKenzie did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of
the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Northwest I (including
the motel properties). However, Ragen MacKenzie was furnished with independent
appraisals on each property prepared by McKee in conjunction with U.S. Bank's
financing. The fairness opinion is based upon financial, economic, market and
other conditions and circumstances existing and disclosed to it as of the date
of its opinion. As background for its analyses, Ragen MacKenzie held discussions
with Whitcomb regarding the history, current business operations, financial
condition and future prospects of the motel properties.

    In conjunction with rendering its fairness opinion, Ragen MacKenzie
considered a variety of financial and comparative analyses, including:

    o   a discounted cash flow analysis;

    o   an analysis of certain transactions pursuant to which selected public
        and private companies have acquired motel or hotel properties similar to
        those in the partnerships;

    o   an analysis of selected publicly traded companies;

    o   an analysis of third party indications of interest obtained during the
        marketing of Northwest I during the Spring and Summer of 1998 (the
        "Market Test"); and

    o   an analysis of the appraisals conducted by McKee for the U.S. Bank
        financing.

    For purposes of its analysis, Ragen MacKenzie relied upon audited financial
statements for Northwest I for the year ended December 31, 1997, unaudited
financial statements for Northwest I for the nine months ended September 30,
1998 and unaudited cash basis estimates for the motel properties for the years
ending December 31, 1998 through 2003, inclusive, as provided by Northwest I.

    Ragen MacKenzie's opinion is directed only to the fairness to Northwest I
and to the Unitholders, from a financial point of view, of the consideration to
be received by the Unitholders from the Merger, and does not address any other
aspect of the Merger. The summary set forth below does not purport to be a
complete description of the analyses used by Ragen MacKenzie rendering its
fairness opinion.

    Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

    Ragen MacKenzie analyzed the financial terms of the Merger using a
discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow approach assumes, as a
basic premise, that the intrinsic value of any business or property is the
current value of the future cash flow that the business or property will
generate for its owners. To establish a current implied value under this
approach, future cash flow must be estimated and an appropriate discount rate
determined. Ragen MacKenzie used estimates and other information provided by
Northwest I and Whitcomb to estimate the free cash flows, defined as total
projected cash revenue (including base rent and expense recoveries net of
certain free rent and vacancy allowances) minus total projected cash property
expenses (including utility expense, repair and maintenance expense, property
management fees, insurance, real estate taxes, tenant improvements, leasing
commissions and capital improvements ("Free Cash Flows"), for years ending
December 31, 1998 through the year ending December 31, 2003, inclusive. To
determine a 


                                       22


<PAGE>   28
perpetuity value, growth rates were applied to the year ending December 31, 2003
ranging from 0.00% to 1.0%. Based on the forecasts provided by management of the
general partner, Ragen MacKenzie assumed revenue growth ranging from 1.4% to
2.6% which resulted in revenues of $3,055,000, $3,124,000, $3,168,000,
$3,212,000, $3,255,000, and $3,299,000 for the years ending 1998-2003
respectively. Expenses were assumed to increase from 0.0% to 2.0% which yielded
earnings before taxes of $1,016,000. $1,213,000, $1,242,000, $1,258,000,
$1,275,000, and $1,293,000 for the years ending 1998-2003 respectively.

    The Free Cash Flows and perpetuity values were then discounted to the
present, using discount rates ranging from 12.0% to 16.0%. These discount rates
reflected Ragen MacKenzie's assessment of real estate investments in general,
and the specific risks of the motel properties, in particular. Ragen MacKenzie's
calculations resulted in a range of aggregate imputed values of the motel
properties of $9.4 million to $13.2 million.

    Selected Comparable Acquisition Analysis

    Ragen MacKenzie also analyzed more than 100 acquisitions that it
believed to be comparable based on size and other financial characteristics in
which public and private companies acquired a single or multiple motel and/or
hotel properties. Ragen MacKenzie compared the purchase price paid in each
comparable motel/hotel acquisitions with the latest twelve months or reported
period, on an annualized basis, as a multiple of revenues and price per room.
These calculations created the following range of multiples: a range of
purchase price to target motel/hotel portfolios revenues of 2.5x to 4.1x, with
a mean of 3.1x; a range of purchase price per target motel/hotel portfolios
room of $22,900 to $51,000, with a mean of $28,100. Applying the applicable
range of these acquisition multiples to the partnership properties' revenues
for the trailing twelve month period ended September 30, 1998, as adjusted to
reflect management's pro forma adjustments, and to the number of rooms yielded
an implied aggregate range of values of the Partnership Properties of
approximately $4.8 million to $12.6 million. The comparable acquisitions
(targets) included hotels/motels from the following: Super 8 Motels, Embassy
Suites, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Holiday Inn, Hawthorne
Suites, Knights Inn, Travelodge, Comfort Suites, Fountain Suites, Homewood
Suites, Studio Plus, Allstar Inns, Best Western, Beverly Suites, Courtyard Inn,
Sumner Suites, Columbia Inn, Cross Keys Inn, Knights Inn, Country Inn, Bavarian
Inn, Econo Lodge, Deluxe Inn Motel, Dutch Country Inn, Cobblestone Inn, Red
Roof Inn, Natchez Eola, Waves Motor Inn, Sleep Inn, Airport Inn, Lone Palm
Motel, Turnpike Motel, Bismark Inn, Country Club Motel, Fervis Inn and
Amerisuites.

    Selected Comparable Company Analysis

    Ragen MacKenzie also analyzed public companies that are deemed to be
comparable based on size and other financial characteristics. Such comparable
companies included Amerihost Properties, Inc., Candlewood Hotel Company, Choice
Hotels International, Red Roof Inns, Sholodge, Signature Inns, Inc., Suburban
Lodges of America, Sunburst Hospitality Corp., and Supertel Hospitality. Ragen
MacKenzie compared the aggregate value of the Comparable Companies with the
latest twelve months or reported period, on an annualized basis, as a multiple
of revenues, EBITDA and EBIT. These calculations created the following range of
multiples: a range of revenue multiples of 1.1x to 4.3x, with a mean of 2.3x; a
range of EBITDA multiples of 3.7x to 10.4x, with a mean of 7.0x; and a range of
EBIT multiples of 5.3x to 9.1x,with a mean of 7.3x. Applying the applicable
range of these multiples to the partnership properties' revenues, EBITDA and
EBIT for the trailing twelve month period ended September 30, 1998, as adjusted
to reflect management's pro forma adjustments and certain additional adjustments
that Ragen MacKenzie deemed appropriate, yielded an implied aggregate range of
values of the partnership properties of approximately $7.0 million to $8.7
million.

    Selected Comparable Market Purchase Price Analysis

    Ragen MacKenzie also compared financial information relating to the motel
properties to publicly available information on recent purchase prices of the
limited-service sector of motel and hotels in particular markets in which the
motel properties are located.

    Ragen MacKenzie analyzed the prevailing purchase capitalization rate
(calculated by dividing property net operating income for the applicable
trailing twelve month period by the purchase price paid) for the limited service
sector. Ragen MacKenzie believes that these markets closely resemble the
respective markets in which the motel properties are located and are an
appropriate basis for the comparison of values.


                                       23


<PAGE>   29
    Applying this selected data to the applicable motel properties' net
operating income for the twelve months ended September, 30 1998, as adjusted to
reflect management's pro forma adjustments and additional adjustments that Ragen
MacKenzie deemed appropriate, yielded an aggregate range of values for the motel
properties of $8.1 million to $9.7 million.

    Market Test

    Ragen MacKenzie also reviewed indications of interest received by Northwest
I and the affiliated partnership during the attempt to sell Northwest I to an
unaffiliated third party. Ragen MacKenzie analyzed a pro-rata share of the
proceeds to be received from such transaction by the Unitholders. The pro-rata
share was based on a percentage determined by historical appraisals and a
third-party valuation. Ragen MacKenzie did not develop a separate pro-rata
methodology for allocating the proceeds and relied solely on the formula
provided by Northwest I. The proceeds were then allocated to the Unitholders in
accordance with the limited partnership agreement. It should be noted that these
offers did not result in the consummation of a transaction and should be viewed
accordingly.

    Based on the range of values received from the potential acquirors, Ragen
MacKenzie calculated an implied aggregate range of values of the partnership
properties of approximately $8.5 million to $9.6 million.

    Appraisals

    Ragen MacKenzie also reviewed the appraisals of the partnership properties
prepared by McKee. For this analysis Ragen MacKenzie relied without independent
verification, on the accuracy and completeness of all information in the
appraisals. Ragen MacKenzie did not conduct any independent appraisals. Based on
the McKee appraised values, the implied aggregate of value of the partnership
properties is $12.3 million.

    The summary set forth above describes the material analyses made by Ragen
MacKenzie. The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations
as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the
application of these methods to the particular circumstances. Each of the
analyses was performed by Ragen MacKenzie to provide a different perspective on
the transaction and contribute to the total mix of information available to
Northwest I. Ragen MacKenzie did not form a conclusion as to whether any one of
the analyses, considered in isolation, supported or failed to support an opinion
as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the Merger Consideration.
Instead Ragen MacKenzie, in reaching its conclusion, considered the results of
the analyses taken as a whole. Ragen MacKenzie's conclusion involved significant
elements of judgement and qualitative analyses as well as a financial and
quantitative analyses. Ragen MacKenzie did not place particular emphasis or
weighting on any individual factor, but instead concluded that its analysis
taken as a whole supported its opinion. Accordingly, notwithstanding the
separate factors summarized above, Ragen MacKenzie believes that its analyses
must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analysis and
the factors it considered without considering all analyses and factors, could
create an incomplete or misleading view of the evaluation process underlying its
opinion. Any estimates contained in these analyses are not necessarily
indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than as set forth therein. In addition,
analyses relating to the values of real estate properties are not appraisals and
may not reflect the prices at which such properties may actually be sold.
Accordingly, such analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial
uncertainty and Ragen MacKenzie does not assume responsibility for any future
variations from such analyses or estimates. 


                                       24


<PAGE>   30
The foregoing paragraphs summarize the significant quantitative and qualitative
analyses performed by Ragen MacKenzie in arriving at the fairness opinion. In
performing these analyses, Ragen MacKenzie noted that the partnership only
represented ownership in specific properties. This differentiates these
properties from hotel operating companies that are managed for growth.
Consequently Ragen MacKenzie noted lower multiples of historic earnings to
individual properties. In performing its analyses, Ragen MacKenzie made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, financial,
economic, and market conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the
control of Northwest I. Furthermore, events occurring after the date of the
Ragen MacKenzie fairness opinion may materially affect the assumptions used in
preparing the Ragen MacKenzie fairness opinion and accordingly the Ragen
MacKenzie fairness opinion is necessarily based upon market, economic, and other
conditions that exist and can be evaluated as of the date of the opinion, and on
information available to Ragen MacKenzie as of such date. In addition, analyses
relating to the value of the business or securities do not purport to be
appraisals, or to reflect the prices at which such businesses or securities can
actually be sold. Analyses based on future results are not necessarily
indicative of actual future results that may be significantly more or less
favorable that suggested by such analyses.

    Pursuant to an engagement letter dated December 14, 1998, Ragen MacKenzie
will receive $125,000 for its services in rendering fairness opinions to
Northwest I, Northwest II, Anchorage and Lacey. Ragen MacKenzie will also be
reimbursed for certain of its expenses. Columbus has agreed to indemnify Ragen
MacKenzie, its affiliates and each of its directors, officers, employees,
agents, consultants and attorneys, and each person or form, if any, controlling
Ragen MacKenzie or any of the foregoing, against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under federal securities, law, that may arise out of Ragen
MacKenzie's engagement.

    Ragen MacKenzie has, from time to time, provided securities brokerage
services to Whitcomb and affiliates, and may do so in the future, but the
compensation paid by Whitcomb and affiliates to Ragen MacKenzie is not material,
constituting less than 1% of Ragen MacKenzie's total 1998 commission revenue.


                                       25


<PAGE>   31
                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT

    The Merger Agreement is between Gerald L. Whitcomb, the sole general partner
of Northwest I, on behalf of Northwest I and Columbus. The material provisions
of the Merger Agreement are summarized below.

    Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Articles of Merger attached
thereto, the Washington Uniform Limited Partnership Act and the Washington
Limited Liability Company Act, at the effective time, Northwest I will be merged
with and into Columbus, with Columbus continuing as the Surviving Company.

CLOSING DATE; EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER

    The Merger will become effective on the closing date when the Articles of
Merger are filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington. At the
earliest, this will take place on the first business day following the Meeting
and at the latest will take place on the last business day of the month in which
the Meeting occurs. The closing will take place at the administrative offices of
Northwest I located at 7515 Terminal Street S.W., Tumwater, Washington 98501,
unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

EFFECTS OF THE MERGER

    At the effective time by virtue of the Merger, and without any further
action on the part of anyone, each Unitholder's Units outstanding immediately
prior to the effective time will be cancelled. Each Unit will be automatically
converted into a right to receive the Merger Consideration, without interest.
Immediately before the effective time, the Whitcombs' partnership interests
(whether general or limited) will be contributed to Columbus for additional
interests therein. Approval of the Merger by Unitholders will also constitute an
amendment to the limited partnership agreement providing that gain, if any,
realized by Northwest I in the Merger will be allocated to the unaffiliated
Unitholders receiving the Merger Consideration.

PAYMENT

    Promptly after the effective time, Columbus will mail to each Unitholder as
of January 6, 1999 a form of transmittal letter, any other required forms, and
instructions. Delivery will be effected, and the risk of loss to Units will
pass, only upon delivery of these documents and receipt of the Merger
Consideration for each Unit. Upon the surrender of such transmittal documents
and the payment by Columbus of the Merger Consideration in exchange for the
Units, the Units owned by Unitholders will then be immediately cancelled. Until
surrendered and exchanged, the Units owned by Unitholders represent only the
right to receive the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Units
owned by such Unitholder. Upon the surrender of Units, each Unitholder will
receive the Merger Consideration, without interest. If any cash is to be paid to
a name other than the name in which the Units are registered, it will be a
condition to payment that the Unitholder requesting payment will pay to Columbus
any transfer or other taxes required by reason of payment to a person other than
the registered Unitholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Columbus nor
any other party will be liable to any Unitholder for any Merger Consideration or
other payments made to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned
property laws. Columbus will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the Merger
Consideration any taxes or other amounts required by law, including Sections
3406 and 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Pursuant to
federal law, 


                                       26


<PAGE>   32
to the extent that amounts are withheld, these amounts will be treated as having
been paid to a Unitholder for purposes of the Merger Agreement. Beginning at the
effective time, there will be no further transfers of any Units on the books of
Northwest I. Each Unitholder that has converted Units will be deemed to have
withdrawn as a limited partner of Northwest I. Unitholders will then have no
further interest in Northwest I or Columbus, including any allocations or
distributions of income, property or otherwise, other than the right to receive
the Merger Consideration.

    Following the effective time, Whitcomb, on behalf of Northwest I, will
terminate Northwest I's reporting obligations with the SEC.

    Unitholders will have dissenters' rights of appraisal in connection with the
Merger, as set forth in Article 14 of Chapter 25.10 of the Revised Code of
Washington. See "Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal" beginning on page 32 of this
proxy statement.

ACTIONS OF COLUMBUS NORTHWEST I AND WHITCOMB

    Under the Merger Agreement, Columbus consents to the Merger, agrees in all
respects with the terms of the Merger Agreement and, subject to the terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement, the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to the Washington Limited
Partnership Act and Article VI of the limited partnership agreement, by
executing the Merger Agreement, Whitcomb, as the sole general partner of
Northwest I, subject to the requisite approval of Unitholders at the Meeting,
consents to and approves the Merger Agreement and transactions contemplated
thereby on behalf of Northwest I.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARTIES

    The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties. In
addition, Columbus represents and warrants that it has obtained a commitment
letter from U.S. Bank, subject to customary conditions, that U.S. Bank will lend
Columbus sufficient funds to consummate the Merger and Northwest I represents
and warrants that it has received the fairness opinion from Ragen MacKenzie and
that it has not paid or agreed to pay any fee or commission to any broker,
finder or intermediary in connection with the Merger.

LEGAL CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

    Whitcomb (on behalf of Northwest I and Columbus) agrees to take all
reasonable steps necessary to promptly comply with all legal requirements with
respect to the Merger and to take all reasonable action necessary to promptly
furnish information to the other parties in connection with any such
requirements. Columbus will take all reasonable actions necessary (i) to obtain
any consent, authorization, order, approval, or exemption of any governmental or
administrative agencies or third parties; (ii) to lift, rescind or mitigate the
effect of any injunction or restraining order or other similar order adversely
affecting the Merger; (iii) to fulfill all conditions pursuant to the Merger
Agreement; and (iv) to prevent the entry of any temporary, preliminary or
permanent injunction or court order.


                                       27


<PAGE>   33
EXPENSES

    Columbus will bear all costs and expenses of each party in connection with
the Merger, including the real estate excise tax payable by the Unitholders with
respect to the transfer of their Units, such costs and expenses having been
taken into consideration by Columbus in determining the Merger Consideration.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

    Completion of the Merger is subject to customary conditions precedent. It
will be a condition precedent that the loan commitment from U.S. Bank will
remain available to Columbus, such that Columbus may borrow sufficient funds on
or before the closing date in order to pay the Merger Consideration to the
Unitholders as provided in the Merger Agreement. The parties to the Merger
Agreement agree that in exercising its discretion to waive or require
fulfillment of conditions precedent, Columbus will not be required to consider
the interest of any person or entity that may be affected by the Merger, other
than Columbus. Columbus will have no obligation, fiduciary or otherwise, to the
limited partners of Northwest I in exercising such discretion.

    The respective obligations of each party, generally, to effect the Merger is
subject to a number of customary conditions. It is a condition of each party
generally that Ragen MacKenzie will not have withdrawn or modified in any
material respect its opinion that the Merger Consideration is fair to the
unaffiliated Unitholders from a financial point of view.

TERMINATION

    The Merger Agreement may be terminated by mutual consent of Columbus and
Northwest I. The Merger Agreement may also be terminated by Northwest I if
Columbus is in material breach of any term of the agreement. The Merger
Agreement may be terminated by Columbus if Northwest I is in material breach of
any term of the agreement. The Merger Agreement may be terminated by either
Columbus or Northwest I if the Merger has not been completed by March 31, 1999,
or a final order prohibiting the Merger has been entered by a court or
government agency. In the event of termination of the Merger Agreement, it will
become void and there will be no liability on the part of Columbus or Northwest
I for failure to complete the Merger or otherwise.

AMENDMENT

    The Merger Agreement may be amended only in writing. No amendment may be
made without the approval of Unitholders holding at least 66% of the outstanding
Units, if the proposed amendment would either (a) change the type or reduce the
amount of the Merger Consideration, or (b) alter or change any other terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement if any of such alterations or changes, alone
or in the aggregate, would materially adversely affect the Unitholders.

EXTENSION; WAIVER

    At any time prior to the effective time of the Merger, whether before or
after this proxy statement is mailed, any party may (i) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of any other party to the
Merger Agreement; (ii) waive any inaccuracies and representations and warranties
contained in the Merger Agreement; and (iii) waive compliance with any of the
agreements of the other parties or conditions to its own obligations contained
in this agreement. Any agreement with respect to extension or waiver must be in
writing. No consent or waiver of 


                                       28


<PAGE>   34
compliance given by any of the parties to the Merger Agreement will operate as a
consent or waiver of compliance in respect to any subsequent default, breach, or
nonobservance.

NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS

    The respective representations and warranties of Northwest I and Columbus
will expire with, and will be terminated and extinguished upon, consummation of
the Merger. Thereafter, neither Northwest I nor Columbus, or any officer,
director or principal of such entities, will be under any liability whatsoever
with respect to any representation or warranty in the Merger Agreement.


                                       29


<PAGE>   35
                    MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

    The following is a summary of the material federal income tax consequences
of the Merger. This discussion does not discuss all of the federal income tax
consequences that may be relevant to Unitholders that are subject to special
treatment under the federal income tax laws, including foreign persons,
tax-exempt entities, life insurance companies, or S corporations. The discussion
set forth below is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(hereinafter, the "Code"), Treasury Regulations, announcements promulgated
thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as in effect on the date
of this proxy statement and without giving effect to changes in the federal tax
laws, if any, enacted after the date of this proxy statement. Unitholders are
assumed to hold their Units as capital assets.

    Gain or Loss Will Be Recognized

    Unitholders will recognize gain or loss on the sale of Units in the Merger
to the extent of the difference between the amount realized and his or her
adjusted basis in the Units sold. The amount realized is the amount of cash
received plus the Unitholder's share of Northwest I's liabilities (determined
under Code Section 752 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder). The adjusted
tax basis of a Unitholder's Units is generally equal to the cost of the Units to
such Unitholder, decreased by the Unitholder's cumulative share of Northwest I
distributions and losses, and increased by the Unitholder's cumulative share of
Northwest I income and Northwest I liabilities, as determined under Code and the
Treasury Regulations thereunder. If a Unitholder's share of the Northwest I's
liabilities exceeds the adjusted tax basis of his or her Units, the Unitholder's
realized gain will include the excess.

    The amount of cash received by Unitholders in exchange for their Units that
is attributable to unrealized receivables or inventory items ("Section 751
property") of Northwest I will be considered as an amount realized from the sale
or exchange of property other than a capital asset. The remainder of the gain or
loss realized by a Unitholder who has held the Units as capital assets will be
capital gains or loss, and will be long term capital gain or loss if the Units
have been held for more than one year.

    Unitholders who have held their Units for more than one year may be entitled
to a lower long-term capital gains tax rate on that portion of their gain, if
any, that is not attributable to Section 751 property. Capital losses generally
are deductible only to the extent of capital gains plus, in the case of
non-corporate Unitholders, up to $3,000 of ordinary income. Capital losses
realized from the sale of Units may be utilized to offset capital gains from
other sources and may be carried forward, subject to applicable limitations.

    Pursuant to Code Sections 708, 721, 731(b), the Merger is not expected to be
a taxable event to Northwest I.

    Proposed Amendment to Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership

    Approval of the Merger Agreement will also constitute approval of an
amendment to adopt a new Section 10.8 of the limited partnership agreement to
read as follows: "10.8 Allocation of Gain Under the Federal Income Tax Laws. For
federal income tax purposes only, gain, if any, realized by the Partnership in a
cash merger shall be allocated to limited partners receiving the cash merger
consideration."

    The Merger is expected to be treated as a sale of limited partnership
interests by limited partners rather than a sale of assets by the partnership
followed by the partnership's liquidating distribution to its partners. As a
sale of limited partnership interests, the expected result is that Unitholders
will have income on the sale of their Units in an amount equal to the difference
between the Merger Consideration and their respective bases in their Units.
Because neither Whitcomb nor Maryanne Whitcomb is receiving any cash but are
instead contributing their interests in the partnership to Columbus, they will
not have any income in the expected case.

    In the unlikely event that the Merger is treated as a sale of partnership
assets followed by the partnership's liquidating distribution, the partnership
would have income on the sale of its assets. This gain would be allocated among
the partners according to their respective interests in the partnership. Under
this scenario, the Whitcomb and Maryanne Whitcomb would be allocated a small
portion of the gain despite the fact that they are not receiving any Merger
Consideration and despite the fact that they contributed their interests in the
partnership to Columbus. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to allocate
all of the gain to unaffiliated unitholders, based on the rationale that the
Whitcombs are not receiving cash in the Merger and therefore should not have
income. Regardless of how the income is allocated, there is no practical impact
on unaffiliated limited partners because their income on a liquidating
distribution would be offset by the increase in basis resulting from the
allocation in the proposed amendment. The tax liability to the unaffiliated
Unitholders will be the same, regardless of whether the Merger is treated as a
sale of limited partnership interests or as a sale of partnership assets
followed by the partnership's liquidating distribution to its partners. The
proposed amendment results in no additional tax liability to unaffiliated
limited partners. Accordingly, Whitcomb does not believe that the proposed
amendment has any effect on the fairness of the Merger. There are no other
material consequences of the proposed amendment to affiliates or nonaffiliates.

Statement Required to Be Attached to Unitholders' Federal Income Tax 
Returns.

    Unitholders are required to submit with their income tax return for the year
in which the Units are sold a statement that sets forth, among possible other
things, the following information: (1) the date of the sale, the amount of the
Unitholder's adjusted basis in his or her Units, and the portion thereof
attributable to Code Section 751 property pursuant to Code Section 732; and (2)
the amount of any money and the fair market value of any other property received
or be received for the transferred Units I, and the portion thereof attributable
to Section 751 property.


                                       30


<PAGE>   36

    In general, the portion of the Unitholders' adjusted basis for his Units to
be allocated to Section 751 property is an amount equal to the basis such
property would have had under Code Section 732 if the Unitholder had received
his share of such properties in a current distribution made immediately before
the sale. Columbus will provide Unitholders with Northwest I's basis in Section
751 property. UNITHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS FOR
ASSISTANCE IN DETERMINING THE PORTION OF THEIR ADJUSTED BASIS IN THEIR UNITS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO SECTION 751 PROPERTY.

        The Agreement and Plan of Merger provides that the Unitholders' amount
realized is to be allocated between Northwest I's Section 751 property and
non-Section 751 property based on the relative fair market values of Northwest
I's Section 751 property and non-Section 751 property and that such relative
fair market values are agreed to be as determined by Columbus. Columbus will
distribute this information to Unitholders.

    Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act Withholding

    Units are considered United States real property interests for purposes of
Code Section 897, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act ("FIRPTA").
Consequently, pursuant to Code Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code,
Columbus, as buyer of the Units, must deduct and withhold a tax equal to 10% of
the total consideration paid for such Units unless it receives a nonforeign
person affidavit. A suitable nonforeign person affidavit will be included as
part of the transaction documents mailed to Unitholders by Columbus.

    Washington Real Estate Excise Tax

    Washington imposes an excise tax on sales of real property. Acquisitions of
controlling interests in partnerships are considered sales subject to this real
estate excise tax. This real estate excise tax is imposed on the seller; in this
case, the Unitholders. This real estate excise tax is imposed at rates ranging
from 1.53% to 1.78%. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Columbus is
responsible for payment of the real estate excise tax since the tax has been
taken into consideration by Columbus in determining the Merger Consideration.
Unitholders will not be required to pay this tax out of the Merger Consideration
received.

    EACH UNITHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE
THE SPECIFIC FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SELLING UNITS IN THE MERGER, AS
WELL AS THE EFFECTS OF STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX LAWS.


                                       31


<PAGE>   37
                         DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL

    You have dissenters' rights of appraisal under Article 14 of Chapter 25.10
of the Revised Code of Washington ("Article 14") with respect to your Units. The
following summary of the material dissenters' rights procedures is qualified in
its entirety by reference to Article 14, a copy of which is attached as Annex
III to this proxy statement. Unitholders thinking about exercising their
dissenters' rights are urged to review the full text of Article 14. The
procedures set forth in such chapter must be followed exactly or dissenters'
rights may be lost.

     A Unitholder who properly follows the procedures for dissenting and
demanding payment for his or her Units pursuant to Article 14 (as summarized
below) may be entitled to receive in cash the "fair value" of his or her Units
in lieu of the Merger Consideration provided in the Merger Agreement. The "fair
value" of a dissenter's Units will be the value of such Units immediately before
the effectuation of the Merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the Merger, unless exclusion would be inequitable. The "fair
value" could be greater than, less than, or the same as the Merger
Consideration. In the event the dissenting Unitholder and Columbus (referred to
in this section as the "Surviving Company") cannot agree on the "fair value" of
the dissenter's partnership interest, a court in an appraisal proceeding may
ultimately determine "fair value." To properly exercise dissenters' rights with
respect to the Merger and to be entitled to payment under Article 14, a
Unitholder must (a) not challenge the Merger unless the Merger fails to comply
with the procedural requirements imposed by Article 14, the partnership
agreement, or is fraudulent with respect to an investor or Northwest I; (b) not
vote in favor of or approve the Merger; and (c) demand payment by the date set
in the dissenters' notice to be sent by the Surviving Company (as described
below). Thus, any Unitholder who wishes to dissent must either vote "AGAINST"
the merger or "ABSTAIN" from voting such partnership interest. A vote "AGAINST"
the Merger, without satisfying the requirement of clause (c) above, is not a
proper exercise of dissenters' rights.

    The right of a dissenting Unitholder to obtain payment of the fair value of
the Unitholder's partnership interest shall terminate upon the occurrence of any
of the following events:

    a.  The Merger is abandoned or rescinded;

    b.  A court having jurisdiction permanently enjoins or sets aside the
        Merger; or

    c.  The Unitholder's demand for payment is withdrawn with the written
        consent of Northwest I.

    Within 10 days after the approval of the Merger by the Unitholders, the
Surviving Company will deliver a written dissenters' rights notice to all
dissenting Unitholders who did not vote in favor of or the Merger. The
dissenters' rights notice will:

    a.  State where the payment demand must be sent;

    b.  Inform Unitholders as to the extent transfer of the Units will be
        restricted as permitted by RCW 25.10.930 after the payment demand is
        made;

    c.  Supply a form for demanding payment;
    d.  Set a date by which the Surviving Company must receive the payment
        demand, which date may not be fewer than 30 days nor more than 60 days
        after the date the notice is delivered; and


                                       32


<PAGE>   38
    e.  Include a copy of Article 14.

    A Unitholder who demands payment retains all other rights of a Unitholder
until the Merger becomes effective. A Unitholder sent a dissenters' notice who
does not demand payment by the date set in the dissenters' notice is not
entitled to payment for the Unitholder's Units under Article 14.

    Northwest I may restrict the transfer of Units from the date the demand for
their payment is received until the Merger becomes effective or the restriction
is released under Article 14.

    Within 30 days of the later of the date the Merger becomes effective, or the
payment demand is received, the Surviving Company will pay each dissenter who
properly demanded payment the amount that the Surviving Company estimates to be
the fair value of the Units, plus accrued interest. The payment will be
accompanied by, among other things,

    a.  Copies of Northwest I's financial statements for the most recent fiscal
        year maintained as required by RCW 25.10.050;

    b.  An explanation of how the Surviving Company estimated the fair value of
        the Units and how the accrued interest was calculated;

    c.  A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment; and

    d.  A copy of Article 14.

    If the Merger does not become effective within 60 days after the date set
for demanding payment, Northwest I shall release any transfer restrictions
imposed as permitted by RCW 25.10.930. If, after releasing transfer
restrictions, the Merger becomes effective, the Surviving Company must send a
new dissenters' notice as provided in RCW 25.10.910(2) and 25.10.920 and repeat
the payment demand procedure.

    A dissenter may notify the Surviving Company in writing of the dissenter's
own estimate of the fair value of the dissenter's Units and the amount of
interest due and demand payment of the dissenter's estimate, less any payment
under RCW 25.10.935, if:

    a.  The dissenter believes that the amount paid is less than the fair value
        of the dissenter's Units or that the interest due is incorrectly
        calculated;

    b.  The Surviving Company fails to make payment within 60 days after the
        date set for demanding payment; or

    c.  Northwest I, having failed to effectuate the Merger, does not release
        the transfer restrictions imposed on Units as permitted by RCW 25.10.930
        within 60 days after the date set for demanding payment.

    A dissenter will be deemed to have waived the right to demand payment of the
dissenter's estimate of fair value unless the dissenter notifies the Surviving
Company of the dissenters' demand in writing within 30 days after the Surviving
Company made payment for the dissenter's units.

    If a demand for payment remains unsettled, the Surviving Company will
commence a proceeding in the Superior Court of Thurston County, Washington
within 60 days after receiving the payment demand and petition the court to
determine the fair value of the units and accrued interest. If the Surviving
Company does not commence such proceeding within the 60-day period, it will pay
each dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount demanded by the
dissenter. The Surviving 


                                       33


<PAGE>   39
Company will make all dissenters whose demands remain unsettled, whether or not
residents of Washington, parties to the proceeding as in an action against their
Units, and will serve all parties with a copy of the petition. The Surviving
Company will be able to serve nonresidents by registered or certified mail or by
publication as provided by law. The Surviving Company may join as a party to the
proceeding any Unitholder who claims to be a dissenter but who has not, in the
Surviving Company's opinion, complied with the provisions of Article 14. If the
court determines that such Unitholder has not complied with the provisions of
Article 14, the court will dismiss the Unitholder as a party. The jurisdiction
of the court in which the proceeding is commenced will be plenary and exclusive.
The court may appoint one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and
recommend decisions on the question of fair value. The appraisers will have the
powers described in the order appointing them or in any amendment to it.
Dissenters will be entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other
civil proceedings. Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding who is not
dismissed will be entitled to judgment for the amount, if any, by which the
court finds the fair value of the Units, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid
by the Surviving Company.

    In a proceeding commenced to determine the fair value of Units, the court
shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including reasonable compensation
and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The court will assess the
costs against the Surviving Company, except that the court may assess the costs
against all or some of the dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to
the extent the court finds the dissenters acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not
in good faith in demanding payment. The court may also assess the fees and
expenses of counsel and experts for the respective parties in amounts the
court finds equitable:

    (1) Against the Surviving Company and in favor of any or all dissenters if
the court finds the Surviving Company did not substantially comply with the
requirements of Article 14; or

    (2) Against either the Surviving Company or a dissenter, in favor of any
other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and
expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with
respect to the rights provided by Article 14.

    If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were of
substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the fees
for those services should not be assessed against the Surviving Company, the
court may award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of amounts
awarded the dissenters who were benefited.

    Failure to follow the steps required by Article 14 for perfecting
dissenters' rights may result in the loss of such rights.

    IN VIEW OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THESE PROVISIONS OF WASHINGTON LAW, ANY
UNITHOLDER WHO IS CONSIDERING DISSENTING FROM THE MERGER SHOULD CONSULT A LEGAL
ADVISOR.


                                       34


<PAGE>   40
                         INFORMATION ABOUT NORTHWEST I

BUSINESS

    Northwest I is a Washington limited partnership formed to invest in and
operate two "economy" motels located in Washington State. Northwest I operates
its motels as a franchisee of Super 8 Motels, Inc., the national franchiser of
the "Super 8" trade name. The sole general partner of Northwest I is Whitcomb.

    Northwest I was formed in March 1980. Units of the Northwest I were offered
and sold in its initial public offering by selected broker-dealers on a best
efforts basis in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Alaska. Northwest I's
total offering of $6 million (6,000 units at $1,000 each) was fully subscribed
and the offering closed in February 1982.

    Northwest I operates in a single industry (motels) and within that industry
only in the economy motel category.

    The motel properties were developed and are being operated as economy motels
in the locations described below. The economy motel concept provides for a
clean, comfortable average-size motel room that has all the basic amenities
required by the traveling public at a price lower than that of most surrounding
motel properties of equal quality.

    The 119-room Super 8 Motel at Sea-Tac is located near the Seattle/Tacoma
International Airport and provides additional special services to the traveling
public including exercise room, guest laundry facilities, long-term parking
privileges, airport courtesy telephone, and free transportation to and from the
airport.

    The 90-room Super 8 Motel at Federal Way provides a special parking area for
commercial trucks, guest laundry facilities and a travelers lounge. Adjacent to
the property are two family style restaurants owned and operated by
non-affiliated companies. Both motels historically experience seasonal
fluctuations in occupancy, the low point occurring in the winter months and the
peak occurring in late summer.

    All guest rooms are equipped with direct-dial telephone, color television
and tub/shower combination, and are fully carpeted, sound proofed and insulated.
Guests are allowed to use major national credit cards and cash checks with Super
8's proprietary VIP Club membership. Vending machines are also available. Each
property has interior hallways, a lobby with a manager's office, an employee
lounge, and in-house laundry. No restaurants are located on either property.

    The two motels provide full or part-time employment for approximately 45
people (Sea-Tac 28, Federal Way 17).

MOTEL PROPERTIES

    The Northwest I motels were constructed on two parcels of real property
purchased in 1981. Construction commenced on the Sea-Tac parcel in August 1981
and it opened in March 1982. The Sea-Tac facility occupies approximately 43,850
square feet. Construction commenced on the Federal Way parcel in March 1982 and
it opened in September 1982. The Federal Way facility occupies approximately
37,800 square feet.


                                       35


<PAGE>   41
    Both motels underwent major renovations in 1987 at an aggregate approximate
total cost of $328,000. An approximately $1,000,000 renovation of the Sea-Tac
property commenced in February 1995, with one-half of the property closed for a
substantial period of time. The Sea-Tac renovation was completed in February
1996. Additional renovations at the Federal Way property were completed in June
1998. Both motels are of frame construction with stucco exteriors, tile roofs
and have full fire alarm systems. Heating and cooling is by individual room
through the wall heat pumps.

    Both motels are in operation as economy motels. The capacity and utilization
of these properties is discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis, below.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

    Northwest I is not party to any material legal proceedings.

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S SECURITIES AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS

    There is no public trading market for the Units and no significant
transactions in Units have occurred since the original offering of the Units.
Because of this, Northwest I is unable to determine a fair market value for the
Units based on market price.

    Distributions of $600,000 in cash ($100.00 per Unit) were made to investors
during each of 1997, 1996 and 1995.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF NORTHWEST I

    For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1995                1996                1997
                                    -------------       -------------       -------------
<S>                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>          
Total Sales ..................      $   2,319,042       $   2,975,925       $   2,980,665
Net Income (Loss) ............      $     132,423       $     948,910       $   1,089,393
Net Income (Loss) per Unit ...      $       18.76       $      134.43       $      154.33
Total Assets** ...............      $   4,389,769       $   4,637,276       $   4,449,796
Long-Term Debt ...............      $   1,985,797       $   1,937,139       $   1,284,675
Cash Distribution Per Unit ...      $      100.00       $      100.00       $      100.00
</TABLE>


    **Net of amortization and depreciation.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS

    At December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, Northwest I's current assets exceeded
its current liabilities by $320,855, $414,088, and $48,802 respectively
resulting in the current ratios noted below. The variance in the current ratio
from year to year is largely attributable to the relative cash position of the
partnership at December 31. Based on recent history, the months of January,
February, and March are the slowest season of occupancy requiring Northwest I to
carefully manage its cash during those months.

    The interest rate on the Northwest I's primary mortgage was 8.5% in 1997 and
1996 and 7.5% in 1995. This adjustable rate loan provides for an interest rate
each year equal to the monthly median cost of funds index for SAIF insured
institutions plus 3.575%; or 8.5%, if less.


                                       36


<PAGE>   42
    The interest rate on the long term loan funding the Sea-Tac renovation is
variable, based on the lender's prime rate plus 1% per annum and is payable in
monthly payments of $9,768 plus interest. The bank's prime rate of interest at
December 31, 1997, was 8.50% per annum.

BALANCE SHEET DATA

    For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996, and 1997:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1995              1996              1997
                             -------------     -------------     -------------
<S>                          <C>               <C>               <C>          
Current Assets ..........    $     296,905     $     615,507     $     528,881
Current Liabilities .....    $     248,103     $     201,419     $     208,026
Current Ratio ...........           1.20:1            3.06:1            2.54:1
</TABLE>


    At December 31, 1997, both the Sea-Tac and Federal Way properties completed
their fifteenth full years of operation.

    Comparative operational statistics follow:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1995             1996             1997
                              -------------    -------------    -------------
<S>                           <C>              <C>              <C>          
Sea-Tac
    Occupancy ..........                 52%              66%              65%
    Rented rooms .......             22,411           28,696           28,264
    Gross room rate* ...      $       56.77    $       62.46    $       65.28

Federal Way
    Occupancy ..........                 64%              70%              64%
    Rented Rooms .......             21,183           22,944           21,030
    Gross room rate* ...      $       44.73    $       46.13    $       45.62

Total
    Occupancy ..........                 57%              68%              65%
    Rented rooms .......             43,594           51,640           49,294
    Gross room rate* ...      $       50.92    $       55.37    $       57.96
</TABLE>


    *"Gross Room Rate" is defined as total room revenue divided by total rooms
sold.

    Total 1997 room sales revenue decreased $2,096 to $2,857,164 down from
$2,859,260 in 1996 but still $637,309 higher than 1995 revenue levels. Occupancy
levels at the SeaTac motel rose 14% from 1995 to 1996 while the average room
rate climbed 9%. A slight drop in occupancy levels in 1997 was offset by a 5%
increase in the average room rate resulting in relatively flat room revenues.
Federal Way average occupancy levels and room rates rose moderately in 1996 but
retreated to 1995 levels in 1997.

    Net income in 1997 increased $140,483 to $1,089,393 up from $948,910 in 1996
and substantially higher than the $132,423 net income posted in 1995. The
increases have been primarily due to the decrease in supplies and maintenance
expenses as major renovations were completed in 1996 and 1997. Supplies and
maintenance expense will increase further due to the completion in June 1998 of
the renovation in Federal Way.


                                       37


<PAGE>   43
    Direct operating expenses decreased $103,507 to $869,464 in 1997, down from
$972,971 in 1996 and significantly lower than the $1,246,793 expensed in 1995.
The decrease was again primarily due to lower supplies and maintenance expenses
which were offset in 1997 by higher payroll and related expenses. Indirect
operating expenses remained relatively flat, with a net decrease of $7,517 from
1995 to 1997.

    An increase in labor rates in Washington coupled with increased staffing
levels resulted in higher administrative service fees. The 28% increase in
property management and franchise fees is in direct correlation with the 28%
increase in room revenues from 1995 to 1996. Coupled with a $17,188 decrease in
professional service expenditures, administrative and general expenditures rose
14% in 1996. These expense variations have flattened out during 1997 and show an
increase of 2.5% this year.

    The $71,254 increase in fixed charges in 1996 resulted from higher interest
and lease expenses. The decrease of $28,364 in 1997 resulted from decreases in
depreciation and interest expense.

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA OF NORTHWEST I

    For the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 1998:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   MARCH 31 , 1998      JUNE 30, 1998     SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                   ---------------      -------------     ------------------
<S>                                <C>                  <C>               <C>          
Total Sales .................       $     624,086       $     794,180       $   1,047,213
Net Income (Loss) ...........       $     101,010       $     177,692       $     438,941
Net Income (Loss) per Unit ..       $       16.84       $       29.62       $       73.16
Total Assets** ..............       $   4,290,843       $   4,250,559       $   4,543,050
Long-Term Debt ..............       $   1,143,266       $   1,105,038       $   1,306,202
Cash Distribution Per Unit ..       $       37.50       $       37.50       $       37.50
</TABLE>


    **Net of amortization and depreciation.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS FOR THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1998.

    As in the past, Northwest I experienced lower occupancy levels in the first
three months of the year. In addition, extensive renovations at the Federal Way
motel were not completed until well into the second quarter of 1998 resulting in
lower than usual occupancy levels through June 30, 1998.

    Current assets exceeded current liabilities by $125,497, $15,817, and
$406,721 in the first, second, and third quarters of 1998 respectively resulting
in the current ratios noted below. The increase in current assets in third
quarter 1998 was due largely to an increase in cash reserves. Accounts payable
dropped $54,587 while current portion of long-term debt and accrued expenses
rose a combined $135,290 in the second quarter resulting in an overall $84,959
increase in current liabilities. Liabilities related to the Federal Way
renovation were paid in the third quarter causing accounts payable to decrease
by $72,523 and are the main component of the $82,908 decrease in current
liabilities.


                                       38


<PAGE>   44
QUARTERLY BALANCE SHEET DATA

    For the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 1998:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            MARCH 31, 1998     JUNE 30, 1998    SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                            --------------     -------------    ------------------
<S>                         <C>                <C>              <C>          
Current Assets .........     $     426,733     $     402,012     $     710,008
Current Liabilities ....     $     301,236     $     386,195     $     303,287
Current Ratio ..........            1.42:1            1.04:1            2.34:1
</TABLE>


    Total sales for the third quarter of 1998 were $1,047,213, an increase of
$253,033 from second quarter 1998 and $423,127 higher than the first three
months of the year. As in the past, occupancy figures and, in turn, revenue
figures are significantly lower in the first quarter of the year. Average
occupancy figures posted strong gains in the third quarter helping to boost
total room revenues.

    Renovations at the Federal Way motel began in the first quarter and, as a
result, Supplies and Maintenance expenses increased significantly. This increase
coupled with higher Payroll and Related expenditures were the main cause of the
28% increase in Direct Operating Expenses in the second quarter of 1998.

    Indirect Operating expenses remain relatively flat with slight increases in
Advertising and "Other" expenses accounting for much of the $14,721 increase in
the third quarter.

    Property Management and Franchise Fee expenses continue to parallel room
revenue in their steady increase from the first through third quarters.

    Northwest I operates the motels as a franchise of Super 8 Motels, Inc.
Nationwide the Super 8 motel chain continues to grow, increasing the name
familiarity of the chain.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        AS OF DECEMBER 31,           NUMBER OF SUPER 8 MOTELS        INCREASE
        ------------------           ------------------------        --------
<S>                                  <C>                             <C>
                1997                          1,614                    122
                1996                          1,492                    92
                1995                          1,400                    180
                1994                          1,220                    159
                1993                          1,060                    119
                1992                           941                     78
</TABLE>


    The Super 8 "Superline" national reservation system and "VIP Club"
(approximately 5,000,000 members) continue to be improved.

    Prior to 1985, Northwest I had been accruing the motels' property management
fees. Though the obligation to pay those fees existed, the terms of the
partnership agreement of Northwest I did not allow them to be paid until such
time as the limited partners had received a cumulative annual 10% return on
their adjusted capital investment. For the period 1986 through 1993, upon the
advice of Northwest I's prior accounting firm, Northwest I's accounting policy
regarding these fees was changed to expense them when paid (instead of when
incurred) and to not accrue unpaid property management fees as a liability on
the face of the balance sheet.


                                       39


<PAGE>   45
    In 1994, Northwest I again changed its accounting policy for property
management fees to reflect, on Northwest I's income statement, the expense when
the obligation to pay the fee was incurred and to accrue the corresponding
liability on the face of Northwest I's balance sheet. Thus, the financial
information contained in this report conforms with that reporting position.
Previously incurred but unpaid management fees totaling approximately $605,000
were paid in 1997. Attention is directed to Note 6 in the notes to accompanying
audited December 31, 1997 financial statements, for a discussion of property
management fees.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUE

    Currently, equipment and software which handle motel reservations, and
credit card approvals are provided respectively by Super 8 Motels, Inc. and the
individual banking institutions with which the properties do business.
Currently, internal property accounting (with the exception of call accounting)
is completed manually. Pursuant to the POWER-UP program being designed,
instituted and paid for by Super 8 Motels, Inc., all motels will be provided a
PC-based property management system which integrates all reservations, credit
card approvals, call accounting, security and motel accounting into a single
system.

    This fully integrated system is to be in place at every motel within the
Super 8 System by the third quarter of 1999. The equipment and software is new
and has been designed and developed by Super 8 Motels, Inc., and all franchisees
(including Northwest I) will be required to utilize it. Northwest I has been
assured by Super 8 Motels, Inc. that the total system will be year 2000
compliant. The total cost of this conversion, which may be borne by the motels
owned by the partnership, should not exceed $5,000 per motel.

    Internally, the general partner of Super 8 Motels Northwest I and the
affiliated management company have undertaken the task of totally replacing the
current corporate accounting system to ensure that it will fully integrate with
the new property management system being installed by Super 8 Motels, Inc. It is
anticipated that this conversion will be completed by the year end 1999. Part of
the hardware and software will be provided by the POWER-UP initiative at no cost
to the company. For those systems purchased by the general partner or
affiliates, all software, hardware and systems vendors will be required to
certify that their products are year 2000 compliant. The cost attributed to each
motel in the partnership for this conversion should not exceed $5,000 per motel.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

    The sole general partner of the Northwest I is Gerald L. Whitcomb.

    Gerald L. Whitcomb, age 55, was educated at the University of Nebraska with
majors in economics and business finance. Whitcomb earned his J.D. from the
University of Nebraska in 1969, following which he practiced law until 1979.
Since 1979, Whitcomb has been involved in the management of PGI and its
affiliates.

    Whitcomb is the principal organizer and stockholder of PDS.  Whitcomb is
also a partner in Super 8 Motel Developers, which is the general partner of
Super 8 Motels of Lacey Associates, a general partner of Super 8 Motels
Northwest II, Juneau Motel Associates, Anchorage Motel Associates and Peninsula
Motel Associates, all Washington limited partnerships. Whitcomb is the Managing
partner of Tongass Motel Associates, an Alaska general partnership, and is also
a partner in Peninsula Properties Partnership, a Washington general partnership.


                                       40


<PAGE>   46
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    The general partner received no salary or bonus compensation from 
Northwest I during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions," below.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   TITLE                               NAME                         PERCENT
   -----                               ----                         -------
<S>                                    <C>                          <C>
   General partner                     Gerald L. Whitcomb              1
   Limited partners                    950 various                     99
</TABLE>


As of December 31, 1998, Whitcomb owned 62 Northwest I Units in addition to his
1% interest as general partner. Those Units have been acquired from time-to-time
on a voluntary basis from investors seeking to liquidate their investment. See
Note 3 of Notes to the "Financial Statements" for a discussion of distributions
and allocations of profits and losses.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

    Transactions between the partnership, the general partner, and affiliates of
the general partner are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   TRANSACTION                                     1997             1996               1995
                                              -------------     -------------     -------------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>               <C>          
Purchases of supplies and equipment ...       $      68,447     $     279,632     $     106,529
Administrative service fees ...........       $     171,741     $     159,779     $     152,275
Property management fees ..............       $     149,011     $     148,864     $     115,938
</TABLE>


    Northwest I has a management agreement with Peninsula Management (now part 
of PDS) to employ it for a period of 20 years as manager of the motels owned by
Northwest I. The agreement provides for payment of a property management fee to
the affiliate equal to 5% of the partnership's gross revenues from motel
operations in addition to reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket cost incurred
by the affiliate in connection with management of the property. The 5% base fees
are recorded as property management fees. The reimbursements of out-of-pocket
costs are recorded as administrative service fees.

    Payment of property management fees is subordinated to receipt by the
limited partners of a cumulative, pre-tax return on their adjusted capital
investment of 10% per annum. This 10% was achieved during 1992. Effective July
1, 1992, management began paying monthly the current management fees. Unpaid
management fees relating to 1990 and before totaling $605,348 were paid in 1997.

    Management believes that these transactions were made on terms at least as
favorable as could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.


                                       41


<PAGE>   47
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S................................................   F-2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996, 1997 and September 30, 1998
    (unaudited) ..................................................................   F-3
    Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997
    and for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998
    (unaudited) ..................................................................   F-5
    Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity for the years ended December 31,
    1996 and 1997 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1998
    (unaudited) ..................................................................   F-6
    Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
    1997 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998
    (unaudited) ..................................................................   F-7
    Notes to Financial Statements ................................................   F-8
</TABLE>


                                      F-1


<PAGE>   48
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the General and Limited Partners
Super 8 Motels Northwest I


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Super 8 Motels Northwest I as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of income, changes in
partners' equity, and cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits 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. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Super 8 Motels Northwest I as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the three years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. 


                                                                 MOSS ADAMS LLP

Tacoma, Washington
January 29, 1998


                                      F-2


<PAGE>   49

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I

                                  BALANCE SHEET

                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31,              SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                             ------------------------------     ------------------
                                                1996               1997            (UNAUDITED)
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                          <C>                <C>             <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
     Cash ............................       $   544,684        $   463,238        $   638,984
     Accounts receivable, trade ......            21,518             10,623             17,768
     Accounts receivable, affiliates .              --                5,932               --
     Inventory .......................            42,093             43,931             43,931
     Prepaid expenses ................             7,212              5,157              9,325
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------
         Total current assets ........           615,507            528,881            710,008
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost
     Land ............................         2,053,409          2,036,056          2,036,057
     Land improvements ...............            79,671             79,671             81,410
     Buildings .......................         2,836,155          2,836,155          2,836,155
     Equipment, furniture and fixtures         1,021,108          1,021,108          1,032,110
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------
                                               5,990,343          5,972,990          5,985,732
     Less accumulated depreciation ...        (2,022,417)        (2,105,168)        (2,167,415)
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------

     Total property and equipment ....         3,967,926          3,867,822          3,818,317
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------

OTHER ASSETS
     Loan fees .......................            15,000             15,000             15,000
     Franchise fees ..................            30,000             30,000             30,000
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------
                                                  45,000             45,000             45,000

     Less accumulated amortization ...           (25,500)           (30,000)           (33,375)
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------
                                                  19,500             15,000             11,625

     Deposits ........................            34,343             38,093              3,100
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------
         Total other assets ..........            53,843             53,093             14,725
                                             -----------        -----------        -----------

                                             $ 4,637,276        $ 4,449,796        $ 4,543,050
                                             ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



                                      F-3
<PAGE>   50

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                                  BALANCE SHEET

                        LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,          SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                                      ---------------------------   ------------------
                                                         1996             1997          (UNAUDITED)
                                                      ----------       ----------       ----------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>          <C>       
CURRENT LIABILITIES
         Accounts payable, trade ..............       $   37,503       $   34,373       $   49,270
         Accounts payable, affiliates .........           29,609           36,432           30,412
         Accounts payable, partners ...........           88,307           88,221           95,686
         Current portion of long-term debt ....           46,000           49,000          127,919
                                                      ----------       ----------       ----------

         Total current liabilities ............          201,419          208,026          303,287
                                                      ----------       ----------       ----------

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion shown
above .........................................        1,331,791        1,284,675        1,306,202
                                                      ----------       ----------       ----------

ACCRUED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FEES
                                                         605,348             --               --

COMMITMENTS (Notes 7 and 9)

PARTNERS' EQUITY
     General partner's equity .................          329,065          461,460          457,929
     Limited partners' equity (authorized,
         issued and outstanding  6,000 units) .        2,169,653        2,495,635        2,475,632
                                                      ----------       ----------       ----------

                                                       2,498,718        2,957,095        2,933,561
                                                      ----------       ----------       ----------

                                                      $4,637,276       $4,449,796       $4,543,050
                                                      ==========       ==========       ==========

     Book value per unit ......................       $   416.45       $   492.85       $   488.93
                                                      ==========       ==========       ==========
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



                                      F-4
<PAGE>   51



                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                           ---------------------------
                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31                   1997             1998
                                        --------------------------------------------       ----------       ----------
                                          1995              1996            1997           (UNAUDITED)      (UNAUDITED)
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>      
SALES
     Rooms ......................       $2,219,855       $2,859,260       $2,857,164       $2,288,637       $2,376,747
     Other ......................           99,187          116,665          123,501           93,754           88,732
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
                                         2,319,042        2,975,925        2,980,665        2,382,391        2,465,479
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES
     Payroll and related expenses          474,549          497,037          548,646          418,814          460,675
     Supplies and maintenance ...          598,914          285,864          124,634           95,179          349,845
     Utilities ..................          142,569          154,073          159,214          119,365          120,588
     Other ......................           30,761           35,997           36,970           21,195           36,481
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
                                         1,246,793          972,971          869,464          654,553          967,589
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------

INDIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES
     Taxes (principally property
         taxes) and fees ........          126,524          124,915          133,364           55,908           97,206
     Advertising and promotion ..           94,555           68,958           71,101           36,324           56,594
     Bank and credit card .......           
         charges ................           35,972           46,174           46,005           23,421           43,164
     Insurance ..................           29,250           29,144           29,501          101,444           20,912
     Other ......................           10,718           10,866            9,531           12,079            5,910
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
                                           297,019          280,057          289,502          229,176          223,786
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
ADMINISTRATIVE AND
GENERAL EXPENSES
     Administrative service fees           152,275          159,779          171,741          129,958          109,578
     Property management fees ...          115,938          148,864          149,011           91,545          123,274
     Franchise fees .............           88,894          114,192          113,167          119,120           95,070
     Professional services ......           66,574           49,386           42,471           25,227           25,514
     Other ......................           20,710           34,304           42,943           34,001           21,799
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
                                           444,391          506,525          519,333          399,851          375,235
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
FIXED CHARGES
     Depreciation ...............          103,390          106,116           82,752            3,375           62,246
     Interest expense ...........           88,797          128,631          123,416           62,064           99,191
     Amortization ...............            2,251            4,500            4,500           94,402            3,375
     Current Lease ..............           13,725           40,170           40,385           30,305           31,402
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
                                           208,163          279,417          251,053          190,146          196,214
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------

INCOME FROM
     OPERATIONS .................          122,676          936,955        1,051,313          908,665          702,655

OTHER INCOME ....................            9,747           11,955           38,080           20,439           14,988
                                        ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------

NET INCOME ......................       $  132,423       $  948,910       $1,089,393       $  929,104       $  717,643
                                        ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========

NET INCOME PER LIMITED
     PARTNERSHIP UNIT ...........       $    18.76       $   134.43       $   154.33       $    96.67       $   119.62
                                        ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========

Earnings to fixed charges .......           $.64:1          $3.40:1          $4.34:1          $4.89:1          $3.66:1
                                        ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



                                      F-5
<PAGE>   52

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I

                    STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY

     FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                      ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                General            Limited
                                                Partner            Partner             Total
                                              -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                           <C>                <C>                <C>
BALANCE, December 31, 1995 ...........           $192,789         $1,963,080         $2,155,869
         Distributions paid ...........            (6,061)          (600,000)          (606,061)
         Net income ...................           142,337            806,573            948,910
                                              -----------        -----------        -----------

BALANCE, December 31, 1996 ............           329,065          2,169,653          2,498,718
         Distributions paid ...........           (31,016)          (600,000)          (631,016)
         Net income ...................           163,411            925,982          1,089,393
                                              -----------        -----------        -----------

BALANCE, December 31, 1997 ............           461,460          2,495,635          2,957,095
         Distributions paid ...........          (141,177)          (600,000)          (741,177)
         Net income ...................           137,646            579,997            717,643
                                              -----------        -----------        -----------

BALANCE, September 30, 1998 (unaudited)       $   457,929        $ 2,475,632        $ 2,933,561
                                              ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



                                      F-6
<PAGE>   53

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                           1997            1998
                                                       1995             1996             1997          (UNAUDITED)      (UNAUDITED)
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
     Revenues and other income received in cash     $ 2,345,287      $ 2,985,522      $ 3,011,125      $ 2,386,891      $ 2,479,254
     Operating expenses paid in cash ..........      (1,929,863)      (1,847,462)      (2,323,835)      (1,851,054)      (1,548,152)
     Interest paid ............................         (89,744)        (128,471)        (123,539)         (94,402)        (101,884)
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
     Net cash provided by operating activities          325,680        1,009,589          563,751          441,435          829,218
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
     Purchases of property and equipment ......        (653,803)         (43,332)            --               (270)         (12,742)
     Proceeds from sale of asset ..............            --              3,000           29,935           26,606             --
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
     Net cash provided by (used in) investing
         activities ...........................        (653,803)         (40,332)          29,935           26,336          (12,742)
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
     Proceeds from loan .......................         999,999             --               --               --            196,225
     Payment of appraisal and loan fees .......         (15,000)            --               --               --               --
     Principal payments on long-term debt .....         (86,990)         (40,658)         (44,116)         (35,236)         (95,808)
     Distributions to:
         Limited partners .....................        (600,000)        (600,000)        (600,000)        (450,000)         600,000
         General partner ......................          (6,061)          (6,061)         (31,016)          (4,545)        (141,177)
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
     Net cash (used in) provided by
         financing activities .................         291,948         (646,719)        (675,132)        (489,781)        (640,730)
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS ...................................         (36,175)         322,538          (81,446)         (22,011)         175,746
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     beginning of year ........................         258,321          222,146          544,684          544,684          463,238
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     end of year ..............................     $   222,146      $   544,684      $   463,238      $   522,673      $   638,984
                                                    ===========      ===========      ===========      ===========      ===========

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
     Net income ...............................     $   132,423      $   948,910      $ 1,089,393      $   929,104      $   717,643
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net
         cash provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization ............         105,641          110,616           87,252           65,439           64,497
     (Gain) loss on sale of asset .............            --              1,444          (12,583)            --               --
     Change in assets and liabilities
     Accounts receivable ......................          16,498           (2,358)           4,963          (15,939)          (1,213)
         Inventory ............................           6,664              184           (1,838)            --               --
         Prepaid expenses .....................          (9,135)           6,110            2,055           (2,826)          (4,168)
         Deposits .............................          (1,240)            (633)          (3,750)         (10,778)          34,993
         Accounts payable .....................          73,397          (58,692)           3,693           60,981            8,877
         Accrued expenses .....................           1,432            4,008              (86)          20,802            8,589
         Accrued management fees ..............            --               --           (605,348)        (605,348)            --
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

                                                        193,257           60,679         (525,642)        (487,669)         111,575
                                                    -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
     NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING
         ACTIVITIES ...........................     $   325,680      $ 1,009,589      $   563,751      $   441,435      $   829,218
                                                    ===========      ===========      ===========      ===========      ===========
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



                                      F-7
<PAGE>   54

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         NOTE 1 - PARTNERSHIP OPERATIONS

         Super 8 Motels Northwest I is a Washington limited partnership. The
         partnership owns and operates two motels: one in Federal Way,
         Washington, and one in the vicinity of the Seattle-Tacoma International
         Airport.

         NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         CASH EQUIVALENTS - Cash equivalents are investments with maturity at
         date of purchase of three months or less.

         INVENTORY - Inventory consists of various operating supplies which have
         been valued at cost.

         PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Property and equipment are stated at cost and
         are depreciated using straight-line and accelerated methods over
         estimated useful lives as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Years
                                                                        -----
<S>                                                                   <C>
              Land improvements                                           28
              Buildings                                               25 and 30
              Equipment, furniture and fixtures                        5 and 7
</TABLE>

         Expenditures for maintenance and repairs and minor renewals and
         betterments are charged to expense when incurred. Renewals and
         betterments which extend the lives of the assets involved, if material
         in amount, are capitalized.

         LOAN FEES - Loan fees incurred in connection with financing for
         remodeling the Sea-Tac motel are amortized over a 5 year period.

         FRANCHISE FEES - Initial franchise fees are stated at cost;
         amortization of this amount is provided using the straight-line method
         over 20 years.

         ACCRUED VACATION - It is the partnership's policy to expense vacation
         pay as paid rather than as earned as required by generally accepted
         accounting principles. The effect upon the financial statements is not
         significant.

         INCOME TAXES - No provision has been made in the accompanying financial
         statements for federal or state income taxes as taxable income or loss
         of the partnership is allocated to and included in the taxable income
         of the partners. See Note 5 for additional discussion.

         INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT - Net income per limited
         partnership Unit is computed by dividing the limited partners' share 
         of net income by the limited partners' Units outstanding for each year.

         CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK - The partnership has bank deposits in
         excess of federal deposit insurance limits. The partnership's
         management does not anticipate any adverse effect on its financial
         position resulting from the credit risk.



                                      F-8
<PAGE>   55

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 - (CONTINUED) -

         NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

         USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of the financial statements in
         conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
         management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
         reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual
         results could differ from those estimates.

         UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION - The unaudited financial
         statements at September 30, 1998 and for the nine months ended
         September 30, 1998 and 1997 have been prepared on the same basis as the
         audited financial statements included herein. In the opinion of
         management, such unaudited financial statements include all adjustments
         (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present
         fairly the information set forth therein. The results for the nine
         months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 are not necessarily indicative
         of results to be expected for the full year or for any other interim
         period.

         NOTE 3 - DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES

         DISTRIBUTIONS - Under the partnership agreement, on a quarterly basis,
         the general partner determines the amount, if any, of cash available
         for distribution and distributes cash as follows:

         1% to the general partner and 99% to the limited partners until the
         limited partners have received a cumulative pretax return on their
         adjusted capital investment equal to 10% per year through the end of
         the partnership year for which the distribution is being made, then:

         Payment of unpaid balance of property management fees, if any. (See
         Note 6.)

         Any remaining cash will be distributed 15% to the general partner and
         85% to the limited partners.

         PROFIT AND LOSSES - Profits and losses are allocated 1% to the general
         partner and 99% to the limited partners until the limited partners have
         received a cumulative pretax return of 10% per year on their adjusted
         capital investment; and thereafter, 15% to the general partner and 85%
         to the limited partners. At the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
         1997, the limited partners received a cumulative pretax return of 10%
         and the partnership's net income for these years has been allocated 15%
         to the general partner and 85% to the limited partners.



                                      F-9
<PAGE>   56

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 - (CONTINUED) -


         NOTE 4 - LONG-TERM DEBT

         Long-term debt at December 31, 1996 and 1997 consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996           1997
                                                                                  -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>            <C>
         Note payable to bank, collateralized by real property; interest at 8.5%
            for 1997 and 1996. The rate is adjustable each year based on an
            amount equal to the monthly median cost of funds index for FSLIC
            insured savings and loan associations plus 3.575%; or, if less, 1%
            plus such amount; payable in monthly installments of
            $4,204 including interest; due January 2010.                             $397,511       $380,193

         Line of credit, collateralized by deed of trust on real property. The
            rate is variable at lender's prime rate plus 1%, payable in monthly
            interest only payments through March 31, 1996, changing to monthly
            installments of $9,768 plus interest; due February 2001. The bank's
            prime rate of interest at December 31, 1997 is 8.5%.                      980,280        953,482
                                                                                  -----------    -----------
                                                                                    1,377,791      1,333,675
                                                                                       46,000         49,000
         Less current portion                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                                                  $ 1,331,791    $ 1,284,675
                                                                                  ===========    ===========
                                                                                                             
</TABLE>


         Based on the December 31, 1997 interest rates, principal payments
         required on these notes during each of the next five years and
         thereafter are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>    
                     1998                                     $49,000
                     1999                                      52,000
                     2000                                      57,000
                     2001                                      62,000
                     2002                                      68,000
                  Thereafter                                1,045,675
                                                          ----------- 
                                                          $ 1,333,675
                                                          ===========
                                                         
                                                        
</TABLE>


         NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES

         The cost of certain assets and the amount of certain expenses reported
         for federal income tax purposes are different from the amounts reported
         under generally accepted accounting principles in the accompanying
         financial statements. The differences arise primarily from:

         Depreciating land improvements and buildings for financial reporting
                  purposes using the straight-line method over a 30 year life,
                  and for federal income tax purposes using the straight-line
                  method over 15, 18, or 31.5 year life.

         Depreciating furniture and equipment for financial reporting purposes
                  using accelerated and straight-line methods over a 5 or 7 year
                  life, and for federal income tax purposes using the
                  accelerated cost recovery method or the modified accelerated
                  cost recovery method over a 5 or 7 year life.



                                      F-10
<PAGE>   57

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 - (CONTINUED) -


         Deducting sales tax incurred prior to 1987 on property and equipment
                  acquisitions as an expense for federal income tax purposes and
                  capitalizing it for financial reporting purposes.

         The following is a reconciliation of net income for financial reporting
         purposes to net income for federal income tax reporting purposes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1995             1996              1997
                                                                  -----------      -----------      -----------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>              <C>        
         Net income as shown in the statement of income .....     $   132,423      $   948,910      $ 1,089,393
         Additional depreciation and amortization for income          (59,171)         (61,153)          (6,116)
              tax purposes
              Accrued property management fees ..............            --               --           (605,348)
              Other .........................................           1,380              349            3,769
                                                                  -----------      -----------      -----------
         Net income for federal income tax reporting purposes
                                                                  $    74,632      $   888,106      $   481,698
                                                                  ===========      ===========      ===========
</TABLE>


         NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

         Transactions between the partnership and the general partner, Gerald L.
         Whitcomb, and affiliates of the general partner are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1995           1996               1997
                                                                 --------        --------         --------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>               <C>    
         Purchases of supplies and equipment                     $106,529        $279,632          $68,447
         Administrative service fees                             $152,275        $159,779         $171,741
         Property management fees                                $115,938        $148,864         $149,011
</TABLE>


         The partnership has a management agreement with an affiliate of the
         general partner to employ the affiliate for a period of 20 years as
         manager of the motels owned by the partnership. The agreement provides
         for payment of a property management fee to the affiliate equal to 5%
         of the partnership's gross revenues from motel operations in addition
         to reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket cost incurred by the
         affiliate in connection with management of the property. The 5% base
         fees are recorded as property management fees. The reimbursements of
         out-of-pocket costs are recorded as administrative service fees.

         Payment of property management fees is subordinated to receipt by the
         limited partners of a cumulative, pretax return on their adjusted
         capital investment of 10% per annum. This 10% was achieved during 1992.
         Effective July 1, 1992, management began paying monthly the current
         management fees. Unpaid management fees relating to 1990 and before
         totaling $605,348 were paid in 1997.

         NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS

         FRANCHISE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS - The partnership has
         purchased franchise rights to provide motel services to the general
         public using a system commonly known as Super 8 Motels. An initial
         franchise fee of $15,000 was paid for each motel and the partnership is
         committed to pay additional fees equal to 4% of gross room revenue for
         the 20 year term of the respective agreements. In addition, 1% of gross
         room revenue is 



                                      F-11
<PAGE>   58

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 - (CONTINUED) -


         remitted to Super 8 Motels for advertising and participation in the
         national reservation system. This amount is included in advertising and
         promotion.

         LEASE COMMITMENTS - The partnership has an operating lease for
         equipment at the Sea-Tac motel. The remaining term of the operating
         lease is 1.5 years as of December 31, 1997.

         Future minimum lease payments based on current rents are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>    
         1998                      $37,126
         1999                        6,188
                                   -------
                                   $43,314
                                   =======
</TABLE>


         NOTE 8 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

         CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - The carrying amount approximates fair value
         because of the short-term maturity of those instruments.

         LONG-TERM DEBT - The carrying amounts of the partnership's borrowings
         under its long-term revolving credit agreement and notes payable
         approximate fair value.

         NOTE 9 - YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

         Currently, motel reservations and credit card approvals are handled by
         equipment and software provided respectively by Super 8 Motels, Inc.
         and the individual banking institutions with which the properties do
         business. Currently, internal accounting (with the exception of call
         accounting) is completed manually. Pursuant to the POWER-UP program
         being designed, instituted, and paid for by Super 8 Motels, Inc. all
         motels will be provided a PC-based property management system which
         integrates all reservations, credit card approvals, call accounting,
         security, and motel accounting into a single system.

         This fully integrated system is to be in place at every motel within
         the Super 8 System by the third quarter of 1999. The new equipment and
         software have been designed and developed by the franchisor, and the
         franchisee will be required to utilize it. The partnership has been
         assured by Super 8 Motels, Inc. that the total system will be year 2000
         compliant. The total cost of this conversion, which may be borne by the
         motels owned by the partnership, should not exceed $5,000 per motel.

         Internally, the general partner and the affiliated management company
         have undertaken the task of totally replacing the current corporate
         accounting system to ensure that it will fully integrate with the new
         Property Management Systems being installed by Super 8 Motels, Inc. It
         is anticipated that this conversion will be completed by year end 1998.
         Part of the hardware and software will be provided by the POWER-UP
         initiative at no cost to Northwest I. For those systems purchased by
         the general partner or affiliates, all software, hardware, and systems
         vendors will be required to certify that their products are year 



                                      F-12
<PAGE>   59

                           SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 - (CONTINUED) -


         2000 compliant. The cost attributed to each motel in the partnership
         for this conversion should not exceed $5,000 per motel.

         NOTE 10 - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

         In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131,
         "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,"
         which is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after
         December 15, 1997 and interim periods beginning in fiscal year 1999.
         SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for the way that public companies
         report information about operating segments in an annual financial
         statements and requires that those companies report information about
         segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. The
         partnership's management believes this new standard will not have
         significant effect on the partnership's financial position or results
         of operations.

         In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
         ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for
         the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use,"
         which establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the costs
         of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. This
         statement will be applied prospectively and is effective for fiscal
         years beginning after December 15, 1998. The partnership's management
         believes that implementation of this new standard will not have a
         significant effect on its financial position or results of operations.

         In April 1998, the AICPA issued SOP 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of
         Start-Up Activities," which requires costs of start-up activities to be
         expensed as incurred. This statement is effective for fiscal years
         beginning after December 15, 1998. The statement requires capitalized
         costs related to start-up activities to be expensed as a cumulative
         effect of a change in accounting principle when the statement is
         adopted. The partnership's management believes that the adoption of
         this new standard will not have a significant effect on its financial
         position or result of operations.

         In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
         Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement establishes new
         accounting and reporting standards requiring that all derivative
         instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
         contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
         liability measured at its fair value. The statement requires that
         changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in
         earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special
         accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses
         to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement
         and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and
         assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
         This statement is effective for all fiscal years beginning after June
         15, 1999. The partnership's management believes that the adoption of
         this new standard will not have a significant effect on its financial
         position or result of operations.



                                      F-13
<PAGE>   60
                                                                         ANNEX I

               AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (this
"Agreement") dated as of December 31, 1998, as amended on February 5, 1999,
between GERALD L. WHITCOMB (the "General Partner") on behalf of SUPER 8 MOTELS
NORTHWEST I, a Washington limited partnership ("NWI"), and COLUMBUS PROPERTIES
L.L.C., a Washington limited liability company ("Columbus").


                                    RECITALS

               WHEREAS, NWI has heretofore issued limited partnership units (the
"Units"), each representing limited partner interests in NWI;

               WHEREAS, the General Partner is the sole general partner of NWI;

               WHEREAS, NWI wishes to merge with and into Columbus (the
"Merger") pursuant and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
whereby each issued and outstanding Unit will be converted into the right to
receive $1,609.00 (the "Merger Consideration");

               WHEREAS NWI has retained the services of Ragen McKenzie
Incorporated to render its opinion as to the fairness of the Merger
Consideration to the holders of the Units (the "Unitholders") from a financial
point of view;

               WHEREAS, the General Partner has also retained the services of
McKee & Schalka, an MAI Appraiser to appraise the real property and/or leasehold
interests owned by NWI;

               WHEREAS, the General Partner, on behalf of NWI, has duly approved
this Agreement and the Merger pursuant hereto; and

               WHEREAS, this Agreement and the Merger will be submitted to the
Unitholders for approval and adoption at a meeting of Unitholders called for
such purpose (the "Merger Meeting") pursuant to Section 16.2 of the Amended
Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership of SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I,
dated March 31, 1980, as amended, (the "Partnership Agreement").

               NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits to be
derived from this Agreement and of the representations, warranties, agreements
and conditions contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows.

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   The Merger

        1.1 The Merger. In accordance with and subject to (a) the provisions of
this Agreement, (b) the Articles of Merger (as hereinafter defined), and (c) the
Washington 



                                      A-1
<PAGE>   61
Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the "Washington Limited Partnership Act") and
the Washington Limited Liability Company Act (the "Washington Limited Liability
Company Act"), at the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined), NWI shall be
merged with and into Columbus in the Merger. As a result of the Merger, the
separate existence of NWI shall cease and Columbus shall continue as the
surviving company. Columbus is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the
"Surviving Company."

        1.2 Effective Time of the Merger. Subject to the provisions of this
Agreement, Articles of Merger, a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A,
(the "Articles of Merger"), including the Plan of Merger, a form of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Plan of Merger") shall be duly executed and
filed by NWI and Columbus on the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) in the
manner provided in Section 25.10.820 of the Washington Limited Partnership Act
and Section 25.15.405 of the Washington Limited Liability Company Act. The
Merger shall become effective at such time on the Closing Date as the Articles
of Merger are filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington (or
such later time as may be specified in the Articles of Merger) (the "Effective
Time").

        1.3 Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been abandoned pursuant
to the provisions of Article VIII, and subject to the provisions of Sections 7.1
and 7.2 hereof, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place at the
earliest 10:00 a.m., Tumwater, WA. time, on the first Business Day (as
hereinafter defined) occurring after the Merger Meeting and at the latest on the
last business day of the month in which the Merger Meeting occurs, or, if all of
the conditions set forth in Section 7.1 and 7.2 hereof shall not have been
satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.2 hereof), at such later date
and time which is agreed to in writing by the parties (the "Closing Date"). The
Closing shall take place at the offices of NWI at 751 Terminal Street SW,
Tumwater, Washington 98501, unless another place is agreed to by the parties.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Business Day" shall mean any day except
Saturday, Sunday or any day on which banks are generally not open for business
in Tumwater, Washington.

        1.4 Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall, from and after the
Effective Time, have the effects provided for in the Washington Limited
Partnership Act and the Washington Limited Liability Company Act.

               (a) Conversion of Units. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of NWI, Columbus, or any holder of any
of the Units, each Unit that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be canceled, extinguished and retired, and be converted
into and become a right to receive, without interest, the Merger Consideration.


                                      A-2


<PAGE>   62
               (b) The Whitcombs' Interests. Notwithstanding Section 1.4(a),
immediately before the Effective Time, by virtue of this Agreement and without 
any action on the part of NWI, Columbus, or Gerald L. and/or Maryanne Whitcomb,
any partnership interest (general or limited) in NWI owned by Gerald L. and/or
Maryanne Whitcomb shall be contributed to Columbus in exchange for units in
Columbus.

        1.5 Payment.

               (a) Promptly after the Effective Time, the Surviving Company
shall mail to each record holder of Units a form of letter of transmittal and
any other required forms (the "Transmittal Documents") (which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such Units shall pass,
only upon delivery of the Transmittal Documents to the Surviving Company) and
instructions for use in delivering the Transmittal Documents and receiving the
Merger Consideration for each Unit owned by the Unitholder. Upon the surrender
of such Transmittal Documents and the payment by the Surviving Company of the
Merger Consideration in exchange therefor, the Units owned by such Unitholder
shall forthwith be canceled. Until so surrendered and exchanged, the Units owned
by such Unitholder shall represent solely the right to receive the Merger
Consideration multiplied by the number of Units owned by such Unitholder, and
the holder thereof shall have no rights whatsoever as a Unitholder of NWI or the
Surviving Company. Upon the surrender of such Units, the holder shall receive
such Merger Consideration, without any interest thereon. If any cash is to be
paid to a name other than the name in which the Units surrendered in exchange
therefor is registered, it shall be a condition to such payment that the person
requesting such payment shall pay to the Surviving Company any transfer or other
taxes required by reason of the payment of such cash to a name other than that
of the registered holder of the Units surrendered, or such person shall
establish to the satisfaction of the Surviving Company that such tax has been
paid or is not applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Surviving
Company nor any other party hereto shall be liable to a holder of Units for any
Merger Consideration or other payments made to a public official pursuant to
applicable abandoned property laws. The Surviving Company shall be entitled to
deduct and withhold from the Merger Consideration otherwise payable to a holder
of Units pursuant to the Merger any taxes or other amounts as are required by
applicable law, including without limitation Sections 3406 and 1445 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by the
Surviving Company, they shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as
having been paid to the holder of the Units in respect of which such deduction
and withholding was made.



                                      A-3


<PAGE>   63
               (b) At and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers
on the books of the Surviving Company of any Units. As of the Effective Time,
each holder of a Unit which was converted into the right to receive cash
pursuant to Section 1.4(a) hereof shall be deemed to have withdrawn as a limited
partner and shall have no further interest in NWI or the Surviving Company or
any allocations or distributions of income, property or otherwise, other than
the right to receive the Merger Consideration as provided in this Article I.

        1.6 Deregistration of Units. Following the Effective Time, the General
Partner, on behalf of NWI, shall take all actions necessary to effect the
deregistration of the Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission").

        1.7 Dissenters' Rights. Unitholders shall have dissenters' rights in
connection with the Merger as set forth in Article 14 of Chapter 25.10 of the
Revised Code of Washington.

                                   ARTICLE II

                             Approval of the Merger

        2.1 Actions of NWI and the General Partner.

               (a) The General Partner hereby consents to the Merger, agrees in
all respects with the terms of this Agreement and, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby. In connection therewith, pursuant to the Washington Limited Partnership
Act and Article VI of the Partnership Agreement, by executing this Agreement,
the General Partner, as the sole general partner of NWI, subject to the
requisite approval of the Unitholders at the Merger Meeting, consents to and
approves in all respects this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
(including, without limitation, the Merger) on behalf of NWI.

               (b) The General Partner shall submit this Agreement and the
Merger to a vote by the Unitholders in person or by proxy, at the Merger Meeting
which will be held not less than twenty (20) nor more than forty (40) calendar
days from and after the mailing of the Proxy Statement to the Unitholders.


                                      A-4


<PAGE>   64
        2.2 Proxy Statement. Promptly following the execution of this Agreement,
NWI shall prepare (and Columbus shall cooperate in preparing) and as soon as
reasonably practicable thereafter shall file with the Commission a preliminary
proxy statement with respect to the Merger. Subject to compliance with the rules
and regulations of the Commission, NWI shall thereafter file with the Commission
and mail to Unitholders a definitive proxy statement with respect to the Merger
(the "Proxy Statement"). The term "Proxy Statement" shall mean such Proxy
Statement at the time it initially is mailed to the Unitholders and all
amendments or supplements thereto, if any, similarly filed and mailed. Columbus
and NWI each agree to correct any information provided by it for use in the
Proxy Statement which shall have become false or misleading in any material
respect.

                                   ARTICLE III

                   Representations and Warranties of Columbus

               Columbus represents and warrants at the date hereof to NWI and
the General Partner as follows:

        3.1 Organization and Qualification. Columbus is a limited liability
company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Washington, with the requisite power and authority to carry on its
respective business as now conducted. Columbus is duly qualified to do business,
and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of its
properties owned or leased or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing would not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on
Columbus. Copies of the certificate of formation and operating agreement of
Columbus (such documents, the "Columbus Organizational Documents") previously
delivered to NWI and the General Partner are accurate and complete as of the
date hereof.

        3.2 Authority Relative to this Agreement. Columbus has the requisite
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Columbus
and the consummation by Columbus of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly authorized by Columbus' managers and members as is necessary and no
other action or proceeding on the part of Columbus is necessary to authorize the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Columbus and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of
Columbus, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that
its enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally or by general equitable principles.


                                      A-5
<PAGE>   65
        3.3 Compliance.

               (a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Columbus, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby nor
compliance by Columbus with any of the provisions hereof will (i) violate,
conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a
default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the
performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration
under, or result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of Columbus under any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of (x) the Columbus Organizational Documents (y)
any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease,
agreement or other instrument or obligation to which it or any of its properties
or assets, may be subject, or (ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and
regulations referred to in the next paragraph, violate any judgment, ruling,
order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to
Columbus or any of its properties or assets, except, in the case of each of
clauses (i) and (ii) above, for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults,
terminations, accelerations or creations of liens, security interests, charges
or encumbrances, which in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse
effect on the transactions contemplated hereby or on the condition (financial or
other), business or operations of Columbus (a "Material Adverse Effect on
Columbus").

               (b) Other than in connection with or in compliance with the
provisions of the Washington Limited Partnership Act, the Washington Limited
Liability Company Act, the Exchange Act or "blue sky" laws ("Blue Sky Laws") or
other similar statutes and regulations, no notice to, filing with, or
authorization, consent or approval of, any domestic or foreign public body or
authority is necessary for the consummation by Columbus of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except where failure to give such notice, make
such filings, or obtain such authorizations, consents or approvals would not, in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Columbus.

        3.4 Documents and Information. The information supplied by Columbus
expressly for inclusion in the Proxy Statement shall not, (i) at the time of the
mailing thereof and (ii) at the Closing Date, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.

        3.5 Financing. Columbus has obtained a commitment letter from U.S. Bank
(the "Commitment"), subject to customary conditions, to lend Columbus sufficient
funds to consummate the Merger and to pay the Merger Consideration to the
Unitholders.


                                      A-6
<PAGE>   66
                                   ARTICLE IV

                      Representations and Warranties of NWI

        NWI represents and warrants at the date hereof to Columbus as follows:

        4.1 Organization and Qualification. NWI is a limited partnership duly
formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Washington and has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business as
it is now being conducted. A copy of the Partnership Agreement (the
"Organizational Documents of NWI") which has heretofore been delivered to
Columbus is accurate and complete as of the date hereof.

        4.2 Authority Relative to this Agreement. Subject to approval of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein by Unitholders owing in the
aggregate at least sixty-six percent (66%) of the issued and outstanding Units
("Unitholder Approval") at the Merger Meeting, NWI has the requisite power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.
Subject to Unitholder Approval, the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by NWI and the General Partner and the consummation by NWI and the
General Partner of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by NWI and the General Partner and no other action or proceeding on
the part of NWI or the General Partner is necessary to authorize the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. Subject to Unitholder Approval, this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by NWI and the General Partner and
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of NWI, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles.

        4.3 Capitalization. As of the date hereof, there are six thousand
(6,000) Units issued and outstanding. All such Units have been validly issued.
Other than such Units and the General Partner's general partnership interest,
there are no equity securities of NWI authorized or outstanding, and, no
outstanding options, warrants, rights to subscribe to (including any preemptive
rights), calls or commitments of any character whatsoever to which NWI is a
party or may be bound, requiring the issuance or sale of any Units or other
equity securities of NWI or securities or rights convertible into or
exchangeable for such Units or other equity securities of NWI, and there are no
contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which NWI is or may
become bound to issue additional Units or other equity securities of NWI or
options, warrants or rights to purchase or acquire any additional Units or other
equity securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such Units
or other equity securities of NWI. None of the Units are held by NWI in
treasury.

        4.4 Fees. NWI has not paid or agreed to pay any fee or commission to any
broker, finder or intermediary in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby.


                                      A-7
<PAGE>   67
        4.5 Documents and Information. The information supplied by NWI expressly
for inclusion in the Proxy Statement shall not, (i) at the time of the mailing
thereof and (ii) at the Closing Date, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.

        4.6 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated, the
financial advisor to NWI (the "Financial Advisor"), has delivered to NWI its
written opinion, dated December 31, 1998, to the effect that the Merger
Consideration to be received by the Unitholders pursuant to the Merger is fair,
from a financial point of view, to the Unitholders.

        4.7 Compliance.

               (a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by NWI
and the General Partner nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby nor compliance by NWI and the General Partner with any of the provisions
hereof will (i) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision
of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or
accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or
acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, security interest,
charge or encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of NWI under any of
the terms, conditions or provisions of (x) the Organizational Documents of NWI
(y) any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease,
agreement or other instrument or obligation to which it or any of NWI's
properties or assets, may be subject, or (ii) subject to compliance with the
statutes and regulations referred to in the next paragraph, violate any
judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation
applicable NWI or the General Partner or any of NWI's properties or assets,
except, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, for such violations,
conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, accelerations or creations of
liens, security interests, charges or encumbrances, which in the aggregate,
would not have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated hereby
or on the condition (financial or other), business or operations of NWI (a
"Material Adverse Effect on NWI").

               (b) Other than in connection with or in compliance with the
provisions of the Washington Limited Partnership Act, the Washington Limited
Liability Company Act, the Exchange Act or "blue sky" laws ("Blue Sky Laws") or
other similar statutes and regulations, no notice to, filing with, or
authorization, consent or approval of, any domestic or foreign public body or
authority is necessary for the consummation by NWI and the General Partner of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except where failure to give
such notice, make such filings, or obtain such authorizations, consents or
approvals would not, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on NWI and
the General Partner.


                                      A-8
<PAGE>   68
                                    ARTICLE V

                                    Covenants

        5.1 Legal Conditions to the Merger. NWI and Columbus shall take all
reasonable actions necessary to comply promptly with all legal requirements with
respect to the Merger and shall take all reasonable action necessary to
cooperate promptly with and furnish information to the other parties in
connection with any such requirements. NWI and Columbus shall take all
reasonable actions necessary (i) to obtain (and will take all reasonable actions
necessary to promptly cooperate with the other parties in obtaining) any
consent, authorization, order or approval of, or any exemption by, any
administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or
instrumentality (a "Governmental Entity"), or other third party, required to be
obtained or made (or cooperate in the obtaining of any thereof required to be
obtained) in connection with the Merger or the taking of any action contemplated
by this Agreement; (ii) to lift, rescind or mitigate the effect of any
injunction or restraining order or other order adversely affecting the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; (iii) to fulfill all
conditions pursuant to this Agreement; and (iv) to prevent, with respect to a
threatened or pending temporary, preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order, decree or ruling, the entry thereof.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                              Additional Agreements

        6.1 Distributions to Partners Prior to the Merger. On or before January
31, 1999, NWI shall distribute an aggregate amount of $264,706.00 to the
partners of NWI, such amount to be allocated between the Unitholders and the
General Partner in accordance with Section 10.2 of the Partnership Agreement.

        6.2 Expenses. Columbus shall bear all costs and expenses of each party
hereto and/or pay all costs and expenses on behalf of each party hereto incurred
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, having taken
such costs and expenses, including any real estate excise taxes payable by the
Unitholders in connection with their transfer of Units, into consideration in
determining the amount of the Merger Consideration.

        6.3 Allocation of Amount Realized Between Internal Revenue Code Section
751 Property and Non-Section 751 Property. Pursuant to Section 751 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the "Code") Columbus and NWI agree
that the amount realized is to be allocated between Code Section 751 property
and non-Code Section 751 property based on the relative fair market value of
NWI's Code Section 751 property and non-Code Section 751 property as determined
by Columbus.

        6.4 Allocation of Gain. Approval of this Merger Agreement by Unitholders
will also constitute an amendment of the Partnership Agreement of NWI in order
to allocate the gain, if any, realized by NWI in the Merger to the Unitholders
receiving the Merger Consideration.

                                      A-9
<PAGE>   69
                                   ARTICLE VII

                              Conditions Precedent

        7.1 Certain Conditions on the Obligation of Columbus to Consummate the
Merger.

               (a) The obligations of Columbus to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions, any or all of which may
be waived by Columbus in its sole discretion:

                      (i) except for changes in the business or conditions of
NWI, financial or otherwise, or in the results of operations of NWI, occurring
prior to the date of this Agreement, or expected by the General Partner to occur
based on events occurring prior to the date of this Agreement, there shall not
have occurred any Material Adverse Effect on NWI from that set forth in or
contemplated by the financial statements of NWI for the nine months ended
September 30,1998;

                      (ii) there shall not be pending or threatened against NWI
or the General Partner, any action, suit or proceeding involving a claim at law
or in equity or before or by any Governmental Entity, domestic or foreign, that
would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on NWI; and

                      (iii) there shall not be pending or threatened against
NWI, the General Partner, Columbus or their respective properties or businesses,
any other action, suit or proceeding involving a claim at law or in equity or
before or by any federal, state, or municipal or other court of competent
jurisdiction or other Governmental Entity, relating to the Merger or this
Agreement that would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on
NWI.

                      (iv) the Commitment shall remain available to Columbus,
such that Columbus may borrow sufficient funds on or before the Closing Date in
order to transfer the Merger Consideration to the Payment Agent for payment to
the Unitholders pursuant to Section 1.4(a).

               (b) The parties hereto agree that in exercising its discretion to
waive or require the fulfillment of the conditions prescribed in Section 7.1(a)
above, Columbus shall not be required to consider the interests of any person or
entity that may be affected by the Merger other than Columbus, and that Columbus
shall have no obligation, fiduciary or otherwise, to the limited partners of NWI
or the General Partner in exercising its discretion under Section 7.1(a).

        7.2 Obligation of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The respective
obligations of each party generally to effect the Merger shall be subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

               (a) This Agreement and the Merger shall have received the
required Unitholder Approval.


                                      A-10
<PAGE>   70
               (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
General Partner on behalf of NWI nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby nor compliance by NWI with any of the provisions hereof
shall (i) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, or
constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or
accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or
acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, security interest,
charge or encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of NWI under any of
the terms, conditions or provisions of (x) the Organizational Documents of NWI
or (y) any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license,
lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which NWI is a party, or
to which it or any of its respective properties or assets, may be subject, or
(ii) violate any judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to NWI or any of NWI's properties or assets,
except, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, for such violations,
conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, accelerations or creations of
liens, security interests, charges or encumbrances, which would not, in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated
hereby or on the condition (financial or other), business or operations of NWI
(a "Material Adverse Effect on NWI");

               (c) The Financial Advisor shall not have withdrawn or modified in
any manner materially adverse to NWI or any Unitholder its opinion as described
in Section 4.6; and

               (d) No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decree
or ruling issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a Governmental
Entity nor any statute, rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or
enacted by any Governmental Entity shall be in effect, which would make the
acquisition of NWI by Columbus illegal or otherwise prevent the consummation of
the Merger or make the consummation of the Merger illegal.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   Termination

        8.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and the Merger
contemplated herein may be abandoned, at any time prior to the Effective Time,
whether prior to or after approval of the Merger by the Unitholders:

               (a) by mutual written consent of Columbus and NWI; or

               (b) by NWI if Columbus breaches in any material respect any of
its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement (other than any breach caused by NWI) or if the Financial Advisor
shall have withdrawn or modified in any manner adverse to NWI, the Unitholders,
or Columbus its opinion as described in Section 4.6; or


                                      A-11


<PAGE>   71
               (c) by Columbus, if NWI breaches in any material respect any of
their representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement (other than any breach caused by Columbus) or if the Financial Advisor
shall have withdrawn or modified in any manner adverse to NWI, the Unitholders,
or Columbus its opinion as described in Section 4.6; or

               (d) by either Columbus or NWI:

                      (i) if the Merger has not been consummated prior to March
31, 1999; or

                      (ii) if any court of competent jurisdiction or other
Governmental Entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling, or taken any
other action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such
order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable.

        8.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this
Agreement as provided in Section 8.1 hereof, this Agreement shall forthwith
become void, and there shall be no liability on the part of Columbus or NWI.



                                   ARTICLE IX

                               General Provisions

        9.1 Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except by (i) an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto; provided,
however, that after approval of the Merger by the Unitholders at the Merger
Meeting, no amendment may be made without the further approval of Unitholders
holding in the aggregate at least sixty-six percent (66%) of the issued and
outstanding Units which would either (a) change the type or reduce the amount of
the Merger Consideration or (b) alter or change any other terms and conditions
of this Agreement, if any of such alterations or changes, alone or in the
aggregate, would materially adversely affect the Unitholders.

        9.2 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, whether
before or after the mailing of the Proxy Statement, any party hereto may (i)
extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of
any other party hereto; (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties contained in this Agreement; and (iii) waive compliance with any of
the agreements of the other parties or conditions to its own obligations
contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any
such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of such party by a duly authorized person. No such
consent or waiver of compliance given by any of the parties hereto shall operate
as a consent or waiver of compliance in respect of any subsequent default,
breach or non-observance, whether of the same or any other nature.


                                      A-12


<PAGE>   72
        9.3 Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The
respective representations and warranties of NWI and Columbus contained herein
shall expire with, and be terminated and extinguished upon, consummation of the
Merger, and thereafter neither NWI nor Columbus or any officer, director or
principal thereof, shall be under any liability whatsoever with respect to any
such representation or warranty. This Section 9.3 shall have no effect upon any
other obligation of the parties, whether to be performed before or after the
consummation of the Merger.

        9.4 Entire Agreement; Counterparts.

               (a) This Agreement contains the entire agreement between NWI and
Columbus with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
arrangements and understandings, both written and oral, among such parties with
respect thereto.

               (b) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts,
all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become
effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties
and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need
not sign the same counterpart.

        9.5 Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties that the
provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under
the law and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is
sought. Accordingly, in the event that any provision of this Agreement would be
held in any jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any
reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without
invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the
validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so
as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, the
parties shall adopt an amendment hereto in accordance with the provisions of
Section 9.1 hereof in which such provision, as to such jurisdiction, is so
narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement
or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

        9.6 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written
instrument and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally,
telecopied, sent by nationally recognized overnight courier or mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid, to the
parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses as shall be
specified by a party by like notice):


                                      A-13


<PAGE>   73
               (a) If to NWI:

                      Gerald L. Whitcomb
                      7515 Terminal Street S.W.
                      Tumwater, WA 98501

               with a copy to:

                      Bruce Bjerke
                      Graham & James LLP/Riddell Williams, P.S.
                      1001 Fourth Ave., #4500
                      Seattle, WA 98154

               (b)If to Columbus:

                      Gerald L. Whitcomb
                      7515 Terminal Street S.W.
                      Tumwater. WA 98501

               with a copy to:

                      Bruce Bjerke
                      Graham & James LLP/Riddell Williams, P.S.
                      1001 Fourth Ave., #4500
                      Seattle, WA 98154

All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to have been received
(a) in the case of personal delivery, on the date of such delivery if received
prior to 5:00 p.m. Tumwater, Washington time on such date, (b) in the case of a
telecopy, when the party receiving such telecopy shall have confirmed receipt of
the communication, (c) in the case of delivery by nationally recognized
overnight courier, on the Business Day following dispatch and (d) in the case of
mailing, on the third Business Day following such mailing.

        9.7 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.

        9.8 Assignment. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person
other than the parties any rights or remedies hereunder. This Agreement shall
not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise; provided, however, that
notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereto acknowledge that Columbus
shall have the unrestricted right to assign all of its respective rights
hereunder to a wholly owned affiliate of Columbus; provided, further, that
notwithstanding such assignment, Columbus shall not be released from its
obligations hereunder nor shall such assignment prejudice the rights of
Unitholders entitled to receive payment pursuant to Section 1.4(a) hereto to
receive such payment for Units properly delivered to the Payment Agent and
accepted for payment.


                                      A-14



<PAGE>   74
        9.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without reference to the
conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

        9.10 Consent to Jurisdiction; Service of Process.

               (a) The parties hereto irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of
the Superior Court of Thurston County of Washington or the U.S. District Court
for the Western District of Washington over any dispute arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby and
each party hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such dispute
or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such court. The parties hereby
irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any
objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any
such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the
maintenance of such dispute. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a judgment
in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the
judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

               (b) Each of the parties hereto hereby consents to process being
served by any party to this Agreement in any suit, action or proceeding of the
nature specified in subsection (a) above by mailing a copy thereof in accordance
with the provisions of Section 9.6 hereof.

        9.11 Limitation of Liability. In no event shall any partner (other than
the General Partner) or representative of NWI or any other such person, be
personally liable for any obligation of NWI or the General Partner under this
Agreement. In no event shall recourse with respect to the obligations under this
Agreement of NWI or the General Partner be had to the assets or business of any
person other than NWI or the General Partner, respectively.

        9.12 Limitation of Remedies. The sole remedy of any party hereto for
breach by any other party of a covenant, representation or warranty made under
this Agreement shall be limited to termination of this Agreement.


                                      A-15


<PAGE>   75
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, General Partner, on behalf of NWI, and Columbus have
caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written.

                                            SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I



                                            By:  /s/ Gerald L. Whitcomb
                                                 GERALD L. WHITCOMB
                                                 General Partner



                                            COLUMBUS PROPERTIES L.L.C.



                                            By:  /s/ Gerald L. Whitcomb
                                                 GERALD L. WHITCOMB
                                                 Its Manager


                                      A-16


<PAGE>   76
                                    EXHIBIT A



                               ARTICLES OF MERGER
                                       OF
          SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I, A WASHINGTON LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                       AND
       COLUMBUS PROPERTIES L.L.C., A WASHINGTON LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

        THESE ARTICLES OF MERGER are executed for the purpose of merging Super 8
Motels Northwest I, a Washington limited partnership ("NWI") with an into
Columbus Properties L.L.C., a Washington limited liability company ("Columbus").

               1) The plan of merger is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

               2) The merger was duly approved by the partners of NWI pursuant
to RCW 25.10.810 and the members of Columbus pursuant to RCW 25.15.400.

               Dated: March __, 1999.

                                                   Columbus Properties L.L.C.



                                               -------------------------------
                                                   By Gerald L. Whitcomb
                                                   Its Manager


<PAGE>   77
                                    EXHIBIT B



                                 PLAN OF MERGER
                                       OF
          SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I, A WASHINGTON LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
                                       AND
       COLUMBUS PROPERTIES L.L.C., A WASHINGTON LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

               Super 8 Motels Northwest I, a Washington limited partnership
("NWI"), and Columbus Properties L.L.C., a Washington limited liability company
("Columbus"), hereby certify that:

               FIRST: NWI and Columbus are planning to merge, with Columbus
being the surviving limited liability company into which NWI plans to merge.

               SECOND: The terms and conditions of the merger were advised,
authorized and approved by the sixty-six percent (66%) of the partners of NWI
and the requisite vote of Columbus' members as set forth in its operating
agreement.

               THIRD: The manner and basis of converting the partnership
interests of NWI into member interests in Columbus or cash is as follows. Except
as provided below, each unit of NWI shall be converted into $1,609.00 cash.
Partnership interests (general or limited) in NWI owned by Gerald L. and/or
Maryanne Whitcomb shall be contributed immediately before the effective time of
the merger to Columbus in exchange for units in Columbus.

               Dated: _______, 19__.

                               Super 8 Motels Northwest I



                               ----------------------------------
                               By Gerald L. Whitcomb, General Partner


                               Columbus Properties L.L.C.



                               ----------------------------------
                               By Gerald L. Whitcomb, Its Manager


<PAGE>   78
                                                                        ANNEX II


                          [Ragen MacKenzie Letterhead]







December 31, 1998

Gerald L. Whitcomb
General Partner
Super 8 Motels Northwest I
7515 Terminal St. S.W.
Tumwater, WA  98501



Dear Mr. Whitcomb:

         We understand that Columbus Properties L.L.C. ("Columbus")(formerly
Whitcomb Family L.L.C.) has entered into a Merger Agreement, dated as of
December 31, 1998, (the "Merger Agreement") which provides, among other things,
for the merger of Super 8 Motels Northwest I, a Washington limited partnership
("Northwest I"), into Columbus, with Columbus as the surviving company
("Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the
Merger Columbus will i) pay $1,609.00 ("Merger Consideration") per limited
partnership unit ("Unit") to the holders thereof ("Unitholders") and ii) as a
result of the Merger will acquire all the assets of the Partnership
("Properties") and will assume the outstanding debt of the Partnership which
stood at approximately $1.4 million as of September 30, 1998 (together referred
to herein as the "Transaction"). The terms of the Transaction are set forth more
fully in the Merger Agreement. You have requested our opinion on behalf of
Northwest I and the Unitholders (the "Fairness Opinion") as to whether the
Merger Consideration to be paid by Columbus pursuant to the Merger Agreement is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the Unitholders of Northwest I Units.

         In connection with rendering this Fairness Opinion, Ragen MacKenzie,
among other things: (i) reviewed the Merger Agreement; (ii) reviewed and
analyzed consolidated historic and projected financial and operating data of
Northwest I and the Properties, including audited and unaudited financial
statements for Northwest I and unaudited cash-basis estimates prepared by
management for the Properties; (iii) reviewed and analyzed other internal
information concerning the business and operations of Northwest I and the
Properties furnished to it by management; (iv) reviewed and analyzed publicly
available information concerning Northwest I and the Properties; (v) reviewed
and analyzed publicly available information concerning the terms of selected
merger and acquisition transactions that Ragen MacKenzie deemed relevant to its
inquiry; (vi) reviewed and analyzed selected market purchase price data that
Ragen MacKenzie considered relevant to its inquiry; (vii) held meetings and
discussions with Mr. Whitcomb and employees of Northwest I concerning the
operations, financial condition and prospects of the Properties; and (viii)
conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations, including
visits to SeaTac and Federal Way, and considered such other information as Ragen
MacKenzie deemed appropriate.

         In preparing its Fairness Opinion, Ragen MacKenzie relied, without
independent verification, on the accuracy and completeness of all information
that was publicly available, supplied or otherwise communicated to Ragen
MacKenzie by the General Partner or Northwest I. Ragen MacKenzie assumed that
the financial estimates (including the underlying assumptions and bases thereof)
examined by it were reasonably prepared and reflected the 

<PAGE>   79

best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the General
Partner as to the future performance of the Properties. Ragen MacKenzie did not
make an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities
(contingent or otherwise) of Northwest I (including the Properties). However,
Ragen MacKenzie was furnished with independent appraisals on each property
prepared by McKee & Schalka Seattle, Washington (the "McKee Appraisals") in
conjunction with U.S. Bank's financing. Ragen MacKenzie assumed without
independent verification that the amount being paid per limited partnership Unit
was determined consistent with the partnership agreement. This Fairness Opinion
necessarily is based upon financial, economic, market and other conditions and
circumstances existing and disclosed to it as of the date of this Fairness
Opinion.

         Our Fairness Opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be paid by Columbus to the
Unitholders of Northwest I and does not constitute a recommendation concerning
how Unitholders should vote with respect to the Merger Agreement.

         Ragen MacKenzie, as part of its investment banking business is engaged
in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers
and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of
securities, private placements and valuations. We have acted as a financial
advisor to Northwest I in the preparation of this opinion and will receive a
fee for our services. In addition, Columbus, the surviving company pursuant to
the terms of the Merger Agreement, has agreed to indemnify us as to certain
liabilities arising out of the rendering of this Fairness Opinion.

         This letter and the opinion expressed herein are provided at the
request of the General Partner and for the information of Northwest I and the
Unitholders and may not be referred to, quoted or used for any other purpose
without our prior written consent, except that this letter may be disclosed in
connection with a Proxy Statement used in connection with the Transaction.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of
the date hereof, the aggregate Merger Consideration being paid by Columbus to
the Northwest I Unitholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the Unitholders of Northwest I.

Very truly yours,




Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated


By: /s/ Robert P. Davidson                  
   --------------------------------------
   Robert P. Davidson
   Vice President


                                       2
<PAGE>   80
                                                                       ANNEX III

                                   ARTICLE 14

                               DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

     RCW  25.10.900  DEFINITIONS.  As used in this article:

     (1) "Limited partnership" means the domestic limited partnership in which
the dissenter holds or held a partnership interest, or the surviving limited
partnership or corporation by merger, whether foreign or domestic, of that
limited partnership.

     (2) "Dissenter" means a partner who is entitled to dissent from a plan of
merger and who exercises that right when and in the manner required by this
article.

     (3) "Fair value," with respect to a dissenter's partnership interest, means
the value of the partnership interest immediately before the effectuation of the
merger to which the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or
depreciation in anticipation of the merger unless exclusion would be
inequitable.

     (4) "Interest" means interest from the effective date of the merger until
the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the limited
partnership on its principal bank loans or, if none, at a rate that is fair and
equitable under all the circumstances.


     RCW 25.10.905 PARTNER--DISSENT--PAYMENT OF FAIR VALUE. (1) Except as
provided in RCW 25.10.915 or 25.10.925(2), a partner of a domestic limited
partnership is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of, the fair value
of the partner's partnership interest in the event of consummation of a plan of
merger to which the limited partnership is a party as permitted by RCW 25.10.800
or 25.10.840.

     (2) A partner entitled to dissent and obtain payment for the partner's
partnership interest under this article may not challenge the merger creating
the partner's entitlement unless the merger fails to comply with the procedural
requirements imposed by this title, Title 23B RCW, the partnership agreement, or
is fraudulent with respect to the partner or the limited partnership.

     (3) The right of a dissenting partner to obtain payment of the fair value
of the partner's partnership interest shall terminate upon the occurrence of any
one of the following events:

     (a) The proposed merger is abandoned or rescinded;

     (b) A court having jurisdiction permanently enjoins or sets aside the
merger; or

     (c) The partner's demand for payment is withdrawn with the written consent
of the limited partnership.


     RCW 25.10.910 DISSENTERS' RIGHTS--NOTICE--TIMING. (1) Not less than ten
days prior to the approval of a plan of merger, the limited partnership must
send a written notice to all partners who are entitled to vote on or approve the
plan of merger that they may be entitled to assert dissenters' rights under this
article. Such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of this article.



                                       1
<PAGE>   81

     (2) The limited partnership shall notify in writing all partners not
entitled to vote on or approve the plan of merger that the plan of merger was
approved, and send them the dissenters' notice as required by RCW 25.10.920.


     RCW 25.10.915 PARTNER--DISSENT--VOTING RESTRICTION. A partner who is
entitled to vote on or approve the plan of merger and who wishes to assert
dissenters' rights must not vote in favor of or approve the plan of merger. A
partner who does not satisfy the requirements of this section is not entitled to
payment for the partner's interest under this article.


     RCW 25.10.920 PARTNERS--DISSENTERS' NOTICE--REQUIREMENTS. (1) If the plan
of merger is approved, the limited partnership shall deliver a written
dissenters' notice to all partners who satisfied the requirements of RCW
25.10.915.

     (2) The dissenters' notice required by RCW 25.10.910(2) or by subsection
(1) of this section must be sent within ten days after the approval of the plan
of merger, and must:

     (a) State where the payment demand must be sent;

     (b) Inform holders of the partnership interest as to the extent transfer of
the partnership interest will be restricted as permitted by RCW 25.10.930 after
the payment demand is received;

     (c) Supply a form for demanding payment;

     (d) Set a date by which the limited partnership must receive the payment
demand, which date may not be fewer than thirty nor more than sixty days after
the date the notice under this section is delivered; and

     (e) Be accompanied by a copy of this article.


     RCW 25.10.925 PARTNER--PAYMENT DEMAND--ENTITLEMENT. (1) A partner who
demands payment retains all other rights of a partner until the proposed merger
becomes effective.

     (2) A partner sent a dissenters' notice who does not demand payment by the
date set in the dissenters' notice is not entitled to payment for the partner's
partnership interest under this article.


     RCW 25.10.930 PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS--TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS. The limited
partnership may restrict the transfer of partnership interests from the date the
demand for their payment is received until the proposed merger becomes effective
or the restriction is released under this article.


     RCW 25.10.935 PAYMENT OF FAIR VALUE--REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLIANCE. (1)
Within thirty days of the later of the date the proposed merger becomes
effective, or the payment demand is received, the limited partnership shall pay
each dissenter who complied with RCW 25.10.925 the amount the limited
partnership estimates to be the fair value of the partnership interest, plus
accrued interest.



                                       2
<PAGE>   82

     (2) The payment must be accompanied by:

     (a) Copies of the financial statements for the most recent fiscal year
maintained as required by RCW 25.10.050;

     (b) An explanation of how the limited partnership estimated the fair value
of the partnership interest;

     (c) An explanation of how the accrued interest was calculated;

     (d) A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment; and

     (e) A copy of this article.


     RCW 25.10.940 MERGER--NOT EFFECTIVE WITHIN SIXTY DAYS--TRANSFER
RESTRICTIONS. (1) If the proposed merger does not become effective within sixty
days after the date set for demanding payment, the limited partnership shall
release any transfer restrictions imposed as permitted by RCW 25.10.930.

     (2) If, after releasing transfer restrictions, the proposed merger becomes
effective, the limited partnership must send a new dissenters' notice as
provided in RCW 25.10.910(2) and 25.10.920 and repeat the payment demand
procedure.


     RCW 25.10.945 DISSENTER'S ESTIMATE OF FAIR VALUE--NOTICE. (1) A dissenter
may notify the limited partnership in writing of the dissenter's own estimate of
the fair value of the dissenter's partnership interest and amount of interest
due, and demand payment of the dissenter's estimate, less any payment under RCW
25.10.935, if:

     (a) The dissenter believes that the amount paid is less than the fair value
of the dissenter's partnership interest or that the interest due is incorrectly
calculated;

     (b) The limited partnership fails to make payment within sixty days after
the date set for demanding payment; or

     (c) The limited partnership, having failed to effectuate the proposed
merger, does not release the transfer restrictions imposed on partnership
interests as permitted by RCW 25.10.930 within sixty days after the date set for
demanding payment.

     (2) A dissenter waives the right to demand payment under this section
unless the dissenter notifies the limited partnership of the dissenter's demand
in writing under subsection (1) of this section within thirty days after the
limited partnership made payment for the dissenter's partnership interest.


     RCW 25.10.950 UNSETTLED DEMAND FOR PAYMENT--PROCEEDING--
PARTIES--APPRAISERS. (1) If a demand for payment under RCW 25.10.945 remains
unsettled, the limited partnership shall commence a proceeding within sixty days
after receiving the payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair
value of the partnership interest and accrued interest. If the limited



                                       3
<PAGE>   83

partnership does not commence the proceeding within the sixty-day period, it
shall pay each dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount demanded.

     (2) The limited partnership shall commence the proceeding in the superior
court. If the limited partnership is a domestic limited partnership, it shall
commence the proceeding in the county where its office is maintained as required
by RCW 25.10.040(1). If the limited partnership is a domestic corporation, it
shall commence the proceeding in the county where its principal office, as
defined in RCW 23B.01.400(17), is located, or if none is in this state, its
registered office under RCW 23B.05.010. If the limited partnership is a foreign
limited partnership or corporation without a registered office in this state, it
shall commence the proceeding in the county in this state where the office of
the domestic limited partnership maintained pursuant to RCW 25.10.040(1) merged
with the foreign limited partnership or foreign corporation was located.

     (3) The limited partnership shall make all dissenters (whether or not
residents of this state), whose demands remain unsettled, parties to the
proceeding as in an action against their partnership interests and all parties
must be served with a copy of the petition. Nonresidents may be served by
registered or certified mail or by publication as provided by law.

     (4) The limited partnership may join as a party to the proceeding any
partner who claims to be a dissenter but who has not, in the opinion of the
limited partnership, complied with the provisions of this chapter. If the court
determines that such partner has not complied with the provisions of this
article, the partner shall be dismissed as a party.

     (5) The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced is
plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint one or more persons as appraisers
to receive evidence and recommend decisions on the question of fair value. The
appraisers have the powers described in the order appointing them or in any
amendment to it. The dissenters are entitled to the same discovery rights as
parties in other civil proceedings.

     (6) Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment
for the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of the
dissenter's partnership interest, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the
limited partnership.


     RCW 25.10.955 UNSETTLED DEMAND FOR PAYMENT--COSTS--FEES AND EXPENSES OF
COUNSEL. (1) The court in a proceeding commenced under RCW 25.10.950 shall
determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and
expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The court shall assess the costs
against the limited partnership, except that the court may assess the costs
against all or some of the dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to
the extent the court finds the dissenters acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not
in good faith in demanding payment.

     (2) The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts
for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:

     (a) Against the limited partnership and in favor of any or all dissenters
if the court finds the limited partnership did not substantially comply with the
requirements of this article; or



                                       4
<PAGE>   84

     (b) Against either the limited partnership or a dissenter, in favor of any
other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and
expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with
respect to the rights provided by this article.

     (3) If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were
of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the fees
for those services should not be assessed against the limited partnership, the
court may award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts
awarded the dissenters who were benefited.



                                       5
<PAGE>   85

                                                                        ANNEX IV

Per Unit Proceeds to Unitholders if the Northwest I Motels Were Sold Based Upon
the Best Offer Received by Exvere

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Northwest I's allocated share
of proposed $80 million Purchase Price                                      $(9,048,0001)

Plus:    Current Assets in excess
         of Current Liabilities at
         September 30, 1998 after
         deduction of Cash Distributions
         to Partners of $264,706 paid October 31, 1998
         and $264,706 paid January 31, 1999                                        5,670

Less:    Long-Term Debt at September 30, 1998                                 (1,434,121)
                                                                              -----------


Amount Available for Distribution
Before Selling Costs                                                          $7,619,549

Less:    Estimated selling costs and
         expenses of winding down of Northwest I,
         including 1% sales commission, title insurance,
         real estate excise tax, appraisal fees
         fairness opinion, legal, tax and accounting                           ($448,244)
                                                                               ----------

Net Available for Distribution to Partners                                    $7,171,305
</TABLE>


Allocation of Net Available for
Distribution to Partners Between
Limited Partners and General Partner:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Limited Partner           General Partner              Total
                                          ---------------           ---------------              -----
<S>                                       <C>                       <C>                       <C>
Priority Return of Net
Capital Contribution
pursuant to Section 10 of
the Partnership Agreement                   $5,624,879               $   56,817               $5,681,696

Remaining Net Available
for Distribution to Partners
Allocated 85% Limited
Partners and 15% General
Partner pursuant to Section 10
of the Partnership Agreement                 1,266,169                  223,440                1,489,609
                                            ----------               ----------               ----------

                  TOTAL                     $6,891,048               $  280,257               $7,171,305
                                            ----------               ----------               ----------
</TABLE>

Per Unit Distribution
to Limited Partners        $6,891,048 (divided by) 6,000 =  $1,148


- --------

1 Excludes the proposed $4 million contingent purchase price based upon the
performance of the 27 motel properties over a 5-year period which, if earned,
would result in an additional payment of $62 per unit to Northwest I
Unitholders.



                                       1
<PAGE>   86

Per Unit Proceeds to Unitholders if the Northwest I Motels were Sold
Individually at the McKee Appraised Values.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Appraised Values:
         Sea-Tac                                                              $8,300,000
         Federal Way                                                           4,000,030
                                                                             -----------
                                    TOTAL                                    $12,300,030

Plus:    Current Assets in excess
         of Current Liabilities at
         September 30, 1998 after
         deduction of Cash Distributions to Partners
         of $264,706 paid October 31, 1998 and
         $264,706 paid January 31, 1999                                            5,670

Less:    Long-Term Debt at September 30, 1998                                 (1,434,121)
                                                                              ----------


Amount Available for Distribution
Before Selling Costs                                                         $10,871,549

Less:    Estimated selling costs and
         expenses of winding down of Northwest I,
         including 4% sales commission, title insurance,
         real estate excise tax, appraisal fees,
         fairness opinion, legal, tax and accounting                           ($886,552)
                                                                              ----------

Net Available for Distribution to Partners                                    $9,985,027
</TABLE>


Allocation of Net Available for
Distribution to Partners Between
Limited Partners and General Partner:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Limited Partner   General Partner    Total
                                            ---------------   ---------------    -----
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>
         Priority Return of Net
         Capital Contribution
         Pursuant to Section 10 of
         the Partnership Agreement            $5,624,879       $   56,817       $5,681,696

         Remaining Net Available for
         Distribution to Partners
         Allocated 85% Limited
         Partners and 15% General
         Partner Pursuant to Section 10
         of the Partnership Agreement          3,657,832          645,499        4,303,331
                                              ----------       ----------       ----------

                  TOTAL                       $9,282,711       $  702,316       $9,985,027
                                              ----------       ----------       ----------
</TABLE>

Per Unit Distributions
to Limited Partners                 $9,282,711 (divided by) 6,000 = $1,547
                                    ----------              -----   ------



                                       2
<PAGE>   87
PROXY                   SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I                         PROXY
                 7515 TERMINAL STREET, S.W., TUMWATER, WA 98501
                 ----------------------------------------------
             SPECIAL MEETING OF LIMITED PARTNERS -- MARCH 23, 1999

                THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF NORTHWEST I


         The undersigned hereby appoints Gerald L. Whitcomb and Maryanne
Whitcomb, and each of them, as proxies, each with full power of substitution,
and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, in such manner as
in their discretion shall be deemed appropriate to carry out the authority as
designated below, all of the limited partnership units of Super 8 Motels
Northwest I ("Northwest I") held of record by the undersigned on January 6,
1999, at the special meeting of limited partners to be held March 23, 1999, or
any adjournments or postponements thereof.

1.       Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated December 31,
         1998, as amended, between Northwest I and Columbus Properties L.L.C.
         ("Merger").

         ___      FOR the Merger

         ___      AGAINST the Merger

         ___      ABSTAIN


2.       In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
         business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments
         thereof.




<PAGE>   88
         THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED LIMITED PARTNER, AND WILL GRANT DISCRETIONARY
AUTHORITY TO VOTE ON OTHER MATTERS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE DIRECTED, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED FOR THE MERGER.

         Please sign exactly as name appears below. When limited partnership
units are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as an attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such.
If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other
authorized officer. If partnership, please sign in partnership name by
authorized person.

                                            PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
                                            THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE
                                            ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

                                            DATED: ____________________, 1999



                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Signature


                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Signature, if held jointly



                                       2










<PAGE>   1
                                                               EXHIBIT 99.(d)(2)


                          SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT
                             OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                         OF SUPER 8 MOTELS NORTHWEST I,
                        A WASHINGTON LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

      This Second Amendment to Agreement of Limited Partnership is made to the
Amended Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership, as amended (the
"Partnership Agreement") of Super 8 Motels Northwest I, a Washington limited
partnership (the "Partnership") dated March 31, 1980, and filed with the office
of the county auditor, Thurston County, Washington, on March 31, 1980, and is
made by and among Gerald L. Whitcomb (the "General Partner") and the limited
partners, subject to the approval of the limited partners.

      The Partnership Agreement is hereby amended as follows.

      1.    A new Section 10.8 is added. It shall read as follows.

            10.8  Allocation of Gain Under the Federal Income Tax Laws. For
      federal income tax purposes only, gain, if any, realized by the
      Partnership in a cash merger shall be allocated to limited partners
      receiving the cash merger consideration.

      2.    The Agreement as hereby amended shall continue in force and effect
except as modified herein.

      The Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner is designated
as attorney-in-fact for the limited partners and may sign an amendment to the
Partnership Agreement for the limited partners.

      Dated February __, 1999.


                                       GENERAL PARTNER



                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Gerald L. Whitcomb

                                       LIMITED PARTNERS




                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Gerald L. Whitcomb, attorney-in-fact





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