ALEXANDERS INC
S-3/A, 1995-12-29
OPERATORS OF NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
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    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 1995


                           Registration No. 33-62779

================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                   ----------


   
                                 AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
    

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                   ----------
                                ALEXANDER'S, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     Delaware                                          51-01-00517
(State or other jurisdiction of             (IRS employer identification number)
 incorporation or organization)             


             Park 80 West, Plaza II, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663
                                 (201) 587-8541
          (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                                  Joseph Macnow
                             Chief Financial Officer
                                Alexander's, Inc.
             Park 80 West, Plaza II, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663
                                 (201) 587-8541
       (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
                        area code, of agent for service)

                                    Copy to:

                            Douglas P. Bartner, Esq.
                               Shearman & Sterling
                              599 Lexington Avenue
                          New York, New York 10022-6069

Approximate  date of commencement  of proposed sale to the public:  From time to
time after the effective  date of this  Registration  Statement as determined by
market conditions.

         If the only securities  being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest  reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. |_|

         If any of the  securities  being  registered  on  this  Form  are to be
offered  on a  delayed  or  continuous  basis  pursuant  to Rule 415  under  the
Securities Act of 1933,  other than  securities  offered only in connection with
dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. |X|

         If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration  statement  number  of the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. |_|

         If this  Form is a  post-effective  amendment  filed  pursuant  to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act  registration   statement  number  of  the  earlier  effective  registration
statement for the same offering. |_|

         If delivery of the  prospectus  is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. |X|

                                   ----------

         The Registrant hereby amends this  Registration  Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its  effective  date until the  Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically  states that this Registration
Statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities  Act of 1933 or until this  Registration  Statement  shall become
effective on such date as the Commission,  acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.

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


<PAGE>



INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT  TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.   A
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  RELATING  TO THESE  SECURITIES  HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.  THESE  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION  OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED _________, 1995
                            [Alexander's, Inc. Logo]

Prospectus



           Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Common

                             Stock and Debt Warrants

                                   ----------


         Alexander's, Inc. (the "Company") may offer from time to time, together
or separately,  in one or more series (i) debt securities  ("Debt  Securities"),
which may be either senior debt  securities  (the "Senior Debt  Securities")  or
subordinated debt securities (the "Subordinated  Debt Securities"),  (ii) shares
of  preferred  stock,  $1.00 par value per  share,  of the  Company  ("Preferred
Stock"),  which may be issued in the form of depositary  shares (the "Depositary
Shares") evidenced by depositary  receipts,  (iii) shares of common stock, $1.00
par value per share,  of the  Company  ("Common  Stock")  and (iv)  warrants  to
purchase debt securities of the Company as shall be designated by the Company at
the time of the offering (the "Debt Warrants") (the Debt  Securities,  Preferred
Stock,  Common  Stock and Debt  Warrants  are  collectively  referred  to as the
"Securities"),  at an  aggregate  initial  offering  price  not to  exceed  U.S.
$250,000,000, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of
sale. The Debt Securities,  Preferred Stock,  Common Stock and Debt Warrants may
be offered separately or together,  in separate series in amounts, at prices and
on terms to be set  forth in a  supplement  to this  Prospectus  (a  "Prospectus
Supplement").


         The  accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement will set forth with regard to
the particular Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered
(i) in the case of Debt  Securities,  the  title,  aggregate  principal  amount,
denominations  (which may be in United States dollars, or in any other currency,
currencies or currency unit,  including the European  Currency Unit),  maturity,
rate, if any (which may be fixed or variable), or method of calculation thereof,
time of payment of any interest,  any terms for  redemption at the option of the
Company or the Holder, any terms for sinking fund payments, rank, any conversion
or exchange rights, any listing on a securities exchange, and the initial public
offering  price and any other terms in connection  with the offering and sale of
such Debt  Securities,  (ii) in the case of Preferred Stock, the specific title,
the aggregate amount and the stated value, any dividend (including the method of
calculating  the  payment of  dividend),  liquidation,  redemption,  conversion,
voting or other rights and the initial public offering price,  (iii) in the case
of Common  Stock,  the number of shares of Common  Stock,  the initial  offering
price  and the  terms  of the  offering  thereof  and  (iv) in the  case of Debt
Warrants, the duration, purchase price, exercise price and detachability of such
Debt Warrants.  The Prospectus  Supplement will also contain,  as applicable,  a
discussion  of the material  United  States  federal  income tax  considerations
relating  to the  Securities  in  respect  of  which  this  Prospectus  is being
delivered to the extent not contained herein.


         The shares of Common  Stock of the  Company  are listed on the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "ALX".

         The  Company  intends  to  qualify as a real  estate  investment  trust
("REIT") for federal income tax purposes for the year ending December 31, 1995.

         See "Risk  Factors"  beginning  on page 5 herein  for a  discussion  of
certain factors that should be carefully considered by prospective  investors in
the Securities.
                                   ----------
            THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY
               THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
                SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND
                   EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
                     COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
                        ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
                         REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
                             IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                   ----------
          THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED
                 ON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING. ANY
                   REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
                                   ----------
         The Company may sell  Securities to or through  underwriters,  and also
may sell  Securities  directly  to  other  purchasers  or  through  agents.  The
accompanying  Prospectus Supplement will set forth the names of any underwriters
or agents  involved  in the sale of the  Securities  in  respect  of which  this
Prospectus  is  being  delivered,  the  amounts  of  Securities,  if any,  to be
purchased by underwriters and the compensation,  if any, of such underwriters or
agents. See "Plan of Distribution" herein.

              The date of this Prospectus is _______________, 1995.


<PAGE>



     No  person  has  been  authorized  to give any  information  or to make any
representations  other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus or the  accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement  in connection  with the
offer contained in this Prospectus and the  accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement
and, if given or made, such  information or  representations  must not be relied
upon as having been  authorized  by the Company or any  underwriters,  agents or
dealers.  This  Prospectus  and the  accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement do not
constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any
jurisdiction  to any  person  to  whom it is  unlawful  to make  such  offer  or
solicitation.  Neither the  delivery  of this  Prospectus  and the  accompanying
Prospectus  Supplement nor any sale of or offer to sell the  Securities  offered
hereby shall, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has been
no  change  in the  affairs  of the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  since  the
respective dates of this Prospectus and the accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement
or that  the  information  contained  in  this  Prospectus  or the  accompanying
Prospectus  Supplement is correct as of any time  subsequent  to the  respective
dates of this Prospectus and the accompanying Prospectus Supplement.


                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company is subject to the informational  requirements of the Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and in  accordance
therewith  files  reports,  proxy  statements  and  other  information  with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the  "Commission").  The  reports,  proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company with the Commission can be
inspected and copied at the Commission at Room 1024,  Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549, and at the following regional offices of
the Commission:  7 World Trade Center,  13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and
Citicorp  Center,  500  West  Madison  Street,  Suite  1400,  Chicago,  Illinois
60661-2511. Copies of such information can be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission,  450 Fifth Street, N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549, at
prescribed  rates.  The  Company's  Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange  ("NYSE") and similar  information  can be inspected  and copied at the
NYSE, 20 Broad Street, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10005.

     This Prospectus  constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-3
(the  "Registration  Statement")  filed by the Company with the Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities  Act"). As permitted by
the rules and  regulations of the Commission,  this Prospectus  omits certain of
the information contained in the Registration  Statement and reference is hereby
made to the Registration  Statement and related exhibits for further information
with  respect to the  Company  and the  Securities  offered  hereby.  Statements
contained herein  concerning the provisions of any documents filed as an exhibit
to the  Registration  Statement or otherwise  filed with the  Commission are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
document so filed.  Each such  statement  is  qualified  in its entirety by such
reference.


                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE



   
     The  Company's  (i) Annual  Report on Form 10-K and Form  10-K/A (the "Form
10-K/A") for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994,  (ii) Quarterly  Report on
Form 10-Q and  10-Q/A for the  quarterly  period  ended  March 31,  1995,  (iii)
Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q and Form 10-Q/A for the  quarterly  period  ended
June 30,  1995,  (iv)  Quarterly  Report  on Form 10-Q and Form  10-Q/A  for the
quarterly  period ended  September 30, 1995 and (v) Current  Reports on Form 8-K
dated January 4, 1995,  February 6, 1995 and September 18, 1995, have been filed
by the Company with the Commission and are hereby incorporated by reference into
this  Prospectus.  All other  documents and reports  filed  pursuant to Sections
13(a),  13(c),  14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this Prospectus
and prior to the  termination of the offering of the Securities  shall be deemed
to be incorporated  by reference  herein and shall be deemed to be a part hereof
from the date of the filing of such reports and  documents  (provided,  however,
that the  information  referred to in item  402(a)(8) of  Regulation  S-K of the
Commission shall not be deemed specifically incorporated by reference herein).
    




                                       -2-

<PAGE>



     Any statement  contained herein or in a document  incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement  contained herein
or in  any  subsequently  filed  document  which  also  is or  is  deemed  to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded  shall not be deemed,  except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

     The Company  will provide  without  charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered,  on written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any or  all  documents  which  are  incorporated  herein  by  reference  (not
including the exhibits to such documents,  unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference in the document which this  Prospectus  incorporates).
Requests should be directed to the Secretary of the Company, Park 80 West, Plaza
II, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663, telephone number (201) 587-8541.


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


AVAILABLE INFORMATION........................................................  2

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE..............................  2

THE COMPANY..................................................................  4

RISK FACTORS.................................................................  5

   
USE OF PROCEEDS.............................................................. 11

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES.............................. 12
    

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION....................... 13

   
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES............................................... 15

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK................................................. 23

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT WARRANTS................................................. 34

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS.................................... 35

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION......................................................... 45

EXPERTS...................................................................... 46

VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES................................................... 46
    







                                       -3-

<PAGE>



                                  THE COMPANY

     The  Company  is a  real  estate  company  engaged  in  leasing,  managing,
developing and  redeveloping  properties,  focusing  primarily on the properties
where its  department  stores were formerly  located.  These  department  stores
ceased  operating  in 1992 and are on  properties  located  in New York City and
Bergen County,  New Jersey (the "New York Area").  The Company believes that its
properties offer advantageous retail opportunities, principally because of their
size  and  location  in areas  where  comparable  store  sites  are not  readily
available.

     The  Company   seeks  to  increase  its  income  and  property   values  by
strategically renovating, expanding and developing its properties. The Company's
general  strategy  is to lease  each of its  properties  to  large-space  users,
typically  national  or  large  regional   retailers,   under  long-term  leases
(generally  20 years or longer)  which  provide the Company with fixed rents and
also with periodic rent  increases  (generally  every five years).  These leases
also generally  require the tenant to pay, or reimburse the Company,  for common
area charges (including roof and structure costs), real estate taxes,  insurance
costs and certain capital expenditures.

     The  Company's  real  estate  portfolio  consists  of  the  following  nine
properties,  four of which are currently operating (the "Operating  Properties")
and five of which are currently being or will be redeveloped (the "Redevelopment
Properties"):

     Property                   Location        Leasable Building Square Footage
     --------                   --------        --------------------------------
Operating Properties:
     Fordham Road               Bronx, NY                    303,000
     Flushing                   Queens, NY                   177,000
     Third Avenue               Bronx, NY                    173,000
     Kings Plaza Mall (1)       Brooklyn, NY                 427,000

Redevelopment Properties:
     Rego Park I                Queens, NY                   359,000
     Rego Park II               Queens, NY                  ---(2)---
     Kings Plaza Store          Brooklyn, NY                 320,000
     Paramus                    Paramus, NJ                 ---(3)---
     Lexington Avenue (4)       New York, NY                 418,000


- ----------
(1)  The  Company  owns a 50%  interest  in this  property.  

(2)  This  property   consists  of  287,500   square  feet  of  vacant  land  in
     approximately  one and one-half  square blocks  adjacent to the Rego Park I
     Property.  

(3)  This  property  consists  of  approximately  39 acres.  A  portion  of this
     property  is subject  to  condemnation.  See "Risk  Factors--  Real  Estate
     Investment  Risks." 

(4)  The Company  owns the general  partnership  interest and 92% of the limited
     partnership  interests in this property.  


     The Fordham Road Property and the Flushing  Property are 100% leased to The
Caldor Corporation  ("Caldor") and the Third Avenue Property is 100% leased to a
subsidiary of Conway Stores, Inc. The Kings Plaza Mall is 88% leased to over 100
tenants. The Rego Park I Property has been entirely pre-leased to Sears, Roebuck
& Company,  Marshalls,  Inc. and Caldor and the  commencement  of such  tenants'
leases is conditioned upon the completion of certain improvements by the Company
which are under construction and are expected to be completed by March 1996. The
Company  is  in  discussions   with   prospective   tenants  for  the  remaining
Redevelopment Properties. See "Risk Factors -- Bankruptcy of a Major Tenant" and
"Risk Factors -- Real Estate Investment Risks -- Dependence on Rental Income and
Concentration  of Rental  Income with  Certain  Lessees;  Bankruptcy  of a Major
Tenant."


     Vornado Realty Trust ("Vornado"),  a NYSE-listed REIT and major stockholder
of the Company,  manages the properties and business  affairs of the Company and
acts as the Company's  exclusive  leasing agent pursuant to agreements  with the
Company.  Steven Roth, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, is
also the 


                                       -4-

<PAGE>



Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Vornado.   See  "Risk  Factors  --
Control-Related Risks; Possible Conflicts of Interest."

     In May 1992,  at a time when the  Company's  business  consisted  of retail
store  operations,  the Company and its subsidiaries  filed petitions for relief
under  Chapter  11 of the United  States  Bankruptcy  Code in the United  States
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court").
In  September   1993,  the  Bankruptcy   Court   confirmed  the  Joint  Plan  of
Reorganization (the "Plan"),  pursuant to which the Company and its subsidiaries
reorganized their business as a real estate company. The Company has consummated
the Plan and has complied with all of its  obligations  thereunder.  Pursuant to
the Plan, (i) all holders of allowed general unsecured claims were paid in full,
together  with accrued  interest in respect of their claims and (ii) all holders
of allowed  secured claims  received one hundred percent of their claims through
the  issuance  of new  secured  debt  instruments  or by  payment  in  cash or a
combination thereof.  The Bankruptcy Court has retained  jurisdiction to resolve
the remaining disputed claims and for other limited purposes.


     As of September 30, 1995,  the Company and its  subsidiaries  had aggregate
indebtedness  outstanding  of  $173,613,000.  The Company  currently  expects to
borrow  and  expend,  through  the first  quarter of 1996,  up to an  additional
$20,000,000 to complete the Rego Park I redevelopment.


     The  Company  is  a  Delaware   corporation   whose  earliest   predecessor
corporation was organized in 1928. The Company intends to file, with its federal
income  tax  return  for  1995,  an  election  to be  treated  as a real  estate
investment  trust  under the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended  (the
"Code"), effective for 1995.

     The  Company's  principal  executive  offices  are located at Park 80 West,
Plaza II, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663; telephone (201) 587-8541.


                                  RISK FACTORS

     Prospective  purchasers of the  Securities  should  consider  carefully the
factors set forth below,  as well as any other  applicable risk factors that may
be set forth in the accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement,  before purchasing the
Securities offered hereby.


Adverse  Consequences  of Financial  Leverage;  Deficiency  of Earnings to Fixed
Charges; Effect of Encumbrances; Covenant Restrictions

     The Company has significant debt service obligations.  The Company borrowed
$138,425,000  during  the nine  months  ended  September  30,  1995  (the  "1995
Financings")  and at  September  30,  1995,  the  Company's  long-term  debt was
$173,613,000.  For the nine months  ended  September  30,  1995,  the  Company's
deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges was $12,605,000.  The Company also
had a  deficiency  in net assets of  $28,203,000  at  September  30,  1995.  The
Company's  ability to operate as a viable real estate company will depend on the
successful  and  timely  completion  of the  redevelopment  and  leasing  of the
Redevelopment Properties,  which will materially affect the Company's ability to
meet its debt service requirements.


     Under the 1995 Financings, the Company granted certain lenders mortgages on
all of the  Company's  assets  and/or  pledges  of the  stock  of the  Company's
subsidiaries  owning  assets  and/or  guarantees  of such  subsidiaries  and the
Company.  If  the  Company  becomes  insolvent  or  is  liquidated,  or  if  its
indebtedness  is  accelerated,  the lenders  under the 1995  Financings  will be
entitled  to payment in full from the  proceeds of their  security  prior to the
payment to Holders of Securities. In such event, it is possible that there would
be no assets  remaining  from which  claims of Holders  of  Securities  could be
satisfied or, if any assets remain,  such assets may be  insufficient to satisfy
fully such claims.



                                       -5-

<PAGE>



     The 1995 Financing  documents contain certain restrictive  covenants.  Such
restrictions affect, and in many respects significantly limit or prohibit, among
other  things,  the ability of the Company  and certain of its  subsidiaries  to
incur  indebtedness,  make prepayments of certain  indebtedness,  pay dividends,
make investments,  engage in transactions with affiliates, issue or sell capital
stock of subsidiaries,  create liens, sell assets,  acquire or transfer property
and engage in mergers and consolidations.  The covenants may significantly limit
the Company's (and such subsidiaries')  operating and financial  flexibility and
there can be no assurance that such  restrictions  will not adversely affect the
Company's  (and such  subsidiaries')  ability to finance  future  operations  or
capital needs or to engage in other business  activities which may be beneficial
to the Company.  Additional restrictive covenants may be created with respect to
a  particular  series  of  Securities  and will be set  forth in the  applicable
Prospectus Supplement.

   
     In the  event of a  default  under  the  terms of any  indebtedness  of the
Company,  the obligees  thereunder would be permitted to accelerate the maturity
of such  obligations,  which may cause defaults  under other  obligations of the
Company, including Securities issued pursuant to this Registration Statement. In
such  circumstances,  Holders of such Securities may be forced to accelerate the
maturity of such  Securities to protect their  interests at a time when it would
not otherwise be in their  interest to do so.  Further,  such defaults  could be
expected to delay or preclude  payment of principal  of and/or  interest on such
Debt Securities.
    


Lack of Profitability

   
     Because the Company has not yet developed a number of its  properties,  its
current  operating  properties  (four of its nine  properties)  do not  generate
sufficient   cash  flow  to  pay  all  of  its  expenses.   The  Company's  five
non-operating  properties (Rego Park I, Rego Park II, Lexington Avenue, Paramus,
and the Kings Plaza Store) are in various stages of redevelopment.  There can be
no assurance that the Company will attain profitable operations.
    

Need for Additional Financing


   
     The  Company  estimates  that  its  capital  expenditure  requirements  for
projects  other  than  Rego  Park I and  Rego  Park  II  will  include  (i)  the
redevelopment of the Paramus Property estimated to cost between  $55,000,000 and
$60,000,000 (ii) the subdivision of the existing space and other improvements at
the Kings  Plaza  Store  Property  estimated  to cost  between  $10,000,000  and
$15,000,000,  and (iii) the renovation of the existing Lexington Avenue building
estimated to cost between $20,000,000 and $25,000,000. There can be no assurance
that  financing for such projects  will be obtained,  or if obtained,  that such
financing will be on terms that are acceptable to the Company.  In addition,  it
is  uncertain  as to when these  projects  will  commence.  The Company may also
require additional  financing as a result of its lack of profitability.  See "--
Lack of Profitability" above.
    

Bankruptcy of a Major Tenant

     On  September  18, 1995,  Caldor  filed for relief under  Chapter 11 of the
United  States  Bankruptcy  Code.  Property  rentals  from  leases  with  Caldor
represented  approximately  63% of the Company's  consolidated  revenues for the
year ended December 31, 1994 and approximately 54% of the Company's consolidated
revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1995. Caldor is also the lessee
of a portion of the Rego Park I Property  under a lease  scheduled  to  commence
after the completion of the  redevelopment  of this property.  Caldor,  which is
responsible  for the  construction  of its store,  ceased such  construction  in
September  1995. The Company  believes that the loss of Caldor as a tenant would
have a material adverse effect on the Company.  Caldor's filing under Chapter 11
may lead to the termination of, or default under, such leases with Caldor.

     Additionally, under the terms of a $25,000,000 loan to the Company, secured
by a  mortgage  on the  Fordham  Road  Property,  the  failure of Caldor to meet
certain  financial  tests may result in the Company being required to escrow net
cash flow of  approximately  $500,000 per annum from the Fordham  Road  Property
into an account of the lender as a reserve  against  future  payments  under the
loan.


                                       -6-

<PAGE>




Holding Company Structure


     Since  substantially  all of the Company's  operations are  conducted,  and
substantially  all of the Company's assets are owned, by its  subsidiaries,  the
Securities  will   effectively  be  subordinated  to  all  existing  and  future
liabilities  of  the  Company's   subsidiaries,   including  the   subsidiaries'
guarantees of indebtedness  incurred under the 1995 Financings.  As of September
30,  1995,  the  Company's   subsidiaries  and  the  Seven  Thirty  One  Limited
Partnership,  of which  the  Company  owns a 92.36%  interest,  had  outstanding
$103,410,000 of liabilities (including trade payables and indebtedness) and also
had guarantees of $75,000,000  of Company  indebtedness  incurred under the 1995
Financings.  Any right of the Company to participate in any  distribution of the
assets of any of the Company's subsidiaries upon the liquidation, reorganization
or insolvency of such subsidiary (and any consequent right of the Holders of the
Securities to  participate in those assets) will be subject to the claims of the
creditors  (including  trade creditors) and preferred  stockholders,  if any, of
such  subsidiary,  except to the extent the  Company  has a claim  against  such
subsidiary  as  a  creditor  of  such  subsidiary.  The  Company  has  expressly
subordinated certain of its claims against its subsidiaries to the subsidiaries'
guarantees of indebtedness  incurred under the 1995 Financings.  In addition, in
the  event  that  claims  of the  Company  as a  creditor  of a  subsidiary  are
recognized,  such claims would be  subordinate  to any security  interest in the
assets of such subsidiary and any indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to that
held by the Company.


     The Company's ability to make required principal and interest payments with
respect  to its  indebtedness,  including  any Debt  Securities,  depends on the
earnings  of its  subsidiaries  and on its  ability to  receive  funds from such
subsidiaries  through  dividends or other  payments.  Since the  Securities  are
obligations of the Company only, the Company's subsidiaries are not obligated or
required  to pay any amounts due  pursuant  to the  Securities  or to make funds
available therefor in the form of dividends or advances to the Company.


Limited  Financial  and  Operating   History;   Noncomparability   of  Financial
Information

   
     Prior to May 1992, the Company operated a retail department store business.
Accordingly,  the  Company  has a limited  operating  history  as a real  estate
company  upon  which   prospective   investors  may  evaluate  its  performance.
Information  reflecting the results of operations and financial condition of the
Company for periods subsequent to May 1992 are not comparable to information for
the  periods  prior to such  date due to (i) the  termination  of the  Company's
retail operations, including the sale of the Company's retail inventory, and the
Company's transition to real estate operations and (ii) the Company's bankruptcy
case,  including the costs and expenses relating to the administration  thereof,
and the payment of the Company's  liabilities as a result thereof.  
    

Control-Related Risks; Possible Conflicts of Interest

     Vornado,  an  unincorporated  Maryland  business  trust,  owns 29.3% of the
outstanding  Common Stock of the  Company,  including  27.1%  purchased in March
1995. Interstate  Properties,  a New Jersey general partnership  ("Interstate"),
which owns an additional  27.1% of the outstanding  Common Stock of the Company,
owns 27.7% of the outstanding  common shares of beneficial  interest of Vornado.
Steven Roth,  Chief  Executive  Officer and a Director of the  Company,  is also
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive  Officer of Vornado,  and the Managing
General Partner of Interstate.  Mr. Roth, David Mandelbaum,  Richard R. West and
Russell B. Wight, members of the Company's Board of Directors, are also Trustees
of  Vornado.  Messrs.  Roth,  Mandelbaum  and Wight are the  three  partners  of
Interstate.  Messrs.  Roth,  Mandelbaum  and Wight and  Interstate  own,  in the
aggregate,  32.6% of the  outstanding  Common Shares of  beneficial  interest of
Vornado.  Further,  Vornado has  provided the Company with a loan to finance its
operations in the principal amount of $45,000,000 (the subordinate  portion of a
$75,000,000  facility,  the  balance of which was  provided  by an  unaffiliated
bank).  The  loan is  secured  by liens on  substantially  all of the  Company's
properties.

     Based  on the  foregoing,  Mr.  Roth,  Interstate  Properties  and  Vornado
(collectively,  the "Principal  Stockholders") may have substantial influence on
the  Company  and on the  outcome  of any  matters  submitted  to the  Company's
stockholders  for  approval.  In  addition,  certain  decisions  concerning  the
operations  or  financial  structure  


                                       -7-

<PAGE>



of  the  Company  may  present  conflicts  of  interest  between  the  Principal
Stockholders  and the Holders of the  Securities.  For  example,  if the Company
encounters financial difficulties, or is unable to pay its debts as they mature,
the interests of the  Principal  Stockholders  might  conflict with those of the
Holders of the Securities.  In addition,  the Principal Stockholders may have an
interest   in  pursuing   acquisitions,   divestitures,   financings   or  other
transactions  that, in their  judgment,  could enhance their equity  investment,
even  though  such  transactions  might  involve  risk  to  the  Holders  of the
Securities. Interstate Properties, Vornado and Mr. Roth engage in a wide variety
of  activities  in the real estate  business  which may result in  conflicts  of
interest  with  respect  to  certain  matters  affecting  the  Company,  such as
potential  business  opportunities,   business  dealings  between  the  Company,
Interstate  Properties and Vornado and their affiliates,  demands on the time of
Mr. Roth and certain of the executive  officers of Vornado,  changes of existing
arrangements  between Mr. Roth,  the Company and Vornado (such as the Management
and  Development  Agreement,   dated  February  6,  1995  (the  "Management  and
Development  Agreement") and the Retention  Agreement,  dated July 20, 1992 (the
"Retention  Agreement")),  potential  competition  between  business  activities
conducted,  or sought to be conducted,  by the Company,  Vornado and  Interstate
Properties  (including   competition  for  properties  and  tenants),   possible
corporate  transactions,  and other strategic decisions affecting the Company in
the future.  Neither Mr. Roth nor Vornado is obligated to present to the Company
any particular  investment  opportunity which comes to their attention,  even if
such opportunity is of a character which might be suitable for investment by the
Company.

Real Estate Investment Risks Applicable to the Company


     General

     Real  property  investments  are  subject to varying  degrees of risk.  The
Company's  success will be affected by, among other  factors,  the trends of the
national and local economies,  the financial  condition and operating results of
current and prospective tenants, the availability and cost of capital,  interest
rate levels,  construction and renovation costs,  income tax laws,  governmental
regulations  and  legislation,  population  trends,  the market for real  estate
properties in the New York Area,  competition from other available space, zoning
laws,  potential liability under environmental and other laws and the ability of
the Company to lease or sublease its properties at profitable levels.


     Dependence on Rental Income and Concentration of Rental Income with Certain
Lessees; Bankruptcy of a Major Tenant


     As  substantially  all of the  Company's  income is derived from rentals of
real property, the Company's results of operations will depend on its ability to
lease space in its real estate properties on economically favorable terms.

     Although none of the Company's  leases are  cancelable by the lessee in the
event of default by such lessee,  the Company may experience delays in enforcing
its rights as lessor or sublessor and may incur  substantial costs in protecting
its  investment if the lessee  defaults  under its lease.  In addition,  certain
significant  expenditures  associated  with  real  estate  investments  (such as
mortgage  payments,  real estate taxes and maintenance  costs) are generally not
reduced when  circumstances  (such as  vacancies or the  inability of tenants to
meet their obligations) cause a reduction in income from the investment.  Should
such  events  occur,  the  Company's  income and cash flows  would be  adversely
affected.   The  Company's   properties  are  mortgaged  to  secure  payment  of
indebtedness,  and if the Company were unable to meet its mortgage  payments,  a
loss could be  sustained  as a result of a  foreclosure  on its  property by the
mortgagee.


     The  Company's  income  and cash flows  would be  adversely  affected  if a
significant  number  of the  Company's  lessees  (or a lessee  accounting  for a
significant  portion of the Company's  rental  income) were unable to meet their
obligations  to the  Company.  Property  rentals from leases with Caldor and the
Conway affiliate  represented  approximately 63% and 13%,  respectively,  of the
Company's  consolidated  revenues  for the  year  ended  December  31,  1994 and
approximately 54% and 11%, respectively,  of the Company's consolidated revenues
for 

                                       -8-

<PAGE>



the nine months ended September 30, 1995. The Company  believes that the loss of
either of these  tenants  would have a material  adverse  effect on the Company.
Caldor's  filing of petitions  for relief under  Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code on September 18, 1995 may lead to the termination of, or default
under, such leases with Caldor.


     Limited Number of Properties; Geographic Concentration


     The Company  concentrates on the redevelopment and leasing of its nine real
estate  properties,  which are  located in the New York Area and are  subject to
fluctuations  in the real estate market of, and economic  conditions  particular
to, the New York Area.  As a result,  the Company's  results of  operations  are
dependent upon the success of a limited number of properties and upon the demand
for  retail  space in its  market  area.  There can be no  assurance  that local
economic  conditions will be favorable to the Company's  operations.  An adverse
development  affecting any one of the Company's properties could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.


     Condemnation


     The State of New Jersey  has  notified  the  Company  of its  intention  to
condemn  approximately  ten acres or 25% of the Paramus  Property in  connection
with the  redesign  of a highway  intersection.  The New  Jersey  Department  of
Transportation ("DOT") has recently made an offer to the Company to purchase the
land which is the subject of the condemnation  proceeding for $15,400,000  based
on an appraisal  performed on the DOT's behalf. The Company expects to negotiate
with the DOT to attempt to reach  agreement on the value.  In the event that the
Company and the DOT do not reach  agreement on the value,  a formal process will
be  initiated  by the DOT,  pursuant to which,  among other  things,  a group of
independent  commissioners will be appointed by a court to determine fair market
value. If the condemnation  occurs,  the Company would be required to change its
redevelopment plans, and the time and cost to redevelop the Paramus Property may
materially increase.

     In  addition,  the  Company  believes  that,  along  with a number of other
locations, a portion of the Lexington Avenue Property is being considered by the
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (the "Port Authority") for the site of
the  terminus for a rail link from  midtown  Manhattan to LaGuardia  and Kennedy
Airports.  Approvals  of  numerous  Federal,  New York  State  and New York City
agencies are required before  construction  could begin. If the project proceeds
and the Port Authority  selects a portion of the Lexington  Avenue  Property for
such use and can establish  that it is needed to serve a public use,  benefit or
purpose, the Port Authority, after conducting the requisite public hearings, may
acquire such portion of the Lexington Avenue Property  pursuant to its powers of
eminent domain.  Since the nature and scope of any plans being considered by the
Port Authority, and whether any such plans would ultimately affect the Lexington
Avenue  Property,  cannot be fully  assessed by the Company at this time,  it is
impossible to determine the ultimate  effect that a taking,  or any  uncertainty
with respect  thereto,  would have on the Company's use or  redevelopment of the
Lexington Avenue Property.


     Environmental Matters

     Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an
owner or  operator  of real  property  may be liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of hazardous substances located on, under or in such property.  Such
laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was
responsible  for, the presence of such  hazardous  or toxic  substances  and the
liability may continue after the sale or other  disposition of the  contaminated
property.  Other federal and state laws require the removal or  encapsulation of
asbestos-containing   material  in  the  event  of  remodeling,   renovation  or
demolition.  Other statutes may require the removal of underground storage tanks
that  are  out of  service  or  out  of  compliance.  Although  compliance  with
applicable provisions of federal,  state and local laws regulating the discharge
of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the
environment has not had a material effect on the Company's  financial  condition
or results of operations,  there can be no assurance that such  compliance  will
not have such an effect in the future.


                                       -9-

<PAGE>



   
     In September 1993, the Company had Phase I environmental assessments (which
generally  involve  site and  records  inspection  without  soil or  groundwater
sampling)  performed  by an  environmental  engineering  firm  on  each  of  its
properties.  The results of the assessments at the Kings Plaza Shopping Center's
("Center") property show that certain adjacent properties owned by third parties
have experienced petroleum hydrocarbon  contamination.  Based on this assessment
and preliminary  investigation of the Center's property and its history there is
a potential for contamination on the property.  If contamination is found on the
property,  the  Center  may be  required  to engage in  remediation  activities;
management is unable to estimate the financial impact of potential contamination
if any is discovered in the future.
    

     In addition, there can be no assurance that the identification of new areas
of contamination,  changes in the known scope of contamination, the discovery of
additional  sites,  or  changes  in  cleanup  requirements  would not  result in
material  costs to the Company.  The process of  investigating  and  remediating
environmental  contamination  is lengthy  and  subject to the  uncertainties  of
changing  legal  requirements,  developing  technology  and  the  allocation  of
liability among potentially  liable parties.  The presence of contamination,  or
the failure to properly remediate  contamination,  may also adversely affect the
Company's  ability to borrow money using such real  property as collateral or to
sell such property.

     Uninsured Loss

   
     The Company carries commercial  liability,  fire, flood,  extended coverage
and rental  loss  insurance  with  respect  to its  properties  and with  policy
specifications  and  insured  limits and  deductibles  customarily  carried  for
similar  properties.  There  are,  however,  certain  types of  losses  that are
generally not insured  either because they are  uninsurable or not  economically
insurable.  Should an  uninsured  loss occur,  the  Company  could lose both its
invested capital in and anticipated profits from the property and would continue
to be obligated to repay any mortgage  indebtedness  on the  property.  Any such
loss could adversely affect the profitability and cash flow of the Company.  
    


Reliance on Key Personnel and Agreements with Vornado

     The  Company  believes  that the  continued  services of Steven  Roth,  the
Company's  Chief  Executive  Officer,  are  important  to the  Company's  future
success.  Although Mr. Roth has a significant ownership interest in the Company,
there is no  assurance  that he will remain with the Company.  In addition,  the
Company  has  retained  Vornado  pursuant  to  the  Management  and  Development
Agreement,  to manage all of the  Company's  business  affairs and to manage and
develop the Company's  properties,  and pursuant to the Retention Agreement,  to
act  as  the  Company's  exclusive  leasing  agent  with  respect  to all of the
Company's  properties.  If, for any reason, Mr. Roth and Vornado do not continue
to be active in the  Company's  management,  the Company's  operations  could be
adversely affected.

Changes in Operating or Investment Strategy

     The  Company's  operating  and  investment  strategy and its policies  with
respect  to  certain  other  activities,   including   growth,   capitalization,
distributions  and REIT status,  will be determined by the Board of Directors of
the Company. The Board of Directors may amend or revise these policies from time
to time at their discretion without a vote of the stockholders of the Company.

Adverse Consequences of the Failure to Qualify or Remain Qualified as a REIT

   
     The Board of  Directors  of the  Company  has  determined  that the Company
should take the  necessary  actions to qualify as a REIT for federal  income tax
purposes under the Code.  Although  management believes that the Company will be
organized  and will operate in such a manner as to so qualify,  no assurance can
be given that it will qualify or remain so qualified.  Future economic,  market,
legal, tax or other  considerations may cause management to determine that it is
in the best  interest  of the Company  and its  stockholders  to revoke the REIT
    

                                      -10-

<PAGE>


   
election.  Qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes  involves the
application of highly  technical and complex Code provisions for which there are
only limited judicial or administrative  interpretations,  and the determination
of various factual matters and  circumstances not entirely within the control of
the  Company  may affect its  ability to  qualify  as a REIT.  In  addition,  no
assurance  can  be  given  that  legislation,  new  regulations,  administrative
interpretations  or court decisions will not  significantly  change the tax laws
with  respect to the  requirements  for  qualification  as a REIT or the federal
income tax  consequences of such  qualification.  
    

     In order to qualify and  maintain its  qualification  as a REIT for federal
income  tax  purposes,  the  Company  is  required,   among  other  distribution
requirements,  to  distribute  as  dividends  on shares of Common  Stock  and/or
Preferred  Stock at least  95% of its  "real  estate  investment  trust  taxable
income." As of December 31, 1994,  the Company had reported net  operating  loss
("NOL")  carryovers of  approximately  $110 million,  which  generally  would be
available to offset the amount of real estate  investment  trust taxable  income
that the Company  otherwise would be required to distribute.  However,  the NOLs
reported on the  Company's  tax returns are not binding on the Internal  Revenue
Service  (the  "IRS") and are  subject to  adjustment  as a result of future IRS
audits. In addition, under Section 382 of the Code, the Company's ability to use
its NOL  carryovers  could be limited  if,  generally,  there  were  significant
changes in the ownership of its outstanding stock. Since its reorganization as a
REIT, the Company has not paid regular dividends and, unless otherwise  provided
in an  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  does  not  believe  that  it will be
required to and may not pay regular  dividends,  until its NOL  carryovers  have
been fully  utilized,  on any Common Stock or Preferred Stock issued pursuant to
this  Prospectus  except for  dividends on  Preferred  Stock as described in any
applicable Prospectus Supplement.


Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and 
By-laws

     Certain  provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation  and the By-laws of
the Company may be deemed to have  anti-takeover  effects and may  discourage or
make more difficult a takeover attempt that a stockholder  might consider in its
best  interest.  The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides that the Board of
Directors  of the  Company  be  divided  into three  classes  serving  staggered
three-year  terms  and that the  number of  directors  will be no  greater  than
seventeen or less than three.  The classes of  directors  are as nearly equal in
number as possible. Accordingly,  approximately one-third of the Company's Board
of Directors will be elected each year.  The By-laws  provide that any vacancies
on the Board of Directors may only be filled by the remaining  directors and not
by  the  stockholders.  This  precludes  stockholders  from  removing  incumbent
directors  without  cause and filling  the  resulting  vacancies  with their own
nominees.  These  provisions,  among  other  things,  limit the  ability  of the
stockholders  to amend or  repeal  the  By-laws  or  certain  provisions  of the
Certificate of Incorporation.

     Additionally, for the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more
than  50% of the  value of the  outstanding  stock  may be  owned,  directly  or
indirectly,  by five or fewer  individuals  (as  defined  in the Code to include
certain  entities)  during the last half of a taxable year and the stock must be
beneficially  owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable
year of 12 months (or during a  proportionate  part of a shorter  taxable year).
Accordingly,  the Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions that restrict
the  ownership  and  transfer of shares of capital  stock.  The  Certificate  of
Incorporation also contains  provisions that restrict the ownership and transfer
of shares of capital stock to reduce the risk that the Company's  ability to use
its NOLs would be limited.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

     Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus  Supplement,  the
Company anticipates that the net proceeds of the sales of the Securities will be
used for general  corporate  purposes  which may  include,  without  limitation,
redevelopment  of  the  Company's  Redevelopment  Properties  and  repayment  of
outstanding indebtedness.



                                      -11-

<PAGE>



                 CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     For purposes of calculating the following  ratios,  (i) earnings  represent
income from continuing  operations before income taxes, plus fixed charges,  and
(ii)  fixed  charges  represent   interest  expense  on  all  indebtedness  from
continuing  operations (including the Company's 50% share of interest expense in
the Kings Plaza Mall and  amortization  of deferred debt issuance costs) and the
portion of operating lease rental expense that is representative of the interest
factor (deemed to be one-third of operating lease rentals). There were no shares
of Preferred  Stock  outstanding  during any of the periods below  indicated and
therefore the ratio of earnings to combined  fixed  charges and preferred  share
dividend requirements would have been the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed
charges for each period indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          Nine Months                              Five Months
                             Ended            Year Ended            Ended(1)                         Fiscal Year Ended
                             -----            ----------            --------                         -----------------
                           Sept. 30,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,        Dec. 31,      July 31,       July 25,     July 27,     July 28,
                             1995         1994       1993(1)          1993         1993(2)         1992         1991         1990
                             ----         ----       -------          ----         -------         ----         ----         ----
<S>                       <C>              <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>         <C>
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges:                --           1.39        4.68           2.49        21.89(3)         --              --        2.35

Deficiency in earnings
available to cover
fixed charges:            $12,605,000       --          --            --             --          $14,630,000     $300,000     --

- ----------
(1)  In November 1993, the Company changed to a calendar year from a fiscal year
     ending on the last Saturday in July.  The ratio for the year ended December
     31, 1993 is included for comparative purposes only.

(2)  Includes 53 weeks.

(3)  This amount includes a gain on the sale of leases of  $28,779,000,  without
     which the Company  would have had a  deficiency  in earnings to cover fixed
     charges of $1,628,000.
</TABLE>






                                      -12-

<PAGE>




             CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   
     The unaudited pro forma  information set forth below presents the condensed
consolidated  statements of operations for the Company for the nine months ended
September  30, 1995 and the year ended  December 31,  1994,  as if on January 1,
1994, the Company  executed the Management  Agreement with Vornado Realty Trust,
issued  $75,000,000 of new debt ($45,000,000 at a rate of 16.43% and $30,000,000
at a rate of 9.86%) and repaid $39,552,000 of other debt outstanding.
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Nine Months Ended September 30, 1995        Year Ended December 31, 1994
                                  ------------------------------------        ----------------------------
                               Historical      Adjustments    Pro Forma   Historical  Adjustments   Pro Forma
                               ----------      -----------    ---------   ----------  -----------   ---------
                                                         (in thousands except per share amounts)
<S>                             <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>
Real estate operating
     revenue                    $  7,985                      $  7,985    $ 10,853(1)                $ 10,853
Equity in income of
     unconsolidated joint
     venture                       2,131                         2,131       1,821                      1,821
                                --------                      --------    --------                   --------
Total revenue                     10,116                        10,116      12,674                     12,674
                                --------                      --------    --------                   --------

Expenses:
     Operating, general and                                                                                                
         administrative            5,683       $    500(2)       6,183       4,697(1) $  3,000(2)       7,697
     Depreciation and
         amortization              1,393                         1,393       1,821                      1,821
     Reorganization costs          1,938                         1,938       3,721                      3,721
                                --------       --------       --------    --------    --------       -------- 
Total expenses                     9,014            500          9,514      10,239       3,000         13,239
                                --------       --------       --------    --------    --------       -------- 
Operating income (loss)            1,102           (500)           602       2,435      (3,000)          (565)
Interest and debt expense        (10,208)        (1,149)(3)    (11,487)     (3,331)     (5,431)(3)     (9,762)
                                                   (130)(4)                             (1,000)(4)
Interest and other income,
     net                           1,070                         1,070       4,768                      4,768
Gain on sale of real estate                                                    161                        161
                                --------       --------       --------    --------    --------       -------- 
(Loss) income before reversal
     of deferred taxes            (8,036)        (1,779)        (9,815)      4,033      (9,431)        (5,398)
Reversal of deferred taxes         1,406                         1,406
                                --------       --------       --------    --------    --------       -------- 

Net (Loss) Income               $ (6,630)      $ (1,779)      $ (8,409)   $  4,033    $ (9,431)      $ (5,398)
                                ========       ========       ========    ========    ========       ======== 

Net (Loss) Income Per
     Share                      $  (1.33)                     $   (1.68)  $    .81                   $  (1.08)
                                ========                      =========   ========                   ======== 

- ---------- 

(1)  Tenant  reimbursement  of  expenses  previously  offset  against  operating
     expenses,  is included in real estate  operating  revenue to conform to the
     current year's presentation.

(2)  Reflects  management  fees  payable to Vornado  pursuant to the  Management
     Agreement.

                                      -13-

<PAGE>

   
(3)  The adjustments to interest and debt expense reflect the following:
                                         Nine Months
                                            Ended              Year Ended
                                      September 30, 1995    December 31, 1994 
                                                    (in thousands) 

Issuance of $75,000,000 of new debt on      
   March 15, 1995 ($45,000,000 at a rate
   of 16.43% and $30,000,000 at a 
   rate of 9.86%)                             $  (2,156)           $(10,350)

Repayment of outstanding funded debt of
   $39,552,000 with proceeds from the
   new debt                                        726               2,895

Elimination of interest on unpaid real
   estate taxes and other liabilities and
   additional capitalized interest                  281               2,024
                                                    ---               -----

                                               $ (1,149)           $ (5,431)
                                               ========            ======== 

     In addition to the  $75,000,000 of new debt reflected  above,  in the first
quarter of 1995 the Company borrowed $21,631,000 for new construction  financing
and $25,000,000 for other working capital purposes.
                                                              
                                                                
                                                            
(4)  Reflects the amortization of $1,875,000 of debt issuance costs.
</TABLE>


                                      -14-

<PAGE>




                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     The Debt  Securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series.
The particular terms of each series of Debt Securities offered by any Prospectus
Supplement or Prospectus  Supplements will be described therein. The Senior Debt
Securities are to be issued under an Indenture (the "Senior  Indenture") between
the Company and State Street Bank & Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Senior
Trustee").  The  Subordinated  Debt Securities are to be issued under a separate
Indenture (the  "Subordinated  Indenture")  between the Company and State Street
Bank & Trust Company, N.A, as trustee (the "Subordinated  Trustee").  The Senior
Indenture and the Subordinated  Indenture are sometimes referred to collectively
as the  "Indentures"  and  the  Senior  Trustee  and  Subordinated  Trustee  are
sometimes referred to collectively as the "Trustees."

     The  following   summaries  of  certain   provisions  of  the  Senior  Debt
Securities,  the  Subordinated  Debt  Securities,  the Senior  Indenture and the
Subordinated  Indenture,  as modified or superseded by any applicable Prospectus
Supplement, are brief summaries of certain provisions thereof, do not purport to
be complete and are subject,  and are qualified in their  entirety by reference,
to all the provisions of the Indenture applicable to a particular series of Debt
Securities.  Wherever  particular  Sections,  Articles  or defined  terms of the
Indentures are referred to herein or in a Prospectus Supplement,  such Sections,
Articles or defined terms are incorporated herein or therein by reference.

General

     Unless otherwise  specified in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  the
Debt  Securities  will be general  unsecured  obligations  of the  Company.  The
Indentures do not limit the  aggregate  amount of Debt  Securities  which may be
issued  thereunder,  and Debt  Securities may be issued  thereunder from time to
time in separate series up to the aggregate  amount from time to time authorized
by the Company for each series.  Unless  otherwise  specified in the  Prospectus
Supplement,  the Senior  Debt  Securities  when  issued  will be  unsubordinated
obligations  of the  Company and will rank  equally  and ratably  with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated  indebtedness of the Company. The Subordinated Debt
Securities  when  issued will be  subordinated  in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Debt (as defined in the Subordinated Indenture) of
the Company as described  below under "--  Subordination  of  Subordinated  Debt
Securities"  and in the  Prospectus  Supplement  applicable  to an  offering  of
Subordinated Debt Securities.

     The  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement  or  Prospectus   Supplements  will
describe  the  following  terms of the series of Debt  Securities  in respect of
which this Prospectus is being delivered: (1) the title of such Debt Securities;
(2) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities; (3) the
person to whom any interest on any Debt  Security of the series shall be payable
if other than the person in whose name the Debt  Security is  registered  on the
regular  record date; (4) the date or dates on which such Debt  Securities  will
mature; (5) the rate or rates of interest,  if any, or the method of calculation
thereof,  which such Debt Securities will bear, the date or dates from which any
such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which any such interest
on such Debt  Securities  will be payable  and the  regular  record date for any
interest payable on any interest payment date; (6) the place or places where the
principal  of,  premium,  if any, and interest on such Debt  Securities  will be
payable;  (7) the period or periods within which, the events upon the occurrence
of which, and the price or prices at which,  such Debt Securities may,  pursuant
to any optional or mandatory provisions,  be redeemed or purchased,  in whole or
in part, by the Company and any terms and conditions  relevant thereto;  (8) the
obligations of the Company, if any, to redeem or repurchase such Debt Securities
pursuant to any sinking fund  provision or analogous  provision or at the option
of the Holders and the period or periods  within which,  and the other terms and
conditions  upon  which,  such  Debt  Securities  shall be  redeemed,  repaid or
repurchased,  in  whole  or in  part,  pursuant  to  such  obligations;  (9) the
denominations in which any such Debt Securities will be issuable,  if other than
denominations  of $1,000 and any integral  multiple  thereof;  (10) any index or
formula used to determine the amount of payments of principal of and any premium
and interest on such Debt Securities; (11) the currency,  currencies or currency
unit or units of payment of  principal  of and any premium and  interest on such
Debt  Securities  if other  than  U.S.  dollars;  (12) if the  principal  of, or
premium,  if any, or interest on such Debt  Securities is to be payable,  at the
election  of the  Company  or a Holder  thereof,  in one or more  currencies  or
currency units other than that or those in which such Debt Securities are stated
to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in


                                      -15-

<PAGE>



which  payment  of the  principal  of and  any  premium  and  interest  on  Debt
Securities  of such  series as to which such  election is made shall be payable,
and the  periods  within  which and the terms and  conditions  upon  which  such
election is to be made;  (13) if other than the principal  amount  thereof,  the
portion of the principal amount of such Debt Securities of the series which will
be payable upon  acceleration  of the maturity  thereof;  (14) if the  principal
amount of any Debt Securities which will be payable at the maturity thereof will
not be determinable as of any date prior to such maturity, the amount which will
be deemed to be the outstanding  principal amount of such Debt Securities;  (15)
the  applicability of any provisions  described below under  "Defeasance";  (16)
whether any of such Debt Securities are to be issuable in permanent  global form
("Global  Security")  and, if so, the terms and  conditions,  if any, upon which
interests in such  Securities  in global form may be  exchanged,  in whole or in
part,  for  the  individual  Debt  Securities   represented  thereby;  (17)  the
applicability  of any  covenant  with  respect to such Debt  Securities  and the
applicability  of any provisions  described  below under "Events of Default" and
any  additional  Events  of  Default  applicable  thereto;  (18)  any  covenants
applicable  to such Debt  Securities;  (19) the terms  and  conditions,  if any,
pursuant to which the Debt  Securities  are  convertible  or  exchangeable  into
shares of Common  Stock or other  securities;  and (20) any other  terms of such
Debt Securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indentures. (Section
301) Debt  Securities may also be issued under the Indentures  upon the exercise
of Debt Warrants. See "Description of Debt Warrants."

     Debt  Securities may be issued at a discount from their  principal  amount.
United States federal income tax considerations and other special considerations
applicable to any such original issue discount  Securities  will be described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

     If the purchase  price of any of the Debt  Securities is  denominated  in a
foreign  currency or  currencies  or a foreign  currency unit or units or if the
principal  of and any premium and interest on any series of Debt  Securities  is
payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units,
the  restrictions,  elections,  general tax  considerations,  specific terms and
other  information  with  respect to such issue of Debt  Securities  will be set
forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

     Since the  Company is a holding  company,  the rights of the  Company,  and
hence the right of  creditors  of the  Company  (including  the  Holders of Debt
Securities),  to participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary
upon its liquidation or  reorganization  or otherwise is necessarily  subject to
the prior claims of creditors of any such subsidiary,  except to the extent that
claims of the Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized.


     The  Indentures  do not contain  any  provisions  that limit the  Company's
ability to incur  indebtedness.  Except as may be  indicated  in the  applicable
Prospectus  Supplement with respect to a particular  series of Debt  Securities,
Holders of Debt Securities  will not have the benefit of any specific  covenants
or provisions in the applicable  Indenture or Debt Securities that would protect
them in the event the  Company  engages  in or becomes  the  subject of a highly
leveraged  transaction,  and the  limitations  on  mergers,  consolidations  and
transfers of  substantially  all of the  Company's  properties  and assets as an
entirety to any person as described  below under "--  Consolidation,  Merger and
Sale of Assets." Such  covenants may not be waived or modified by the Company or
its Board of  Directors,  although  Holders of Debt  Securities  could  waive or
modify such covenants as more fully described below under "--  Modification  and
Waiver."

     The applicable  Prospectus Supplement with respect to any particular series
of Debt  Securities  that provide for the  optional  redemption,  prepayment  or
conversion of such Debt  Securities upon the occurrence of certain events (i.e.,
a change of control),  will  describe the  following:  (1) the effects that such
provisions  may  have in  deterring  certain  mergers,  tender  offers  or other
takeover attempts,  as well as that there may be possible adverse effects on the
market price of the  Company's  securities or ability to obtain  financing;  (2)
that the Company  will comply with the  requirements  of  applicable  securities
laws, including Rules 14e-1 and 13e-4 under the Exchange Act, in connection with
such  provisions  and  any  related  offers  by the  Company;  (3)  whether  the
occurrence  of the  specified  events may give rise to  cross-defaults  on other
indebtedness such that payment on the offered Debt Securities may be effectively
subordinated;  (4)  limitations  on the Company's  financial or legal ability to
repurchase  the offered Debt  Securities  upon the  triggering  of an event risk
provision requiring such a repurchase or offer to repurchase; (5) the impact, if
any, under the governing instrument of failure to repurchase,  including whether
such  failure  to make any  required  repurchases  in the  event of a change  of
control  will  create an event of  default  with  respect  to the  offered  Debt
Securities or will become an event of



                                      -16-

<PAGE>




default only after the  continuation  of such failure for a specified  period of
time  after  written  notice is given to the  Company  by the  Trustee or to the
Company and the Trustee by the holders of a specified  percentage  in  aggregate
principal  amount of the debt  outstanding;  (6) that there can be no  assurance
that  sufficient  funds will be  available at the time of the  triggering  of an
event risk provision to make any required repurchases;  (7) if such offered Debt
Securities  are to be  subordinated  to other  obligations of the Company or its
subsidiaries  that  would be  accelerated  upon the  triggering  of a change  in
control or similar  event,  the  material  effect  thereof on such  acceleration
provision and such offered Debt Securities;  and (8) to the extent that there is
a definition of "change of control" in a supplemental indenture relating to such
offered Debt Securities that includes the concept of "all or substantially all,"
the  established  meaning of such phrase under New York law,  including  whether
such a Change of Control  will be  triggered  if there is a change of control of
the Board of Directors as a result of a proxy contest involving the solicitation
of revocable proxies.


Conversion or Exchange of Debt Securities

     If so indicated in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement with respect to a
particular  series  of Debt  Securities,  such  series  will be  convertible  or
exchangeable  into shares of Common Stock or other  securities  on the terms and
conditions set forth therein.  Such terms shall include provisions as to whether
conversion  is  mandatory,  at the  option of the Holder or at the option of the
Company,  and may include  provisions  pursuant to which the number of shares of
Common Stock or other securities of the Company to be received by the Holders of
Debt Securities would be calculated  according to the market price of the Common
Stock or other  securities of the Company as of a time stated in the  Prospectus
Supplement.   The  applicable   Prospectus   Supplement  will  indicate  certain
restrictions  on  ownership  which  may apply in the  event of a  conversion  or
exchange.  See "Description of Preferred Stock -- Restrictions on Ownership" and
"Description of Common Stock -- Restrictions on Ownership."

Form, Exchange, Registration, Conversion, Transfer and Payment

     Unless otherwise  indicated in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  the
Debt Securities will be issued only in fully registered form in denominations of
$1,000 or integral multiples thereof.  (Section 302) Unless otherwise  indicated
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,  payment of principal, premium, if any,
and  interest  on the  Debt  Securities  will  be  payable,  and  the  exchange,
conversion and transfer of Debt Securities will be  registerable,  at the office
or agency of the Company maintained for such purposes and at any other office or
agency  maintained  for such  purpose.  (Sections  301, 305 and 1002) No service
charge  will be made for any  registration  of  transfer or exchange of the Debt
Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection therewith. (Section 305)

     All  monies  paid by the  Company  to a Paying  Agent  for the  payment  of
principal  of and any  premium or  interest on any Debt  Security  which  remain
unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due
and payable may be repaid to the Company and  thereafter the Holder of such Debt
Security may look only to the Company for payment thereof. (Section 1003)

Book-Entry Debt Securities

     The Debt  Securities  of a series  may be issued in whole or in part in the
form of one or more Global  Securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf
of, a depositary  (the "Global  Depositary")  or its nominee  identified  in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.  In such a case, one or more Global Securities
will be issued in a denomination or aggregate  denomination equal to the portion
of the aggregate  principal  amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of the series
to be represented by such Global Security or Securities.  Unless and until it is
exchanged in whole or in part for Debt  Securities in registered  form, a Global
Security may not be registered for transfer or exchange except as a whole by the
Global  Depositary  for  such  Global  Security  to a  nominee  of  such  Global
Depositary or by a nominee of such Global  Depositary to such Global  Depositary
or another nominee of such Global Depositary or by such Global Depositary or any
nominee to a successor  Global  Depositary or a nominee of such successor Global
Depositary  and  except  in  the  circumstances   described  in  the  applicable
Prospectus Supplement. (Sections 204 and 305)


                                      -17-

<PAGE>




     The  specific  terms of the  depositary  arrangement  with  respect  to any
portion of a series of Debt  Securities to be represented  by a Global  Security
will be described in the applicable Prospectus  Supplement.  The Company expects
that the following provisions will apply to depositary arrangements, although no
assurance can be given that such will be the case.

     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  Debt
Securities which are to be represented by a Global Security to be deposited with
or on behalf of a Global  Depositary  will be represented  by a Global  Security
registered  in the  name of such  Global  Depositary  or its  nominee.  Upon the
issuance of such Global  Security,  and the deposit of such Global Security with
or on behalf of the  Global  Depositary  for such  Global  Security,  the Global
Depositary will credit, on its book-entry  registration and transfer system, the
respective  principal amounts of the Debt Securities  represented by such Global
Security to the accounts of  institutions  that have  accounts  with such Global
Depositary or its nominee ("participants").  The accounts to be credited will be
designated by the underwriters or agents for the sale of such Debt Securities or
by the Company,  if such Debt  Securities  are offered and sold  directly by the
Company.  Ownership  of  beneficial  interest  in such Global  Security  will be
limited to participants or Persons that may hold interests through participants.
Ownership of beneficial  interests by  participants in such Global Security will
be shown on, and the transfer of that  ownership  interest will be effected only
through,  records  maintained  by the Global  Depositary or its nominee for such
Global  Security.  Ownership of beneficial  interests in such Global Security by
Persons  that hold  through  participants  will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership  interests within such participant will be effected only through,
records maintained by such participant.  The laws of some jurisdictions  require
that certain  purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities
in  certificated  form. The foregoing  limitations  and such laws may impair the
ability to transfer beneficial interests in such Global Securities.

     So long as the Global Depositary for a Global Security,  or its nominee, is
the registered  owner of such Global  Security,  such Global  Depositary or such
nominee,  as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the
Securities  represented  by such  Global  Security  for all  purposes  under the
applicable  Indenture.  Except as set forth below, unless otherwise specified in
the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  owners of beneficial  interests in such
Global  Security  will not be  entitled  to have Debt  Securities  of the series
represented by such Global Security  registered in their names, will not receive
or be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debt Securities of such series in
certificated  form  and will  not be  considered  the  Holders  thereof  for any
purposes under the  applicable  Indenture.  (Sections 204 and 305)  Accordingly,
each Person  owning a beneficial  interest in such Global  Security must rely on
the  procedures  of  the  Global  Depositary  and,  if  such  Person  is  not  a
participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such Person owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the applicable Indenture.
The Company understands that under existing industry  practices,  if the Company
requests  any  action of Holders or an owner of a  beneficial  interest  in such
Global  Security  desires  to give any  notice  or take any  action a Holder  is
entitled to give or take under the applicable  Indenture,  the Global Depositary
would authorize the  participants  to give such notice or take such action,  and
participants would authorize  beneficial owners owning through such participants
to give  such  notice  or take  such  action  or  would  otherwise  act upon the
instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

     If the Global  Depositary  for Debt  Securities  of a series is at any time
unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as Global Depositary and a successor
Global  Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days or an Event of
Default  under the  applicable  Indenture  has occurred and is  continuing,  the
Company will issue Debt Securities of such series in definitive form in exchange
for the Global Security or Securities  representing  the Debt Securities of such
series.  In  addition,  the Company may at any time and in its sole  discretion,
subject to any limitations  described in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,
determine not to have any Debt Securities of a series represented by one or more
Global  Securities and, in such event, will issue Debt Securities of such series
in  definitive   form  in  exchange  for  the  Global   Security  or  Securities
representing  such Debt  Securities.  Further,  if the Company so specifies with
respect to the Debt Securities of a series, an owner of a beneficial interest in
a Global  Security  representing  Debt  Securities  of such series may, on terms
acceptable to the Company and the Global  Depositary  for such Global  Security,
receive Debt  Securities of such series in definitive  form in exchange for such
beneficial  interests,  subject to any  limitations  described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities. In any such instance, an
owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security will be entitled to physical
delivery in definitive form of Debt Securities of the series represented


                                      -18-

<PAGE>



by such Global Security equal in principal  amount to such  beneficial  interest
and to have such Debt Securities  registered in its name (if the Debt Securities
of such series are issuable as registered securities).

     Principal  of and any premium and  interest  on a Global  Security  will be
payable in the manner described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

Certain Covenants of the Company

     If so indicated in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement with respect to a
particular  series  of Debt  Securities,  the  Company  will be  subject  to the
covenants described therein.

Events of Default

     The following are Events of Default  under the  Indentures  with respect to
Debt  Securities of any series:  (a) failure to pay principal of or premium,  if
any,  on any Debt  Security  of that  series  when due;  (b)  failure to pay any
interest on any Debt  Security of that series when due,  continued  for 30 days;
(c) failure in the deposit of any  sinking  fund  payment in respect of any Debt
Security  of that  series;  (d)  failure to perform  any other  covenant  of the
Company in the  Indentures  (other than a covenant  included  in the  applicable
Indenture  solely for the benefit of a series of Debt Securities other than that
series),  continued for 60 days after written  notice to the Company as provided
in the  applicable  Indenture;  (e) the  acceleration  of, or  failure to pay at
maturity  (including any applicable  grace period),  any  indebtedness for money
borrowed  by  the  Company  with  at  least   $50,000,000  in  principal  amount
outstanding,  which  acceleration or failure to pay is not rescinded or annulled
or such  indebtedness  paid, in each case within 10 days after the date on which
written notice thereof shall have first been given to the Company as provided in
the  applicable  Indenture;  (f) certain  events of  bankruptcy,  insolvency  or
reorganization; and (g) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debt
Securities of that series. (Section 501)

     If an Event of Default with respect to Outstanding  Debt  Securities of any
series  shall  occur and be  continuing,  either the  applicable  Trustee or the
Holders  of not less  than  25% in  principal  amount  of the  Outstanding  Debt
Securities  of that series by notice as provided in the  Indentures  may declare
the  principal  amount (or, if the Debt  Securities  of that series are Original
Issue  Discount  Securities,  such  portion  of the  principal  amount as may be
specified in the terms of that series) of all Debt  Securities of that series to
be due and payable  immediately.  However,  at any time after a  declaration  of
acceleration  with respect to Debt  Securities of any series has been made,  but
before a judgment or decree based on such  acceleration  has been obtained,  the
Holders of a majority in principal  amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of
that  series  may,   under  certain   circumstances,   rescind  and  annul  such
acceleration.  (Section 502) For  information as to waiver or defaults,  see "--
Modification and Waiver" below.

     The Indentures  provide that, subject to the duty of the applicable Trustee
thereunder during an Event of Default to act with the required standard of care,
such Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers
under  the  applicable  Indenture  at the  request  or  direction  of any of the
Holders,  unless such  Holders  shall have  offered to such  Trustee  reasonable
security or  indemnity.  (Sections  601 and 603) Subject to certain  provisions,
including  those  requiring  security or  indemnification  of the Trustees,  the
Holders of a majority in principal  amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of
any  series  will  have the  right to  direct  the  time,  method  and  place of
conducting  any  proceeding  for  any  remedy  available  to  the  Trustees,  or
exercising any trust or power  conferred on such  Trustees,  with respect to the
Debt Securities of that series. (Section 512)

     No Holder of a Debt Security of any series will have any right to institute
any  proceeding  with respect to the  Indentures  or for any remedy  thereunder,
unless (i) such Holder shall have  previously  given to the  applicable  Trustee
written  notice of a continuing  Event of Default (as  defined)  with respect to
Debt  Securities  of that  series;  (ii) the  Holders  of not  less  than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of the same series
shall have made  written  request,  and  offered  reasonable  indemnity,  to the
applicable Trustee to institute  proceedings in respect of such Event of Default
in its own name as trustee  under the  applicable  Indenture;  (iii) the Trustee
shall have failed to institute


                                      -19-

<PAGE>



such  proceedings  within 60 days;  and (iv) the Trustee shall not have received
from the Holders of a majority in aggregate  principal amount of the outstanding
Debt  Securities of the same series a direction  inconsistent  with such request
(Section 507); provided,  however,  that such limitations do not apply to a suit
instituted  by a Holder of a Debt  Security  for  enforcement  of payment of the
principal of and any premium and interest on such Debt  Security on or after the
respective  due  dates  expressed  in  such  Debt  Security,  or in the  case of
convertible Debt Securities, for enforcement of a right of conversion.  (Section
508)

     The  Company  will be  required  to  furnish  to the  Trustees  annually  a
statement  as to the  performance  by the Company of its  obligations  under the
Indentures and as to any default in such performance. (Section 1004)

Modification and Waiver

     Without  the  consent of any Holder of  Outstanding  Debt  Securities,  the
Company  and the  applicable  Trustee  may amend or  supplement  the  applicable
Indenture or Debt Securities to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency,  or
to make any change that does not materially  adversely  affect the rights of any
Holder of Debt Securities.  (Section 901) Other  modifications and amendments of
the Indentures  may be made by the Company and the applicable  Trustee only with
the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority  in  aggregate  principal
amount of the  Outstanding  Debt  Securities  of each series  affected  thereby;
provided,  however,  that no such  modification  or amendment  may,  without the
consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security  affected  thereby:  (a)
change the Stated  Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal
of, or interest on, any Debt Security;  (b) reduce the principal  amount of, the
rate of interest on, or the premium,  if any,  payable  upon the  redemption  or
repurchase  of, any Debt  Security;  (c) reduce  the amount of  principal  of an
Original  Issue  Discount  Security  payable upon  acceleration  of the Maturity
thereof;  (d)  change the place or  currency  of  payment  of  principal  of, or
premium,  if any,  or  interest  on any Debt  Security;  (e) impair the right to
institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Debt
Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date thereof;  (f) modify
the conversion  provisions applicable to convertible Debt Securities in a manner
adverse  to  the  Holders  thereof;  (g)  modify  the  subordination  provisions
applicable to any series of Debt  Securities in a manner  adverse to the Holders
thereof;  or (h) reduce the percentage in principal  amount of Outstanding  Debt
Securities  of any series,  the consent of the Holders of which is required  for
modification  or amendment of the  Indentures or for waiver of  compliance  with
certain  provisions  of the  applicable  Indenture  or  for  waiver  of  certain
defaults. (Section 902)

     The Holders of at least a majority  in  aggregate  principal  amount of the
Outstanding  Debt  Securities  of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all
Debt  Securities  of that series  waive,  insofar as that  series is  concerned,
compliance  by the Company with certain  covenants of the  Indentures.  (Section
1008)  The  Holders  of not less  than a  majority  in  principal  amount of the
Outstanding  Debt  Securities of any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all
Debt  Securities  of that series,  waive any past default  under the  applicable
Indenture  with respect to that  series,  except a default in the payment of the
principal  of, or premium,  if any, or  interest  on, any Debt  Security of that
series or in respect of a provision which under such applicable Indenture cannot
be  modified or amended  without  the consent of the Holder of each  Outstanding
Debt Security of that series affected. (Section 513)

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

     The  Company,  without  the  consent  of any  Holders of  outstanding  Debt
Securities,  may consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease its assets
substantially  as  an  entirety  to,  any  Person,  and  any  other  Person  may
consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease its assets substantially as
an entirety  to, the  Company,  provided  that (a) the Person (if other than the
Company)  formed by such  consolidation  or into which the  Company is merged or
which acquires or leases the assets of the Company  substantially as an entirety
assumes the Company's obligations on the Debt Securities and under the Indenture
relating  thereto and (b) after giving  effect to such  transaction  no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become
an Event of Default,  shall have happened and be continuing.  (Article  Eight) A
Prospectus  Supplement  may set  forth any  additional  provisions  regarding  a
consolidation with, merger


                                      -20-

<PAGE>



into,  or transfer or lease of its assets  substantially  as an entirety to, any
Person (or of such Person with, into or to the Company).

Defeasance

     If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement with respect to the
Debt Securities of a series,  the Company,  at its option (i) will be discharged
from any and all  obligations  in respect of the Debt  Securities of such series
(except for certain  obligations  to register  the  transfer or exchange of Debt
Securities of such series, to replace destroyed,  stolen, lost or mutilated Debt
Securities of such series, and to maintain an office or agency in respect of the
Debt  Securities  and hold moneys for payment in trust) or (ii) will be released
from its  obligations  to comply with any covenants that may be specified in the
applicable  Prospectus  Supplement  with respect to the Debt  Securities of such
series,  and the occurrence of an event described in clause (d) under "Events of
Default"  above with  respect to any  defeased  covenants  shall no longer be an
Event of Default,  if in either case the Company  irrevocably  deposits with the
applicable Trustee, in trust, money or U.S. Government  Obligations that through
the payment of interest  thereon and principal  thereof in accordance with their
terms will provide money in an amount  sufficient to pay all of the principal of
and premium,  if any, and any interest on the Debt  Securities of such series on
the dates such payments are due (which may include one or more redemption  dates
designated by the Company) in accordance with the terms of such Debt Securities.
Such a trust may only be  established  if, among other  things,  (a) no Event of
Default  or event  which  with the  giving of notice or lapse of time,  or both,
would  become an Event of  Default  under the  applicable  Indenture  shall have
occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit,  (b) no Event of Default
described  under clause (e) under "Events of Default"  above or event which with
the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default
described  under such clause (e) shall have  occurred and be  continuing  at any
time during the period  ending on the 91st day  following  such date of deposit,
and (c) the  Company  shall have  delivered  an Opinion of Counsel to the effect
that the  Holders of the Debt  Securities  will not  recognize  gain or loss for
United  States  federal  income  tax  purposes  as a result of such  deposit  or
defeasance  and will be subject to United States  federal income tax in the same
manner as if such deposit and  defeasance  had not  occurred,  which  Opinion of
Counsel,  in the case of a deposit and defeasance of such Indenture with respect
to the Debt Securities of any series as described under clause (i) above,  shall
be based on either (A) a ruling to such effect  that the  Company  has  received
from,  or that has been  published  by, the  Internal  Revenue  Service or (B) a
change in the applicable federal income tax law, occurring after the date of the
applicable  Indenture,  to such effect. In the event the Company omits to comply
with its remaining  obligations  under such Indenture after a defeasance of such
Indenture with respect to the Debt  Securities of any series as described  under
clause (ii) above and the Debt  Securities  of such series are  declared due and
payable because of the occurrence of any undefeased Event of Default, the amount
of money and U.S. Government  Obligations on deposit with the applicable Trustee
may be  insufficient to pay amounts due on the Debt Securities of such series at
the time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default.  However, the
Company will remain liable for such payments. (Article Thirteen)

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

     Unless  otherwise  indicated in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  the following
provisions will apply to the Subordinated Debt Securities.

     The  Subordinated  Debt  Securities  will,  to the  extent set forth in the
Subordinated  Indenture, be subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment
in full of all Senior  Debt,  including  the Senior  Debt  Securities.  Upon any
payment  or   distribution   of  assets  to  creditors  upon  any   liquidation,
dissolution,   winding  up,  reorganization,   assignment  for  the  benefit  of
creditors,   marshalling  of  assets  or  any   bankruptcy,   insolvency,   debt
restructuring  or similar  proceedings  in  connection  with any  insolvency  or
bankruptcy  proceeding of the Company,  the holders of Senior Debt will first be
entitled to receive  payment in full of principal of (and  premium,  if any) and
interest,  if any, on such  Senior  Debt before the holders of the  Subordinated
Debt  Securities will be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of
the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest,  if any, on the Subordinated
Debt Securities. (Article Fifteen of the Subordinated Indenture)



                                      -21-

<PAGE>



     By reason of such subordination, in the event of liquidation or insolvency,
creditors of the Company who are not holders of Senior Debt or Subordinated Debt
Securities  may  recover  less,  ratably,  than  holders of Senior  Debt and may
recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities.

     In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any  Subordinated  Debt
Securities,  the  holders of all  Senior  Debt  outstanding  at the time of such
acceleration  will first be entitled  to receive  payment in full of all amounts
due  thereon  before the holders of the  Subordinated  Debt  Securities  will be
entitled to receive any payment upon the  principal  of (or premium,  if any) or
interest, if any, on the Subordinated Debt Securities.

     No payments on account of principal  (or premium,  if any) or interest,  if
any, in respect of the  Subordinated  Debt Securities may be made if there shall
have  occurred and be continuing a default in any payment with respect to Senior
Debt,  or an event of default with  respect to any Senior Debt  resulting in the
acceleration of the maturity  thereof,  or if any judicial  proceeding  shall be
pending with  respect to any such  default.  For  purposes of the  subordination
provisions,  the payment,  issuance and delivery of cash, property or securities
(other than stock and  certain  subordinated  securities  of the  Company)  upon
conversion of a Subordinated Debt Security will be deemed to constitute  payment
on account of the principal of such Subordinated Debt Security.

     "Senior Debt" is defined to mean the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest  (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy  or for  reorganization  relating  to the  Company to the extent such
claim  for  post-petition  interest  is  allowed  in  such  proceeding)  on  all
indebtedness of the Company (including  indebtedness of others guaranteed by the
Company), other than the Subordinated Debt Securities whether outstanding on the
date of the Subordinated  Indenture or thereafter created,  incurred or assumed,
which is: (i) for money borrowed, (ii) evidenced by a note or similar instrument
given in connection with the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets
of any kind or (iii)  obligations of the Company as lessee under leases required
to be  capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under  generally  accepted
accounting  principles  or leases of property or assets made as part of any sale
and  lease-back   transaction  to  which  the  Company  is  a  party,  including
amendments,  renewals,  extensions,  modifications  and  refundings  of any such
indebtedness  or obligation,  unless in any case in the  instrument  creating or
evidencing any such  indebtedness or obligation or pursuant to which the same is
outstanding it is provided that such  indebtedness or obligation is not superior
in right of payment to the Subordinated Debt Securities.

     The  Subordinated  Indenture  does not limit or prohibit the  incurrence of
additional  Senior Debt,  which may include  indebtedness  that is senior to the
Subordinated  Debt  Securities,  but  subordinate  to other  obligations  of the
Company.  The Senior Debt Securities, when issued, will constitute Senior Debt.


     The  Prospectus   Supplement  will  set  forth  the  aggregate   amount  of
outstanding  indebtedness  as of the most  recent  practicable  date that by the
terms of such  indebtedness  and the  terms  of the  offered  Subordinated  Debt
Securities  would  rank  senior to or pari  passu  with such  Subordinated  Debt
Securities and any limitation on the issuance of additional senior or pari passu
indebtedness.  The Prospectus Supplement may further describe the provisions, if
any,  applicable to the  subordination of the Subordinated  Debt Securities of a
particular series.


Governing Law

     The Indentures and the Debt  Securities  will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. (Section 112)

Regarding the Trustees

     The Company  and  certain of its  subsidiaries  in the  ordinary  course of
business  maintain  general  banking  relations  with State  Street Bank & Trust
Company,  N.A.  Pursuant to the  provisions of the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939,
upon a default under either the Senior Indenture or the Subordinated  Indenture,
State Street Bank & Trust Company, N.A.


                                      -22-

<PAGE>



may be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of its acting as both the
Senior  Trustee  and the  Subordinated  Trustee  requiring  it to resign  and be
replaced by a successor trustee in one of such positions.


                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     The  following   descriptions  and  the   descriptions   contained  in  "--
Description  of Preferred  Stock" and "--  Description  of Common  Stock" do not
purport to be complete and are subject to, and  qualified  in their  entirety by
reference to, the more complete  descriptions thereof set forth in the following
documents:  (i) the Company's Amended and Restated  Certificate of Incorporation
(the  "Certificate  of  Incorporation"),  which is filed  as an  exhibit  to the
Registration  Statement of which this Prospectus is a part and (ii) its By-laws,
which is incorporated by reference to the  Registration  Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part.

     For the  Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code,  not more than 50% of
the value of the outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five
or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during
the last half of a taxable year and the stock must be beneficially  owned by 100
or more  persons  during at least 335 days of a  taxable  year of 12 months  (or
during  a  proportionate  part of a  shorter  taxable  year).  Accordingly,  the
Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions that restrict the ownership and
transfer of shares of capital  stock.  The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  also
contains  provisions  that  restrict  the  ownership  and  transfer of shares of
capital  stock to reduce  the risk that the  Company's  ability  to use its NOLs
would be limited.

   
     The  Certificate  of  Incorporation   authorizes  the  issuance  of  up  to
26,000,000  shares of capital stock,  consisting of 10,000,000  shares of Common
Stock,  $1.00 par value per share  (the  "Common  Stock"),  3,000,000  shares of
preferred  stock,  $1.00  par  value  per share  (the  "Preferred  Stock"),  and
13,000,000  shares of excess  stock,  $1.00  par  value per share  (the  "Excess
Stock").  As of November 2, 1995,  5,000,850  shares of Common Stock were issued
and  outstanding.  No shares of  Preferred  Stock or shares of Excess  Stock are
issued and outstanding.
    

Description of Preferred Stock

     The following is a description  of certain  general terms and provisions of
the Preferred  Stock. The particular terms of any series of Preferred Stock will
be  described  in the  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement.  If so indicated in a
Prospectus  Supplement,  the terms of any such  series may differ from the terms
set forth below.

     The summary of terms of the  Company's  Preferred  Stock  contained in this
Prospectus  does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and  qualified in
its entirety by, the  provisions of the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and the
certificate of designations  relating to each series of the Preferred Stock (the
"Certificate  of  Designation"),  which  will  be  filed  as  an  exhibit  to or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
is a part at or prior to the time of issuance  of such  series of the  Preferred
Stock.

     The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  authorizes  the  issuance of 3,000,000
shares of Preferred  Stock.  No shares of Preferred  Stock are outstanding as of
the date of this  Prospectus.  The Preferred Stock authorized by the Certificate
of  Incorporation  may be issued from time to time in one or more series in such
amounts and with such  designations,  preferences,  conversion  or other rights,
voting powers,  restrictions,  limitations as to dividends,  qualifications  and
terms and  conditions  of  redemption as may be fixed by the Board of Directors.
Under  certain  circumstances,  the issuance of  Preferred  Stock could have the
effect of delaying,  deferring or  preventing a change of control of the Company
and may  adversely  affect the voting and other  rights of the Holders of Common
Stock. See "Risk Factors--Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of the Certificate
of Incorporation  and By-laws." The Certificate of Incorporation  authorizes the
Board of Directors to classify or  reclassify  any unissued  shares of Preferred
Stock by setting or changing the designations,  preferences, conversion or other
rights,   voting  powers,   restrictions,   limitations  as  to   distributions,
qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of such Preferred Stock.



                                      -23-

<PAGE>



     The Preferred  Stock shall have the dividend,  liquidation,  redemption and
voting  rights  set forth  below  unless  otherwise  described  in a  Prospectus
Supplement  relating  to  a  particular  series  of  the  Preferred  Stock.  The
applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the following terms of the series
of Preferred Stock in respect of which this Prospectus is being  delivered:  (1)
the title of such  Preferred  Stock and the  number of shares  offered;  (2) the
amount of  liquidation  preference per share;  (3) the initial  public  offering
price at which shares of such Preferred  Stock will be issued;  (4) the dividend
rate (or method of  calculation),  the dates on which dividends shall be payable
and the dates from which dividends  shall commence to cumulate,  if any; (5) any
redemption or sinking fund  provisions;  (6) any conversion or exchange  rights;
(7) any additional voting, dividend,  liquidation,  redemption, sinking fund and
other rights,  preferences,  privileges,  limitations and restrictions;  (8) any
listing of such Preferred Stock on any securities exchange;  (9) a discussion of
federal income tax  considerations  applicable to such Preferred Stock; (10) the
relative  ranking and  preferences of such Preferred Stock as to dividend rights
and rights  upon  liquidation,  dissolution  or winding up of the affairs of the
Company;  (11) any  limitations  on  issuance of any series of  Preferred  Stock
ranking  senior to or on a parity  with such  series  of  Preferred  Stock as to
dividend  rights and rights upon  liquidation,  dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Company;  (12) any limitations on direct or beneficial  ownership
and restrictions on transfer, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve the
status of the Company as a REIT; and (13) any other specific terms,  preferences
or rights of, or limitations or restrictions on, such Preferred Stock.

     General

     The shares of Preferred  Stock offered hereby will be issued in one or more
series.  Shares of Preferred  Stock,  upon issuance  against full payment of the
purchase price therefor,  will be fully paid and nonassessable.  The liquidation
preference is not indicative of the price at which the shares of Preferred Stock
will actually trade on or after the date of issuance.

     Rank

     The Preferred Stock shall,  with respect to dividend rights and rights upon
liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company, rank prior to the Common
Stock and Excess  Stock  (other than certain  Excess  Stock  resulting  from the
conversion  of  Preferred  Stock) and to all other  classes and series of equity
securities  of the Company now or hereafter  authorized,  issued or  outstanding
(the  Common  Stock and such  other  classes  and  series  of equity  securities
collectively  may be referred to herein as the "Junior  Stock"),  other than any
classes  or series of equity  securities  of the  Company  which by their  terms
specifically  provide  for a ranking on a parity  with (the  "Parity  Stock") or
senior to (the "Senior  Stock") the  Preferred  Stock as to dividend  rights and
rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. The Preferred
Stock shall be junior to all  outstanding  debt of the  Company.  The  Preferred
Stock  shall be subject to  creation of Senior  Stock,  Parity  Stock and Junior
Stock  to  the  extent  not   expressly   prohibited  by  the   Certificate   of
Incorporation.

     Dividends

     Holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as
and if declared by the Board of Directors  out of assets of the Company  legally
available for payment,  dividends,  or distributions in cash,  property or other
assets of the Company or in  Securities  of the Company or from any other source
as the Board of Directors in their  discretion shall determine and at such dates
and at such rates per share per annum as described in the applicable  Prospectus
Supplement.  Such rate may be fixed or variable or both. Each declared  dividend
shall be payable to Holders of record as they appear at the close of business on
the books of the Company on such record  dates,  not more than 90 calendar  days
preceding  the  payment  dates  therefor,  as are  determined  by the  Board  of
Directors (each of such dates, a "Record Date").

     Such  dividends  may be cumulative  or  noncumulative,  as described in the
applicable  Prospectus  Supplement.  If dividends on a series of Preferred Stock
are  noncumulative  and if the Board of Directors fails to declare a dividend in
respect of a dividend period with respect to such series, then Holders of shares
of such Preferred Stock will have no


                                      -24-

<PAGE>



right to receive a dividend in respect of such dividend period,  and the Company
will have no  obligation  to pay the dividend  for such  period,  whether or not
dividends  are  declared  payable  on any  future  dividend  payment  dates.  If
dividends of a series of Preferred Stock are  cumulative,  the dividends on such
shares  will  accrue  from  and  after  the date  set  forth  in the  applicable
Prospectus Supplement.

     No full  dividends  shall be  declared  or paid or set apart for payment on
Preferred  Stock of any series  ranking,  as to  dividends,  on a parity with or
junior to the series of Preferred  Stock  offered by the  applicable  Prospectus
Supplement  for any period unless full dividends for the  immediately  preceding
dividend period on such Preferred Stock  (including any  accumulation in respect
of unpaid dividends for prior dividend  periods,  if dividends on such Preferred
Stock are cumulative)  have been or  contemporaneously  are declared and paid or
declared  and a sum  sufficient  for the  payment  thereof is set apart for such
payment.  When  dividends are not so paid in full (or a sum  sufficient for such
full  payment is not so set apart) upon such shares of  Preferred  Stock and any
other  Preferred  Stock of the Company  ranking on a parity as to dividends with
the Preferred  Stock,  dividends upon such Preferred Stock and dividends on such
other  Preferred  Stock  ranking on a parity with the  Preferred  Stock shall be
declared  pro rata so that the amount of  dividends  declared  per share on such
Preferred  Stock and such other  Preferred  Stock  ranking on a parity  with the
Preferred  Stock  shall in all  cases  bear to each  other the same  ratio  that
accrued  dividends  for the  then-current  dividend  period  per  share  on such
Preferred Stock  (including any  accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for
prior dividend periods, if dividends on such Preferred Stock are cumulative) and
accrued  dividends,  including required or permitted  accumulations,  if any, on
shares of such other Preferred Stock, bear to each other. No interest, or sum of
money  in  lieu of  interest,  shall  be  payable  in  respect  of any  dividend
payment(s) on Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.  Unless full dividends on
the series of Preferred  Stock offered by the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement
have  been  declared  and paid or set  apart  for  payment  for the  immediately
preceding  dividend  period  (including  any  accumulation  in respect of unpaid
dividends for prior dividend  periods,  if dividends on such Preferred Stock are
cumulative),  (a) no cash  dividend  or  distribution  (other  than in shares of
Junior Stock) may be declared,  set aside or paid on the Junior  Stock,  (b) the
Company may not, directly or indirectly, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire
any shares of its Junior  Stock (or pay any monies  into a sinking  fund for the
redemption  of any shares)  except by  conversion  into or  exchange  for Junior
Stock, and (c) the Company may not, directly or indirectly,  repurchase,  redeem
or otherwise acquire any Preferred Stock or Parity Stock (or pay any monies into
a sinking  fund for the  redemption  of any shares of any such stock)  otherwise
than pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase or a concurrent  redemption of all,
or a pro rata portion,  of the shares of outstanding  Preferred Stock and shares
of Parity Stock (except by conversion into or exchange for Junior Stock).

     Any dividend  payment  made on a series of  Preferred  Stock shall first be
credited  against the earliest  accrued but unpaid  dividend due with respect to
shares of such series.

     Redemption

     The terms,  if any, on which shares of Preferred Stock of any series may be
redeemed will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

     Liquidation

     In the event of a voluntary  or  involuntary  liquidation,  dissolution  or
winding up of the affairs of the  Company,  the Holders of a series of Preferred
Stock  will be  entitled,  subject to the  rights of  creditors,  but before any
distribution or payment to the Holders of Common Stock, Excess Stock (other than
certain Excess Stock  resulting  from the conversion of Preferred  Stock) or any
Junior  Stock on  liquidation,  dissolution  or  winding up of the  Company,  to
receive a liquidating  distribution in the amount of the liquidation  preference
per share as set forth in the applicable  Prospectus Supplement plus accrued and
unpaid   dividends  for  the   then-current   dividend  period   (including  any
accumulation  in respect of unpaid  dividends  for prior  dividend  periods,  if
dividends  on such series of  Preferred  Stock are  cumulative).  If the amounts
available for  distribution  with respect to the  Preferred  Stock and all other
outstanding  Parity  Stock are not  sufficient  to satisfy the full  liquidation
rights of all the outstanding  shares of Preferred Stock and Parity Stock,  then
the  Holders  of each  series  of such  stock  will  share  ratably  in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full


                                      -25-

<PAGE>



respective preferential amount (which in the case of Preferred Stock may include
accumulated  dividends)  to which they are  entitled.  After payment of the full
amount of the liquidation distribution,  the Holders of Preferred Stock will not
be entitled to any further  participation  in any  distribution of assets by the
Company.

     Voting

     Except as set forth in the Prospectus  Supplement  relating to a particular
series of Preferred  Stock or except as expressly  required by  applicable  law,
Holders of shares of Preferred Stock will have no voting rights.

     No Other Rights

     The shares of a series of  Preferred  Stock will not have any  preferences,
voting  powers or  relative,  participating,  optional or other  special  rights
except  as set  forth  above or in the  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  the
Certificate of Incorporation and in the applicable Certificate of Designation or
as otherwise required by law.

     Transfer Agent and Registrar

     The transfer agent for each series of Preferred  Stock will be described in
the related Prospectus Supplement.

     Restrictions on Ownership

     As  discussed  below,  for the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code,
not more than 50% in value of its  outstanding  shares of  capital  stock may be
owned,  directly or constructively,  by five or fewer individuals (as defined in
the Code to include  certain  entities)  during the last half of a taxable year,
and the  shares  of  capital  stock  must be  beneficially  owned by 100 or more
persons  during at least 335 days of a taxable  year of 12 months  (or  during a
proportionate  part of a shorter  taxable year).  Therefore,  the Certificate of
Incorporation  contains,  and the  Certificate of Designation for each series of
Preferred Stock may contain,  provisions  restricting the ownership and transfer
of the Preferred Stock.


     In order to prevent any Company stockholder from owning shares in an amount
which  would cause more than 50% of the value of the  outstanding  shares of the
Company  to  be  held  by  five  or  fewer   individuals,   the  Certificate  of
Incorporation  contains a limitation  that restricts  stockholders  from owning,
under the applicable  attribution  rules of the Code,  more than that percentage
(which generally should not exceed 9.9%) of the outstanding  shares of Preferred
Stock of any series as is  established  by the Board of Directors at the time it
authorizes  the  issuance  of  such  series  (the  "Preferred  Stock  Beneficial
Ownership Limit").  The attribution rules which apply for purposes of the Common
Stock  Beneficial  Ownership Limit (as defined below) also apply for purposes of
the Preferred Stock Beneficial Ownership Limit. See "Description of Common Stock
- --  Restrictions on Ownership."  Stockholders  should be aware that events other
than a purchase or other  transfer of Preferred  Stock may result in  ownership,
under the applicable attribution rules of the Code, of Preferred Stock in excess
of the Preferred Stock  Beneficial  Ownership  Limit.  Stockholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisors  concerning the  application  of the  attribution
rules of the Code in their particular circumstances.

     Holders of Preferred Stock are also subject to the  Constructive  Ownership
Limit (as defined  below in  "Description  of Common  Stock --  Restrictions  on
Ownership"),  which restricts them from owning, under the applicable attribution
rules of the Code, more than 9.9% of the  outstanding  shares of Preferred Stock
of  any  series.   The  attribution  rules  which  apply  for  purposes  of  the
Constructive  Ownership  Limit  differ from those that apply for purposes of the
Preferred Stock Beneficial  Ownership Limit. See "Description of Common Stock --
Restrictions on Ownership."  Stockholders should be aware that events other than
a purchase or other transfer of Preferred  Stock may result in ownership,  under
the applicable  attribution  rules of the Code, of Preferred  Stock in excess of
the Constructive  Ownership  Limit.  Stockholders are urged to consult their own
tax advisors  concerning the application of the attribution rules of the Code in
their particular circumstances.



                                      -26-

<PAGE>




     The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides  that a transfer of shares of
Preferred Stock that would otherwise  result in ownership,  under the applicable
attribution  rules of the Code,  of Preferred  Stock in excess of the  Preferred
Stock Beneficial  Ownership Limit or the Constructive  Ownership Limit, or which
would cause the shares of capital stock of the Company to be beneficially  owned
by fewer than 100 persons,  will be null and void and the  purported  transferee
will  acquire  no  rights or  economic  interest  in such  Preferred  Stock.  In
addition,  Preferred Stock that would  otherwise be owned,  under the applicable
attribution  rules of the  Code,  in excess of the  Preferred  Stock  Beneficial
Ownership  Limit  or the  Constructive  Ownership  Limit  will be  automatically
exchanged for shares of Excess Stock that will be  transferred,  by operation of
law,  to the  Company  as  trustee  of a trust for the  exclusive  benefit  of a
beneficiary designated by the purported transferee or purported Holder. While so
held in trust,  the  trustee  shall vote the shares of Excess  Stock in the same
proportion as the Holders of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock, respectively,
shall vote and such shares of Excess  Stock are not entitled to  participate  in
any  dividends  or  distributions   made  by  the  Company.   Any  dividends  or
distributions  received by the purported transferee or other purported Holder of
such  Excess  Stock  prior to the  discovery  by the  Company  of the  automatic
exchange for shares of Excess Stock shall be repaid to the Company upon demand.

     If the  purported  transferee  or  purported  Holder  elects to designate a
beneficiary of an interest in the trust with respect to such Excess Stock,  only
a person  whose  ownership  of the shares will not violate the  Preferred  Stock
Beneficial   Ownership  Limit  or  the  Constructive   Ownership  Limit  may  be
designated,  at which  time the  shares of Excess  Stock  will be  automatically
exchanged for shares of Preferred Stock of the same class as the Preferred Stock
which were  originally  exchanged  for such Excess  Stock.  The  Certificate  of
Incorporation   contains  provisions  designed  to  ensure  that  the  purported
transferee  or other  purported  Holder of the Excess  Stock may not  receive in
return for such a transfer  an amount  that  reflects  any  appreciation  in the
shares of Preferred  Stock for which such shares of Excess Stock were  exchanged
during the period that such  shares of Excess  Stock were  outstanding  but will
bear the burden of any decline in value during such period.  Any amount received
by  a  purported   transferee  or  other  purported  Holder  for  designating  a
beneficiary in excess of the amount permitted to be received must be turned over
to the Company.  The Certificate of Incorporation  provides that the Company may
purchase any shares of Excess Stock that have been  automatically  exchanged for
shares of  Preferred  Stock as a result of a purported  transfer or other event.
The price at which the Company may purchase  such Excess Stock shall be equal to
the  lesser  of (i) in the case of  shares  of  Excess  Stock  resulting  from a
purported transfer for value, the price per share in the purported transfer that
resulted in the automatic exchange for shares of Excess Stock or, in the case of
Excess Stock resulting from some other event,  the market price of the shares of
Preferred  Stock  exchanged on the date of the automatic  exchange for shares of
Excess  Stock  and (ii)  the  market  price of the  shares  of  Preferred  Stock
exchanged  for such shares of Excess Stock on the date that the Company  accepts
the deemed offer to sell such Excess Stock.  The Company's  purchase  right with
respect to Excess Stock shall exist for 90 days,  beginning on the date that the
automatic  exchange for shares of Excess  Stock  occurred or, if the Company did
not receive a notice  concerning  the  purported  transfer  that resulted in the
automatic  exchange  for  shares  of Excess  Stocks,  the date that the Board of
Directors  determines  in good  faith  that an  exchange  for  Excess  Stock has
occurred.

     The Board of Directors may in its discretion  exempt  certain  persons from
the Preferred Stock  Beneficial  Ownership Limit or the  Constructive  Ownership
Limit if evidence  satisfactory  to the Board of Directors is presented  showing
that such exemption will not jeopardize the Company's status as a REIT under the
Code.  As a condition of such  exemption,  the Board of Directors  may require a
ruling  from  the  Internal   Revenue  Service  and/or  an  opinion  of  counsel
satisfactory to it and/or  representations  and undertakings  from the applicant
with respect to preserving the REIT status of the Company.

     The Board of  Directors  may,  at any time,  determine  that the  foregoing
restrictions on ownership and transfer shall no longer apply.

     Sections  382 and 383 of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended,
impose  limitations  upon the utilization of a corporation's  net operating loss
and credit carryforwards and certain other tax attributes, following significant
changes in the corporation's stock ownership. In order to preserve the Company's
ability to use its net operating loss


                                      -27-

<PAGE>



carryforwards  to reduce its taxable income,  the  Certificate of  Incorporation
also contains,  and the  Certificate of Designation for each series of Preferred
Stock may contain,  additional provisions restricting the ownership of Preferred
Stock (the  "Section 382  Ownership  Restrictions").  The Section 382  Ownership
Restrictions merely reduce the risk of certain occurrences that could cause such
a limitation  to arise.  It is still  possible  that,  due to transfers  (either
directly or indirectly) of the Company's  outstanding  shares, the Company could
become subject to a limitation under Sections 382 and 383.

     The Certificate of Incorporation  provides, in general, that subject to the
exceptions described in the next paragraph,  no person may acquire shares of the
Company  (or options or  warrants  to acquire  such  shares) if as a result such
person (or another  person to which such shares were  attributed  under  certain
complex  attribution  rules,  which differ in certain  respects  from those that
apply for purposes of the  Preferred  Stock  Beneficial  Ownership  Limit or the
Constructive  Ownership  Limit)  would own,  directly or under such  attribution
rules, 5% or more of the class of such  outstanding  shares  (hereinafter,  such
person's  "Ownership  Interest  Percentage").   In  addition,   subject  to  the
exceptions  described in the next paragraph,  no person whose Ownership Interest
Percentage  of a class of shares  exceeds 5% can acquire or transfer such shares
(or options or warrants to acquire  such  shares).  The  foregoing  restrictions
apply independently to each class of the Company's outstanding stock.

     The foregoing  restrictions do not apply to (i)  acquisitions and transfers
of Common Stock by certain  persons (or affiliates of persons),  whose Ownership
Interest  Percentage of Common Stock on September 21, 1993 was 5% or more,  (ii)
transfers  of shares  pursuant  to an  offering  by the  Company,  to the extent
determined  by the Board of  Directors,  and  (iii)  other  transfers  of shares
specifically approved by the Company's Board of Directors.

     Transfers  of shares,  options or warrants in  violation of the Section 382
Ownership Restrictions would be void, and the transferee would acquire no rights
in such shares,  options or warrants.  Thus, a purported  acquiror would have no
right to vote such shares or to receive dividends.  Moreover, upon demand by the
Company, a purported  acquiror of shares,  options or warrants would be required
to transfer them to an agent  designated by the Company.  The agent,  generally,
would sell such shares,  options or warrants,  remit the proceeds thereof to the
purported acquiror to the extent of such person's purchase price for such shares
and, to the extent possible,  remit the balance of the proceeds to such person's
transferor.  A similar  procedure would be applied to any dividends paid to, and
to the proceeds of any resale of shares,  options or warrants by, the  purported
acquiror.

     The Board of  Directors  has the  authority to designate a date as of which
the Section 382 Ownership Restrictions will no longer apply.

     All certificates  representing shares of Preferred Stock will bear a legend
referring to the restrictions described above.

     All persons who own,  directly or by virtue of the  applicable  attribution
rules of the Code, more than 2% of the outstanding Preferred Stock of any series
must give a written notice to the Company  containing the information  specified
in the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  by January 30 of each year. In addition,
each  stockholder  shall upon demand be required to disclose to the Company such
information as the Company may request, in good faith, in order to determine the
Company's  status as a REIT or to comply with Treasury  Regulations  promulgated
under the REIT provisions of the Code.

Depositary Shares

     The description set forth below and in any Prospectus Supplement of certain
provisions of the Deposit  Agreement and of the Depositary Shares and Depositary
Receipts  (each as defined below) does not purport to be complete and is subject
to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the forms of Deposit  Agreement
and  Depositary  Receipts  relating to each series of the Preferred  Stock which
have been or will be filed  with the  Commission  at or prior to the time of the
offering of such series of the Preferred  Stock. If so indicated in a Prospectus
Supplement,  the terms of any series of  Depositary  Shares may differ  from the
terms set forth herein.


                                      -28-

<PAGE>




     General

     The Company  may, at its option,  elect to offer  receipts  for  fractional
interests  ("Depositary  Shares") in shares of Preferred Stock, rather than full
shares of Preferred Stock. In such event, receipts  ("Depositary  Receipts") for
Depositary  Shares,  each of which will represent a fraction (to be set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock) of
a share of a particular  series of Preferred Stock,  will be issued as described
below.

     The shares of any  series of  Preferred  Stock  represented  by  Depositary
Shares will be deposited  under a Deposit  Agreement  (the "Deposit  Agreement")
between the Company and the depositary (the "Depositary").  Subject to the terms
of the Deposit Agreement,  each owner of a Depositary Share will be entitled, in
proportion to the applicable  fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented
by such  Depositary  Share,  to all the rights and  preferences of the Preferred
Stock represented thereby (including dividend, voting, redemption,  subscription
and liquidation rights).

     Dividends and Other Distributions

     The   Depositary   will   distribute  all  cash  dividends  or  other  cash
distributions  received in respect of the Preferred  Stock to the record Holders
of Depositary Shares relating to such shares of Preferred Stock in proportion to
the numbers of such Depositary Shares owned by such Holders.

     In the event of a  distribution  other than in cash,  the  Depositary  will
distribute property received by it to the record Holders of Depositary Shares in
an equitable manner, unless the Depositary determines that it is not feasible to
make such distribution,  in which case the Depositary may sell such property and
distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such Holders.


     Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

     Upon surrender of Depositary  Receipts at the corporate trust office of the
Depositary (unless the related Depositary Shares have previously been called for
redemption or converted  into Excess Shares or otherwise),  the holders  thereof
will be entitled to delivery at such office,  to or upon such holder's order, of
the  number of whole or  fractional  shares of the class or series of  Preferred
Shares and any money or other  property  represented  by the  Depositary  Shares
evidenced by such Depositary  Receipts.  Holders of Depository  Receipts will be
entitled to receive whole or fractional shares of the related class or series of
Preferred Shares on the basis of the proportion of Preferred Shares  represented
by each Depositary Share as specified in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,
but holders of such Preferred  Shares will not thereafter be entitled to receive
Depositary Shares thereof.  If the Depositary  Receipts  delivered by the holder
evidence a number of  Depositary  Shares in excess of the  number of  Depositary
Shares  representing  the number of shares of Preferred  Shares to be withdrawn,
the  Depositary  will  deliver to such holder at the same time a new  Depositary
Receipt evidencing such excess number of Depositary Shares.


     Redemption of Depositary Shares

     If a series of Preferred Stock  represented by Depositary Shares is subject
to redemption, the Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received
by the Depositary  resulting from the  redemption,  in whole or in part, of such
series of  Preferred  Stock held by the  Depositary.  The  redemption  price per
Depositary  Share will be equal to the  applicable  fraction  of the  redemption
price per share  payable  with  respect to such series of the  Preferred  Stock.
Whenever the Company  redeems shares of Preferred  Stock held by the Depositary,
the  Depositary  will  redeem  as of the  same  redemption  date the  number  of
Depositary  Shares  representing  the shares of Preferred Stock so redeemed.  If
fewer than all the Depositary  Shares are to be redeemed,  the Depositary Shares
to be  redeemed  will be  selected  by lot,  pro rata or by any other  equitable
method as may be determined by the Depositary.



                                      -29-

<PAGE>



     Voting the Preferred Stock

     Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the Holders of the Preferred
Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the  information  contained
in such  notices  of meeting to the  record  Holders  of the  Depositary  Shares
relating to such Preferred Stock.  Each record Holder of such Depositary  Shares
on the  record  date  (which  will be the same date as the  record  date for the
Preferred  Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise
of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of the Preferred Stock represented
by such Holder's  Depositary  Shares.  The Depositary will endeavor,  insofar as
practicable,  to vote the  amount of the  Preferred  Stock  represented  by such
Depositary  Shares in accordance  with such  instructions,  and the Company will
agree to take  all  reasonable  action  which  may be  deemed  necessary  by the
Depositary  in order to enable  the  Depositary  to do so. The  Depositary  will
abstain  from  voting  the  Preferred  Stock to the  extent it does not  receive
specific  instructions  from the Holder of Depositary  Shares  representing such
Preferred Stock.

     Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

     The form of Depositary  Receipt  evidencing the  Depositary  Shares and any
provision  of the  Deposit  Agreement  may at any time be amended  by  agreement
between the Company and the Depositary.  However, any amendment which materially
and adversely alters the rights of the Holders of Depositary  Shares will not be
effective  unless such  amendment has been approved by the Holders of at least a
majority of the Depositary Shares then  outstanding.  The Deposit Agreement will
only terminate if (i) all  outstanding  Depositary  Shares have been redeemed or
(ii) there has been a final  distribution  in respect of the Preferred  Stock in
connection  with any  liquidation,  dissolution or winding up of the Company and
such distribution has been distributed to the Holders of the related  Depositary
Shares.

     Charges of Depositary

     The Company will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental  charges
arising  solely from the existence of the depositary  arrangements.  The Company
will pay charges of the Depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the
Preferred  Stock  and  issuance  of  Depositary  Receipts,  all  withdrawals  of
Preferred  Stock by  owners  of  Depositary  Shares  and any  redemption  of the
Preferred  Stock.  Holders of Depositary  Receipts  will pay other  transfer and
other taxes and  governmental  charges and such other  charges as are  expressly
provided in the Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts.

     Resignation and Removal of Depositary

     The  Depositary  may resign at any time by delivering to the Company notice
of its election to do so, and the Company may at any time remove the Depositary,
any such  resignation  or  removal  to take  effect  upon the  appointment  of a
successor  Depositary  and its  acceptance of such  appointment.  Such successor
Depositary  must be  appointed  within 60 days after  delivery  of the notice of
resignation  or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal
office in the United  States and having a  combined  capital  and  surplus of at
least $50,000,000.

     Restrictions on Ownership

     In order to  safeguard  the  Company  against an  inadvertent  loss of REIT
status,  the Deposit Agreement will contain  provisions  similar to those in the
Certificate  of   Incorporation   restricting  the  ownership  and  transfer  of
Depositary Shares.
Such restrictions will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

     Miscellaneous

     The Depositary will forward all reports and communications from the Company
which are  delivered  to the  Depositary  and which the  Company is  required or
otherwise determines to furnish to the Holders of the Preferred Stock.



                                      -30-

<PAGE>



     Neither the Depositary nor the Company will be liable if it is prevented or
delayed  by law  or any  circumstance  beyond  its  control  in  performing  its
obligations under the Deposit Agreement.  The obligations of the Company and the
Depositary  under the Deposit  Agreement  will be limited to performance in good
faith of their duties  thereunder and they will not be obligated to prosecute or
defend any legal  proceeding  in respect of any  Depositary  Shares or Preferred
Stock unless  satisfactory  indemnity is  furnished.  They may rely upon written
advice of counsel or accountants,  or information provided by persons presenting
Preferred  Stock for  deposit,  Holders of  Depositary  Shares or other  persons
believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.

Description of Common Stock


     As of November 2, 1995,  5,000,850  shares of Common  Stock were issued and
outstanding.  The  Common  Stock of the  Company is listed on the NYSE under the
symbol "ALX".


     The Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive  dividends when, if and
as declared  by the Board of  Directors  of the  Company  out of assets  legally
available  therefor,  provided that if any shares of Preferred  Stock are at the
time   outstanding,   the  payment  of   dividends  on  Common  Stock  or  other
distributions  (including  purchases  of Common  Stock)  may be  subject  to the
declaration  and  payment  of full  cumulative  dividends,  and the  absence  of
arrearages in any mandatory sinking fund, on outstanding Preferred Stock.

     The Holders of Common  Stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all
matters voted on by stockholders,  including elections of directors. There is no
cumulative voting in the election of directors,  which means that the Holders of
a majority of the  outstanding  Common Stock can elect all of the directors then
standing for election.  The Holders of Common Stock do not have any  conversion,
redemption or preemptive  rights to subscribe to any  securities of the Company.
In the event of the  dissolution,  liquidation  or winding up, Holders of Common
Stock  are  entitled  to  share  ratably  in  any  assets  remaining  after  the
satisfaction in full of the prior rights of creditors,  including holders of the
Company's  indebtedness,   and  the  aggregate  liquidation  preference  of  any
Preferred Stock then outstanding.

     The Common Stock has equal  dividend,  distribution,  liquidation and other
rights,  and  shall  have no  preference,  appraisal  or  exchange  rights.  All
outstanding  shares of Common Stock are, and any shares of Common Stock  offered
by  a  Prospectus   Supplement,   upon   issuance,   will  be,  fully  paid  and
non-assessable.

   
     The  transfer  agent for the Common  Stock is First  Fidelity  Bank,  N.A.,
Newark, New Jersey.
    

     Restrictions on Ownership

     The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  contains a number of provisions  which
restrict  the  ownership  and  transfer  of shares  and which  are  designed  to
safeguard the Company  against an inadvertent  loss of REIT status.  In order to
prevent any Company  stockholder  from  owning  shares in an amount  which would
cause  more than 50% in value of the  outstanding  shares of the  Company  to be
owned by five or fewer individuals,  the Certificate of Incorporation contains a
limitation that restricts,  with certain  exceptions,  stockholders from owning,
under  the  applicable  attribution  rules of the  Code,  more  than 4.9% of the
outstanding  shares of Common  Stock (the  "Common  Stock  Beneficial  Ownership
Limit"). In certain circumstances,  the Board of Directors may reduce the Common
Stock  Beneficial  Ownership  Limit to as low as 2%,  but only if any person who
would own shares in excess of such new limit could  continue to do so. The Board
of  Directors  has,  subject to certain  conditions  and  limitations,  exempted
Vornado and certain of its affiliates from the Common Stock Beneficial Ownership
Limitation.


     Stockholders  should be aware that  events  other than a purchase  or other
transfer  of  Common  Stock  can  result  in  ownership,  under  the  applicable
attribution  rules of the Code,  of Common  Stock in excess of the Common  Stock
Beneficial  Ownership Limit.  For instance,  if two  stockholders,  each of whom
owns, under the applicable  attribution  rules of the Code 3% of the outstanding
Common Stock, were to marry,  then after their marriage both stockholders  would
own, under the applicable  attribution  rules of the Code, 6% of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, which is in



                                      -31-

<PAGE>




excess  of  the  Common  Stock  Beneficial  Ownership  Limit.  Similarly,  if  a
stockholder who owns, under the applicable  attribution rules of the Code, 4% of
the  outstanding  Common Stock were to purchase a 50% interest in a  corporation
which owns 3% of the outstanding  Common Stock,  then the stockholder would own,
under the  applicable  attribution  rules of the Code,  5.5% of the  outstanding
shares of Common Stock. Stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers
concerning  the  application  of the  attribution  rules  of the  Code in  their
particular circumstances.


     Under the Code,  rental income received by a REIT from persons in which the
REIT is treated, under the applicable attribution rules of the Code, as owning a
10% or greater  interest does not constitute  qualifying  income for purposes of
the income requirements that REITs must satisfy.  For these purposes,  a REIT is
treated as owning any stock owned, under the applicable attribution rules of the
Code, by a person that owns 10% or more of the value of the  outstanding  shares
of the REIT.  Therefore,  in order to ensure that  rental  income of the Company
will not be treated as nonqualifying  income under the rule described above, and
thus to ensure  that there will not be an  inadvertent  loss of REIT status as a
result  of the  ownership  of  shares of a  tenant,  or a person  that  holds an
interest  in a  tenant,  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  also  contains  an
ownership  limit that  restricts,  with certain  exceptions,  stockholders  from
owning, under the applicable  attribution rules of the Code (which are different
from those  applicable  with  respect to the Common Stock  Beneficial  Ownership
Limit), more than 9.9% of the outstanding shares of any class (the "Constructive
Ownership Limit").

     Stockholders  should be aware that  events  other than a purchase  or other
transfer of shares can result in  ownership,  under the  applicable  attribution
rules of the Code, of shares in excess of the  Constructive  Ownership Limit. As
the  attribution  rules that apply with  respect to the  Constructive  Ownership
Limit differ from those that apply with  respect to the Common Stock  Beneficial
Ownership  Limit,  the events other than a purchase or other  transfer of shares
which can  result in share  ownership  in excess of the  Constructive  Ownership
Limit can differ from those which can result in share ownership in excess of the
Common Stock Beneficial  Ownership Limit.  Stockholders should consult their own
tax advisers  concerning the application of the attribution rules of the Code in
their particular circumstances.

     The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides  that a transfer of shares of
Common Stock that would  otherwise  result in  ownership,  under the  applicable
attribution  rules of the Code,  of Common  Stock in excess of the Common  Stock
Beneficial  Ownership Limit or the Constructive  Ownership Limit, or which would
cause the shares of beneficial  interest of the Company to be beneficially owned
by fewer than 100 persons,  will be null and void and the  purported  transferee
will acquire no rights or economic  interest in such Common Stock.  In addition,
Common Stock that would  otherwise be owned,  under the  applicable  attribution
rules of the Code, in excess of the Common Stock  Beneficial  Ownership Limit or
the Constructive  Ownership Limit will be automatically  exchanged for shares of
Excess  Stock that will be  transferred,  by operation of law, to the Company as
trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit of a beneficiary  designated by the
purported  transferee or purported  Holder.  While so held in trust, the trustee
shall vote the shares of Excess Stock in the same  proportion  as the Holders of
the Common Stock and Preferred Stock,  respectively,  shall vote and such shares
of  Excess  Stock  are  not  entitled  to   participate   in  any  dividends  or
distributions  made by the Company.  Any dividends or distributions  received by
the purported transferee or other purported Holder of such Excess Stock prior to
the discovery by the Company of the automatic exchange for Excess Stock shall be
repaid to the Company upon demand.

     If the  purported  transferee  or  purported  Holder  elects to designate a
beneficiary of an interest in the trust with respect to such Excess Stock,  only
a person  whose  ownership  of the shares  will not  violate  the  Common  Stock
Beneficial   Ownership  Limit  or  the  Constructive   Ownership  Limit  may  be
designated,  at which  time the  shares of Excess  Stock  will be  automatically
exchanged for shares of Common Stock. The Certificate of Incorporation  contains
provisions  designed to ensure that the purported  transferee or other purported
Holder of shares of Excess  Stock may not  receive in return for such a transfer
an amount that reflects any appreciation in the shares of Common Stock for which
such shares of Excess Stock were exchanged during the period that such shares of
Excess Stock were  outstanding  but will bear the burden of any decline in value
during such  period.  Any amount  received by a  purported  transferee  or other
purported Holder for designating a beneficiary in excess of the amount permitted
to be  received  must  be  turned  over  to  the  Company.  The  Certificate  of
Incorporation  provides that the Company may purchase any shares of Excess Stock
that have been automatically exchanged for shares of Common Stock as a result of
a purported transfer or other event. The


                                      -32-

<PAGE>



price at which the Company may purchase  such Excess Stock shall be equal to the
lesser of (i) in the case of Excess Stock  resulting  from a purported  transfer
for value,  the price per share in the  purported  transfer that resulted in the
automatic  exchange for Excess  Stock or, in the case of Excess Stock  resulting
from some other event,  the market  price of the Common  Stock  exchanged on the
date of the automatic exchange for Excess Stock and (ii) the market price of the
Common  Stock  exchanged  for such  Excess  Stock on the date  that the  Company
accepts the deemed offer to sell such Excess Stock. The Company's purchase right
with respect to Excess Stock shall exist for 90 days, beginning on the date that
the  automatic  exchange for shares of Excess Stock  occurred or, if the Company
did not receive a notice concerning the purported  transfer that resulted in the
automatic  exchange  for  shares  of  Excess  Stock,  the date that the Board of
Directors  determines  in good  faith  that an  exchange  for  Excess  Stock has
occurred.

     The Board of Directors of the Company may in its discretion  exempt certain
persons from the Common Stock  Beneficial  Ownership  Limit or the  Constructive
Ownership Limit, if evidence satisfactory to the Board of Directors is presented
showing that such exemption  will not jeopardize the Company's  status as a REIT
under the Code.  As a condition of such  exemption,  the Board of Directors  may
require a ruling from the Internal  Revenue Service and/or an opinion of counsel
satisfactory to it and/or  representations  and undertakings  from the applicant
with respect to preserving the REIT status of the Company.

     The Board of Directors has, subject to certain  conditions and limitations,
exempted  Vornado and certain of its affiliates from the Common Stock Beneficial
Ownership  Limitation.  As a result,  it is  unlikely as  practical  matter that
another Holder of Common Stock could obtain an exemption.

     The Board of  Directors  may,  at any time,  determine  that the  foregoing
restrictions on ownership and transfer shall no longer apply.

     Sections  382 and 383 of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended,
impose  limitations  upon the utilization of a corporation's  net operating loss
and credit carryforwards and certain other tax attributes, following significant
changes in the corporation's stock ownership. In order to preserve the Company's
ability  to use its net  operating  loss  carryforwards  to reduce  its  taxable
income,  the Certificate of Incorporation  also contains  additional  provisions
restricting the ownership of the Company's  outstanding shares (the "Section 382
Ownership  Restrictions").  The Section 382 Ownership Restrictions merely reduce
the risk of certain  occurrences that could cause such a limitation to arise. It
is still possible that, due to transfers  (either directly or indirectly) of the
Company's  outstanding  shares, the Company could become subject to a limitation
under Sections 382 and 383.

     The Certificate of Incorporation  provides, in general, that subject to the
exceptions described in the next paragraph,  no person may acquire shares of the
Company  (or options or  warrants  to acquire  such  shares) if as a result such
person (or another  person to which such shares were  attributed  under  certain
complex  attribution  rules,  which differ in certain  respects  from those that
apply  for  purposes  of the  Common  Stock  Beneficial  Ownership  Limit or the
Constructive  Ownership  Limit)  would own,  directly or under such  attribution
rules, 5% or more of the class of such  outstanding  shares  (hereinafter,  such
person's  "Ownership  Interest  Percentage").   In  addition,   subject  to  the
exceptions  described in the next paragraph,  no person whose Ownership Interest
Percentage  of a class of shares  exceeds 5% can acquire or transfer such shares
(or options or warrants to acquire  such  shares).  The  foregoing  restrictions
apply independently to each class of the Company's outstanding stock.

     The foregoing  restrictions do not apply to (i)  acquisitions and transfers
of shares of Common Stock by certain  persons (or affiliates of persons),  whose
Ownership  Interest  Percentage  of Common Stock on September 21, 1993 was 5% or
more,  (ii) transfers of shares  pursuant to an offering by the Company,  to the
extent determined by the Board of Directors, and (iii) other transfers of shares
specifically approved by the Company's Board of Directors.

     Transfers  of shares,  options or warrants in  violation of the Section 382
Ownership Restrictions would be void, and the transferee would acquire no rights
in such shares,  options or warrants.  Thus, a purported  acquiror would have no
right to vote such shares or to receive dividends.  Moreover, upon demand by the
Company, a purported acquiror of


                                      -33-

<PAGE>



shares,  options or warrants  would be  required  to  transfer  them to an agent
designated by the Company. The agent, generally, would sell such shares, options
or warrants,  remit the proceeds thereof to the purported acquiror to the extent
of such  person's  purchase  price for such shares and, to the extent  possible,
remit  the  balance  of the  proceeds  to such  person's  transferor.  A similar
procedure  would be applied to any dividends paid to, and to the proceeds of any
resale of shares, options or warrants by, the purported acquiror.

     The Board of  Directors  has the  authority to designate a date as of which
the Section 382 Ownership Restrictions will no longer apply.

     All persons who own,  directly or by virtue of the  applicable  attribution
rules of the Code,  more than 2% of the shares of outstanding  Common Stock must
give a written notice to the Company containing the information specified in the
Certificate  of  Incorporation  by January 31 of each year.  In  addition,  each
stockholder  shall upon demand be  required  to  disclose  to the  Company  such
information as the Company may request, in good faith, in order to determine the
Company's  status as a REIT or to comply with Treasury  Regulations  promulgated
under the REIT provisions of the Code.

     The  ownership   restrictions  described  above  may  have  the  effect  of
precluding acquisition of control of the Company.


                          DESCRIPTION OF DEBT WARRANTS

     The Company may issue Debt  Warrants to  purchase  Debt  Securities  ("Debt
Warrants").  Debt Warrants may be issued independently or together with any Debt
Securities  and may be attached to or separate  from such Debt  Securities.  The
Debt  Warrants  are to be  issued  under  warrant  agreements  (each a  "Warrant
Agreement")  to be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust company,
as  warrant  agent  (the  "Warrant  Agent"),  all as shall  be set  forth in the
Prospectus  Supplement relating to Debt Warrants being offered pursuant thereto.
If so indicated in a Prospectus  Supplement,  the terms of any Debt Warrants may
differ from the terms set forth below.

     The  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement  will  describe  the  terms of Debt
Warrants offered thereby,  the Warrant Agreement  relating to such Debt Warrants
and the debt warrant certificates representing such Debt Warrants, including the
following: (1) the title of such Debt Warrants; (2) the aggregate number of such
Debt  Warrants;  (3) the  price or prices at which  such Debt  Warrants  will be
issued  and the  procedures  for  adjusting  such  price;  (4) the  currency  or
currencies, including composite currencies or currency units, in which the price
of such Debt Warrants may be payable;  (5) the designation,  aggregate principal
amount and terms of the Debt Securities  purchasable  upon exercise of such Debt
Warrants,  and the procedures  and  conditions  relating to the exercise of such
Debt Warrants; (6) the designation and terms of any related Debt Securities with
which such Debt Warrants are issued, and the number of such Debt Warrants issued
with  each  such  Debt  Security;  (7) the  currency  or  currencies,  including
composite  currencies or currency  units, in which the principal of (or premium,
if any), or interest,  if any, on the Debt Securities  purchasable upon exercise
of such Debt Warrants will be payable;  (8) the date, if any, on and after which
such  Debt  Warrants  and  the  related  Debt   Securities  will  be  separately
transferable;  (9) the  principal  amount of Debt  Securities  purchasable  upon
exercise  of each  Debt  Warrant,  and the  price  at  which  and the  currency,
including composite currency or currency unit, in which such principal amount of
Debt Securities may be purchased upon such exercise;  (10) the date on which the
right to exercise such Debt Warrants shall commence,  and the date on which such
right shall  expire;  (11) the maximum or minimum  number of such Debt  Warrants
which may be exercised at any time; (12) a discussion of material federal income
tax  considerations,  if any; and (13) any other terms of such Debt Warrants and
terms,  procedures  and  limitations  relating  to the  exercise  of  such  Debt
Warrants.

     Debt  warrant  certificates  will  be  exchangeable  for new  debt  warrant
certificates  of different  denominations  and Debt Warrants may be exercised at
the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in
the Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of their Debt Warrants, Holders
of Debt Warrants will not have any of


                                      -34-

<PAGE>



the rights of Holders of the Debt Securities  purchasable upon such exercise and
will not be  entitled  to  payments  of  principal  of (or  premium,  if any) or
interest, if any, on the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise.

Exercise of Debt Warrants

     Each Debt  Warrant will entitle the Holder of such Debt Warrant to purchase
for cash such  principal  amount of Debt  Securities at such  exercise  price as
shall in each  case be set forth in,  or be  determinable  as set forth in,  the
Prospectus  Supplement  relating  to the Debt  Warrants  offered  thereby.  Debt
Warrants  may be  exercised  at any  time up to the  close  of  business  on the
expiration  date set forth in the  Prospectus  Supplement  relating  to the Debt
Warrants  offered  thereby.  After the close of business on the expiration date,
unexercised Debt Warrants will become void.

     Debt  Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the  Prospectus  Supplement
relating to the Debt Warrants offered  thereby.  Upon receipt of payment and the
warrant certificate  properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust
office of the Warrant  Agent or any other  office  indicated  in the  Prospectus
Supplement,  the  Company  will,  as  soon  as  practicable,  forward  the  Debt
Securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the Debt Warrants
represented by such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate
will be issued for the remaining Debt Warrants.


                    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS


   
     The  following is a summary of the taxation of the Company and the material
federal income tax  consequences to Holders of the Securities.  The summary sets
forth the  opinion of  Shearman & Sterling,  counsel to the  Company,  as to the
material federal income tax  consequences to Holders of the Securities.  The tax
treatment  of a Holder of  Securities  will  vary  depending  upon the  Holder's
particular  situation,  and this  discussion  addresses  only  Holders that hold
Securities  as capital  assets and does not  purport to deal with all aspects of
taxation that may be relevant to particular  Holders in light of their  personal
investment  or tax  circumstances,  or to certain  types of  Holders  (including
dealers in securities  or  currencies,  banks,  tax-exempt  organizations,  life
insurance  companies,  persons that hold Securities that are a hedge or that are
hedged  against  currency  risks or that are part of a  straddle  or  conversion
transaction)  subject to special  treatment  under the federal  income tax laws.
This  summary  is based on the  Code,  its  legislative  history,  existing  and
proposed regulations thereunder,  published rulings and court decisions,  all as
currently  in  effect  and all  subject  to change  at any  time,  perhaps  with
retroactive effect.
    

INVESTORS  ARE URGED TO  CONSULT  WITH  THEIR  OWN TAX  ADVISORS  REGARDING  THE
SPECIFIC TAX  CONSEQUENCES  TO THEM OF THE  ACQUISITION,  OWNERSHIP  AND SALE OF
SECURITIES,  INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
SUCH  ACQUISITION,  OWNERSHIP  AND SALE IN THEIR  PARTICULAR  CIRCUMSTANCES  AND
POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAWS.


Taxation of the Company as a REIT

     General

     The Company believes that, commencing with its taxable year ending December
31, 1995, it has been  organized and has operated in such a manner as to qualify
for taxation as a REIT under  Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.  The Company
intends  to  continue  to  qualify to be taxed as a REIT,  but no  assurance  of
continued qualification can be given.

     The  sections  of the Code  applicable  to REITs are highly  technical  and
complex. The material aspects thereof are summarized below.



                                      -35-

<PAGE>



     As a REIT, the Company  generally will not be subject to federal  corporate
income taxes on its net income that is currently  distributed  to  stockholders.
This treatment substantially  eliminates the "double taxation" (at the corporate
and  stockholder  levels) that  generally  results from  investment in a regular
corporation.  However,  the  Company  will be subject  to federal  income tax as
follows.  First,  the Company  will be taxed at regular  corporate  rates on any
undistributed   real  estate   investment   trust  taxable   income,   including
undistributed  net capital  gains.  Second,  under  certain  circumstances,  the
Company  may be subject  to the  "alternative  minimum  tax" on its items of tax
preference.  Third,  if the  Company  has (i) net income  from the sale or other
disposition  of  "foreclosure  property"  which  is held  primarily  for sale to
customers in the ordinary course of business or (ii) other non-qualifying income
from foreclosure  property,  it will be subject to tax at the highest  corporate
rate on such  income.  Fourth,  if the Company  has net income from  "prohibited
transactions"  (which are, in general,  certain sales or other  dispositions  of
property,  other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers
in the ordinary course of business),  such income will be subject to a 100% tax.
Fifth,  if the Company  should fail to satisfy the 75% gross  income test or the
95% gross income test (as discussed below),  but has nonetheless  maintained its
qualification  as a REIT because  certain other  requirements  have been met, it
will be  subject  to a 100%  tax on an  amount  equal  to (a) the  gross  income
attributable  to the greater of the amount by which the Company fails the 75% or
95% test,  multiplied  by (b) a  fraction  intended  to  reflect  the  Company's
profitability.  Sixth,  if the  Company  should fail to  distribute  during each
calendar  year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its real estate  investment  trust
ordinary  income for such year,  (ii) 95% of its real  estate  investment  trust
capital  gain net  income  for such year,  and (iii) any  undistributed  taxable
income from prior  periods,  the Company  would be subject to a 4% excise tax on
the excess of such required  distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
Seventh,  if during the 10-year period (the "Recognition  Period")  beginning on
the first day of the first  taxable  year for which the Company  qualified  as a
REIT, the Company  recognizes  gain on the  disposition of any asset held by the
Company as of the beginning of the  Recognition  Period,  then, to the extent of
the excess of (a) fair  market  value of such asset as of the  beginning  of the
Recognition Period over (b) the Company's adjusted basis in such asset as of the
beginning of the  Recognition  Period (the "Built-in  Gain"),  such gain will be
subject to tax at the  highest  regular  corporate  rate  pursuant  to  Treasury
regulations that have not been promulgated;  provided, however, that the Company
shall not be subject to tax on  recognized  Built-in Gain with respect to assets
held as of the  first  day of the  Recognition  Period  to the  extent  that the
aggregate  amount of such  recognized  Built-in  Gain exceeds the net  aggregate
amount  of the  Company's  unrealized  Built-in  Gain as of the first day of the
Recognition  Period.  Eighth,  if  the  Company  acquires  any  asset  from  a C
corporation (i.e.,  generally a corporation subject to full corporate-level tax)
in  certain  transactions  in which  the  basis of the asset in the hands of the
Company  is  determined  by  reference  to the  basis of the asset (or any other
property) in the hands of the C corporation,  and the Company recognizes gain on
the  disposition of such asset during the  Recognition  Period  beginning on the
date on which such asset was  acquired  by the  Company,  then,  pursuant to the
Treasury  regulations  that have not yet been  issued  and to the  extent of the
Built-in Gain, such gain will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate
rate.

     Requirements for Qualification

     The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association (1) which is
managed by one or more trustees or directors,  (2) the  beneficial  ownership of
which is evidenced by transferable  shares,  or by transferable  certificates of
beneficial  interest,  (3)  which  would  otherwise  be  taxable  as a  domestic
corporation,  but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Code, (4) which is neither
a financial  institution nor an insurance company subject to certain  provisions
of the  Code,  (5) the  beneficial  ownership  of  which  is held by 100 or more
persons,  (6) during the last half of each  taxable  year,  not more than 50% in
value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or constructively, by
five or fewer  individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain  entities)
and (7) which meets certain other tests,  described below,  regarding the nature
of its income and assets.  The Code provides that  conditions (1) to (4) must be
met during the entire  taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at
least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of
a taxable year of less than 12 months. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply until
after the first  taxable  year for  which an  election  is made to be taxed as a
REIT.

     The Company  has  satisfied  condition  (5) and  believes  that it has also
satisfied condition (6). In addition, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
provides for restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of the Company's


                                      -36-

<PAGE>



shares,  which  restrictions are intended to assist the Company in continuing to
satisfy the share  ownership  requirements  described in (5) and (6) above.  The
ownership and transfer restrictions pertaining to the Common Stock are described
above under the headings "Description of Capital Stock--Description of Preferred
Stock--Restrictions on Ownership" and "Description of Capital Stock--Description
of Common Stock-Restrictions on Ownership."

     The Company owns and operates a number of properties  through  wholly-owned
subsidiaries.  Code  Section  856(i)  provides  that a  corporation  which  is a
"qualified REIT subsidiary" shall not be treated as a separate corporation,  and
all  assets,  liabilities,  and  items of  income,  deduction,  and  credit of a
"qualified  REIT  subsidiary"  shall be treated as assets,  liabilities and such
items (as the case may be) of the  REIT.  Thus,  in  applying  the  requirements
described herein,  the Company's  "qualified REIT subsidiaries" will be ignored,
and all assets,  liabilities and items of income,  deduction, and credit of such
subsidiaries will be treated as assets,  liabilities and such items (as the case
may be) of the  Company.  The  Company  believes  that  all of its  wholly-owned
subsidiaries are "qualified REIT subsidiaries."

     In  the  case  of a REIT  that  is a  partner  in a  partnership,  Treasury
regulations  provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share
of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to be entitled to the income
of the partnership attributable to such share. In addition, the character of the
assets and gross income of the partnership will retain the same character in the
hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Code,  including satisfying
the gross income tests and the asset tests.  Thus,  the Company's  proportionate
share of the assets, liabilities and items of income of any partnership in which
the  Company is a partner  will be treated as assets,  liabilities  and items of
income of the  Company  for  purposes of  applying  the  requirements  described
herein.

     Income Tests.  In order to maintain  qualification  as a REIT,  the Company
annually must satisfy three gross income  requirements.  First,  at least 75% of
the Company's gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions)
for each taxable year must be derived  directly or indirectly  from  investments
relating to real property or mortgages on real property  (including  "rents from
real  property"--which  term generally includes expenses of the Company that are
paid or reimbursed by tenants--and, in certain circumstances,  interest) or from
certain types of temporary  investments.  Second,  at least 95% of the Company's
gross income  (excluding  gross income from  prohibited  transactions)  for each
taxable year must be derived  from such real  property  investments,  dividends,
interest and gain from the sale or  disposition  of stock or securities (or from
any combination of the foregoing). Third, short-term gain from the sale or other
disposition of stock or securities,  gain from prohibited  transactions and gain
on the sale or other  disposition of real property held for less than four years
(apart from  involuntary  conversions  and sales of  foreclosure  property) must
represent less than 30% of the Company's  gross income  (including  gross income
from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year.

     Rents received by the Company will qualify as "rents from real property" in
satisfying  the gross income  requirements  for a REIT  described  above only if
several conditions are met. First, the amount of rent must not be based in whole
or in part on the income or profits of any person.  However,  an amount received
or  accrued  generally  will not be  excluded  from the terms  "rents  from real
property"  solely by reason of being based on a fixed  percentage or percentages
of receipts or sales.  Second,  the Code  provides  that rents  received  from a
tenant will not qualify as "rents from real  property" in  satisfying  the gross
income tests if the REIT,  directly or under the applicable  attribution  rules,
owns a 10% or greater interest in such tenant (a "Related Party Tenant"). Third,
if rent  attributable to personal  property leased in connection with a lease of
real  property is greater than 15% of the total rent  received  under the lease,
then the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify
as "rents from real property".  Finally, for rents received to qualify as "rents
from real  property," the REIT generally must not operate or manage the property
or furnish  or render  services  to the  tenants  of such  property,  other than
through  an  independent  contractor  from  whom the REIT  derives  no  revenue;
provided,  however,  that the  Company  is not  required  to use an  independent
contractor  to  perform  certain  services  that  are  "usually  or  customarily
rendered" in connection  with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not
otherwise  considered  "rendered to the occupant" of the  property.  The Company
does not and will not charge rent for any  property to a Related  Party  Tenant,
and the  Company  does not and will not derive  rental  income  attributable  to
personal  property  (other than personal  property leased in connection with the
lease of real  property,  the amount of which is less than 15% of the total rent
received under the lease). The Company does not believe that any of the


                                      -37-

<PAGE>



services  that are  performed  for its  tenants  will  cause  its  gross  income
attributable  to  such  tenants  to fail  to be  treated  as  "rents  from  real
property."

     The term  "interest"  generally  does not  include  any amount  received or
accrued  (directly or indirectly) if the determination of such amount depends in
whole or in part on the  income or  profits of any  person.  However,  an amount
received  or accrued  generally  will not be excluded  from the term  "interest"
solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts
or sales.

     If the Company  fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income
tests for any taxable year, it may nevertheless  qualify as a REIT for such year
if it is entitled to relief under certain  provisions of the Code.  These relief
provisions  will  generally be available if the  Company's  failure to meet such
tests was due to reasonable  cause and not due to willful  neglect,  the Company
attaches a schedule  of the  sources  of its  income to its  federal  income tax
return, and any incorrect  information on the schedule was not due to fraud with
intent to evade  tax.  It is not  possible,  however,  to state  whether  in all
circumstances  the Company  would be  entitled  to the  benefit of these  relief
provisions.  As  discussed  above  under  "--  General,"  even if  these  relief
provisions apply, a tax would be imposed with respect to the excess net income.

     Asset Tests. The Company, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year,
must also satisfy three tests  relating to the nature of its assets.  First,  at
least 75% of the value of the Company's total assets must be represented by real
estate assets (including (i) real estate assets held by the Company's  qualified
REIT  subsidiaries and the Company's  allocable share of real estate assets held
by  partnerships  in which the  Company  owns an  interest,  (ii)  stock or debt
instruments  held for not more than one year  purchased  with the  proceeds of a
stock  offering or long-term  (at least five years) debt offering of the Company
and (iii)  stock  issued by  another  REIT),  cash,  cash  items and  government
securities.  Second,  not more than 25% of the  Company's  total  assets  may be
represented by securities other than those in the 75% asset class. Third, of the
investments  included  in the 25% asset  class,  the  value of any one  issuer's
securities  (other than securities  issued by another REIT) owned by the Company
may not exceed 5% of the value of the Company's total assets and the Company may
not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding voting securities.

     Annual  Distribution  Requirements.  The Company,  in order to qualify as a
REIT, is required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to
its  stockholders  in an amount at least  equal to (A) the sum of (i) 95% of the
Company's "real estate investment trust taxable income" (computed without regard
to the dividends paid deduction and the Company's net capital gain) and (ii) 95%
of the net income (after tax), if any, from  foreclosure  property minus (B) the
sum of certain items of non-cash income. In addition, if the Company disposes of
any asset during its Recognition Period, the Company will be required,  pursuant
to Treasury  regulations which have not yet been  promulgated,  to distribute at
least  95%  of  the  Built-in  Gain  (after  tax),  if  any,  recognized  on the
disposition of such asset. Such  distributions  must be paid in the taxable year
to which they relate,  or in the following  taxable year if declared  before the
Company  timely  files its tax return for such year and if paid on or before the
first regular  dividend payment after such  declaration.  To the extent that the
Company does not  distribute all of its net capital gain or distributes at least
95%, but less than 100%, of its "real estate  investment  trust taxable income,"
as adjusted,  it will be subject to tax thereon at regular  ordinary and capital
gain corporate tax rates. Furthermore,  if the Company should fail to distribute
during each calendar year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its ordinary income for
such year,  (ii) 95% of its capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any
undistributed taxable income from prior periods, the Company would be subject to
a 4% excise tax on the excess of such  required  distribution  over the  amounts
actually  distributed.  The Company  intends to satisfy the annual  distribution
requirements.

     As of December  31,  1994,  the Company had  reported  net  operating  loss
("NOL") carryovers aggregating  approximately $110 million. These NOL carryovers
expire in 2005,  2006,  2007,  2008 and 2009.  Under the Code, the Company's NOL
carryovers  generally  would be available to offset the amount of the  Company's
"real estate  investment  trust taxable income" that otherwise would be required
to be distributed to its stockholders. As a result, until the NOL carryovers are
utilized,  the Company does not expect to be required to pay  dividends  (except
with respect to any recognized Built-in Gain) in order to continue to qualify as
a REIT. However, the NOLs reported on the Company's


                                      -38-

<PAGE>



tax returns are not binding on the Internal  Revenue Service (the "IRS") and are
subject to  adjustment  as a result of future IRS  audits of the  Company's  tax
returns.  In addition,  under Section 382 of the Code, the Company's  ability to
use its NOL carryovers  could be limited if,  generally,  there were significant
changes in the ownership of its outstanding stock.

     If the Company is required to make a distribution to its  stockholders,  it
is possible that the Company may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets
to  meet  the  95%  distribution  requirements  due  to  various  circumstances,
including debt amortization  requirements or timing differences  between (i) the
actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible  expenses and (ii) the
inclusion of such income and  deduction of such  expenses in arriving at taxable
income of the Company. In the event that such insufficiency  occurs, in order to
meet the 95%  distribution  requirements,  the Company may find it  necessary to
arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings or to pay dividends in
the form of taxable stock dividends or subordinated notes.

     Under certain  circumstances,  the Company may be able to rectify a failure
to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying "deficiency dividends"
to  stockholders  in a  later  year,  which  may be  included  in the  Company's
deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, the Company may be able
to avoid being taxed on amounts  distributed as deficiency  dividends;  however,
the  Company  will be  required  to pay  interest  based  upon the amount of any
deduction taken for deficiency dividends.

     Failure to Qualify

     If the Company fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year,
and the relief  provisions  do not  apply,  the  Company  will be subject to tax
(including  any  applicable  alternative  minimum tax) on its taxable  income at
regular corporate rates.  Distributions to stockholders in any year in which the
Company  fails to qualify will not be deductible by the Company nor will they be
required  to be made.  In such event,  to the extent of current and  accumulated
earnings and  profits,  all  distributions  to  stockholders  will be taxable as
ordinary  income  and,  subject to certain  limitations  of the Code,  corporate
distributees  may be  eligible  for the  dividends  received  deduction.  Unless
entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, the Company will also be
disqualified  from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable  years  following the
year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether in
all circumstances the Company would be entitled to such statutory relief.

Taxation of Holders of Debt Securities

     As used herein,  the term "U.S.  Holder"  means a holder of a Debt Security
who (for United States federal income tax purposes) is (i) a citizen or resident
of the United States, (ii) a domestic  corporation or (iii) otherwise subject to
United States  federal  income  taxation on a net income basis in respect of the
Debt Security and "U.S. Alien Holder" means a holder of a Debt Security who (for
United States federal income tax purposes) is (i) a nonresident alien individual
or (ii) a foreign  corporation,  partnership  or  estate  or trust  which is not
subject to United States  federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of
income or gain from the Debt Security.

     U.S. Holders

     Payments of Interest. Interest on a Debt Security will be taxable to a U.S.
Holder as ordinary  income at the time it is received or accrued,  depending  on
the holder's method of accounting for tax purposes.

     Purchase,  Sale and Retirement of the Debt Securities.  A U.S. Holder's tax
basis in a Debt Security will generally be its U.S. dollar cost  (including,  in
the case of a Debt  Security  acquired  through the exercise of a Debt  Warrant,
both the cost of the Debt  Warrant  and the amount  paid on exercise of the Debt
Warrant).  A U.S.  Holder will  generally  recognize gain or loss on the sale or
retirement  of a Debt  Security  equal  to the  difference  between  the  amount
realized on the sale or retirement  and the U.S.  Holder's tax basis in the Debt
Security. Except to the extent attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, gain
or loss  recognized on the sale or retirement of a Debt Security will be capital
gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Debt Security was
held for more than one year.


                                      -39-

<PAGE>




     U.S. Alien Holders

     This discussion  assumes that the Debt Security is not subject to the rules
of Section  871(h)(4)(A)  of the Code  (relating to interest  payments  that are
determined by reference to the income, profits, changes in the value of property
or other attributes of the debtor or a related party).

     Under present  United States federal income and estate tax law, and subject
to the discussion of backup withholding below:

     (i) payments of principal,  premium (if any) and interest by the Company or
any of its paying agents to any holder of a Debt  Security that is a U.S.  Alien
Holder will not be subject to United States federal  withholding  tax if, in the
case of interest (a) the beneficial owner of the Debt Security does not actually
or  constructively  own 10% or more of the total  combined  voting  power of all
classes of stock of the Company  entitled to vote, (b) the  beneficial  owner of
the Debt Security is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to the
Company through stock ownership,  and (c) either (A) the beneficial owner of the
Debt Security certifies to the Company or its agent, under penalties of perjury,
that  it is not a U.S.  person  and  provides  its  name  and  address  or (B) a
securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds
customers'  securities  in the  ordinary  course  of its  trade or  business  (a
"financial institution") and holds the Debt Security certifies to the Company or
its agent under  penalties of perjury that such statement has been received from
the  beneficial  owner by it or by a  financial  institution  between it and the
beneficial owner and furnishes the payor with a copy thereof;

     (ii) a U.S.  Alien Holder of a Debt  Security will not be subject to United
States federal withholding tax on any gain realized on the sale or exchange of a
Debt Security; and

     (iii) a Debt Security  held by an individual  who at death is not a citizen
or resident  of the United  States will not be  includible  in the  individual's
gross estate for purposes of the United States federal estate tax as a result of
the individual's  death if (a) the individual did not actually or constructively
own 10% or more of the total  combined  voting  power of all classes of stock of
the Company  entitled to vote and (b) the income on the Debt Security  would not
have been  effectively  connected  with a United States trade or business of the
individual at the time of the individual's death.

     Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

     U.S. Holders. In general,  information reporting requirements will apply to
payments  of  principal,  any premium and  interest on a Debt  Security  and the
proceeds of the sale of a Debt Security before maturity within the United States
to non-corporate  U.S. Holders,  and "backup  withholding" at a rate of 31% will
apply to such payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate  taxpayer
identification  number or to report all  interest and  dividends  required to be
shown on its federal income tax returns.

     U.S. Alien Holders.  Information  reporting and backup withholding will not
apply to  payments  of  principal,  premium  (if any) and  interest  made by the
Company  or a paying  agent to a U.S.  Alien  Holder on a Debt  Security  if the
certification  described in clause (i)(c) under "U.S.  Alien  Holders"  above is
received, provided that the payor does not have actual knowledge that the holder
is a U.S. person.

     Payments of the  proceeds  from the sale by a U.S.  Alien  Holder of a Debt
Security made to or through a foreign  office of a broker will not be subject to
information reporting or backup withholding, except that if the broker is a U.S.
person,  a controlled  foreign  corporation for United States federal income tax
purposes or a foreign  person 50% or more of whose gross  income is  effectively
connected  with a United  States  trade or business  for a specified  three-year
period,  information  reporting  may  apply to such  payments.  Payments  of the
proceeds from the sale of a Debt Security to or through the United States office
of a broker is subject to information  reporting and backup  withholding  unless
the holder or beneficial  owner certifies as to its non-United  States status or
otherwise  establishes  an  exemption  from  information  reporting  and  backup
withholding.


                                      -40-

<PAGE>




     The  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement  will contain a  discussion  of any
special United States  federal income tax rules with respect to Debt  Securities
that are  issued at a discount  or  premium or as a unit with other  Securities,
have a maturity of one year or less, provide for conversion  rights,  contingent
payments,  early redemption or payments that are denominated in or determined by
reference  to a currency  other  than the U.S.  dollar or  otherwise  subject to
special United States federal income tax rules.

Taxation of Holders of Debt Warrants

     Sale or Expiration

     Generally,  a holder of a Debt Warrant will recognize gain or loss upon the
sale or other disposition of a Debt Warrant in an amount equal to the difference
between the amount  realized on such sale or other  disposition and the holder's
tax  basis  in the  Debt  Warrant.  A  holder  of a Debt  Warrant  that  expires
unexercised  will  generally  recognize loss in an amount equal to such holder's
tax basis in the Debt  Warrant.  Gain or loss  resulting  from the  sale,  other
disposition  or expiration  of a Debt Warrant will  generally be capital gain or
loss and will be long-term if the Debt Warrant was held for more than one year.

     Exercise

     The exercise of a Debt  Warrant  with cash will not be a taxable  event for
the exercising  holder.  Such holder's basis in the Debt Securities  received on
exercise of the Debt  Warrant  will equal the sum of such  holder's tax basis in
the  exercised  Debt Warrant and the  exercise  price of the Debt  Warrant.  The
holding  period in a Debt  Security  received on exercise of a Debt Warrant will
not include the period during which the Debt Warrant was held.

     The  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement  will contain a  discussion  of any
special  United  States  federal  income tax rules with respect to Debt Warrants
that are issued as a unit with other Securities.

Taxation of Holders of Common Stock or Preferred Stock

     U.S. Stockholders

     As used herein, the term "U.S.  Stockholder" means a holder of Common Stock
or Preferred Stock ("Stock") who (for United States federal income tax purposes)
is  (i) a  citizen  or  resident  of the  United  States,  (ii)  a  corporation,
partnership  or other  entity  created or  organized in or under the laws of the
United States or of any  political  subdivision  thereof,  or (iii) an estate or
trust the income of which is subject to United States  federal  income  taxation
regardless of its source.

     As long as the  Company  qualifies  as a  REIT,  distributions  made by the
Company  out of its  current  or  accumulated  earnings  and  profits  (and  not
designated as capital gain dividends) will constitute  dividends  taxable to its
taxable U.S.  Stockholders as ordinary income.  Such  distributions  will not be
eligible for the  dividends-received  deduction in the case of U.S. Stockholders
that are  corporations.  Distributions  made by the  Company  that are  properly
designated  by the  Company as capital  gain  dividends  will be taxable to U.S.
Stockholders  as long-term  capital gains (to the extent that they do not exceed
the Company's  actual net capital gain for the taxable  year) without  regard to
the period for which a U.S.  Stockholder has held his shares. U.S.  Stockholders
that are corporations  may,  however,  be required to treat up to 20% of certain
capital gain dividends as ordinary income.

     To the extent that the  Company  makes  distributions  (not  designated  as
capital gain  dividends) in excess of its current and  accumulated  earnings and
profits,  such  distributions  will be  treated  first as a  tax-free  return of
capital to each U.S.  Stockholder,  reducing the adjusted  basis which such U.S.
Stockholder  has  in  his  shares  for  tax  purposes  by  the  amount  of  such
distribution  (but not  below  zero),  with  distributions  in  excess of a U.S.
Stockholder's  adjusted basis in his shares  taxable as capital gains  (provided
that the shares have been held as a capital asset).  For purposes of determining
the


                                      -41-

<PAGE>



portion of  distributions on separate classes of Stock that will be treated as a
dividends for federal income tax purposes,  current and accumulated earnings and
profits will be allocated to  distributions  resulting  from priority  rights of
Preferred  Stock  before  being  allocated  to  other  distributions.  Dividends
declared  by the  Company in  October,  November,  or  December  of any year and
payable to a stockholder  of record on a specified  date in any such month shall
be  treated as both paid by the  Company  and  received  by the  stockholder  on
December 31 of such year,  provided  that the  dividend is actually  paid by the
Company on or before January 31 of the following calendar year. Stockholders may
not include in their own income tax returns any net operating  losses or capital
losses of the Company.

     Distributions  made by the  Company  and  gain  arising  from  the  sale or
exchange by a U.S. Stockholder of shares of Stock will not be treated as passive
activity income, and, as a result, U.S. Stockholders  generally will not be able
to apply any "passive losses" against such income or gain. Distributions made by
the Company (to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital or capital
gain dividends)  generally will be treated as investment  income for purposes of
computing the investment  interest deduction  limitation.  Gain arising from the
sale or other  disposition of shares of Stock,  however,  will not be treated as
investment income unless the U.S. Stockholder elects to reduce the amount of his
total net capital gain  eligible for the 28% maximum  capital  gains rate by the
amount of such gain with respect to the Stock.

     Upon any sale or other  disposition of shares of Stock, a U.S.  Stockholder
will  recognize  gain or loss for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal
to the  difference  between (i) the amount of cash and the fair market  value of
any property received on such sale or other  disposition,  and (ii) the holder's
adjusted  basis in the shares of Stock for tax purposes.  Such gain or loss will
be capital gain or loss if the shares have been held by the U.S. Stockholders as
a capital asset,  and will be long-term gain or loss if such Stock has been held
for more than one year. In general,  any loss  recognized by a U.S.  Stockholder
upon the sale or other  disposition of shares of the Company that have been held
for six months or less (after  applying  certain  holding  period rules) will be
treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent of distributions  received by
such U.S.  Stockholder  from the  Company  which were  required to be treated as
long-term capital gains.

     Backup  Withholding.  The Company will report to its U.S.  Stockholders and
the Internal  Revenue  Service  (the "IRS") the amount of dividends  paid during
each calendar  year,  and the amount of tax withheld,  if any.  Under the backup
withholdings  rules, a stockholder  may be subject to backup  withholding at the
rate  of 31%  with  respect  to  dividends  paid  unless  such  holder  (a) is a
corporation or comes within certain other exempt  categories and, when required,
demonstrates  this  fact,  or (b)  provides a  taxpayer  identification  number,
certifies  as to no loss of exemption  from backup  withholding,  and  otherwise
complies with applicable  requirements of the backup  withholding  rules. A U.S.
Stockholder  that  does  not  provide  the  Company  with his  correct  taxpayer
identification  number may also be subject to penalties  imposed by the IRS. Any
amount paid as backup  withholding will be creditable  against the stockholder's
income tax  liability.  In  addition,  the Company may be required to withhold a
portion of capital gain  distributions  to any  stockholders who fail to certify
their non-foreign status to the Company.

     Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders.  Generally, a tax-exempt investor that
is exempt from tax on its investment  income,  such as an individual  retirement
account (IRA) or a 401(k) plan, that holds shares of Stock as an investment will
not be  subject  to tax on  dividends  paid  by the  Company.  However,  if such
tax-exempt  investor is treated as having  purchased  its shares  with  borrowed
funds, some or all of its dividends will be subject to tax.

     Non-U.S. Stockholders


     The rules governing  United States federal income taxation of the ownership
and  dispositions  of shares of Stock by persons  that are, for purposes of such
taxation,   nonresident  alien  individuals,   foreign   corporations,   foreign
partnerships   or   foreign   estates   or   trusts   (collectively,   "Non-U.S.
Stockholders") are complex, and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a
brief summary of such rules.  Accordingly,  the discussion  does not address all
aspects of United States  federal  income  taxation and does not address  state,
local or foreign tax consequences that may be relevant to a Non-U.S. Stockholder
in light of its particular circumstances.  In addition, this discussion is based
on current law, which



                                      -42-

<PAGE>




is subject to change,  and assumes that the Company  qualifies for taxation as a
REIT. Prospective Non-U.S.  Stockholders are urged to consult with their own tax
advisers to determine the impact of federal, state, local and foreign income tax
laws  with  regard  to  an   investment   in  stock,   including  any  reporting
requirements.


     Distributions.  Distributions by the Company to a Non-U.S. Stockholder that
are  neither  attributable  to gain from sales or  exchanges  by the  Company of
United States real property interests nor designated by the Company as a capital
gains  dividends  will be treated as dividends of ordinary  income to the extent
that they are made out of current or  accumulated  earnings  and  profits of the
Company. Such distributions  ordinarily will be subject to withholding of United
States federal tax on a gross basis (that is,  without  allowance of deductions)
at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax
treaty,  unless the  dividends  are treated as  effectively  connected  with the
conduct  by the  Non-U.S.  Stockholder  of a United  States  trade or  business.
Dividends that are  effectively  connected with such a trade or business will be
subject  to tax on a net basis  (that is,  after  allowance  of  deductions)  at
graduated  rates,  in the same  manner as domestic  stockholders  are taxed with
respect to such dividends and are generally not subject to withholding. Any such
dividends  received by a Non-U.S.  Stockholder that is a corporation may also be
subject to an additional  branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as
may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

     Pursuant to current Treasury regulations, dividends paid to an address in a
country  outside  the  United  States  are  generally  presumed  to be paid to a
resident  of such  country for  purposes of  determining  the  applicability  of
withholding  discussed above and the  applicability  of a tax treaty rate. Under
proposed Treasury  regulations,  which are not currently in effect,  however,  a
Non-U.S.  Stockholder  who wished to claim the benefit of an  applicable  treaty
rate would be required to satisfy certain  certification and other requirements.
Under  certain  treaties,   lower  withholding  rates  generally  applicable  to
dividends do not apply to dividends  from a REIT,  such as the Company.  Certain
certification  and disclosure  requirements  must be satisfied to be exempt from
withholding under the effectively connected income exemption discussed above.

     Distributions  in excess of current or accumulated  earnings and profits of
the  Company  will not be taxable to a Non-U.S.  Stockholder  to the extent that
they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder's  shares of Stock, but
rather will  reduce the  adjusted  basis of such stock.  To the extent that such
distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a Non-U.S.  Stockholder's stock, they
will give rise to gain from the sale or exchange of his stock, the tax treatment
of which is described below. For withholding  purposes,  the Company is required
to treat all distributions as if made out of current or accumulated earnings and
profits.  However,  amounts thus  withheld  are  generally  refundable  if it is
subsequently  determined  that  such  distribution  was,  in fact,  in excess of
current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company.

     Distributions to a Non-U.S.  Stockholder that are designated by the Company
at the time of distribution as capital gains dividends (other than those arising
from the disposition of a United States real property  interest)  generally will
not be  subject  to  United  States  federal  income  taxation,  unless  (i) the
investment  in the shares of Stock is  effectively  connected  with the Non-U.S.
Stockholder's  United  States  trade or  business,  in which  case the  Non-U.S.
Stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as domestic  stockholders with
respect to such gain (except that a  stockholder  that is a foreign  corporation
may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax, as discussed  above), or (ii)
the Non-U.S. Stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the
United  States for 183 or more days during the taxable year and has a "tax home"
in the United States,  in which case the  nonresident  alien  individual will be
subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gains.

     Distributions to a Non-U.S.  Stockholder that are attributable to gain from
sales or exchanges by the Company of United States real property  interests will
cause the Non-U.S.  Stockholder to be treated as recognizing such gain as income
effectively  connected  with  a  United  States  trade  or  business.   Non-U.S.
Stockholders  would  thus  generally  be taxed at the same rates  applicable  to
domestic  stockholders (subject to a special alternative minimum tax in the case
of nonresident  alien  individuals).  The Company is required to withhold 35% of
any  such   distribution.   That  amount  is  creditable  against  the  Non-U.S.
Stockholder's   United  States  federal  income  tax   liability.   Also,   such
distribution  may be  subject  to a 30%  branch  profits  tax in the  hands of a
Non-U.S. Stockholder that is a corporation, as discussed above.



                                      -43-

<PAGE>



     Sale of Stock.  Gain recognized by a Non-U.S.  Stockholder upon the sale or
exchange  of shares of Stock  generally  will not be  subject  to United  States
taxation unless the Stock  constitutes a "United States real property  interest"
within the meaning of the Foreign  Investment  in Real  Property Tax Act of 1980
("FIRPTA").  The Stock  will not  constitute  a  "United  States  real  property
interest"  so  long  as the  Company  is a  "domestically  controlled  REIT."  A
"domestically  controlled  REIT"  is a REIT  in  which  at all  times  during  a
specified testing period less than 50% in value of its stock is held directly or
indirectly by Non-U.S.  Stockholders.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  gain from
the sale or exchange of Stock not otherwise subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to
a  Non-U.S.  Stockholder  (i) if the  investment  in the  Stock  is  effectively
connected with the Non-U.S.  Stockholder's U.S. trade or business, in which case
the  Non-U.S.  Stockholder  will be subject to the same  treatment  as  domestic
stockholders with respect to such gain, or (ii) if the Non-U.S. Stockholder is a
nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or
more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, in which
case, the  nonresident  alien  individual will be subject to a 30% United States
withholding tax in the amount of such individual's gain.

     If the  Company  is not or ceases to be a  "domestically-controlled  REIT,"
whether  gain  arising  from the sale or exchange by a Non-U.S.  Stockholder  of
shares of Stock would be subject to United  States  taxation  under  FIRPTA as a
sale of a "United  States  real  property  interest"  will depend on whether the
shares are "regularly traded" (as defined by applicable Treasury regulations) on
an established  securities market (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange) and on the
size of the selling Non-U.S.  Stockholder's  interest in the Company. If gain on
the sale or exchange of shares of Stock was  subject to taxation  under  FIRPTA,
the Non-U.S.  Stockholder  would be subject to regular  United States income tax
with respect to such gain in the same manner as a U.S.  Stockholder  (subject to
any applicable  alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in
the case of nonresident alien  individuals) and the purchaser of the Stock would
be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 10% of the purchase price.

     Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. Backup withholding tax (which
generally is a withholding tax imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments to
persons  that  fail to  furnish  certain  information  under the  United  States
information reporting requirements) and information reporting will generally not
apply to distributions paid to Non-U.S.  Stockholders  outside the United States
that are  treated as (i)  dividends  subject to the 30% (or lower  treaty  rate)
withholding  tax  discussed  above,   (ii)  capital  gains  dividends  or  (iii)
distributions  attributable  to gain from the sale or exchange by the Company of
United States real property interests.  As a general matter,  backup withholding
and information  reporting will not apply to a payment of the proceeds of a sale
of  shares  of Stock  by or  through  a  foreign  office  of a  foreign  broker.
Information  reporting (but not backup  withholding) will apply,  however,  to a
payment of the  proceeds of a sale of Stock by or through a foreign  office of a
broker that (a) is a U.S.  person,  (b) derives 50% or more of its gross  income
for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States
or (c) is a "controlled foreign corporation"  (generally,  a foreign corporation
controlled by United States  stockholders)  for United States federal income tax
purposes,  unless the broker has  documentary  evidence in its records  that the
holder is a Non-U.S.  Stockholder  and certain other  conditions are met, or the
stockholder otherwise  establishes an exemption.  Payment to or through a United
States  office  of a broker  of the  proceeds  of a sale of  shares  of Stock is
subject  to  both  backup  withholding  and  information  reporting  unless  the
stockholder  certifies  under  penalties  of perjury that the  stockholder  is a
Non-U.S.   Stockholder,  or  otherwise  establishes  an  exemption.  A  Non-U.S.
Stockholder  may  obtain a refund  of any  amounts  withheld  under  the  backup
withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

     Estate Tax.  Shares of Stock owned by an individual who is not a citizen or
resident of the United States (as determined for purposes of U.S. federal estate
tax law) at the time of death will generally be includible in such  individual's
gross estate for federal  estate tax purposes  unless an  applicable  estate tax
treaty provides otherwise.

Other Tax Consequences


     The Company and its  stockholders may be subject to state or local taxation
in various  state or local  jurisdictions,  including  those in which it or they
transact  business or reside.  The state and local tax  treatment of the Company
and its  stockholders  may not  conform to the federal  income tax  consequences
discussed above. Consequently, prospective



                                      -44-

<PAGE>




stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of
state and local tax laws on an investment in the Company.



                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     The Company may sell the Securities to one or more  underwriters for public
offering and sale by them or may sell the  Securities  to investors  directly or
through agents.  Any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of
the Securities will be named in the related Prospectus  Supplement.  The Company
has reserved the right to sell the  Securities  directly to investors on its own
behalf in those jurisdictions where it is authorized to do so.


     Underwriters  may offer and sell the  Securities at a fixed price or prices
that may be changed or at negotiated  prices. The Company also may, from time to
time,  authorize dealers,  acting as the Company's agents, to offer and sell the
Securities upon such terms and conditions as set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement.  In connection  with the sale of the  Securities,  underwriters  may
receive  compensation from the Company in the form of underwriting  discounts or
commissions and may also receive  commissions  from purchasers of the Securities
for whom  they may act as  agent.  Underwriters  may sell the  Securities  to or
through  dealers,  and such  dealers  may  receive  compensation  in the form of
discounts,  concession or commissions from the underwriters  and/or  commissions
(which may be changed from time to time) from the  purchasers  for whom they may
act as agents.


     Any underwriting compensation paid by the Company to underwriters or agents
in  connection  with  the  offering  of  the  Securities,   and  any  discounts,
concessions or commissions  allowed by  underwriters to  participating  dealers,
will be set forth in the  related  Prospectus  Supplement.  Dealers  and  agents
participating  in  the  distribution  of the  Securities  may  be  deemed  to be
underwriters,  and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit
realized by them on resale of the  Securities  may be deemed to be  underwriting
discounts and commissions  under the Securities Act.  Underwriters,  dealers and
agents may be entitled,  under  agreements  entered  into with the  Company,  to
indemnification  against and  contribution  towards  certain civil  liabilities,
including any liabilities under the Securities Act.

     If so  indicated  in the related  Prospectus  Supplement,  the Company will
authorize  dealers  acting as the  Company's  agents to  solicit  agreements  by
certain  institutions  to purchase the Securities from the Company at the public
offering  price set  forth in the  related  Prospectus  Supplement  pursuant  to
delayed delivery contracts  ("Contracts")  providing for payment and delivery on
the date or dates stated in a Prospectus  Supplement.  Each Contract will be for
an amount specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Institutions, with
whom  Contracts,  when  authorized,  may be made include  commercial and savings
banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and
charitable institutions and other institutions, but will in all cases be subject
to the approval of the Company.  Contracts will not be subject to any conditions
except that (i) the  purchase by an  institution  of the  Securities  covered by
Contracts  will not at the time of delivery be prohibited  under the laws of any
jurisdiction in the United States to which such  institution is subject and (ii)
if the Securities are being sold to underwriters, the Company shall have sold to
such underwriters such amount specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

     Any  Securities  issued  hereunder  (other than  Common  Stock) will be new
issues of securities  with no established  trading market.  Any  underwriters or
agents to or through  whom such  Securities  are sold by the  Company for public
offering and sale may make a market in such Securities, but such underwriters or
agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market making
at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the
trading market for any such Securities.

     Certain of the  underwriters,  dealers or agents and their  associates  may
engage in transactions  with, and perform  services for, the Company and certain
of its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.



                                      -45-

<PAGE>




                                     EXPERTS


   
     The  consolidated   financial   statements  and  the  related  consolidated
financial  statement  schedules of the Company and the  financial  statements of
Kings  Plaza  Shopping  Center and Marina  incorporated  in this  Prospectus  by
reference  from the  Company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended
December  31,  1994 have been  audited  by  Deloitte & Touche  LLP,  independent
auditors, as stated in (i) their report dated March 29, 1995, which expresses an
unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to the need for
additional   borrowings   and  to  change  in  the  method  of  accounting   for
postretirement  healthcare  benefits  related to the  Company for the year ended
December 31, 1994 and (ii) their report dated  September 15, 1995 related to the
Kings Plaza  Shopping  Center and Marina for the year ended June 30,  1995,  and
have been so  incorporated  in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon
their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
    



                           VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

     The validity of the Securities issued hereunder will be passed upon for the
Company by Shearman & Sterling,  New York, New York, counsel to the Company. The
validity  of any  Securities  issued  hereunder  will  be  passed  upon  for any
underwriters by the counsel named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.


                                      -46-

<PAGE>



                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

     The estimated  expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of
the securities being registered,  other than Underwriting  Compensation,  are as
follows:


SEC registration fee..........................................  $     86,207
Printing and engraving expenses...............................       100,000
Legal fees and disbursements..................................       200,000
Accounting fees and disbursements.............................        60,000
Transfer Agent's, Depositary's and Trustee's fees 
  and disbursements . ........................................        20,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses....................................        67,785
Miscellaneous (including listing fees, if applicable, and
  rating agency fees).........................................        66,008
                                                                ------------

Total                                                           $    600,000
                                                                ============




Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

     Section 145 of the Delaware General  Corporation Law empowers a corporation
to indemnify its directors and officers or former  directors and officers and to
purchase  insurance  with respect to liability  arising out of their capacity or
status as directors and officers under certain circumstances.  Such law provides
further  that the  indemnification  permitted  thereunder  shall  not be  deemed
exclusive  of any other  rights  to which  the  directors  and  officers  may be
entitled under a corporation's Certificate of Incorporation,  By-laws, agreement
or otherwise.

     The  Company's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides that the Company's
officers and directors will be  indemnified  to the fullest extent  permitted by
Delaware law. The Company shall be liable to the Company or the stockholders for
monetary  damages for breach of the director's  fiduciary  duty.  Such provision
does  not  limit a  director's  liability  to the  Company  or its  stockholders
resulting  from: (i) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company
or its  stockholders,  (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) unlawful payments of
dividends or unlawful  stock  repurchases  or redemptions as provided in section
174 of the Delaware  General  Corporation Law or (iv) any transaction from which
the director derived an improper personal benefit.

     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation  provides that the Company shall
pay the  expenses  incurred  by an  officer  or a  director  of the  Company  in
defending  a civil or  criminal  action,  suit,  or  proceeding  involving  such
person's  acts or  omissions  as an officer or a director of the Company if such
person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she  reasonably  believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or its stockholders  and,
with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable
cause to believe  his or her conduct was  unlawful.  Unless  ordered by a court,
indemnification of an officer shall be made by the Company only as authorized in
a specific case upon the determination  that  indemnification  of the officer or
director  is  proper  under  the  circumstances  because  he or she  has met the
applicable standard of conduct. Such determination shall be made (i) by majority
vote of the directors of the Company who are not parties to the action,  suit or
proceeding,  (ii) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by
the  stockholders  of the Company.  The Company's  Certificate of  Incorporation
authorizes the Company to pay the expenses  incurred by an officer or a director
in defending a civil or criminal  action,  suit, or 

                                      II-1

<PAGE>


proceeding  in  advance of the final  disposition  thereof,  upon  receipt of an
undertaking  by or on behalf  of such  person  to repay  the  expenses  if it is
ultimately  determined  that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the
Company.

     The Company has the power to purchase and  maintain  insurance on behalf of
any person who is or was a director,  officer, employee, or agent of the Company
or is liable as a director of the Company,  or is or was serving, at the request
of  the  Company,  as  a  director,  officer,  employee,  or  agent  of  another
corporation,  partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any
liability  asserted  against  him and  incurred  by him in any such  capacity or
arising out of his status as such,  regardless of whether the Company would have
power to indemnify him against such liability.

     The Company has  purchased a policy of directors'  and officers'  insurance
that insures both the Company and its officers and  directors  against  expenses
and  liabilities  of the type  normally  insured  against  under such  policies,
including the expense of the indemnifications described above.

     Pursuant to the form of  Underwriting  Agreement,  to be filed by amendment
hereto  or by  Form  8-K,  the  underwriters  will  agree,  subject  to  certain
conditions, to indemnify the Company, its directors, certain of its officers and
persons  who control the  Company  within the meaning of the  Securities  Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), against certain liabilities.

Item 16.  Exhibits.

     Exhibit
     Number                  Description
     ------                  -----------


     1.1**   Form of Underwriting Agreement (for Common Stock)

     1.2**   Form of Underwriting Agreement (for Preferred Stock)

     1.3**   Form of Underwriting Agreement (for Debt Securities)

     3.1*    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company

     3.2*    By-laws of the Company  (incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 3(B)
             to the  Company's  Annual  Report on Form  10-K,  filed on July 27,
             1991)
   
     4.2*    Form of Indenture for Senior Debt Securities

     4.3*    Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.2)

     4.4*    Form of Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities

     4.5*    Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.4)

     4.6     Form of Deposit Agreement

     4.7     Form of Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.6)
    
- --------
*    Filed previously.
**   To be filed by amendment or 8-K.


                                      II-2

<PAGE>




   
     5.1     Opinion of Shearman & Sterling

     8.1     Tax Opinion of Shearman & Sterling

     12.1    Statement Regarding Computation of Consolidated Ratios of Earnings
             to Fixed Charges
    

     23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

   
     23.2    Consent of Shearman & Sterling  (included  in its opinion  filed as
             Exhibit 5.1)
    

     24.1*   Powers of Attorney (included on signature page)

   
     25.1    Statement of Eligibility of Senior Trustee on Form T-1

     25.2    Statement of Eligibility of Subordinated Trustee on Form T-1
    

- -------------
*    Filed previously.



Item 17.  Undertakings.

     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

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

         (ii)  To reflect in the  prospectus  any facts or events  arising after
               the  effective  date of the  registration  statement (or the most
               recent post-effective  amendment thereof) which,  individually or
               in  the  aggregate,   represent  a  fundamental   change  in  the
               information set forth in the registration statement;

         (iii) To include any material  information  with respect to the plan of
               distribution   not  previously   disclosed  in  the  registration
               statement  or any  material  change  to such  information  in the
               registration  statement.   Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,   any
               increase  or  decrease  in volume of  securities  offered (if the
               total dollar value of  securities  offered  would not exceed that
               which was  registered) and any deviation from the low or high end
               of the estimated  maximum  offering range may be reflected in the
               form of  prospectus  filed with the  Commission  pursuant to Rule
               424(b)  if, in the  aggregate,  the  changes  in volume and price
               represent  no more  than a 20%  change in the  maximum  aggregate
               offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
               table in the effective registration statement;

     provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
     the registration  statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the information
     required to be included in a  post-effective  amendment by those paragraphs
     is  contained  in  periodic  reports  filed by the  registrant  pursuant to
     Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
     incorporated by reference in the registration statement.


                                      II-3

<PAGE>



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

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

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


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




                                      II-4

<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.

   
     4.6     Form of Deposit Agreement

     5.1     Opinion of Shearman & Sterling

     8.1     Tax Opinion of Shearman & Sterling

     12.1    Statement Regarding Computation of Consolidated Ratios of Earnings 
             to Fixed Charges

     23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

     25.1    Statement of Eligibility of Senior Trustee on Form T-1

     25.2    Statement of Eligibility of Subordinated Trustee on Form T-1
    


<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES


   
     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities Act of 1933,  Alexander's,
Inc.  certifies that it has  reasonable  grounds to believe that it meets all of
the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 2
to its  Registration  Statement  on Form S-3 to be signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Saddle Brook and State of
New Jersey, on December 29, 1995.
    

                                   ALEXANDER'S, INC.


   
                                   By  /s/ Joseph Macnow
                                       ____________________________
                                       Joseph Macnow
                                       Vice President -- Chief Financial Officer
                                       and Principal Accounting Officer
    



   
     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 2 to the  Registration  Statement  has been  signed  below by the  following
persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
    



            Signature                         Title                       Date
            ---------                         -----                       ----

   
                                Chief Executive Officer        December 29, 1995
*_____________________________   and Director
        Steven Roth
                                Chairman of the Board of       December 29, 1995
*_____________________________   Directors
        Stephen Mann
                              
*_____________________________  Director                       December 29, 1995
        David Mandelbaum
                              
*_____________________________  Director                       December 29, 1995
        Thomas R. DiBenedetto
                              
*_____________________________  Director                       December 29, 1995
        Richard R. West
                              
*_____________________________  Director                       December 29, 1995
        Arthur I. Sonnenblick
                              
*_____________________________  Director                       December 29, 1995
        Russell B. Wight, Jr.
                              
*_____________________________  Director                       December 29, 1995
        Neil Underberg
                                               
/s/ Joseph Macnow               Vice President -- Chief 
______________________________   Financial Officer and         December 29, 1995
        Joseph Macnow            Principal Accounting Officer

* By:  /s/ Joseph Macnow      
      ________________________
       Joseph Macnow
       Attorney-in-Fact
    




                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.6

                                DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
                       dated as of ________________, 19__
                                      among
                                ALEXANDER'S, INC.
                             a Delaware corporation,
               ________________, a [national banking association],
                                 and the holders
                   from time to time of the Depositary Shares
                                described herein.


          WHEREAS it is desired to provide, as hereinafter set forth in this
Deposit Agreement, for the deposit of shares of ___% Preferred Shares Series __,
$1.00 par value per share, of ALEXANDER'S, INC. with the Depositary (as
hereinafter defined) for the purposes set forth in this Deposit Agreement and
for the issuance hereunder of Receipts (as hereinafter defined) evidencing
Depositary Shares (as hereinafter defined) in respect of the Stock (as
hereinafter defined) so deposited;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein, the
parties hereto agree as follows.


                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

          The following definitions shall for all purposes, unless otherwise
indicated, apply to the respective terms used in this Deposit Agreement and the
Receipts:

          "Beneficial Owner" shall mean a person who owns Depositary Shares
either directly or constructively through the application of Section 544 of the
Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the Code.

          "Certificate of Designation" shall mean the Certificate of Designation
filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware establishing the
Stock as a series of preferred shares of the Company.

          "Certificate of Incorporation" shall mean the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.

<PAGE>


                                        2


          "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time.

          "Company" shall mean Alexander's, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and
its successors.

          "Constructive Owner" shall mean a person who owns Depositary Shares
either directly or constructively through the application of Section 318(a) of
the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code.

          "Deposit Agreement" shall mean this Deposit Agreement, as amended or
supplemented from time to time.

          "Depositary" shall mean _____________________, a [national banking
association], and any successor as Depositary hereunder.

          "Depositary Shares" shall mean Depositary Shares, each representing a
[______] interest in either a share of the Stock or an Excess Share, if the
relevant share of Stock has, pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, been
automatically exchanged for an Excess Share and evidenced by a Receipt.

          "Depositary's Agent" shall mean an agent appointed by the Depositary
pursuant to Section 7.05.

          "Depositary's Office" shall mean the office of the Depositary at
__________________, ____________________, ____________________, at which at any
particular time its depositary receipt business shall be administered.

          "Excess Shares" shall mean shares of Excess Stock, $1.00 par value per
share, of the Company which, upon a transfer of an interest in the trust
described in Section [5(e)(I) of Article IV] of the Certificate of
Incorporation, would automatically be converted into shares of Stock.

          "Receipt" shall mean one of the depositary receipts issued hereunder,
whether in definitive or temporary form.

          "Record Holder" as applied with respect to a Depositary Share shall
mean the person in whose name a Receipt evidencing such Depositary Share is
registered on the books of the Depositary maintained for such purpose.

          "Registrar" shall mean any bank or trust company which shall be
appointed to register ownership and transfers of Receipts as herein provided.

<PAGE>


                                        3


          "Stock" shall mean shares of the Company's Preferred Shares, Series ,
$1.00 par value per share.


                                   ARTICLE II

           FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF STOCK, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY,
                 TRANSFER, SURRENDER AND REDEMPTION OF RECEIPTS

          SECTION 2.01. Form and Transfer of Receipts. Definitive Receipts shall
be engraved or printed or lithographed and shall be substantially in the form
set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate
insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided. Pending the
preparation of definitive Receipts, the Depositary, upon the written order of
the Company delivered in compliance with Section 2.02, shall execute and deliver
temporary Receipts which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or
otherwise substantially of the tenor of the definitive Receipts in lieu of which
they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions
and other variations as the persons executing such Receipts may determine, as
evidenced by their execution of such Receipts. If temporary Receipts are issued,
the Company and the Depositary will cause definitive Receipts to be prepared
without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Receipts, the
temporary Receipts shall be exchangeable for definitive Receipts upon surrender
of the temporary Receipts at an office described in the third paragraph of
Section 2.02, without charge to the holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of
any one or more temporary Receipts, the Depositary shall execute and deliver in
exchange therefor definitive Receipts representing the same number of Depositary
Shares as represented by the surrendered temporary Receipt or Receipts. Such
exchange shall be made at the Company's expense and without any charge to the
holder therefor. Until so exchanged, the temporary Receipts shall in all
respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Deposit Agreement, and with
respect to the Stock, as definitive Receipts.

          Receipts shall be executed by the Depositary by the manual signature
of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary; provided that such signature may
be a facsimile if a Registrar for the Receipts (other than the Depositary) shall
have been appointed and such Receipts are countersigned by manual signature of a
duly authorized officer of the Registrar. No Receipt shall be entitled to any
benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose
unless it shall have been executed manually by a duly authorized officer of the
Depositary or, if a Registrar for the Receipts (other than the Depositary) shall
have been appointed, by facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the
Depositary and countersigned manually by a duly authorized officer of such
Registrar. The Depositary shall record on its books each Receipt so signed and
delivered as hereinafter provided.



<PAGE>


                                        4

          Receipts may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof
such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Company or the Depositary or
required to comply with any applicable law or any regulation thereunder or with
the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which the Stock, the
Depositary Shares or the Receipts may be listed or to conform with any usage
with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to
which any particular Receipts are subject.

          Title to Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt which is properly
endorsed, or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer, shall be
transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable
instrument; provided, however, that until transfer of a Depositary Share shall
be registered on the books of the Depositary as provided in Section 2.04, the
Depositary may, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, treat the Record
Holder thereof at such time as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of
determining the person entitled to distributions of dividends or other
distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for
all other purposes.

          SECTION 2.02. Deposit of Stock; Execution and Delivery of Receipt in
Respect Thereof. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement,
the Company may from time to time deposit shares of Stock under this Deposit
Agreement by delivery to the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for the
Stock to be deposited, properly endorsed or accompanied, if required by the
Depositary, by a duly executed instrument of transfer or endorsement, in form
satisfactory to the Depositary, together with all such certifications as may be
required by the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit
Agreement, and together with a written order of the Company directing the
Depositary to execute and deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person
or persons stated in such order a Receipt or Receipts for the number of
Depositary Shares relating to such deposited Stock.

          Deposited Stock shall be held by the Depositary at the Depositary's
Office or at such other place or places as the Depositary shall determine.

          Upon receipt by the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for
Stock deposited in accordance with the provisions of this Section, together with
the other documents required as above specified, and upon recordation of the
Stock so deposited on the books of the Company in the name of the Depositary or
its nominee, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit
Agreement, shall execute and deliver, to or upon the order of the person or
persons named in the written order delivered to the Depositary referred to in
the first paragraph of this Section, a Receipt or Receipts for the number of
Depositary Shares relating to the Stock so deposited and registered in such name
or names as may be requested by such person or persons. The Depositary shall
execute and deliver such Receipt or Receipts at the Depositary's Office or such
other offices, if any, as the Depositary


<PAGE>


                                        5

may designate. Delivery at other offices shall be at the risk and expense of 
the person requesting such delivery.

          Other than in the case of splits, combinations or other
reclassification affecting the Stock, or in the case of dividends or other
distributions of Stock, if any, there shall be deposited hereunder not more than
____________________ shares of Stock.

          SECTION 2.03. Redemption of Stock. Whenever the Company shall elect to
redeem shares of Stock in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of
Designation, it shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary)
mail notice to the Depositary of such proposed redemption, by first class mail,
postage prepaid not less than [_] or more than [_] days prior to the date fixed
for redemption of Stock in accordance with Section ___ of the Certificate of
Designation. On the date of such redemption, provided that the Company shall
then have paid in full to the Depositary the redemption price of the Stock to be
redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, the Depositary shall
redeem the Depositary Shares relating to such Stock. The Depositary shall mail
notice of such redemption and the proposed simultaneous redemption of the number
of Depositary Shares relating to the Stock to be redeemed, by first-class mail,
postage prepaid, not less than 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date
fixed for redemption of such Stock and Depositary Shares (the "Redemption
Date"), to the Record Holders of the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed, at the
addresses of such holders as they appear on the records of the Depositary; but
neither failure to mail any such notice to one or more such holders nor any
defect in any notice to one or more such holders shall affect the sufficiency of
the proceedings for redemption as to other holders. Each such notice shall
state: (i) the Redemption Date; (ii) the number of Depositary Shares to be
redeemed and, if fewer than all the Depositary Shares held by any such holder
are to be redeemed, the number of such Depositary Shares held by such holder to
be so redeemed; (iii) the redemption price; (iv) the place or places where
Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the
redemption price; and (v) that dividends in respect of the Stock underlying the
Depositary Shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue and accumulate at the
close of business on such Redemption Date. In case less than all the outstanding
Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed
shall be selected by lot or pro rata as may be determined by the Depositary to
be equitable.

          Notice having been mailed by the Depositary as aforesaid, from and
after the Redemption Date (unless the Company shall have failed to redeem the
shares of Stock to be redeemed by it as set forth in the Company's notice
provided for in the preceding paragraph) all dividends in respect of the
Depositary Shares so called for redemption shall cease to accrue and accumulate,
the Depositary Shares being redeemed from such proceeds shall be deemed no
longer to be outstanding, all rights of the holders of Receipts evidencing such
Depositary Shares (except the right to receive the redemption price) shall, to
the extent of such Depositary Shares, cease and terminate and, upon surrender in
accordance with such


<PAGE>


                                        6

notice of the Receipts evidencing any such Depositary Shares (properly
endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Depositary shall so require), such
Depositary Shares shall be redeemed by the Depositary at a redemption price per
Depositary Share equal to the proportionate part of the redemption price per
share paid in respect of the shares of Stock plus all money and other property,
if any, paid with respect to such Depositary Shares, including all amounts paid
by the Company in respect of dividends which on the Redemption Date have
accumulated on the shares of Stock to be so redeemed and have not theretofore
been paid. The foregoing shall be subject further to the terms and conditions of
the Certificate of Designation.

          If fewer than all the Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt are
called for redemption, the Depositary will deliver to the holder of such Receipt
upon its surrender to the Depositary, together with the redemption payment, a
new Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares evidenced by such prior Receipt and
not called for redemption.

          SECTION 2.04. Registration of Transfer of Receipts. Subject to the
terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall register on
its books from time to time transfers of Depositary Shares upon any surrender of
the Receipt or Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares by the holder in
person or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by a
properly executed instrument of transfer. Thereupon the Depositary shall execute
a new Receipt or Receipts evidencing the same aggregate number of Depositary
Shares as those evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered and deliver
such new Receipt or Receipts to or upon the order of the person entitled
thereto.

          SECTION 2.05. Split-ups and Combinations of Receipts; Surrender of
Depositary Shares and Withdrawal of Stock. Upon surrender of a Receipt or
Receipts at the Depositary's Office or at such other offices as it may designate
for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or
Receipts, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the
Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts in the
denominations requested, evidencing the aggregate number of Depositary Shares
evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.

          Any holder of Depositary Shares (other than Depositary Shares
representing an interest in Excess Shares) may withdraw the number of whole
shares of Stock underlying such Depositary Shares and all money and other
property, if any, underlying such Depositary Shares by surrendering Receipts
evidencing such Depositary Shares at the Depositary's Office or at such other
offices as the Depositary may designate for such withdrawals. Thereafter,
without unreasonable delay, the Depositary shall deliver to such holder, or to
the person or persons designated by such holder as hereinafter provided, the
number of whole shares of Stock and all money and other property, if any,
underlying the Depositary Shares so surrendered for withdrawal, but holders of
such whole shares of Stock will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such Stock
hereunder or to receive Receipts evidencing Depositary


<PAGE>


                                        7

Shares therefor. If a Receipt delivered by a holder to the Depositary in
connection with such withdrawal shall evidence a number of Depositary Shares
relating to other than a number of whole shares of Stock, the Depositary shall
at the same time, in addition to such number of whole shares of Stock and such
money and other property, if any, to be so withdrawn, deliver to such holder, or
(subject to Section 3.02) upon his order, a new Receipt evidencing such excess
number of Depositary Shares. Delivery of the Stock and money and other property
being withdrawn may be made by delivery of such certificates, documents of title
and other instruments as the Depositary may deem appropriate.

          If the Stock and the money and other property being withdrawn are to
be delivered to a person or persons other than the Record Holder of the
Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts being surrendered for
withdrawal of Stock, such holder shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a
written order so directing the Depositary, and the Depositary may require that
the Receipt or Receipts surrendered by such holder for withdrawal of such shares
of Stock be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by a properly executed
instrument of transfer.

          Delivery of the Stock and money and other property, if any, underlying
the Depositary Shares surrendered for withdrawal shall be made by the Depositary
at the Depositary's Office, except that, at the request, risk and expense of the
holder surrendering such Depositary Shares and for the account of such holder,
such delivery may be made at such other place as may be designated by such
holder.

          SECTION 2.06. Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer,
Surrender and Exchange of Receipts. As a condition precedent to the execution
and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or
exchange of any Receipt, the Depositary, any of the Depositary's Agents or the
Company may require payment to it of a sum sufficient for the payment (or, in
the event that the Depositary or the Company shall have made such payment, the
reimbursement to it) of any charges or expenses payable by the holder of a
Receipt pursuant to Section 5.07, may require the production of evidence
satisfactory to it as the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also
require compliance with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary or the
Company may establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

          The delivery of Receipts against Stock may be suspended, the
registration of transfer of Depositary Shares may be refused and the
registration of transfer, surrender or exchange of outstanding Depositary Shares
may be suspended (i) during any period when the register of stockholders of the
Company is closed or (ii) if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by
the Depositary, any of the Depositary's Agents or the Company at any time or
from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or
governmental body or commission or under any provision of this Deposit
Agreement.


<PAGE>


                                        8

          SECTION 2.07. Lost Receipts, etc. In case any Receipt shall be
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, the Depositary in its discretion may
execute and deliver a Receipt of like form and tenor in exchange and
substitution for such mutilated Receipt, or in lieu of and in substitution for
such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, upon (i) the filing by the holder
thereof with the Depositary of evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of such
destruction or loss or theft of such Receipt, or the authenticity thereof and of
his or her ownership thereof and (ii) the furnishing of the Depositary with
reasonable indemnification satisfactory to it.

          SECTION 2.08. Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts.
All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary or any Depositary's Agent shall be
canceled by the Depositary. Except as prohibited by applicable law or
regulation, the Depositary is authorized to destroy all Receipts so canceled.

          SECTION 2.09. REIT Restrictions. In the event that shares of Stock
deposited with the Depositary are, pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation,
automatically exchanged for Excess Shares, such Excess Shares shall remain on
deposit with the Depositary, as agent for the trustee of the trust described in
Section [5(e)(I) of Article IV] of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, such Excess Shares, and
the related Depositary Shares and Receipts, shall be subject to the provisions
of the Certificate of Incorporation, including, without limitation, the
limitations on dividends and voting rights described therein. In the event that
Excess Shares, an interest in which is represented by a Depositary Share, are,
pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, automatically exchanged for shares
of Stock, such shares of Stock shall remain on deposit with the Depositary and
such Depositary Share shall represent an interest in such shares of Stock.
Holders of Depositary Shares representing an interest in Excess Shares who
receive amounts from the Depositary in violation of the provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation shall repay such amounts to the Depositary and the
Depositary shall pay over any amounts so received to the Company.


                                   ARTICLE III

                       CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF THE HOLDERS
                           OF RECEIPTS AND THE COMPANY

          SECTION 3.01. Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information. Any
holder of a Depositary Share may be required from time to time to file such
proof of residence, or other matters or other information, to execute such
certificates and to make such representations and warranties as the Depositary
or the Company may reasonably deem necessary or proper. The Depositary or the
Company may withhold the delivery, or delay the registration of transfer,
redemption or exchange, of any Depositary Share or the withdrawal of any Stock
underlying Depositary Shares or the distribution of any dividend or


<PAGE>


                                        9

other distribution or the sale of any rights or of the proceeds thereof until
such proof or other information is filed or such certificates are executed or
such representations and warranties are made.

          SECTION 3.02. Payment of Taxes or Other Governmental Charges. Holders
of Depositary Shares shall be obligated to make payments to the Depositary of
certain charges and expenses, as provided in Section 5.07. Registration of
transfer of any Depositary Share or any withdrawal of Stock and delivery of all
money or other property, if any, underlying such Depositary Share may be refused
until any such payment due is made, and any dividends or other distributions may
be withheld or all or any part of the Stock or other property relating to such
Depositary Shares and not theretofore sold may be sold for the account of the
holder thereof (after attempting by reasonable means to notify such holder prior
to such sale), and such dividends or other distributions or the proceeds of any
such sale may be applied to any payment of such charges or expenses, the holder
of such Depositary Share remaining liable for any deficiency. The Depositary
shall act as the withholding agent for any payments, distributions and exchanges
made with respect to the Depositary Shares and Receipts, and the Stock or other
securities or assets represented thereby (collectively, the "Securities"). The
Depositary shall be responsible with respect to the Securities for the timely
(i) collection and deposit of any required withholding or backup withholding
tax, and (ii) filing of any information returns or other documents with federal
(and other applicable) taxing authorities. In the event the Depositary is
required to pay any such amounts, the Company shall reimburse the Depositary for
payment thereof upon the request of the Depositary and the Depositary shall,
upon the Company's request and as instructed by the Company, pursue its rights
against such holder at the Company's expense.

          SECTION 3.03. Warranty as to Stock. The Company hereby represents and
warrants that the Stock, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable. Such representation and warranty shall survive the deposit of the
Stock and the issuance of the Receipts.

          SECTION 3.04. Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer. Holders,
Beneficial Owners and Constructive Owners of Depositary Shares shall at all
times be subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation,
including, without limitation, the restrictions on ownership and transfer
contained therein.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                        THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES; NOTICES

          SECTION 4.01. Cash Distributions. Whenever the Depositary shall
receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution on the Stock, the
Depositary shall, subject to


<PAGE>


                                       10

Sections 2.09, 3.01, 3.02 and 3.04, distribute to the Record Holders of
Depositary Shares on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04 such amounts
of such dividend or distribution as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion
to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares held by such holders; provided,
however, that in case the Company or the Depositary shall be required to
withhold and shall withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in
respect of the Stock an amount on account of taxes or as otherwise required
pursuant to law, regulation or court process, the amount made available for
distribution or distributed in respect of Depositary Shares shall be reduced
accordingly. The Depositary shall distribute or make available for distribution,
as the case may be, only such amount, however, as can be distributed without
attributing to any holder of Depositary Shares a fraction of one cent, and any
balance not so distributable shall be held by the Depositary (without liability
for interest thereon) and shall be added to and be treated as part of the next
sum received by the Depositary for distribution to Record Holders of Depositary
Shares then outstanding.

          SECTION 4.02. Distributions Other than Cash. Whenever the Depositary
shall receive any distribution other than cash on the Stock, the Depositary
shall, subject to Sections 2.09, 3.01, 3.02 and 3.04, distribute to the Record
Holders of Depositary Shares on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04
such amounts of the securities or property received by it as are, as nearly as
practicable, in proportion to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares held
by such holders, in any manner that the Depositary may deem equitable and
practicable for accomplishing such distribution. If in the opinion of the
Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among such Record
Holders, or if for any other reason (including any requirement that the Company
or the Depositary withhold an amount on account of taxes or governmental
charges) the Depositary deems, after consultation with the Company, such
distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may, with the approval of the
Company, adopt such method as it deems equitable and practicable for the purpose
of effecting such distribution, including the sale (at public or private sale)
of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, at such place
or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper. The net proceeds of any
such sale shall, subject to Sections 2.09, 3.01, 3.02 and 3.04, be distributed
or made available for distribution, as the case may be, by the Depositary to the
Record Holders of Depositary Shares entitled thereto as provided by Section 4.01
in the case of a distribution received in cash. The Company shall not make any
distribution of such securities unless the Company shall have provided an
opinion of counsel to the effect that such securities have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933 or do not need to be registered.

          SECTION 4.03. Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges. If the
Company shall at any time offer or cause to be offered to the persons in whose
names Stock is recorded on the books of the Company any rights, preferences or
privileges to subscribe for or to purchase any securities or any rights,
preferences or privileges of any other nature, such rights, preferences or
privileges shall, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.09 and 3.04, in each
such instance be made available by the Depositary to the Record Holders of


<PAGE>


                                       11

Depositary Shares in such manner as the Depositary may determine, either by the
issue to such Record Holders of warrants representing such rights, preferences
or privileges or by such other method as may be approved by the Depositary in
its discretion with the approval of the Company; provided, however, that (i) if
at the time of issue or offer of any such rights, preferences or privileges the
Depositary determines that it is not lawful or (after consultation with the
Company) not feasible to make such rights, preferences or privileges available
to holders of Depositary Shares by the issue of warrants or otherwise, or (ii)
if and to the extent so instructed by holders of Depositary Shares who do not
desire to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges, then the Depositary,
in its discretion (with the approval of the Company, in any case where the
Depositary has determined that it is not feasible to make such rights,
preferences or privileges available), may, if applicable laws or the terms of
such rights, preferences or privileges permit such transfer, sell such rights,
preferences or privileges at public or private sale, at such place or places and
upon such terms as it may deem proper. The net proceeds of any such sale shall,
subject to Sections 2.09, 3.01, 3.02 and 3.04, be distributed by the Depositary
to the Record Holders of Depositary Shares entitled thereto as provided by
Section 4.01 in the case of a distribution received in cash. The Company shall
not make any distribution of such rights, preferences or privileges unless the
Company shall have provided an opinion of counsel to the effect that such
rights, preferences or privileges have been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933 or do not need to be registered.

          If registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of the securities to
which any rights, preferences or privileges relate is required in order for
holders of Depositary Shares to be offered or sold the securities to which such
rights, preferences or privileges relate, the Company agrees with the Depositary
that it will file promptly a registration statement pursuant to such Act with
respect to such rights, preferences or privileges and securities and use its
best efforts and take all steps available to it to cause such registration
statement to become effective sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such
rights, preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such
rights, preferences or privileges. In no event shall the Depositary make
available to the holders of Depositary Shares any right, preference or privilege
to subscribe for or to purchase any securities unless and until such a
registration statement shall have become effective, or unless the offering and
sale of such securities to such holders are exempt from registration under the
provision of such Act.

          If any other action under the laws of any jurisdiction or any
governmental or administrative authorization, consent or permit is required in
order for such rights, preferences or privileges to be made available to the
holders of Depositary Shares, the Company agrees with the Depositary that the
Company will use its best efforts to take such action or obtain such
authorization, consent or permit sufficiently in advance of the expiration of
such rights, preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such
rights, preferences or privileges.


<PAGE>


                                       12

          SECTION 4.04. Notice of Dividends, etc.; Fixing of Record Date for
Holders of Depositary Shares. Whenever any cash dividend or other cash
distribution shall become payable or any distribution other than cash shall be
made, or if rights, preferences or privileges shall at any time be offered, with
respect to the Stock, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any
meeting at which holders of Stock are entitled to vote or any solicitation of
consents in respect of the Stock or any call for redemption of any shares of
Stock, or of which holders of Stock are entitled to notice, the Depositary shall
in each such instance fix a record date (which shall be the same date as the
record date fixed by the Company with respect to the Stock) for the
determination of the holders of Depositary Shares who shall be entitled to
receive a distribution in respect of such dividend, distribution, rights,
preferences or privileges or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, or to give
instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, or who shall
be entitled to receive notice of such meeting or any such call for redemption.

          SECTION 4.05. Voting Rights. Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at
which the holders of the Stock are entitled to vote or any solicitation of
consents in respect of the Stock, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable
thereafter, mail to the Record Holders of Depositary Shares a notice which shall
contain (i) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting or
consent solicitation and (ii) a statement informing Record Holders of Depositary
Shares that they may instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting
rights pertaining to the amount of Stock underlying their respective Depositary
Shares and a brief statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be
given. Upon the written request of the holders of Depositary Shares on the
record date established in accordance with Section 4.04, the Depositary shall
endeavor insofar as practicable to vote or cause to be voted, in accordance with
the instructions set forth in such requests, the maximum number of whole shares
of Stock underlying the Depositary Shares as to which any particular voting or
consent instructions are received. The Company hereby agrees to take all action
which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the
Depositary to vote such Stock or cause such Stock to be voted. In the absence of
specific instructions from the holder of a Depositary Share, the Depositary will
abstain from voting (but, at its discretion, not from appearing at any meeting
with respect to such Stock unless directed to the contrary by the holders of all
the Depositary Shares) to the extent of the Stock underlying the Depositary
Shares. Holders of Depositary Shares representing interests in Excess Shares may
provide the Depositary with voting instructions only in respect of matters as to
which Excess Shares are entitled to vote.

          SECTION 4.06. Changes Affecting Deposited Securities and
Reclassification, Recapitalization, etc. Subject to the provisions of Sections
2.09 and 3.04 hereof, upon any change in par or liquidation value, split-up,
combination or any other reclassification of the Stock, or upon any
recapitalization, reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation
affecting the Company or to which it is a party, the Depositary may in its
discretion, with the approval of, and shall upon the instructions of, the
Company, and (in either case) in such


<PAGE>


                                       13

manner as the Depositary may deem equitable, (i) make such adjustments in (a)
the fraction of an interest in one share of Stock underlying one Depositary
Share and (b) the ratio of the redemption price per Depositary Share to the
redemption price of a share of the Stock, in each case as may be necessary fully
to reflect the effects of such change in par or liquidation value, split-up,
combination or other reclassification of the Stock, or of such recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and (ii) treat any
securities which shall be received by the Depositary in exchange for or upon
conversion of or in respect of the Stock as new deposited securities so received
in exchange for or upon conversion of or in respect of such Stock and Receipts
then outstanding shall thenceforth represent the proportionate interest of
holders thereof in the new deposited property so received in exchange for or
upon conversion of or in respect of such Stock. In any such case the Depositary
may in its discretion, with the approval of the Company, execute and deliver
additional Receipts, or may call for the surrender of all outstanding Receipts
to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing such new deposited
securities.

          SECTION 4.07. Delivery of Reports. The Depositary will forward to
Record Holders of Receipts, at their respective addresses appearing in the
Depositary's books, all notices, reports and communications received from the
Company which are delivered to the Depositary and which the Company is required
or otherwise determines to furnish to the holders of Stock or Receipts.

          SECTION 4.08. List of Holders. Promptly upon request from time to time
by the Company, the Depositary shall furnish to it a list, as of a recent date,
of the names, addresses and holdings of Depositary Shares of all persons in
whose names Depositary Shares are registered on the books of the Depositary or
Registrar, as the case may be and such other information as the Company may
reasonably request in order to assess or establish the Company's status as a
real estate investment trust under the Code.


                                    ARTICLE V

                    THE DEPOSITARY, THE DEPOSITARY'S AGENTS,
                          THE REGISTRAR AND THE COMPANY

          SECTION 5.01. Maintenance of Offices, Agencies and Transfer Books by
the Depositary; Registrar. Upon execution of this Deposit Agreement, the
Depositary shall maintain at the Depositary's Offices, or at any Registrar's
Office, at which the Depositary shall have complete access to all books and
records maintained on the Company's behalf, facilities for the execution and
delivery, surrender and exchange of Receipts and the registration and
registration of transfer of Depositary Shares, and at the offices of the
Depositary's Agents, if any, facilities for the delivery, surrender and exchange
of Receipts

<PAGE>


                                       14

and the registration of transfer of Depositary Shares, all in accordance with
the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

          The Depositary shall keep books at the Depositary's Office for the
registration and registration of transfer of Depositary Shares, which books at
all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Record Holders of
Depositary Shares. The Depositary may close such books, at any time or from time
to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its
duties hereunder.

          The Depositary shall make available for inspection by holders of
Receipts at the Depositary's Office and at such other places as it may from time
to time deem advisable during normal business hours any reports and
communications received from the Company that are both received by the
Depositary as the holder of Stock and made generally available to the holders of
Stock.

          If the Receipts or the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby or the
Stock underlying such Depositary Shares shall be listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, the Depositary may, with the approval of the Company, appoint a
Registrar for registration of such Receipts or Depositary Shares in accordance
with any requirements of such Exchange. Such Registrar (which may be the
Depositary if so permitted by the requirements of such Exchange) may be removed
and a substitute registrar appointed by the Depositary upon the request or with
the approval of the Company. If the Receipts, such Depositary Shares or such
Stock are listed on one or more other stock exchanges, the Depositary will, at
the request of the Company, arrange such facilities for the delivery,
registration, registration of transfer, surrender and exchange of such Receipts,
such Depositary Shares or such Stock as may be required by law or applicable
stock exchange regulation.

          The Depositary may from time to time appoint Depositary's Agents to
act in any respect for the Depositary for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement
and may at any time appoint additional Depositary's Agents and vary or terminate
the appointment of such Depositary's Agents. The Depositary will notify the
Company of any such action.

          SECTION 5.02. Prevention of or Delay in Performance by the Depositary,
the Depositary's Agents, any Registrar or the Company. Neither the Depositary
nor any Depositary's Agent nor any Registrar nor the Company shall incur any
liability to any holder or any Depositary Share if by reason of any provision of
any present or future law, or regulation thereunder, of the United States of
America or of any other governmental authority or, in the case of the
Depositary, any Depositary's Agent or any Registrar, by reason of any provision,
present or future, of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation (including the
Certificate of Designation) or, in the case of the Company, the Depositary, any
Depositary's Agent or any Registrar, by reason of any act of God or war or other
circumstance beyond the control of the relevant party, the Depositary, any
Depositary's


<PAGE>


                                       15

Agent, any Registrar or the Company shall be prevented or forbidden from doing
or performing any act or thing which the terms of this Deposit Agreement provide
shall be done or performed; nor shall the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent,
any Registrar or the Company incur any liability to any holder of a Depositary
Share (i) by reason of any nonperformance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the
performance of any act or thing which the terms of this Deposit Agreement
provide shall or may be done or performed, or (ii) by reason of any exercise of,
or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement
except, in case of any such exercise or failure to exercise discretion not
caused as aforesaid, if caused by the negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct of the party charged with such exercise or failure to exercise.

          SECTION 5.03. Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary's Agents,
any Registrar and the Company. Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent
nor any Registrar nor the Company assumes any obligation or shall be subject to
any liability under this Deposit Agreement to holders of Depositary Shares other
than that each of them agrees to use good faith in the performance of such
duties as are specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement and for its
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

          Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor any Registrar
nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend
any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of the Stock, the Depositary
Shares or the Receipts which in its opinion may involve it in expense or
liability unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense and liability
be furnished as often as may be required.

          Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor any Registrar
nor the Company shall be liable for any action or any failure to act by it in
reliance upon the written advice of legal counsel or accountants, or information
from any person presenting Stock for deposit, any holder of a Depositary Share
or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such
information. The Depositary, any Depositary's Agent, any Registrar and the
Company may each rely and shall each be protected in acting upon any written
notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to
have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

          The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out
any instruction to vote any of the shares of Stock or for the manner or effect
of any such vote, as long as any such action or non-action is in good faith. The
Depositary undertakes, and any Registrar shall be required to undertake, to
perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this
Deposit Agreement. The Depositary will indemnify the Company against any
liability which may arise out of acts performed or omitted by the Depositary or
its agents due to its or their negligence or bad faith. The Depositary, the
Depositary's Agents, any Registrar and the Company may own and deal in any class
of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in Depositary Shares. The
Depositary may

<PAGE>


                                       16

also act as transfer agent or registrar of any of the securities of
the Company and its affiliates.

          The Depositary hereby represents and warrants as follows: (i) the
Depositary has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of ____________________, with full power, authority
and legal right under such law to execute, deliver and carry out the terms of
this Deposit Agreement; (ii) this Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Depositary; and (iii) this Deposit Agreement
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Depositary, enforceable
against the Depositary in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement
thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other
similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally and except as
enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). The
Depositary shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of
the Depositary Shares or the Receipts or the proceeds thereof.

          SECTION 5.04. Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment
of Successor Depositary. The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary
hereunder by notice of its election so to do delivered to the Company, such
resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor Depositary and
its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.

          The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by notice of
such removal delivered to the Depositary, such removal to take effect upon the
appointment of a successor Depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as
hereinafter provided.

          In case the Depositary acting hereunder shall at any time resign or be
removed, the Company shall, within 60 days after the delivery of the notice of
resignation or removal, as the case may be, appoint a successor Depositary,
which shall be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United
States of America and having a combined capital and surplus of at least
$50,000,000. If no successor Depositary shall have been so appointed within 60
days after delivery of such notice, the resigning or removed Depositary may
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor
Depositary. Every successor Depositary shall execute and deliver to its
predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its
appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor Depositary, without any
further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers,
duties and obligations of its predecessor and for all purposes shall be the
Depositary under this Deposit Agreement, and such predecessor, upon payment of
all sums due it and on the written request of the Company, shall execute and
deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of
such predecessor hereunder, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver all right,
title and interest in the Stock and any moneys or property held hereunder to
such successor and shall deliver to such successor


<PAGE>


                                       17

a list of the Record Holders of all outstanding Depositary Shares. Any successor
Depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to the Record Holders
of Depositary Shares.

          Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged,
consolidated or converted shall be the successor of such Depositary without the
execution or filing of any document or any further act. Such successor
Depositary may authenticate the Receipts in the name of the predecessor
Depositary or in the name of the successor Depositary.

          SECTION 5.05. Corporate Notices and Reports. The Company agrees that
it will transmit to the Depositary, and the Depositary will, promptly after
receipt thereof, transmit to the Record Holders of Depositary Shares, in each
case at the address recorded in the Depositary's books, copies of all notices,
reports and communications (including without limitation financial statements)
required by law, the rules of any national securities exchange upon which the
Stock, the Depositary Shares or the Receipts are listed or by the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation (including the Certificate of Designation) to be
furnished by the Company to holders of the Stock. Such transmission will be at
the Company's expense and the Company will provide the Depositary with such
number of copies of such documents as the Depositary may reasonably request. In
addition, the Depositary will transmit to the Record Holders of Depositary
Shares at the Company's expense such other documents as may be requested by the
Company.

          SECTION 5.06. Indemnification by the Company. The Company shall
indemnify the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent and any Registrar against, and
hold each of them harmless from, any loss, liability or expense (including the
costs and expenses of defending itself) which may arise out of (i) acts
performed or omitted in connection with this Deposit Agreement and the
Depositary Shares (a) by the Depositary, any Registrar or any of their
respective agents (including any Depositary's Agent), except for any liability
arising out of negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on the respective
parts of any such person or persons, or (b) by the Company or any of its agents,
or (ii) the offer, sale or registration of the Depositary Shares or the Stock
pursuant to the provisions hereof. The obligations of the Company set forth in
this Section 5.06 shall survive any succession of any Depositary, Registrar or
Depositary's Agent.

          SECTION 5.07. Charges and Expenses. The Company shall pay all transfer
and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of
the depositary arrangements. The Company shall pay all charges of the Depositary
in connection with the initial deposit of the Stock and the initial issuance of
the Receipts, any redemption of the Stock at the option of the Company and any
withdrawals of Stock by holders of Depositary Shares. All other transfer and
other taxes and governmental charges shall be at the expense of holders of
Depositary Shares. If, at the request of a holder of a Depositary Share, the
Depositary incurs charges or expenses for which it is not otherwise liable
hereunder, such

<PAGE>


                                       18

holder will be liable for such charges and expenses. All other charges and
expenses of the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent hereunder and any Registrar
(including, in each case, fees and expenses of counsel) incident to the
performance of their respective obligations hereunder will be paid upon
consultation and agreement between the Depositary and the Company as to the
amount and nature of such charges and expenses. The Depositary shall present its
statement for charges and expenses to the Company once every three months or at
such other intervals as the Company and the Depositary may agree.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                            AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

          SECTION 6.01. Amendment. The form of the Receipts and any provisions
of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by
agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may
deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that no such amendment which
shall materially and adversely alter the rights of the existing holders of
Depositary Shares shall be effective unless such amendment shall have been
approved by the holders of at least a majority of the Depositary Shares then
outstanding. Every holder of an outstanding Depositary Share at the time any
such amendment becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such
Depositary Share, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by this
Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the
right, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.06 and Article III, of any
owner of any Depositary Shares to surrender the Receipt evidencing such
Depositary Shares with instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the holder
the Stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except
in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

          SECTION 6.02. Termination. This Deposit Agreement may be terminated by
the Company or the Depositary only after (a) (i) all outstanding Depositary
Shares shall have been redeemed and any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the
Stock represented by the Depositary Shares, together with all other moneys and
property, if any, to which holders of the related Receipts are entitled under
the terms of such Receipts or this Deposit Agreement, have been paid or
distributed as provided in this Deposit Agreement or provision therefor has been
duly made pursuant to Section 2.03 or (ii) there shall have been made a final
distribution in respect of the stock in connection with any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution shall have been
distributed to the holders of Receipts pursuant to Section 4.01 or 4.02, as
applicable and (b) reasonable notice has been given to any holders of Receipts.

          If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination
of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the
transfer of Receipts, shall


<PAGE>


                                       19

suspend the distribution of dividends to the holders thereof and shall not give
any further notices (other than notice of such termination) or perform any
further acts under this Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall
continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Stock, shall
sell rights, preferences or privileges as provided in this Deposit Agreement and
shall continue to deliver the Stock and any money and other property represented
by Receipts upon surrender thereof by the holders thereof. At any time after the
expiration of two years from the date of termination, the Depositary may sell
Stock then held hereunder at public or private sale, at such places and upon
such terms as it deems proper and may thereafter hold the net proceeds of any
such sale, together with any money and other property held by it hereunder,
without liability for interest, for the benefit, pro rata in accordance with
their holdings, of the holders of Receipts that have not theretofore been
surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all
obligations under this Deposit Agreement except to account for such net proceeds
and money and other property.

          Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be
discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its
obligations to the Depositary, any Depositary's Agents and any Registrar under
Sections 5.06 and 5.07.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

          SECTION 7.01. Counterparts. This Deposit Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, and by each of the parties hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall
be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.

          SECTION 7.02. Exclusive Benefit of Parties. This Deposit Agreement is
for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors
hereunder, and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy
or claim to any other person whatsoever.

          SECTION 7.03. Invalidity of Provisions. In case any one or more of the
provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or
become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality
and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall
in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.

          SECTION 7.04. Notices. Any and all notices to be given to the Company
hereunder or under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly


<PAGE>


                                       20

given if personally delivered or sent by mail or telegram or telex confirmed by
letter, addressed to the Company at Park 80 West, Plaza II, Saddle Brook, New
Jersey 07662, to the attention of the Treasurer, or at any other address of
which the Company shall have notified the Depositary in writing.

          Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary hereunder or under
the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
personally delivered or sent by mail or by telegram or telex confirmed by
letter, addressed to the Depositary at the Depositary's Office or at any other
address of which the Depositary shall have notified the Company in writing.

          Any and all notices to be given to any Record Holder of a Depositary
Share hereunder or under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or by telegram or
telex confirmed by letter, addressed to such Record Holder at the address of
such Record Holder as it appears on the books of the Depositary, or if such
holder shall have filed with the Depositary a written request that notices
intended for such holder be mailed to some other address, at the address
designated in such request.

          Delivery of a notice sent by mail or by telegram or telex shall be
deemed to be effected at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the
same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a telegram or telex message) is
deposited, postage prepaid, in a post office letter box. The Depositary or the
Company may, however, act upon any telegram or telex message received by it from
the other or from any holder of a Depositary Share, notwithstanding that such
telegram or telex message shall not subsequently be confirmed by letter or as
aforesaid.

          SECTION 7.05. Depositary's Agents. The Depositary may from time to
time, with the prior approval of the Company, appoint Depositary's Agents to act
in any respect for the Depositary for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement and
may at any time appoint additional Depositary's Agents and vary or terminate the
appointment of such Depositary's Agents. The Depositary will notify the Company
of any such action.

          SECTION 7.06. Holders of Receipts Are Parties. The holders of
Depositary Shares from time to time shall be parties to this Deposit Agreement
and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof and of the Receipts
evidencing such Depositary Shares by acceptance of delivery thereof.

          SECTION 7.07. Governing Law. THIS DEPOSIT AGREEMENT AND THE RECEIPTS
AND ALL RIGHTS HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER AND PROVISIONS HEREOF AND THEREOF SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK.

<PAGE>


                                       21


          SECTION 7.08. Inspection of Deposit Agreement. Copies of this Deposit
Agreement shall be filed with the Depositary and the Depositary's Agents and
shall be open to inspection during business hours at the Depositary's Office and
the respective offices of the Depositary's Agents, if any, by any holder of a
Depository Share.

          SECTION 7.09. Headings. The headings of articles and sections in this
Deposit Agreement and in the form of Receipt set forth in Exhibit A hereto have
been inserted for convenience only and are not to be regarded as part of this
Deposit Agreement or the Receipts or to have any bearing upon the meaning or
interpretation of any provision contained herein or in the Receipts.



<PAGE>


                                       22

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Depositary have duly executed
this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first above set forth, and all
holders of Depositary Shares shall become parties hereto by and upon acceptance
by them of delivery of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares and issued in
accordance with the terms hereof.

                                   ALEXANDER'S, INC.


                                   By:__________________________________________
                                                   [Name and Title]


                                   [___________________________________________]


                                   By:__________________________________________
                                                  [Authorized Officer]



<PAGE>



                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                           FORM OF DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
                              FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES

                        [GENERAL FORM OF FACE OF RECEIPT]


NUMBER                                         CERTIFICATE FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES

            DEPOSITARY RECEIPT FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES, EACH DEPOSITARY
            SHARE REPRESENTING ____________________ PREFERRED SHARES


                     This Depositary Receipt is transferable
                         in the City of _______________


                                ALEXANDER'S, INC.


                    Organized as a corporation under the laws
                            of the State of Delaware





          _________________________, as Depositary (the "Depositary"), hereby
certifies that _________________________ is the registered owner of
__________________ Depositary Shares ("Depositary Shares"), each Depositary
Share representing _____________ of one share of either
(i)______________________ Preferred Shares, Series __, $1.00 par value per share
(the "Stock"), or (ii) Excess Shares, if the relevant share of Stock has,
pursuant to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, been
automatically exchanged for an Excess Share, of Alexander's, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), on deposit with the Depositary and, if such
Depositary Share represents an interest in a share of Stock, the same
proportionate interest in any and all other property received by the Depositary
in respect of such share of Stock held by the Depositary, subject to the terms
and entitled to the benefits of the Deposit Agreement dated as of
___________________, 199__ (the "Deposit Agreement"), between the Company, the
Depositary and all holders from time to time of Depositary Receipts. By
accepting this Depositary Receipt the holder hereof becomes a party to and
agrees to be bound by all the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement.
This Depositary Receipt shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose or
entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement unless


<PAGE>


                                       A-2

it shall have been executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer or, if executed in facsimile by the Depositary, countersigned
by a Registrar in respect of the Depositary Receipts by the manual signature of
a duly authorized officer thereof. "Excess Shares" means shares of Excess Stock,
$1.00 par value per share, of the Company which, upon a transfer of an interest
in the trust described in Section [5(e)(I) of Article IV] of the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, would automatically be
converted into shares of Stock.


Dated:                                Depositary


                                       By:______________________________________
                                          Authorized Officer

                                       Registrar


                                       By:______________________________________
                                          Authorized Officer



<PAGE>


                                       A-3

                      [GENERAL FORM OF REVERSE OF RECEIPT]

                                ALEXANDER'S, INC.


          ALEXANDER'S, INC. WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH RECEIPT HOLDER
WHO SO REQUESTS A COPY OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT AND A STATEMENT OR SUMMARY OF
THE POWERS, DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE, PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL OR
OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS OF EACH CLASS OF STOCK OR SERIES THEREOF WHICH ALEXANDER'S,
INC. IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE AND THE QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS
OF SUCH PREFERENCES AND/OR RIGHTS. ANY SUCH REQUEST IS TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE
SECRETARY OF ALEXANDER'S, INC. AT PARK 80 WEST, PLAZA II, SADDLE BROOK, NEW
JERSEY 07662.

          The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN CO  - as tenants in common
TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN  - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
          common 
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - _______________ Custodian _______________
                         (Cust)                   (Minor)
              under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act ______________
                                                        (State)

     Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For value received, _____________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
________________________________________________________________________________
(Please insert social security or other identifying number of Assignee)


________________________________________________________________________________
(Please print or typewrite Name and address including postal Zip Code 
of Assignee)


_____________ Depositary Shares represented by the within Receipt and all rights
thereunder, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ___________________


<PAGE>

                                       A-4

Attorney to transfer said Depositary Shares on the books of the within named
Depositary with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:  ____________________

Signature:  _________________
            Name:
            Title:


                                     ___________________________________________
                                     NOTICE: The signature to this
                                     assignment must correspond with the name 
                                     as written upon the face of this instrument
                                     in every particular, without alternation or
                                     enlargement or any change whatever.



                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                        [Shearman & Sterling Letterhead]





                                                               December 29, 1995



Alexander's, Inc.
c/o Vornado Realty Trust, Manager
Park 80 West, Plaza II
Saddle Brook, New Jersey  07663

Dear Sirs:

          We are acting as counsel for Alexander's, Inc. (the "Company") in
connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended (Registration
Statement No. 33-62779) (the "Registration Statement"), being filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, (the "Securities Act") relating to the offering from time
to time, as set forth in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement
(the "Prospectus") and as to be set forth in one or more supplements to the
Prospectus (each such supplement, a "Prospectus Supplement"), of the Company's
(i) debt securities (the "Debt Securities"), (ii) warrants to purchase Debt
Securities (the "Debt Warrants"), (iii) shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par
value per share (the "Preferred Shares"), (iv) Preferred Shares represented by
depositary shares (the "Depositary Shares") and (v) shares of common stock,
$1.00 par value per share (the "Common Shares"), with an aggregate issue price
of up to $250,000,000. The Warrants, the Debt Securities, the Preferred Shares,
the Depositary Shares and the Common Shares are collectively referred to as the
"Securities". Any series of Debt Securities (as defined below) or Preferred
Shares may be convertible into Common Shares.


          The Debt Securities are to be issued from time to time in one or more
series as (i) senior debt securities (the "Senior Debt Securities") of the
Company under an indenture between the Company and State Street Bank & Trust
Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Senior Trustee"), in substantially the form
included in the Registration Statement as Exhibit 4.2 (the "Senior Indenture")
or (ii) subordinated debt securities (the "Subordinated Debt Securities") of the
Company under an indenture between the Company and State Street Bank & Trust
Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Subordinated Trustee"), in substantially the
form included in the Registration Statement as Exhibit 4.4 (the "Subordinated
Indenture"). The Debt Warrants will be issued under one or more debt warrant
agreements (each, a "Warrant Agreement") between the Company and a financial
institution identified therein as warrant

<PAGE>


                                        2

agent (each, a "Warrant Agent"). The Depositary Shares will be issued under one
or more deposit agreements (each, a "Deposit Agreement"), each to be between the
Company and a financial institution identified therein as the depositary (the
"Depositary"), in substantially the form included in the Registration Statement
as Exhibit 4.6.

          We are familiar with the corporate proceedings of the Company to date
with respect to the proposed issuance and sale of the Securities, including
resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Resolutions")
authorizing the Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture and the
issuance, offering and sale of the Securities and we have examined such
corporate records of the Company and such other documents and certificates as we
have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.

          In connection with the foregoing, we have examined originals, or
copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents
and corporate and public records as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the
opinion hereinafter expressed. In our examination, we have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents presented to us
as originals, the conformity to the originals of all documents presented to us
as copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such documents. In rendering
our opinion, we have relied as to factual matters upon certificates of public
officials and certificates and representations of officers of the Company.

          Based on the foregoing, and having regard for such legal
considerations as we have deemed relevant, we are of the opinion that:

          1. The Senior Indenture has been duly authorized and, when executed
and delivered by the Company pursuant to the authority granted in the
Resolutions, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by
the Senior Trustee, will constitute a valid and legally binding instrument of
the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

          2. The Senior Debt Securities have been duly authorized and, when the
final terms thereof have been duly established and approved and when duly
executed by the Company, in each case pursuant to the authority granted in the
Resolutions, and authenticated by the Senior Trustee in accordance with the
Senior Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the purchasers thereof, will
constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company entitled to the
benefits of the Senior Indenture.

          3. The Subordinated Indenture has been duly authorized and, when
executed and delivered by the Company pursuant to the authority granted in the
Resolutions, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by
the Subordinated Trustee, will constitute a valid and legally binding instrument
of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

<PAGE>


                                        3


          4. The Subordinated Debt Securities have been duly authorized and,
when the final terms thereof have been duly established and approved and when
duly executed by the Company, in each case pursuant to the authority granted in
the Resolutions, and authenticated by the Subordinated Trustee in accordance
with the Subordinated Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the purchasers
thereof, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company
entitled to the benefits of the Subordinated Indenture.

          5. The Warrant Agreements have been duly authorized and, when the
final terms thereof have been duly established and approved and when duly
executed and delivered by the Company, in each case pursuant to the authority
granted in the Resolutions, and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery thereof by the applicable Warrant Agent, will constitute valid and
legally binding instruments of the Company enforceable against the Company in
accordance with their respective terms.

          6. The Debt Warrants have been duly authorized and, when the final
terms thereof have been duly established and approved and when duly executed by
the Company, in each case pursuant to the authority granted in the Resolutions,
and countersigned by the applicable Warrant Agent in accordance with the
applicable Warrant Agreement and delivered to and paid for by the purchasers
thereof, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company
enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms.

          7. The Preferred Shares have been duly authorized and, when the final
terms thereof have been duly established and approved and certificates
representing such shares have been duly executed by the Company, in each case
pursuant to the authority granted in the Resolutions, and delivered to and paid
for by the purchasers thereof, and when all corporate action necessary for
issuance of such shares has been taken, including the adoption of a Certificate
of Designation, such shares will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

          8. The Deposit Agreements have been duly authorized and, when the
final terms thereof have been duly established and approved and when duly
executed and delivered by the Company, in each case pursuant to the authority
granted in the Resolutions, and assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery thereof by the applicable Depositary, will constitute valid and legally
binding instruments of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance
with their respective terms.

          9. The Depositary Shares have been duly authorized and, when the final
terms thereof have been duly established and approved, in each case pursuant to
the authority granted in the Resolutions, and when the depositary receipts
representing the Depositary Shares (the "Depositary Receipts") have been duly
executed by the Depositary and delivered to and paid for by the purchasers
thereof, and when all corporate action necessary for

<PAGE>


                                        4

issuance of Depositary Shares and the underlying Preferred Shares has been
taken, such Depositary Shares will be validly issued and will entitle the
holders thereof to the rights specified in the Depositary Receipts and the
Deposit Agreement.

          10. The Common Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and
delivered pursuant to the authority granted in the Resolutions and against
payment therefor, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

          11. The Common Shares issuable upon conversion of any issue of
convertible Debt Securities or Preferred Shares have been duly authorized and,
when issued and delivered upon conversion of such Debt Securities or Preferred
Shares, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

          The opinions set forth above are subject, as to enforcement, to (i)
bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, all laws relating to
fraudulent transfers), reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating
to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, (ii) general
equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) provisions of law that require that a
judgment for money damages rendered by a court in the United States be expressed
only in United States dollars.

          We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the heading "Validity of
the Securities" in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not thereby
admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the Securities Act.


                                                    Very truly yours,

                                                    /s/  SHEARMAN & STERLING



                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.1

                        [Shearman & Sterling Letterhead]



                                                               December 29, 1995



Alexander's, Inc.
c/o Vornado Realty Trust, Manager
Park 80 West, Plaza II
Saddle Brook, New Jersey  07663

Dear Sirs:

          We are acting as counsel for Alexander's, Inc. (the "Company") in
connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended (Registration
Statement No. 33-62779) (the "Registration Statement"), being filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), relating to the offering from time to time, as set forth
in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement (the "Prospectus") and
as to be set forth in one or more supplements to the Prospectus, of the
Company's (i) debt securities (the "Debt Securities"), (ii) warrants to purchase
Debt Securities, (iii) shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share (the
"Preferred Shares"), (iv) Preferred Shares represented by depositary shares and
(v) shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, with an aggregate issue
price of up to $250,000,000. We hereby confirm to you our opinion set forth
under the heading "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the Prospectus.
We are not hereby expressing any opinion concerning the factual basis for the
Company's qualification for any taxable year as a real estate investment trust
(a "REIT") under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended. In rendering this opinion we have relied, as to the Company's
qualification as a REIT, upon the statements of the Company set forth in the
Prospectus under the heading "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations".

          We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and the use of our name under the heading "Certain
Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we
do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is
required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.


                                        Very truly yours,




                                        /s/ SHEARMAN & STERLING


<TABLE>

                                                                                                                        EXHIBIT 12.1
                                               RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                              (amounts in thousands except ratios)


                                     Nine Months                                 Five Months
                                        Ended                 Year Ended            Ended                    YEAR ENDED
                              ---------------------  ------------------------  -----------  ---------------------------------------

                              Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,  December 31, December 31, December 31, JULY 31,   JULY 25,   JULY 27,  JULY 28,
                                 1995       1994        1994         1993         1993       1993       1992       1991      1990
                              ---------   --------   -----------  -----------  -----------  --------   --------   -------   -------
                                                                  (unaudited)

<S>                            <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>  
(Loss)/income from
   continuing operations
   before reversal of
   deferred taxes               (8,036)     1,493       4,033       9,644          946      27,151(2)  (14,630)     (300)    1,503
                                                                                         
Fixed charges (1)               10,519      1,832       4,228       2,621          633       1,300       1,131     1,092     1,115
                               -------    -------     -------     -------      -------     -------     -------   -------   -------
                                                                                         
(Loss)/income from                                                                       
   continuing operations         
   before income taxes and
   fixed charges                 2,483      3,325       8,261      12,265        1,579      28,451     (13,499)      792     2,618
                               =======    =======     =======     =======      =======     =======     =======   =======   =======
                                                                                         
Fixed charges (per                                                                       
   Schedule 1):                                                                          
                                                                                         
   Interest and debt                                                                     
   expense                      10,395      1,708       4,063       2,456          468       1,135         966       927       950
   1/3 of Rent expense -                                                                 
   interest factor                 124        124         165         165          165         165         165       165       165
                               -------    -------     -------     -------      -------     -------     -------   -------   -------
                                10,519      1,832       4,228       2,621          633       1,300       1,131     1,092     1,115
        Capitalized interest     4,569      1,329       1,718           0            0           0           0         0         0
                               -------    -------     -------     -------      -------     -------     -------   -------   -------
                                                                                         
                                15,088      3,161       5,946       2,621          633       1,300       1,131     1,092     1,115
                               =======    =======     =======     =======      =======     =======     =======   =======   =======
                                                                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed                                                               
   charges                        --         --          1.39        4.68         2.49       21.89(2)     --        --        2.35
                                                                                         
Deficiency in earnings                                                                   
   available to cover fixed                                                              
   charges                     (12,605)       164        --          --           --          --       (14,630)     (300)     --
                                                                                           

NOTES:
   (1)  For purposes of this calculation, earnings before fixed charges consist
        of earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges. 
        Fixed charges consist of interest expense on all indebtedness (including
        amortization of debt issuance costs) from continuing operations and the
        portion of operating lease rental expense that is representative of the
        interest factor (deemed to be one-third of operating lease rentals).
        Fixed charges does not include any interest paid to unsecured creditors 
        or charged against the reserve from discontinued operations.
        Fixed charges also does not include any interest expensed or capitalized
        during the period the Company was in the retail business (prior to
        5/15/92) except for its share of the Kings Plaza Mall interest expense.

   (2)  Includes a gain on sale of leases of $28,779 without which the Company
        would have a deficiency in earnings to cover fixed charges of $1,628.
</TABLE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement of Alexander's, Inc. on Form S-3 of (i) our report dated
March 29, 1995 (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory
paragraphs relating to the need for additional borrowings and to a change in the
method of accounting for postretirement healthcare benefits) related to
Alexander's, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1994 and (ii) our report dated
September 15, 1995 related to the Kings Plaza Shopping Center and Marina for the
year ended June 30, 1995, both appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of
Alexander's, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1994, and to the reference to
us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement.


/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New York, New York
December 28, 1995



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549



                                    ---------

                       STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE
                        TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                  of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) __


                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

              Massachusetts                                    04-1867445
    (Jurisdiction of incorporation or                       (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national bank)                 Identification No.)


                225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

       John R. Towers, Esq. Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary
                225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
                                  (617)654-3253
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

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


                                ALEXANDER'S, INC.
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                          51-01-00517
(State or other jurisdiction of                             (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)



                             Park 80 West, Plaza II
                         Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


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

                          Subordinated Debt Securities
                         (Title of indenture securities)

<PAGE>





                                     GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervisory authority to 
         which it is subject.

                  Department of Banking and Insurance of The Commonwealth of
                  Massachusetts, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

                  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
                  D.C., Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

Item 2.  Affiliations with Obligor.

         If the Obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

                  The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee or of its
                  parent, State Street Boston Corporation.

                  (See note on page 6.)

Item 3. through Item 15.   Not applicable.

Item 16. List of Exhibits.

         List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of eligibility.

         1. A copy of the articles of association of the trustee as now in
         effect.

                  A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee, as now
                  in effect, is on file with the Securities and Exchange
                  Commission as Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of
                  Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with
                  the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No.
                  22-17940) and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

         2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence
         business, if not contained in the articles of association.

                  A copy of a Statement from the Commissioner of Banks of
                  Massachusetts that no certificate of authority for the trustee
                  to commence business was necessary or issued is on file with
                  the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 2 to
                  Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of Eligibility and
                  Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with the
                  Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No. 22-17940)
                  and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

         3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
         trust powers, if such authorization is not contained in the documents
         specified in paragraph (1) or (2), above.

                  A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise
                  corporate trust powers is on file with the Securities and
                  Exchange Commission as Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the
                  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form
                  T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc.
                  (File No. 22-17940) and is incorporated herein by reference
                  thereto.

         4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee, or instruments
         corresponding thereto.

                  A copy of the by-laws of the trustee, as now in effect, is on
                  file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 4
                  to the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee
                  (Form T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Eastern
                  Edison Company (File No. 33-37823) and is incorporated herein
                  by reference thereto.


                                        1


<PAGE>






         5. A copy of each indenture referred to in Item 4. if the obligor is in
         default.

                  Not applicable.

         6. The consents of United States institutional trustees required by
         Section 321(b) of the Act.

                  The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                  Act is annexed hereto as Exhibit 6 and made a part hereof.

         7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published
         pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining
         authority.

                  A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
                  published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                  supervising or examining authority is annexed hereto as
                  Exhibit 7 and made a part hereof.


                                      NOTES

         In answering any item of this Statement of Eligibility and
Qualification which relates to matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the
obligor or any underwriter for the obligor, the trustee has relied upon
information furnished to it by the obligor and the underwriters, and the trustee
disclaims responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.

         The answer furnished to Item 2. of this statement will be amended, if
necessary, to reflect any facts which differ from those stated and which would
have been required to be stated if known at the date hereof.



                                    SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has
duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Boston
and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 4th day of December, 1995.

                                     STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                     By:  /s/ Michael J. D'Angelico
                                          ---------------------------------- 
                                              Michael J. D'Angelico
                                              Vice President




















                                        2



<PAGE>







                                    EXHIBIT 6


                             CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, in connection with the proposed issuance by
Alexander's, Inc. of its Subordinated Debt Securities, we hereby consent that
reports of examination by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities
may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission
upon request therefor.

                                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                     By:  /s/ Michael J. D'Angelico
                                          ---------------------------------- 
                                              Michael J. D'Angelico
                                              Vice President

Dated:  December 28,  1995



































                                        3

<PAGE>






                                    EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of State Street Bank and Trust Company of
Boston, Massachusetts and foreign and domestic subsidiaries, a state banking
institution organized and operating under the banking laws of this commonwealth
and a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business December
31, 1994, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank
of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and in
accordance with a call made by the Commissioner of Banks under General Laws,
Chapter 172, Section 22(a).


                                                                    Thousands of
ASSETS                                                              Dollars

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
         Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin .......      942,661
         Interest-bearing balances ................................    4,843,628
Securities ........................................................    8,410,339
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
         under agreements to resell in domestic offices
         of the bank and its Edge subsidiary ......................    2,240,374
Loans and lease financing receivables:
         Loans and leases, net of unearned income ....  3,257,795
         Allowance for loan and lease losses .........     58,184
         Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowances ..    3,199,611
Assets held in trading accounts ...................................      825,549
Premises and fixed assets .........................................      375,086
Other real estate owned ...........................................        4,359
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries ........................       25,051
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ......       55,358
Intangible assets .................................................       34,862
Other assets ......................................................      653,750
                                                                      ----------

Total assets ......................................................   21,610,628
                                                                      ==========

LIABILITIES

Deposits:
         In domestic offices ......................................    5,946,262
                  Noninterest-bearing ................  4,175,167
                  Interest-bearing ...................  1,771,095
         In foreign offices and Edge subsidiary ...................    8,147,182
                  Noninterest-bearing ................     44,817
                  Interest-bearing ...................  8,102,365
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
         agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of
         the bank and of its Edge subsidiary ......................    4,912,704
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury and Trading Liabilities ..      423,324
Other borrowed money ..............................................      386,049
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ..........       55,621
Other liabilities .................................................      530,536
                                                                      ----------

Total liabilities .................................................   20,401,678
                                                                      ----------

EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock ......................................................       28,043
Surplus ...........................................................      177,736
Undivided profits .................................................    1,003,171
                                                                      ----------

Total equity capital ..............................................    1,208,950
                                                                      ----------

Total liabilities and equity capital ..............................   21,610,628
                                                                      ==========


                                        4

<PAGE>





I, Rex S. Schuette, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above named
bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                 Rex S. Schuette


We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.

                                 David A. Spina
                                 Marshall N. Carter
                                 Charles F. Kaye















































                                        5

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549



                                    ---------

                       STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE
                        TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                  of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) __


                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

              Massachusetts                                  04-1867445
    (Jurisdiction of incorporation or                     (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national bank)               Identification No.)


                225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

       John R. Towers, Esq. Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary
                225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
                                  (617)654-3253
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

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


                                ALEXANDER'S, INC.
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

             Delaware                                     51-01-00517
 (State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)



                             Park 80 West, Plaza II
                         Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


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

                             Senior Debt Securities
                         (Title of indenture securities)


<PAGE>





                                     GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervisory authority 
         to which it is subject.

                  Department of Banking and Insurance of The Commonwealth of
                  Massachusetts, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

                  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
                  D.C., Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

Item 2.  Affiliations with Obligor.

         If the Obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

                  The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee or of its
                  parent, State Street Boston Corporation.

                  (See note on page 6.)

Item 3. through Item 15.   Not applicable.

Item 16. List of Exhibits.

         List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of eligibility.

         1. A copy of the articles of association of the trustee as now in
         effect.

                  A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee, as now
                  in effect, is on file with the Securities and Exchange
                  Commission as Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of
                  Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with
                  the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No.
                  22-17940) and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

         2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence
         business, if not contained in the articles of association.

                  A copy of a Statement from the Commissioner of Banks of
                  Massachusetts that no certificate of authority for the trustee
                  to commence business was necessary or issued is on file with
                  the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 2 to
                  Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of Eligibility and
                  Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with the
                  Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No. 22-17940)
                  and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

         3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
         trust powers, if such authorization is not contained in the 
         documents specified in paragraph (1) or (2), above.

                  A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise
                  corporate trust powers is on file with the Securities and
                  Exchange Commission as Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the
                  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form
                  T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc.
                  (File No. 22-17940) and is incorporated herein by reference
                  thereto.

         4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee, or instruments
         corresponding thereto.

                  A copy of the by-laws of the trustee, as now in effect, is on
                  file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 4
                  to the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee
                  (Form T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Eastern
                  Edison Company (File No. 33-37823) and is incorporated herein
                  by reference thereto.


                                        1


<PAGE>






         5. A copy of each indenture referred to in Item 4. if the obligor is in
         default.

                  Not applicable.

         6. The consents of United States institutional trustees required by
         Section 321(b) of the Act.

                  The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                  Act is annexed hereto as Exhibit 6 and made a part hereof.

         7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published
         pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining
         authority.

                  A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
                  published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                  supervising or examining authority is annexed hereto as
                  Exhibit 7 and made a part hereof.


                                      NOTES

         In answering any item of this Statement of Eligibility and
Qualification which relates to matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the
obligor or any underwriter for the obligor, the trustee has relied upon
information furnished to it by the obligor and the underwriters, and the trustee
disclaims responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.

         The answer furnished to Item 2. of this statement will be amended, if
necessary, to reflect any facts which differ from those stated and which would
have been required to be stated if known at the date hereof.



                                    SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has
duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Boston
and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 4th day of December, 1995.

                                        STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                     By:  /s/ Michael J. D'Angelico
                                          ---------------------------------- 
                                              Michael J. D'Angelico
                                              Vice President









                                        2



<PAGE>







                                    EXHIBIT 6


                             CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, in connection with the proposed issuance by
Alexander's, Inc. of its Senior Debt Securities, we hereby consent that reports
of examination by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request therefor.

                                     STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                     By:  /s/ Michael J. D'Angelico
                                          ---------------------------------- 
                                              Michael J. D'Angelico
                                              Vice President

Dated:  December 28,  1995

















                                       3



<PAGE>







                                    EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of State Street Bank and Trust Company of
Boston, Massachusetts and foreign and domestic subsidiaries, a state banking
institution organized and operating under the banking laws of this commonwealth
and a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business December
31, 1994, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank
of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and in
accordance with a call made by the Commissioner of Banks under General Laws,
Chapter 172, Section 22(a).


                                                                    Thousands of
ASSETS                                                              Dollars

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
         Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin .......      942,661
         Interest-bearing balances ................................    4,843,628
Securities ........................................................    8,410,339
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
         under agreements to resell in domestic offices
         of the bank and its Edge subsidiary ......................    2,240,374
Loans and lease financing receivables:
         Loans and leases, net of unearned income ...  3,257,795
         Allowance for loan and lease losses ........     58,184
         Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowances ..    3,199,611
Assets held in trading accounts ...................................      825,549
Premises and fixed assets .........................................      375,086
Other real estate owned ...........................................        4,359
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries ........................       25,051
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ......       55,358
Intangible assets .................................................       34,862
Other assets ......................................................      653,750
                                                                      ----------

Total assets ......................................................   21,610,628
                                                                      ==========

LIABILITIES

Deposits:
         In domestic offices ......................................    5,946,262
                  Noninterest-bearing ...............   4,175,167
                  Interest-bearing ..................   1,771,095
         In foreign offices and Edge subsidiary ...................    8,147,182
                  Noninterest-bearing ...............      44,817
                  Interest-bearing ..................   8,102,365
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
         agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of
         the bank and of its Edge subsidiary ......................    4,912,704
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury and Trading Liabilities ..      423,324
Other borrowed money ..............................................      386,049
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ..........       55,621
Other liabilities .................................................      530,536
                                                                      ----------

Total liabilities .................................................   20,401,678
                                                                      ----------

EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock ......................................................       28,043
Surplus ...........................................................      177,736
Undivided profits .................................................    1,003,171
                                                                      ----------

Total equity capital ..............................................    1,208,950
                                                                      ----------

Total liabilities and equity capital ..............................   21,610,628
                                                                      ==========

                                       4
<PAGE>





I, Rex S. Schuette, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above named
bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                 Rex S. Schuette


We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.

                                 David A. Spina
                                 Marshall N. Carter
                                 Charles F. Kaye

















                                       5


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