HEALTH CARE REIT INC /DE/
424B3, 1999-03-17
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>   1

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED JANUARY 7, 1998)

                                                Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
                                                      Registration No. 333-43177


                                   $50,000,000

                             HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.

                              8.17% NOTES DUE 2006



         Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually on March 15 and
September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 1999. The Notes are
redeemable at any time. The redemption price will equal the outstanding
principal of the Senior Notes being redeemed, accrued interest and the
Make-Whole Amount that is discussed beginning on page S-19. There is no sinking
fund.

         The Notes are unsecured obligations of Health Care REIT, Inc. and will
rank equally with all other unsecured and senior indebtedness. The Notes will
not be listed on any national securities exchange or on the Nasdaq system.

         The offering is being underwritten on a firm commitment basis by Legg
Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated. The Notes will be ready for delivery in
book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company on or about March 18, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Per Note            Total
                                                                       --------            -----
<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>
         Public Offering Price.........................................  100.0%          $50,000,000
         Underwriting Discounts and Commissions........................    0.5%          $   250,000
         Proceeds to Health Care REIT, Inc.............................   99.5%          $49,750,000
</TABLE>



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


                  NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE
         SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR
         DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY
         REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

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


                             LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER
                                  INCORPORATED


            THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS MARCH 15, 1999



<PAGE>   2





                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


                   PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED MARCH 15, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
Properties......................................................................................................S-3
Prospectus Supplement Summary...................................................................................S-4
The Company.....................................................................................................S-6
Use of Proceeds.................................................................................................S-8
Recent Developments.............................................................................................S-8
Price Range of Shares and Distribution History..................................................................S-8
Capitalization..................................................................................................S-9
Selected Financial Information.................................................................................S-10
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations.......................................................................S-11
Management.....................................................................................................S-15
Description of the Notes.......................................................................................S-16
Description of Other Indebtedness..............................................................................S-22
Taxation.......................................................................................................S-23
Underwriting...................................................................................................S-24
Legal Matters..................................................................................................S-25
Experts........................................................................................................S-25
</TABLE>

                        PROSPECTUS DATED JANUARY 7, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
Available Information...........................................................................................  2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.................................................................  2
The Company.....................................................................................................  3
Use of Proceeds...................................................................................................3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges..............................................................................  3
Description of Debt Securities..................................................................................  3
Description of Warrants......................................................................................... 11
Description of Common Stock and Preferred Stock................................................................. 11
Plan of Distribution............................................................................................ 15
Legal Opinions.................................................................................................. 16
Experts......................................................................................................... 17
</TABLE>



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

         No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus Supplement and in
the Prospectus. This Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus are not an offer
to sell these securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is
unlawful to offer them. The delivery of this Prospectus Supplement and the
Prospectus at any time does not imply that the information in the Prospectus
Supplement and the Prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.


                                      S-2
<PAGE>   3



                                   PROPERTIES

    The following table sets forth certain information regarding the facilities
that comprise the Company's investments as of December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    (In thousands)
                                                              ------------------------- 
                                     Number        Number                               
                                       of          of Beds/      Total         Annualized
    Facility Location              Facilities       Units     Investment(1)     Income(2)
    -----------------              ----------      --------   -------------    ----------
<S>                                <C>             <C>        <C>              <C>
SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES:
   Arizona                               1            103     $    4,095       $    413
   California                            2            222          7,755            911
   Colorado                              1            180          6,313            638
   Connecticut                           1            150          9,076            850
   Florida                               6            720         41,143          4,604
   Idaho                                 3            404         22,331          2,253
   Illinois                              1            120          7,745            902
   Kentucky                              1             92          4,366            536
   Massachusetts                        14          1,920         82,763          9,125
   Michigan                              1            111          2,733            342
   Missouri                              1            100          6,983            771
   New York                              1            200          7,834            888
   Ohio                                  7            762         27,827          3,251
   Oklahoma                              2            200         18,324          1,770
   Oregon                                1            121          5,524            558
   Pennsylvania                          3            415         18,996          2,433
   Texas                                 7          1,120         19,436          2,385
   West Virginia                         1             65          1,170            224
                                       ---         ------     ----------       --------
    Total                               54          7,005     $  294,414       $ 32,854
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES:
   Alabama                               2            160     $    2,865       $    291
   Arizona                               2             88          5,236            578
   California                            2             87          6,053            614
   Colorado                              1             50          2,454            249
   Connecticut                           2            161         13,553          1,557
   Florida                              19          1,157         68,830          7,550
   Georgia                               4            361         28,248          2,786
   Idaho                                 1             48          2,602            297
   Indiana                               1             60          7,007            738
   Louisiana                             2            209          6,750            741
   Maryland                              7            261         17,618          1,881
   Massachusetts                         1            131         11,148          1,210
   Montana                               2            104          5,362            608
   Nevada                                1            115          9,570          1,052
   New Jersey                            1            314         16,796          1,912
   New Mexico                            2            159          7,886            892
   New York                              6            823         62,510          6,352
   North Carolina                       14            754         56,103          5,856
   Ohio                                 10            822         40,253          4,586
   Oklahoma                             16            540         22,989          2,755
   Oregon                                1             24          2,087            248
   Pennsylvania                          8            744         40,919          4,864
   South Carolina                        2            105          3,229            363
   Tennessee                             3            162          4,607            497
   Texas                                36          2,310        134,861         14,937
   Virginia                              1             75          4,752            516
                                       ---         ------     ----------       --------
    Total                              147          9,824     $  584,288       $ 63,930
RETIREMENT CENTERS:
   Arizona                               1            164     $    2,369       $    307
   California                            1             92          2,369            307
   Illinois                              2            320         11,114            179
   Indiana                               6            291         14,932          1,738
   Nevada                                1            126          7,153            824
   North Carolina                        2            159         14,640          1,472
   Texas                                 2            214          8,299            902
                                       ---         ------     ----------       --------
    Total                               15          1,366     $   60,876       $  5,729
SPECIALTY CARE FACILITIES:
   Arkansas                              1            117     $   29,000       $  3,410
   California                            2            416         31,894          3,905
   Minnesota                             1              0            394             49
   Texas                                 1             70         13,633          1,449
   Washington D.C                        1            110         17,073          2,131
                                                   ------     ----------       --------
    Total                                6            713     $   91,994       $ 10,994
BEHAVIORAL CARE FACILITIES:
   Florida                               2            294     $   10,486       $  1,101
                                       ---         ------     ----------       --------
    TOTAL ALL FACILITIES:              224         19,202     $1,042,058       $114,558
                                       ===         ======     ==========       ========
</TABLE>


- ----------

(1)      Investments include real estate investments and credit enhancements
         which amounted to $1,032,693,000 and $9,365,000, respectively. 

(2)      Reflects contract rate of annual base rent or interest received or to
         be received upon completion of construction.



                                      S-3
<PAGE>   4




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

                          PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

         This summary highlights some information from this Prospectus
Supplement. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you.
To understand this offering fully, you should read the entire Prospectus
Supplement and the Prospectus carefully.



                             HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.

         Health Care REIT, Inc. is a self-administered real estate investment
trust that invests in health care facilities, primarily nursing homes, assisted
living facilities and retirement centers. We also invest in specialty care
facilities. Founded in 1970, we were the first real estate investment trust to
invest exclusively in health care facilities.

         As of December 31, 1998, our investment portfolio included 147 assisted
living facilities, 54 nursing homes, 15 retirement centers, six specialty care
facilities and two behavioral care facilities, comprising $1,042,058,000 in real
estate investments.

         Our principal executive offices are located at One SeaGate, Suite 1500,
Toledo, Ohio 43604, (419) 247-2800.

                                  OUR STRATEGY

         We seek to increase funds from operations and enhance shareholder value
through relationship investing with public and emerging health care chains. The
following are the primary components of our strategy:

         o Relationship Investing. We establish relationships with emerging
health care companies and seek to provide financing throughout their growth
cycles. We target companies with experienced management teams, substantial
insider ownership interests, venture capital backing and significant growth
potential.

         o Portfolio Management. We derive portfolio strength from diversity by
type of health care facility, number of operators, and geographic location. We
emphasize long-term investment structures that result in a predictable asset
base with attendant recurring income and funds from operations. Generally, our
operating leases extend for 10 to 13 years and our mortgage loans provide five
to seven years of prepayment protection. At December 31, 1998, the average life
of our portfolio was 9.8 years, with 88% of our revenue derived from investments
that mature after the year 2003.

         o Depth of Management. Our management team is comprised of eight
individuals who have an aggregate of over 90 years of experience in health care
real estate finance. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, George L.
Chapman, and our management team have successfully implemented our investment
strategy, resulting in gross investments of more than $1,134,000,000 during the
past five years.

                                  THE OFFERING

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                 <C>
SECURITIES OFFERED..................$50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes (the "Notes").

MATURITY............................March 15, 2006.

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES..............Semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 commencing September 15, 1999.

RANKING.............................The Notes will be senior and unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank
                                    equally with all other unsecured and senior indebtedness of the Company. See
                                    "Description of Other Indebtedness."

RATINGS  ...........................The Notes have been rated "Ba1"  by Moody's, "BBB-" by Standard & Poor's and
                                    "BBB-" by Duff & Phelps.

USE OF PROCEEDS.....................The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes will be used to invest in additional
                                    health care property investments.  Pending such use, the proceeds will be used
                                    primarily to repay borrowings under the Company's revolving lines of credit
                                    arrangements, which had an outstanding balance of $111,450,000 at March 12, 1999.
</TABLE>

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



                                      S-4
<PAGE>   5

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                 <C>
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.................The Notes are redeemable at any time at the option of the Company, in whole or in
                                    part, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount of the
                                    Notes (or portion thereof) being redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to the
                                    redemption date and (ii) the Make-Whole Amount, if any, with respect to the Notes
                                    (or portion thereof).  See "Description of Notes - Optional Redemption."

CERTAIN COVENANTS...................The Notes contain various covenants including the following:

                                    o        The Company will covenant in its Supplemental Indenture not to pledge or
                                             otherwise subject to any lien, any property or assets of the Company or its
                                             subsidiaries unless the Notes of such series are secured by such pledge or
                                             lien equally and ratably with all other obligations secured thereby so long
                                             as such obligations shall be so secured; provided, however, that such
                                             covenant will not apply to liens securing obligations which do not in the
                                             aggregate at any one time outstanding exceed 10% of Consolidated Net
                                             Tangible Assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. In
                                             addition, this covenant will not apply to certain other obligations of the
                                             Company as more fully explained in "Description of Notes - Certain
                                             Covenants."

                                    o        The Company will also covenant in the Supplemental Indenture that it will
                                             not create, assume, incur, or otherwise become liable in respect of, any
                                             Senior Debt unless the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Senior
                                             Debt of the Company will not, at the time of such creation, assumption or
                                             incurrence and after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent
                                             transactions, exceed the greater of (i) 150% of Capital Base or (ii) 225%
                                             of Tangible Net Worth.

                                    o        The Company will also covenant in the Supplemental Indenture that it will
                                             have or maintain, on a consolidated basis, as of the last day of each
                                             fiscal quarter of the Company, Interest Coverage of not less than 150%.

SINKING FUND.....................The Notes are not entitled to any sinking fund payments.
</TABLE>




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


                                      S-5
<PAGE>   6



                                   THE COMPANY

         Health Care REIT, Inc. (the "Company") is a self-administered real
estate investment trust that invests in health care facilities, primarily
nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement centers. The Company
also invests in specialty care facilities. As of December 31, 1998, long-term
care facilities, which include nursing homes, assisted living facilities and
retirement centers, comprised approximately 90% of the investment portfolio.
Founded in 1970, the Company was the first real estate investment trust to
invest exclusively in health care facilities.

         As of December 31, 1998, the Company had $1,042,058,000 of real estate
investments, inclusive of credit enhancements, in 224 facilities located in 34
states and managed by 45 different operators. At that date, the portfolio
included 147 assisted living facilities, 54 nursing homes, 15 retirement
centers, six specialty care facilities and two behavioral care facilities. At
December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately $209,900,000 in unfunded
commitments.

         The Company seeks to increase funds from operations and enhance
shareholder value through relationship investing with public and emerging health
care chains. The primary components of this strategy are set forth below.

         Relationship Investing. The Company establishes relationships with
emerging health care companies and seeks to provide financing throughout their
growth cycles. The Company targets companies with experienced management teams,
substantial insider ownership interests, venture capital backing and significant
growth potential.

         By maintaining close ties to health care operators, the Company is able
to provide value added services and monitor its investments on an ongoing basis.
Investments are designed to support the operator's business plan. Features
typically include a two-to-three-year, multi-facility financing with common
terms and maturities, and periodic review of the program's continued efficacy.
Economic terms typically include annual rate increases and fair market value
based purchase options in operating leases, and may include contingent interest
for mortgage loans.

         For certain investments, the Company receives additional economic
benefits in the form of warrants or other similar equity instruments which
provide the Company with the opportunity to share in an operator's enterprise
value. In connection with an investment in Sterling House Corporation
("Sterling"), for example, the Company received warrants which were converted
into 87,823 shares of Sterling stock at the time of its initial public offering.
Sterling was subsequently acquired by Alternative Living Services ("ALS"), and
the Company's shares in Sterling were converted into 96,605 shares of ALS. As of
December 31, 1998, the ALS shares were recorded on the Company's balance sheet
at a value of $3,285,000.

         By maintaining relationships within the health care venture capital
community, management identifies potential new investment opportunities. In
turn, because of management's experience, knowledge and contacts within various
sectors of the health care industry, it is able to assist venture capital firms
in identifying new portfolio company investment opportunities.

         Portfolio Management. Portfolio strength is derived from diversity by
type of health care facility, number of operators and geographic location. The
Company emphasizes long term investment structures that result in a predictable
asset base with attendant recurring income and funds from operations. Generally,
operating leases extend for 10 to 13 years and mortgage loans provide five to
seven years of prepayment protection. At December 31, 1998, the average life of
the Company's portfolio was 9.8 years, with 88% of the Company's revenue derived
from investments that mature after the year 2003.

         Portfolio strength is also evidenced by an operator base that has
included an increasing percentage of public companies and emerging
privately-held health care operators. At December 31, 1998, approximately 81% of
the Company's investments were with publicly held companies and emerging
privately-held health care operators.

         In addition, the Company believes that the portfolio has been
strengthened by management's ability to identify early trends in the health care
sector. In 1991, the Company initiated a review and analysis of the assisted
living industry and made its first investment in this sector in 1992. The
Company's investment portfolio currently includes such leading assisted living
operators as Alternative Living Services, Inc., ARV Assisted Living, Inc., Atria
Senior Quarters Corp., CareMatrix Corporation and Regent Assisted Living, Inc.

         Depth of Management. The management team is comprised of eight
individuals who have an aggregate of over 90 years of experience in health care
real estate finance. George L. Chapman has been a member of senior management
for approximately eight years and in 1996 became Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company. Mr. Chapman and the management team have successfully
implemented the Company's investment strategy of emphasizing relationship
financings with established and emerging health care operators. This strategy
has resulted in gross investments of more than $1,134,000,000 during the past
five years.



                                      S-6
<PAGE>   7


THE PORTFOLIO

         The following table reflects the Company's portfolio as of December 31,
1998:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        Investments     Percentage      Number     Number     Investment      Number       Number
        Type of         Investments(1)      of           of          of           Per           of           of
       Facility        (In thousands)    Portfolio   Facilities  Beds/Units   Bed/Unit(2)  Operators(3)   States(3)
       --------        --------------    ---------   ----------  ----------   -----------  ------------   ---------
<S>                    <C>               <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
  Assisted Living
    Facilities........     $584,288         56%          147        9,824      $ 72,335         21            26
 Nursing Homes........      294,414         28%           54        7,005        45,253         18            18
  Specialty Care
    Facilities........       91,994          9%            6          713       129,024          3             5
 Retirement
    Centers...........       60,876          6%           15        1,366        53,668          7             7
 Behavioral Care
    Facilities........       10,486          1%            2          294        35,667          1             1
                         ----------        ----          ---       ------
   Totals.............   $1,042,058        100%          224       19,202
                         ==========        ====          ===       ======
</TABLE>
- ----------------

(1)      Investments include real estate investments and credit enhancements,
         which amounted to $1,032,693,000 and $9,365,000, respectively.

(2)      Investment Per Bed/Unit was computed by using the total investment
         amount of $1,203,403,000, which includes real estate investments,
         unfunded commitments for which initial funding has commenced, and
         credit enhancements which total $1,032,693,000, $161,345,000 and
         $9,365,000, respectively.

(3)      The Company has investments in properties located in 34 states, managed
         by 45 different operators.


         From December 31, 1997 to December 31, 1998, the Company's total assets
increased 46%, to $1,073,424,000 from $734,327,000. During the same period, real
property owned increased 109%, to $619,989,000 from $297,275,000 and loans
receivable decreased 2%, to $405,963,000 from $412,734,000, primarily as a
result of the Company's investment in new properties and its purchase of
properties previously recorded as mortgage loans. The Company provides
construction financing only in conjunction with permanent financing.

         In determining whether to finance a facility, the Company places
primary emphasis on the experience of the operator, the feasibility of the
project, the financial strength of the borrower or lessee, the amount of
security available to support the financing and the amount of capital that is
being committed to the project by the borrower or lessee. In addition, the
Company considers a variety of other factors, including the site's suitability,
facility appraisal and environmental reports and the existence of certificate of
need procedures or other barriers that limit the entry of competing facilities
into the community.

         The Company regularly monitors its investments through a variety of
methods depending on the operator and type of facility. These procedures include
the receipt and review of facility and guarantor financial statements, periodic
site visits, property reviews and conferences with operators. Such reviews of
operators and facilities generally encompass licensure and regulatory compliance
materials and reports, contemplated building improvements and other material
developments.

         Investments are typically structured using operating leases or mortgage
loans which are normally secured by guarantees and/or letters of credit. The
Company typically finances up to 90% of the appraised value of the property.




                                      S-7
<PAGE>   8



                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

         The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes are estimated to be
$49,675,000. The proceeds will be used to invest in health care property
investments. Pending such use, the proceeds will be used primarily to repay
borrowings under the Company's revolving lines of credit arrangements, which had
an outstanding balance of $111,450,000 at March 12, 1999.

                               RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

         In January 1999, the Company announced the sale of 3,000,000 shares of
cumulative convertible preferred stock with a liquidation price of $25.00 per
share, which generated net proceeds to the Company of $73,125,000. The preferred
stock will pay dividends equivalent to the greater of $0.5625 or the quarterly
dividend then payable per common share. Each share of preferred stock is
convertible into common stock at a conversion price of $25.625 per share. The
preferred shares or any shares of common stock obtained upon conversion cannot
be sold or transferred for a period of one year from the date of issuance. The
Company has the right to redeem the preferred shares after five years.

                 PRICE RANGE OF SHARES AND DISTRIBUTION HISTORY

         The shares of Common Stock of the Company, $1.00 par value per share
(the "Shares"), are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the
symbol "HCN." As of December 31, 1998, there were 5,555 holders of record of the
Shares. The following table sets forth, for the periods shown, the high and low
sale prices for the Shares as reported on the NYSE composite tape and the
distributions paid by the Company. On March 15, 1999, the last reported sale
price of the Shares as reported by the NYSE was $23.0625 per Share.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            PRICE OF SHARES
                                                          -------------------      DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                          HIGH            LOW        PER SHARE
                                                          ----            ---      -------------
<S>        <C>                                       <C>               <C>           <C>
           1997
             First Quarter.......................      $25.500          $23.625        $ 0.520
             Second Quarter......................       25.000           22.250          0.525
             Third Quarter.......................       27.625           24.250          0.530
             Fourth Quarter......................       28.750           25.500          0.535

           1998
             First Quarter.......................      $29.2500         $26.6250       $0.5400
             Second Quarter......................       28.4375          25.3750        0.5450
             Third Quarter......................        27.5000          22.3750        0.5500
             Fourth Quarter.....................        26.6250          20.0000        0.5550

           1999
             First Quarter
             (through March 15, 1999)............      $22.5625         $26.6250            (1)
</TABLE>
- ----------------

(1)  The current annualized dividend rate is $2.24. The most recent quarterly
     dividend was paid on February 22, 1999 to shareholders of record as of
     February 2, 1999 and represented the 111th consecutive quarterly dividend
     of the Company.

         Under the real estate investment trust rules of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Company is required to pay at least
95% of its ordinary taxable income as dividends in order to avoid taxation as a
corporation. The declaration of dividends is discretionary with the Board of
Directors and depends upon the Company's distributable funds, financial
requirements, tax considerations and other factors. Decisions with respect to
the distribution of capital gains are made on a case-by-case basis. A portion of
the Company's dividends paid may be deemed either capital gain income or a
return of capital, or both, to its shareholders. The Company annually provides
its shareholders a statement as to its designation of the taxability of its
dividends.

         The Company has a dividend reinvestment plan under which shareholders
of record may invest all or a portion of their dividends and up to an additional
$5,000 per quarter to purchase additional shares.



                                      S-8
<PAGE>   9




                                 CAPITALIZATION

         The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 31, 1998, as adjusted to give effect to the Company's capital formation
activities since December 31, 1998, and as further adjusted to give effect to
the sale of the Notes and the application of the estimated net proceeds
therefrom as described under "Use of Proceeds."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                         ACTUAL         AS ADJUSTED
                                                                         ------         -----------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>               <C>       
Debt:
     Borrowings under line of credit arrangements (1) ...............   $  171,550       $    4,750
     Senior Notes Due 2000 and 2003 .................................       30,000           30,000
     Senior Notes Due 2001 and 2003 .................................       30,000           30,000
     Senior Notes Due 2000, 2002 and 2004 ...........................       80,000           80,000
     Senior Notes Due 2008 ..........................................      100,000          100,000
     Senior Notes Due 2006 ..........................................           --           50,000
     Other long-term obligations (2) ................................        7,429           51,429
                                                                        ----------       ----------
Total Debt .......................................................         418,979          346,179
Shareholders' equity:
     Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value;
        Authorized - 10,000,000 shares
        Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 3,000,000
           shares issued and outstanding .........................          75,000           75,000
        Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, 3,000,000
          shares issued and outstanding (3) ......................                           75,000
     Common Stock, $1.00 par value;
        Authorized -- 40,000,000 shares
        Issued and outstanding - 28,240,025 (4) ..................          28,240           28,240
     Capital in excess of par value ..............................         520,692          518,817
     Undistributed net income ....................................          10,434           10,434
     Accumulated other comprehensive income ......................           3,982            3,982
     Unamortized restricted stock ................................          (4,589)          (4,589)
                                                                        ----------       ----------

Total shareholders' equity .......................................         633,759          706,884
                                                                        ----------       ----------

Total capitalization .............................................      $1,052,738       $1,053,063
                                                                        ==========       ==========
</TABLE>
- ----------------

(1)      Approximately $111.5 million was outstanding under the Company's
         revolving lines of credit arrangements at March 12, 1999.

(2)      Represents secured borrowings by the Company. On March 5, 1999 the
         Company closed a $50,000,000 senior secured bank loan, of which
         $44,000,000 was outstanding as of March 5, 1999.

(3)      In January 1999, the Company announced the sale of 3,000,000 shares of
         cumulative convertible preferred stock with a liquidation price of
         $25.00 per share, which generated net proceeds to the Company of
         $73,125,000.

(4)      Excludes: (i) 117,268 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
         pursuant to the Company's 1985 Incentive Stock Option Plan; (ii)
         1,894,441 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the
         Company's 1995 Stock Incentive Plan; (iii) 52,750 shares of Common
         Stock reserved for issuance under the Company's Stock Incentive Plan
         for Non-Employee Directors; and (iv) 544,366 shares of Common Stock
         reserved for issuance under the Company's dividend reinvestment plan.





                                      S-9
<PAGE>   10

                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   The following selected financial data for the five years ended December 31,
1998 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the
Company. The data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements, related notes and other financial information incorporated by
reference herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (In thousands, except per share data)
                                                         1998            1997           1996           1995           1994
                                                         ----            ----           ----           ----           ----
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
OPERATING DATA
Revenues ..........................................     $97,992         $73,308        $54,402        $44,596        $42,732
Expenses:
  Interest expense ................................      18,030          15,365         14,635         12,752          9,684
  Provision for depreciation ......................      10,254           5,287          2,427          1,580          1,385
  General and administrative
    and other expenses (1) ........................       7,399           6,178          6,664         10,835          6,710
  Settlement of management
    contract (2) ..................................          --              --             --          5,794             --
                                                        -------         -------        -------        -------        -------
Total expenses ....................................      35,683          26,830         23,726         30,961         17,779
                                                        -------         -------        -------        -------        -------
Net income ........................................      62,309          46,478         30,676         13,635         24,953
Preferred stock dividends .........................       4,160              --             --             --             --
                                                        -------         -------        -------        -------        -------
Net income available  to common shareholders.......     $58,149         $46,478        $30,676        $13,635        $24,953
                                                        =======         =======        =======        =======        =======

PER SHARE
Net income available to common shareholders:
     Basic ........................................       $2.27           $2.15          $2.18          $1.16          $2.17

     Diluted ......................................        2.24            2.12           2.17           1.16           2.16

Cash distributions per common share ...............        2.19            2.11           2.08          2.075           2.01
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   December 31,
                                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  (In thousands)
                                                           1998           1997          1996            1995           1994
                                                           ----           ----          ----            ----           ----
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Real estate investments, net .....................     $1,027,706       $713,557       $512,894       $351,924       $318,433
Total assets .....................................      1,073,424        734,327        519,831        358,092        324,102
Total debt .......................................        418,979        249,070        184,395        162,760        128,273
Total liabilities ................................        439,665        264,403        194,295        170,494        134,922
Total shareholders' equity .......................        633,759        469,924        325,536        187,598        189,180

OTHER DATA
Average number of common shares outstanding (3):
     Basic .......................................         25,579         21,594         14,093         11,710         11,519
     Diluted .....................................         25,954         14,150         11,728         11,548         21,929

Cash available for distribution (4) ..............     $   68,490       $ 56,856       $ 36,705       $ 27,938       $ 31,697
Consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges (unaudited)(5) ..........................           3.05x          3.40x          2.93x          2.01x          3.42x
</TABLE>
- ----------------

(1) General and administrative and other expenses include loan expense,
    management fees through November 30, 1995, provision for losses, expenses
    related to disposition of investments and other operating expenses.

(2) On November 30, 1995, the Company's advisor merged into the Company.
    Consideration for this transaction totaled approximately $5,048,000 which
    was solely comprised of 282,407 shares of Common Stock. In addition, the
    Company acquired approximately $46,000 in net assets and incurred
    approximately $792,000 of related transaction expenses. The consideration,
    plus related transaction expenses, were accounted for as a settlement of a
    management contract.

(3)  The earnings per share amounts prior to 1997 have been restated as required
     to comply with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
     Earnings Per Share. For further discussion of earnings per share and the
     impact of Statement No. 128, see the notes to the consolidated financial
     statements incorporated by reference herein.

(4) Cash available for distribution is defined as net cash provided from
    operating activities less preferred dividends, but does not consider the
    effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities such as other
    receivables and accrued expenses. The Company uses cash available for
    distribution in evaluating investments and the Company's operating
    performance. Cash available for distribution does not represent cash
    generated from operating activities in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles, is not necessarily indicative of cash available to
    fund cash needs, and should not be considered as an alternative to net
    income as an indicator of the Company's operating performance or as an
    alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity.

(5)  For purposes of calculating the unaudited ratio of earnings to fixed
     charges of the Company for the periods indicated, "Earnings" include net
     income, excluding the equity earnings in a less than 50% owned subsidiary,
     plus fixed charges and capitalized interest. "Fixed Charges" consists of
     interest on all indebtedness and the amortization of loan expenses.




                                      S-10
<PAGE>   11



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

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        At December 31, 1998, the Company's net real estate investments totaled
approximately $1,027,706,000, which included 147 assisted living facilities, 54
nursing facilities, 15 retirement centers, six specialty care facilities and two
behavioral care facilities. The Company attempts to match fund its investments
through a combination of long-term and short-term financing, utilizing both debt
and equity.

         During 1998, the Company invested $110,432,000 in real property,
provided permanent mortgage financings of $52,897,000, made construction
advances of $211,968,000, and funded $22,203,000 of equity related investments.
During 1998, the Company received principal payments on real estate mortgages of
$5,788,000, net payments on working capital loans of $117,000 and proceeds of
$32,724,000 from the prepayment of mortgage loans.

        During 1998, ten of the above-mentioned construction projects completed
the construction phase of the Company's investment process and were converted to
permanent real property investments, with an aggregate investment of
$55,315,000, and ten construction loans converted to permanent mortgage loans
with an aggregate investment balance of $37,375,000.

         As of December 31, 1998, the Company had shareholders' equity of
$633,759,000 and a total outstanding debt balance of $418,979,000, which
represents a debt to equity ratio of 0.66 to 1.0.

         In March 1998, the Company completed the sale of $100 million of 7.625%
Senior Unsecured Notes due March 15, 2008 (the "Senior Unsecured Notes Due
2008").

          In March 1998, the Company issued 913,242 shares of Common Stock,
$1.00 par value per share, at the price of $27.375 per share, which generated
net proceeds to the Company of $23,721,000.

          In May 1998, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of 8.875% Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock at the price of $25.00 per share, which generated net
proceeds to the Company of $72,210,000.

          In October 1998, the Company issued 2,546,000 shares of Common Stock,
$1.00 par value per share, at the price of $23.9375 per share, which generated
net proceeds to the Company of $57,631,000.

         As of December 31, 1998, the Company had an unsecured revolving line of
credit expiring March 31, 2001 in the amount of $175,000,000 bearing interest at
the lender's prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.0%. In addition, the Company had an
unsecured revolving line of credit in the amount of $15,000,000 bearing interest
at the lender's prime rate expiring January 31, 2000. At December 31, 1998,
under the Company's line of credit arrangements, available funding totaled
$18,450,000.

         In January 1999, the Company announced the sale of 3,000,000 shares of
cumulative convertible preferred stock with a liquidation price of $25 per
share, which generated net proceeds to the Company of $73,125,000.

         As of March 1, 1999, the Company has effective shelf registrations on
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under which the Company may
issue up to $380,319,000 of securities including debt, convertible debt, common
and preferred stock. The Company anticipates issuing securities under such shelf
registrations to invest in additional health care facilities and to repay
borrowings under the Company's line of credit arrangements.

         As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately $209,900,000 in
unfunded commitments. The Company believes its liquidity and various sources of
available capital are sufficient to fund operations, meet debt service and
dividend requirements and finance future investments.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS DECEMBER 31, 1998 VS. DECEMBER 31, 1997

         Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998 were $97,992,000 compared
to $73,308,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of $24,684,000
or 34%. Revenue growth resulted primarily from increased operating rent income
of $19,775,000, interest income of $1,516,000, and loan and commitment fees of
$2,245,000 from additional real estate investments made during the past twelve
to fifteen months.



                                      S-11
<PAGE>   12

         Expenses for the year ended December 31, 1998, totaled $35,683,000, an
increase of $8,853,000 from expenses of $26,830,000 for the year ended December
31, 1997. The increase in total expenses for the year ended December 31, 1998
was primarily related to an increase in interest expense, additional expense
associated with the provision for depreciation, and an increase in general and
administrative expenses.

         Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $18,030,000
compared with $15,365,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase in
interest expense during 1998 was primarily due to the issuance in March 1998 of
the Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2008, which was offset by the amount of
capitalized interest recorded in 1998.

        The Company capitalizes certain interest costs associated with funds
used to finance the construction of properties owned directly by the Company.
The amount capitalized is based upon the borrowings outstanding during the
construction period using the rate of interest which approximates the Company's
cost of financing. The Company's interest expense is reduced by the amount
capitalized. Capitalized interest for the year ended December 31, 1998 totaled
$7,740,000, as compared with $2,306,000 for the same period in 1997.

         The provision for depreciation for the year ended December 31, 1998
totaled $10,254,000, an increase of $4,967,000 over the year ended 1997 as a
result of additional operating lease investments.

         General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 1998
totaled $6,114,000 as compared with $4,858,000 for the year ended December 31,
1997. The expenses for the year ended December 31, 1998 were 6.24% of revenues
as compared with 6.63% for the year ended December 31, 1997.

         Dividend payments associated with the Company's outstanding preferred
stock for the year ended December 31, 1998 totaled $4,160,000. There were no
such dividend payments in 1997.

         As a result of the various factors mentioned above, net income
available for common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1998 was
$58,149,000, or $2.24 per share, as compared with $46,478,000, or $2.12 per
share for the year ended December 31, 1997.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS DECEMBER 31, 1997 VS. DECEMBER 31, 1996

         Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 were $73,308,000 compared
with $54,402,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of
$18,906,000 or 35%. Revenue growth resulted primarily from increased operating
lease rent of $12,330,000, interest income of $9,264,000, and loan and
commitment fees of $429,000 from additional real estate investments made during
the past twelve to fifteen months.

         The growth in interest and rental income for the year ended December
31, 1997 was offset by prepayment fees and gains on the sale of properties
earned during 1996, which totaled $3,059,000 and $576,000, respectively, as
compared with prepayment fees of $529,000 earned during 1997.

         Expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997, totaled $26,830,000, an
increase of $3,104,000 from expenses of $23,726,000 for the year ended December
31, 1996. The increase in total expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997
was primarily related to an increase in interest expense, additional expense
associated with the provision for depreciation, and an increase in general and
administrative expenses. Expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996 were
negatively influenced by an $808,000 disposition of investment expense
associated with the Company's elimination of certain investments in behavioral
care facilities.

         Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $15,365,000
compared with $14,635,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase in
interest expense during 1997 was primarily due to the issuance of $80,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes in April 1997. The increase in the 1997 period was offset
by the amount of capitalized interest recorded in 1997.

         The Company capitalizes certain interest costs associated with funds
used to finance the construction of properties owned directly by the Company.
The amount capitalized is based upon the borrowings outstanding during the
construction period using the rate of interest which approximates the Company's
cost of financing. The Company's interest expense is reduced by the amount
capitalized. Capitalized interest for the year ended December 31, 1997 totaled
$2,306,000, as compared with $287,000 for the same period in 1996.

         The provision for depreciation for the year ended December 31, 1997
totaled $5,287,000, an increase of $2,860,000 over the year ended 1996 as a
result of additional operating lease investments.

         General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 1997
totaled $4,858,000 as compared with $4,448,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996. The expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997 were 6.63% of revenues
as compared with 8.18% for the year ended December 31, 1996.



                                      S-12
<PAGE>   13


         As a result of the various factors mentioned above, net income for the
year ended December 31, 1997 was $46,478,000, or $2.12 per share, as compared
with $30,676,000, or $2.17 per share for the year ended December 31, 1996. Net
income for the year ended December 31, 1996 included $3,635,000, or $0.26 per
share, of prepayment fees and gains on the exercise of purchase options, as
compared with $529,000, or $0.02 per share, for the year ended December 31,
1997. All per share amounts represent diluted earnings per share.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

         During the past three years, inflation has not significantly affected
the earnings of the Company because of the moderate inflation rate.
Additionally, earnings of the Company are primarily long-term investments with
fixed interest rates. These investments are mainly financed with a combination
of equity, senior notes and borrowings under the revolving lines of credit.
During inflationary periods, which generally are accompanied by rising interest
rates, the Company's ability to grow may be adversely affected because the yield
on new investments may increase at a slower rate than new borrowing costs.
Presuming the current inflation rate remains moderate and long-term interest
rates do not increase significantly, the Company believes that equity and debt
financing will continue to be available.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

         The Year 2000 compliance issue concerns the inability of certain
systems and devices to properly use or store dates beyond December 31, 1999.
This could result in system failures, malfunctions, or miscalculations that
disrupt normal operations. This issue affects most companies and organizations
to large and small degrees, at least to the extent that potential exposures must
be evaluated.

         The Company believes its own internal operations, technology
infrastructure, information systems and software applications are Year 2000
compliant. The Company is reviewing the impact of outside vendors and
tenants/borrowers. The Company initially focused this review on mission-critical
operations, recognizing that other potential effects are expected to be less
material. In those cases where there are external compliance issues, these are
considered to be minor in nature. Expenditures for any remedies will not be
material.

         With respect to the Company's tenants, borrowers and properties, the
Company is assessing the tenants and borrowers compliance efforts, the
possibility of any interface difficulties or electromechanical problems relating
to compliance by material vendors, the effects of potential non-compliance, and
remedies that may mitigate or obviate such effects. The Company plans to process
information from tenant surveys beginning in 1999 and complete its assessment by
mid-1999.

         Because the Company's evaluation of these issues has been conducted by
its own personnel or by selected inquiries of its vendors and tenants in
connection with their routine servicing operations, the Company believes that
its expenditures for assessing Year 2000 issues, though difficult to quantify,
have not been material. In addition, the Company is not aware of any issues that
will require material expenditures by the Company in the future.

         Based upon current information, the Company believes that the risk
posed by foreseeable Year 2000 related problems with its internal systems
(including both information and non-information systems) is minimal. Year 2000
related problems with the Company's software applications and internal
operational programs are unlikely to cause more than minor disruptions in the
Company's operations. Year 2000 related problems at certain of its third-party
service providers, such as its banks, payroll processor, and telecommunications
provider is marginally greater, though, based upon current information, the
Company does not believe any such problems would have a material effect on its
operations. For example, Year 2000 related problems at such third-party service
providers could delay the processing of financial transactions and the Company's
payroll and could disrupt the Company's internal and external communications.

         The Company believes that the risk posed by Year 2000 related problems
at its properties or with its tenants is marginally greater, though, based upon
current information, the Company does not believe any such problems would have a
material effect on its operations. Year 2000 related problems at certain
governmental agencies and third-party payers could delay the processing of
tenant financial transactions, though, based upon current information, the
Company does not believe any such problems would have a material long-term
effect on its operations. Year 2000 related problems with the electromechanical
systems at its properties are unlikely to cause more than minor disruptions in
the Company's operations.



                                      S-13
<PAGE>   14

         The Company intends to complete outstanding assessments, implement
identified remedies, continue to monitor Year 2000 issues, and develop
contingency plans if, and to the extent deemed, necessary. However, based upon
current information and barring developments, the Company does not anticipate
developing any substantive contingency plans with respect to Year 2000 issues.
In addition, the Company has no plans to seek independent verification or review
of its assessments.


         While the Company believes that it will be Year 2000 compliant by
December 31, 1999, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful
in identifying and assessing all compliance issues, or that the Company's
efforts to remedy all Year 2000 compliance issues will be effective such that
they will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or
results of operations.

OTHER INFORMATION

         This document may contain "forward-looking" statements as defined in
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's
actual results in the future to differ materially from expected results. These
risks and uncertainties include, among others, competition in the financing of
health care facilities, the availability of capital, and regulatory and other
changes in the health care sector, as described in the Company's filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                      S-14
<PAGE>   15




                                   MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

         The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
Executive Officers and Directors of the Company:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
- ------------------

               NAME                  AGE    OFFICE
               ----                  ---    ------
<S>                                 <C>     <C>
George L. Chapman...............     51     Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

Raymond W. Braun................     41     Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Edward F. Lange, Jr.............     39     Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Erin C. Ibele...................     37     Vice President and Corporate Secretary


BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- ------------------

               NAME                  AGE    OCCUPATION
               ----                  ---    ------


William C. Ballard, Jr..........     58     Of Counsel, Greenebaum, Doll & McDonald PLLC and Director, United HealthCare
                                            Corporation, Healthcare Recoveries, Inc., Mid-America Bancorp., LG&E Energy Corp.
                                            and American Safety Razor Co.

Pier C. Borra...................     59     Chairman, President and CEO of CORA Health Services, Inc., Lima, Ohio, and former
                                            Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arbor Health Care Company,
                                            Lima, Ohio, and Director, Balanced Care Corporation

George L. Chapman...............     51     Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company

Jeffrey H. Donahue..............     52     Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Rouse Company;
                                            Director of T. Rowe Price Spectrum Income and Growth Mutual Funds, T. Rowe Price
                                            Renaissance Fund and The Enterprise Social Investment Corporation

Bruce Douglas...................     65     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Douglas Company, Toledo, Ohio

Peter J. Grua...................     45     Principal and President of HLM Management Company, Inc.

Sharon M. Oster.................     50     Professor of Management, Yale School of Management, Yale University and Director,
                                            Aristotle Corporation

Bruce G. Thompson...............     69     President and Director of First Toledo Corporation, Toledo, Ohio

Richard A. Unverferth...........     75     Chairman of Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of
                                            H.C.F. Inc., Kalida, Ohio

Frederic D. Wolfe...............     69     Chairman of the Board and Director of First Toledo Corporation, Toledo, Ohio
</TABLE>




                                      S-15
<PAGE>   16




                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

         The following description of the particular terms of the Notes
supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description
of the general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities set forth in the
Prospectus, to which reference is hereby made. The following summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Indenture referred to in
the Prospectus. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings given them in the Prospectus.

GENERAL

         The Notes will be issued as Debt Securities under a Third Supplemental
Indenture, dated as of March 18, 1999 (the "Supplemental Indenture"), between
the Company and Fifth Third Bank (the "Trustee"). The Notes will be limited in
aggregate principal amount to $50 million. The Notes will mature on March 15,
2006. The Notes will bear interest from March 18, 1999 at the rate per annum
shown on the front cover of this Prospectus Supplement payable semi-annually on
March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 1999 to the
person in whose name the Note (or any predecessor) is registered at the close of
business on the March 1 or September 1, as the case may be, next preceding such
interest payment date. The Notes will be unsecured and senior obligations of the
Company.

RATINGS

         The Notes have been rated "Ba1" by Moody's, "BBB-" by Standard & Poor's
and "BBB-" by Duff & Phelps. The rating of the Notes should be evaluated
independently from similar ratings on other types of securities. A rating is not
a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the Notes, inasmuch as such rating does
not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The
ratings assigned to the Notes address the likelihood of payment of principal and
interest on the Notes pursuant to their terms. A rating may be subject to
revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.

CERTAIN COVENANTS

         The Notes will not be secured by a mortgage, pledge or other lien. The
Company will covenant in the Supplemental Indenture not to pledge or otherwise
subject to any lien, any property or assets of the Company or its subsidiaries
unless the Notes of such series are secured by such pledge or lien equally and
ratably with all other obligations secured thereby so long as such obligations
shall be so secured; provided, however, that such covenant will not apply to
liens securing obligations which do not in the aggregate at any one time
outstanding exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined below) of
the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. In addition, this covenant will
not apply to:

                  (a) Pledges or deposits by the Company or its subsidiaries
under workers' compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws, social security
laws, or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids,
tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness (as defined
below) of the Company or its subsidiaries), or leases to which the Company or
any of its subsidiaries is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory
obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries or deposits of cash or United
States Government Bonds to secure surety, appeal, performance or other similar
bonds to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or deposits as
security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent;

                  (b) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers', warehousemen's,
materialmen's and mechanics' liens, or Liens arising out of judgments or awards
against the Company or any of its subsidiaries which the Company or such
subsidiary at the time shall be currently prosecuting an appeal or proceeding
for review;

                  (c) Liens for taxes not yet subject to penalties for
non-payment and Liens for taxes the payment of which is being contested in good
faith and by appropriate proceedings;

                  (d) Minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or
reservations of, or rights of, others for rights of way, highways and railroad
crossings, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other
similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real
properties;



                                      S-16
<PAGE>   17


                  (e) Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of the
Company or any subsidiary or to the ownership of their respective properties
that were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness of the Company or such
subsidiary, all of which Liens referred to in this clause (e) do not in the
aggregate materially impair the value of the properties to which they relate or
materially impair their use in the operation of the business taken as a whole of
the Company and its subsidiaries, and as to all of the foregoing referenced in
clauses (a) through (e), only to the extent arising and continuing in the
ordinary course of business;

                  (f) Purchase money Liens on property acquired or held by the
Company or its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, securing
Indebtedness incurred or assumed for the purpose of financing all or any part of
the cost of such property; provided, that (i) any such Lien attaches
concurrently with or within 20 days after the acquisition thereof, (ii) such
Lien attaches solely to the property so acquired in such transaction, (iii) the
principal amount of the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 100% of the
cost of such property, and (vi) the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness on
a consolidated basis for the Company and its subsidiaries shall not at any time
exceed $1,000,000;

                  (g) Liens existing on the Company's balance sheet of 
December 31, 1996; and

                  (h) Any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive
extensions, renewals or replacements), as a whole or in part, of any Lien
referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) through (g) inclusive; provided,
however, that the amount of any and all obligations and Indebtedness secured
thereby shall not exceed the amount thereof so secured immediately prior to the
time of such extension, renewal or replacement and that such extension, renewal
or replacement shall be limited to all or a part of the property which secured
the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such property).

         The Company will also covenant in the Supplemental Indenture that it
will not create, assume, incur, or otherwise become liable in respect of, any
Senior Debt (as defined below) unless the aggregate outstanding principal amount
of Senior Debt of the Company will not, at the time of such creation, assumption
or incurrence and after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent
transactions, exceed the greater of (i) 150% of Capital Base (as defined below)
or (ii) 225% of Tangible Net Worth (as defined below).

         Finally, the Company will also covenant in the Supplemental Indenture
that it will have or maintain, on a consolidated basis, as of the last day of
each fiscal quarter of the Company, Interest Coverage (as defined below) of not
less than 150%.

         For purposes of the foregoing covenants, the defined terms have the
following meanings:

         "CAPITAL BASE" - means, at any date, the sum of Tangible Net Worth and
Subordinated Debt.

         "CAPITAL LEASE" - means at any time any lease of property, real or
personal, which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
would at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the
lessee.

         "CAPITALIZED LEASE OBLIGATIONS" - means as to any Person, the
obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of (or
other agreement conveying the right to use) real and/or personal property which
obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as a Capital Lease
on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP.

         "CONSOLIDATED NET TANGIBLE ASSETS" - means the aggregate amount of
assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) less (i)
all current liabilities and (ii) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents,
unamortized debt discount and expenses and other like tangibles of the Company
and its consolidated subsidiaries, all as set forth on the most recent balance
sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries prepared in accordance
with GAAP.




                                      S-17
<PAGE>   18


         "EBITDA" - means for any period, with respect to the Company on a
consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP, the sum of net income
(or net loss) for such period plus, the sum of all amounts treated as expenses
for: (a) interest, (b) depreciation, (c) amortization, and (d) all accrued taxes
on or measured by income to the extent included in the determination of such net
income (or net loss); provided, however, that net income (or net loss) shall be
computed without giving effect to extraordinary losses or gains.

         "INDEBTEDNESS" - means with respect to any Person, all: (a) liabilities
or obligations, direct and contingent, which in accordance with GAAP would be
included in determining total liabilities as shown on the liability side of a
balance sheet of such Person at the date as of which Indebtedness is to be
determined, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities that in
accordance with such principles, would be set forth in a specific Dollar amount
on the liability side of such balance sheet, and Capitalized Lease Obligations
of such Person; (b) liabilities or obligations of others for which such Person
is directly or indirectly liable, by way of guaranty (whether by direct
guaranty, suretyship, discount, endorsement, take-or-pay agreement, agreement to
purchase or advance or keep in funds or other agreement having the effect of a
guaranty) or otherwise; (c) liabilities or obligations secured by Liens on any
assets of such Person, whether or not such liabilities or obligations shall have
been assumed by it; and (d) liabilities or obligations of such Person, direct or
contingent, with respect to letters of credit issued for the account of such
Person and bankers acceptances created for such Person.

         "INTEREST COVERAGE" - means as at the last day of any fiscal quarter,
the quotient, expressed as a percentage (which may be in excess of 100%),
determined by dividing EBITDA by Interest Expense; all of the foregoing
calculated by reference to the immediately preceding four (4) fiscal quarters of
the Company ending on such date of determination.

         "INTEREST EXPENSE" - means for any period, on a combined basis, the sum
of all interest paid or payable (excluding unamortized debt issuance costs) on
all items of Indebtedness of the Company outstanding at any time during such
period.

         "LIABILITIES" - means, at any date, the items shown as liabilities on
the balance sheet of the Company except any item of deferred income, including
capital gains;

         "LIEN" - means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest,
encumbrance, lien, claim or charge of any kind (including any agreement to give
any of the foregoing), any conditional sale or other title retention agreement,
any lease in the nature of any of the foregoing, and the filing of or agreement
to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any
jurisdiction.

         "PERSON" - means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability
company, a partnership, a joint venture, a trust, or unincorporated
organization, a joint stock company or other similar organization, a government
or any political subdivision thereof, a court, or any other legal entity,
whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.

         "SENIOR DEBT" - means all Indebtedness other than Subordinated Debt.

         "SUBORDINATED DEBT" - means any unsecured Indebtedness of the Company
which is issued or assumed pursuant to, or evidenced by, an indenture or other
instrument which contains provisions for the subordination of such other
Indebtedness (to which appropriate reference shall be made in the instruments
evidencing such other Indebtedness if not contained therein) to the Notes (and,
at the option of the Company, if so provided, to other Indebtedness of the
Company, either generally or as specifically designated).

         "TANGIBLE NET WORTH" - means the sum of capital surplus, earned surplus
and capital stock, minus deferred charges with GAAP consistently applied.

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

         The Notes are subject to defeasance and covenant defeasance, as
described in the Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture. Specifically, the
Company, at its option (a) will be discharged from any and all obligations in
respect of the Notes (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or
exchange of the Notes, to replace 



                                      S-18
<PAGE>   19


destroyed, stolen, lost or mutilated Notes, and to maintain an office or agency
in respect of the Notes and hold moneys for payment in trust) or (b) will be
released from its obligations to comply with the Covenants that are specified
under "Certain Covenants" above with respect to the Notes, and the occurrence of
an Event of Default described in the accompanying Prospectus shall no longer be
an Event of Default if, in either case, the Company irrevocably deposits with
the Trustee, in trust, money or U.S. Government obligations that through 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 Notes 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 Notes.

         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 Indenture shall have occurred
and be continuing on the date of such deposit, (b) the Company shall have
delivered an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders of the Notes of
such series 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 defeasance had not
occurred. In the event the Company omits to comply with its remaining
obligations under the Indenture after a defeasance of the Indenture with respect
to the Notes and the Notes 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 Trustee may be insufficient to pay
amounts due on the Notes at the time of the acceleration resulting from such
Event of Default. However, the Company will remain liable in respect of such
payments.

SINKING FUND

         The Notes are not entitled to any sinking fund payments.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION

         The Notes may be redeemed at any time at the option of the Company, in
whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption price equal to the sum of
(i) the principal amount of the Notes (or portion thereof) being redeemed plus
accrued interest thereon to the redemption date and (ii) the Make-Whole Amount
(as defined below), if any, with respect to the Notes (or portion thereof) (the
"Redemption Price").

         If notice has been given as provided in the Indenture and funds for the
redemption of any Notes (or any portion thereof) called for redemption shall
have been made available on the redemption date referred to in such notice, such
Notes (or any portion thereof) will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for
such redemption specified in such notice and the only right of the Holders of
the Notes will be to receive payment of the Redemption Price.

         Notice of any optional redemption of any Notes (or any portion thereof)
will be given to Holders at their addresses, as shown in the security register
for such Notes, not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the date fixed
for redemption. The notice of redemption will specify, among other items, the
Redemption Price and the principal amount of the Notes held by such Holder to be
redeemed.

         The Company will notify the Trustee at least 30 days prior to giving
notice of redemption (or such shorter period as is satisfactory to the Trustee)
of the aggregate principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed and their
redemption date. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at the option
of the Company, the Trustee shall select, in such manner as it shall deem fair
and appropriate, the Notes to be redeemed in whole or in part.

         As used herein:

                  "Make-Whole Amount" means, in connection with any optional
         redemption or accelerated payment of any Notes, the excess, if any, of
         (i) the aggregate present value as of the date of such redemption or
         accelerated payment of each dollar of principal being redeemed or paid
         and the amount of interest (exclusive of interest accrued to the date
         of redemption or accelerated payment) that would have been payable in
         respect of each such dollar if such redemption or accelerated payment
         had not been made, determined by discounting, on a semi-annual basis,
         such principal and interest at the Reinvestment Rate (determined on the
         third Business Day preceding the date such notice of redemption is
         given or declaration 




                                      S-19
<PAGE>   20


         of acceleration is made) from the respective dates on which such
         principal and interest would have been payable if such redemption or
         accelerated payment had not been made, over (ii) the aggregate
         principal amount of the Notes being redeemed or paid.

                  "Reinvestment Rate" means 0.25% plus the arithmetic mean of
         the yields under the respective heading "Week Ending" published in the
         most recent Statistical Release under the caption "Treasury Constant
         Maturities" for the maturity (rounded to the nearest month)
         corresponding to the remaining life to maturity, as of the payment date
         of the principal being redeemed or paid. If no maturity exactly
         corresponds to such maturity, yields for the two published maturities
         most closely corresponding to such maturity shall be calculated
         pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence and the Reinvestment
         Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a
         straight-line basis, rounding in each of such relevant periods to the
         nearest month. For the purpose of calculating the Reinvestment Rate,
         the most recent Statistical Release published prior to the date of
         determination of the Make-Whole Amount shall be used.

                  "Statistical Release" means that statistical release
         designated "H.15(519)" or any successor publication that is published
         weekly by the Federal Reserve System and that establishes yields on
         actively traded United States government securities adjusted to
         constant maturities, or, if such statistical release is not published
         at the time of any determination under the Senior Indenture, then such
         other reasonably comparable index that shall be designated by the
         Company.

BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM

         The Notes will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered
global securities ("Global Securities") that will be deposited with, or on
behalf of DTC, and registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co. Except
under the circumstance described below, the Notes will not be issuable in
definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the
individual Notes represented thereby, a Global Security may not be transferred
except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or
another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any nominee of DTC to a successor depository
or any nominee of such successor. See "Description of Debt Securities -
Book-entry System" in the Prospectus for a complete discussion of the book-entry
system.

         DTC has advised the Company of the following information regarding DTC:
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law,
a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). DTC holds securities that its
participants ("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the
settlement among its Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in its Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants of DTC ("Direct
Participants") include securities brokers and dealers (including the
Underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other
organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct Participants and by the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC System is
also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct
Participant of DTC, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The
Rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the Commission.

         Purchases of Global Securities under the DTC system must be made by or
through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Securities on
DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Global
Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and
Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to
receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as
periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of
ownership interests in the Global Securities are to be accomplished by entries
made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners.
Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership
interests in Global Securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry
system for the Global Securities is discontinued.



                                      S-20
<PAGE>   21


         To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Global Securities deposited by
Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee,
Cede & Co. The deposit of Global Securities with DTC and their registration in
the name of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no
knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Global Securities; DTC's
records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts
such Global Securities are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial
Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their
holdings on behalf of their customers.

         Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.

         Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the
Global Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to the
Company as soon as possible after the record date. The Ominibus Proxy assigns
Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose
accounts the Global Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy). Principal and interest payments on the
Global Securities will be made to Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC's practice
is to credit Direct Participants' accounts, upon DTC's receipt of funds and
corresponding detail information from the Company or the Trustee, on payable
date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records.
Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for
the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and
will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the Trustee or
the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Payment of principal and interest to Cede & Co. is the
responsibility of the Company or the Trustee, disbursement of such payments to
Direct Participants shall be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such
payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the responsibility of Direct and
Indirect Participants.

         DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository
with respect to the Global Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to
the Company or the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a
successor securities depository is not obtained, Global Security certificates
are required to be printed and delivered.

         The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event,
Global Security certificates will be printed and delivered.

         The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry
system has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable,
but the Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.

SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT

         Settlement for the Notes will be made by the Underwriters in
immediately available funds. All payments of principal and interest in respect
of the Notes will be made by the Company in immediately available funds.

         Secondary trading in long-term notes and debentures of corporate
issuers is generally settled in clearing house or next-day funds. In contrast,
the Notes will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity or
until the Notes are issued in certificated form, and secondary market trading
activity in the Notes will therefore be required by DTC to settle in immediately
available funds. No assurance can be given as to the effect, if any, of
settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the Notes.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         The provisions of Section 501 of the Indenture relating to events of
default, which are described in "Description of Debt Securities - Events of
Default, Notice and Waiver" in the accompanying Prospectus, apply to the Notes.




                                      S-21
<PAGE>   22




                        DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

CREDIT FACILITIES

         The Company has a $175 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the
"Credit Facility") with KeyBank N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Fleet Bank,
N.A. as Syndication Agent, and the 12 lenders signatory thereto, which matures
on March 31, 2001 and bears annual fees of 20 to 37.5 basis points. The Credit
Facility provides for interest on outstanding borrowings at either LIBOR plus a
margin of 75 to 150 basis points or a base rate, plus in certain circumstances,
a margin of 50 basis points. The margins on LIBOR or prime rate borrowings and
the annual fees are dependent upon various conditions, including the Company's
debt rating and the level of borrowings outstanding. At December 31, 1998, the
Company was able to borrow at either LIBOR plus 100 basis points or the base
rate.

         The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and restrictive
covenants that, among other things, limit the Company and its subsidiaries with
respect to indebtedness, liabilities, liens, dividends, loans, investments,
purchases and fundamental changes to the corporate structure or line of
business. The Company also covenants to maintain a minimum tangible net worth of
$300 million, an interest coverage ratio not less than 200% and a leverage ratio
not more than 1.10, all as defined in the Credit Facility.

         The Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including,
among other things, and subject to applicable grace periods, other indebtedness
payment defaults, material misrepresentations, covenant defaults, certain
bankruptcy events and judgment defaults.

         The Company also has an unsecured revolving line of credit in the
amount of $15,000,000 bearing interest at the Lender's prime rate expiring
January 1, 2000 and a secured line of credit in the amount of $50,000,000, which
bears interest at the Lender's prime rate, or LIBOR plus 200 basis points, but
in either case not less than 7.0%. This line of credit expires on February 24,
2004.

SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE

         In March 1998, the Company completed the sale of $100 million of Senior
Unsecured Notes due 2008. The notes have a weighted average interest rate of
7.625%.

         In April 1997, the Company completed the sale of $80 million of Senior
Unsecured Notes. The Company priced $20 million of Notes due 2000, $20 million
of Notes due 2002 and $40 million of Notes due 2004. The notes have a weighted
average interest rate of 7.91%.

         In April 1993, the Company sold $52 million of Senior Notes in a
private placement. The Company priced $22 million due 1998, $15 million due 2000
and $15 million due 2003. The notes have a weighted average interest rate of
7.63%. Similarly, in April 1996, the Company sold $30 million of Senior Notes in
a private placement. The Company priced $10 million due 2001 and $20 million due
2003. The notes have a weighted average interest rate of 7.18%. As provided
under the terms of the amended note purchase agreements, with respect to all of
the Senior Notes, the interest rates were increased by ten basis points each
effective March 28, 1997, concurrent with the release of all of the collateral
securing the Senior Notes and the assignment of a 'BBB-' rating by Duff & Phelps
Credit Rating Co. to the Company's existing Senior Notes and senior unsecured
note offerings under the Company's shelf registration. In the event that such
debt obligations are subsequently upgraded to a 'BBB' rating by Duff & Phelps,
the interest rates on the Senior Notes will automatically readjust to the
original interest rates. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears.



                                      S-22
<PAGE>   23




                                    TAXATION

         The following summary of certain federal income tax considerations
applicable to the Company is based on current law, is for general information
only, and is not tax advice. The tax treatment of a holder of any Notes depends
upon the terms of the Notes, as well as such holder's particular situation, and
this discussion does not attempt to address any aspects of federal income
taxation relating to holders of Notes.

         EACH INVESTOR IS ADVISED TO CONSULT SUCH INVESTOR'S OWN TAX ADVISOR
REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH INVESTOR OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP
AND SALE OF THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND SALE AND OF POTENTIAL
CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.

         Since its inception, the Company has elected to be taxed as a real
estate investment trust ("REIT") under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Company believes that it was
organized and has operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT
under the Code, and the Company intends to continue to operate in such a manner,
but no assurance can be given that it will operate in a manner so as to qualify
or remain qualified.

         If the Company meets the requirements to be taxed as a REIT, it will
not generally be subject to federal income tax on taxable income and gains that
are currently distributed to its shareholders. Any undistributed taxable income
or gain, however, will be taxed to the Company at regular corporate rates. In
addition, the Company may be subject to special taxes on net income derived from
certain sales or other dispositions of property (other than foreclosure
property) held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of
business by the Company and on certain income derived from foreclosure
properties.

         As long as the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, distributions
out of current or accumulated earnings and profits will be taxable to the
shareholders as ordinary income, except that distributions of net capital gains
designated by the Company as capital gain dividends will be taxed as long-term
capital gains. Beginning in 1998 any net capital gains retained by the Company
will be taxable to the shareholders as if the Company distributed those gains
and the shareholders will receive a tax credit for a proportionate amount of tax
paid by the Company. None of the distributions from the Company will qualify for
the dividends received deduction generally available to corporations.

         If the Company were to fail to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year,
and certain relief provisions did not apply, the Company would be subject to
federal income tax (including the alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income
at regular corporate rates and it would not receive a deduction for dividends
paid to its shareholders. Distributions to shareholders would then be eligible,
subject to certain limitations, for the corporate dividends received deduction,
but there can be no assurance that any such distributions would be made. Failure
to qualify as a REIT could result in a material adverse effect upon holders of
the Notes and the Company significantly reducing its distributions and incurring
substantial indebtedness or liquidating substantial investments in order to pay
the resulting taxes.

         The preceding is only a summary of the complex federal income tax rules
governing the taxation of the Company and its shareholders. Moreover, in order
to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, the Company must elect to be taxed as a REIT
and satisfy a variety of complex tests relating to its share ownership, income,
assets and distributions. A summary of these tests and a more detailed
discussion of the federal income taxation of the Company and its shareholders is
provided in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998.



                                      S-23
<PAGE>   24




                                  UNDERWRITING

         Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, Legg
Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated (the "Underwriter") has agreed to purchase from
the Company the principal amount of $50,000,000 of the Notes.

         The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the
Underwriter are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriter
will purchase all of the Notes offered hereby if any such Notes are purchased.

         The following table shows the per Note and total underwriting discounts
and commissions to be paid to the Underwriter by the Company:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Underwriting Discounts
                                                                                         and Commissions
                                                                                      ----------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>
         Per Note...............................................................           $      5.00
         Total..................................................................            250,000.00
</TABLE>

         The Company has been advised that the Underwriter proposes to offer the
Notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus Supplement and to certain dealers at such price less a
concession not in excess of 0.30% of the principal amount of the Notes. After
the initial offering of the Notes, the offering price and other selling terms
may, from time to time, be varied by the Underwriter.

         The Company expects to incur expenses of approximately $75,000 in
connection with this offering. These expenses are estimated to include legal
fees of $40,000, accounting fees of $10,000, Blue Sky fees and expenses of
$5,000 and miscellaneous expenses of $20,000.

         The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on a
national securities exchange, but has been advised by the Underwriter that it
intends to make a market in the Notes. The Underwriter is not obligated,
however, to make a market in the Notes and may discontinue market making at any
time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or
trading markets for, the Notes.

         The Underwriter may engage in stabilizing and syndicate covering
transactions in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation M promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Rule 104 permits stabilizing bids to purchase
the underlying security so long as bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
Syndicate covering transactions involve the purchase of Notes in the open market
after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short
positions. Stabilizing and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price
of the Notes to be higher than it otherwise would be in the absence of such
transactions. These transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

         The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.




                                      S-24
<PAGE>   25




                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The validity of the Notes offered hereby and certain other legal
matters will be passed upon for the Company by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP,
Toledo, Ohio. Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, Cleveland, Ohio will pass upon
certain legal matters for the Underwriter.

                                     EXPERTS

         The consolidated financial statements of Health Care REIT, Inc.
appearing in Health Care REIT, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1998 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated
herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated
herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.




                                      S-25
<PAGE>   26
 
PROSPECTUS
- -------------------
 
                             HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                                PREFERRED STOCK
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                    WARRANTS
                               ------------------
 
     Health Care REIT, Inc. (the "Company") intends to issue from time to time,
in one or more series, its (i) unsecured and senior or subordinated debt
securities ("Debt Securities"); (ii) shares or fractional shares of preferred
stock, $1.00 par value ("Preferred Stock"); (iii) shares of common stock, $1.00
par value ("Common Stock"); and (iv) warrants ("Warrants") to purchase Debt
Securities, Preferred Stock or Common Stock ("Warrants"). The Debt Securities,
the Preferred Stock, the Common Stock and the Warrants offered hereby
(collectively, the "Offered Securities") may be offered, separately or as units
with other offered securities, in separate series and amounts at prices and on
terms to be determined at the time of sale and to be set forth in a supplement
to this Prospectus (a "Prospectus Supplement"), at an aggregate initial public
offering price not to exceed $500,000,000, on terms to be determined at the time
of sale.
 
     The specific terms of the Offered Securities will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement and will include, where applicable, (i) in the
case of Debt Securities, the specific designation, aggregate principal amount,
denomination, maturity, priority, interest rate, time of interest, terms of
redemption at the option of the Company or repayment at the option of the holder
or for sinking fund payments, terms for conversion into or exchange for other
Offered Securities and the initial public offering price; (ii) in the case of
Preferred Stock, the series designation, the number of shares, the dividend,
liquidation, redemption, conversion, voting and other rights and the initial
public offering price; (iii) in the case of Common Stock, the specific number of
shares and the initial public offering price; (iv) in the case of Warrants, the
number and terms thereof, the designation and the number of Offered Securities
issuable upon their exercise, the exercise price, any listing of the Warrants or
the underlying Offered Securities on a securities exchange and any other terms
in connection with the offering, sale and exercise; and, (v) in the case of all
Offered Securities, whether such Offered Securities will be offered separately
or as a unit with other Offered Securities. In addition, such specific terms may
include limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on
transfer of the Offered Securities, in each case as may be appropriate to
preserve the status of the Company as a qualified real estate investment trust
("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The
applicable Prospectus Supplement will contain information, where applicable,
concerning certain United States Federal income tax considerations relating to,
and any listing on a securities exchange of, the Offered Securities.
 
     The Offered Securities may be offered directly, through agents designated
from time to time by the Company, or to or through underwriters or dealers. If
any designated agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of the Offered
Securities, they will be identified and their compensation will be described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution." Also, the net
proceeds to the Company from such sale will be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement. No Offered Securities may be sold without the delivery of the
applicable Prospectus Supplement describing such Offered Securities and the
method and terms of the offering thereof.
 
     The shares of Common Stock of the Company are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "HCN." On January 6, 1998, the reported last sale
price of the shares of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $28 1/4
per share.
                               ------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER 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.
 
     "This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Securities unless
accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement."
                               ------------------
                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY 7, 1998
<PAGE>   27
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information
filed by the Company with the SEC can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, DC 20549, and at the SEC's regional offices at 7 World Trade Center,
13th Floor, NY, NY 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, DC, 20549 upon payment of the prescribed fees, or at the Web site
maintained by the SEC (http://www.sec.gov), that contains reports, proxy
statements and other information regarding firms (including the Company) that
file electronically with the Commission. In addition, such materials may also be
inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, NY, NY
10005.
 
     This Prospectus is part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (together
with all amendments and all exhibits, the "Registration Statement"), filed by
the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"). This Prospectus does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules of the Commission. For further information, reference
is made to the Registration Statement.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission are
incorporated herein by reference:
 
     1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
     2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31,
1997.
 
     3. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30,
1997.
 
     4. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September
30, 1997.
 
     5. Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 6, 1997,
April 8, 1997 April 21, 1997 and October 24, 1997.
 
     6. All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of
this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities
shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and to be a part of this
Prospectus from the date of filing of each such document.
 
     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,
and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement relating to a specific offering of
Offered Securities or in any other subsequently filed document, as the case may
be, which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies
or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus or any accompanying Prospectus Supplement. The Company will provide
on request and without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus is
delivered, upon the oral or written request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits) of any or all documents incorporated by reference to this Prospectus.
Requests for such copies should be directed to Erin C. Ibele, Vice President and
Corporate Secretary, Health Care REIT, Inc., One SeaGate, Suite 1500, Toledo,
Ohio 43604, telephone number (419) 247-2800.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   28
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     Health Care REIT, Inc. (the "Company") is a self-administered real estate
investment trust ("REIT") that invests in health care facilities, primarily
nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement centers. As of
September 30, 1997, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement
centers comprised approximately 84% of the investment portfolio. Founded in
1970, the Company was the first real estate investment trust to invest
exclusively in health care facilities.
 
     The Company's objective is to enable stockholders to participate in health
care investments that produce income and preserve principal. Since its
inception, the Company has paid 105 consecutive quarterly dividends.
 
     The shares of the common stock of the Company are listed on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "HCN." The Company's executive offices are
located at One SeaGate, Suite 1500, Toledo, Ohio, 43604, and the telephone
number is (419) 247-2800.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the net
proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities will be used to finance, either
directly or indirectly, the Company's investments in health care facilities and
will allow the Company to pursue additional health care property investments and
complete unfunded commitments.
 
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
     The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of
the Company for the periods indicated. For purposes of calculating such ratio,
"earnings" includes net income plus fixed charges reduced by the amount of
interest capitalized. "Fixed charges" consists of interest whether expensed or
capitalized and the amortization of loan expenses. The Company did not have any
Preferred Stock outstanding for any period presented. Accordingly, the ratio of
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is identical to
the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods presented.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NINE MONTHS ENDED       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         SEPTEMBER 30,     --------------------------------
                                             1997          1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
                                       -----------------   ----   ----   ----   ----   ----
<S>                                    <C>                 <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Consolidated ratio of earnings to
  fixed charges (unaudited)..........        3.39          2.93   2.01   3.42   2.80   2.97
</TABLE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
GENERAL
 
     The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series under an Indenture
to be executed by the Company and a trustee (the "Trustee"), a form of which is
included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is
a part (the "Indenture"). The terms of the Debt Securities may include those
stated in the Indenture and those made a part of the Indenture (before any
supplements) by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
"TIA").
 
     The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Indenture and does
not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
detailed provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms
therein to which reference is hereby made for a complete statement of such
provisions. Wherever particular provisions or sections of the Indenture or terms
defined therein are referred to herein, such provisions or definitions are
incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   29
 
TERMS
 
     The Debt Securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of the Company.
 
     The Indenture provides that the Debt Securities may be issued without limit
as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series, in each case as
established from time to time in or pursuant to authority granted by a
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company or as established in one or
more indentures supplemental to such Indenture. Debt Securities may be issued
with terms different from those of Debt Securities previously issued. All Debt
Securities of one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless
otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the Holders
of the Debt Securities of such series, for issuances of additional Debt
Securities of such series.
 
     The Indenture provides that there may be more than one Trustee thereunder,
each with respect to one or more series of Debt Securities. Any Trustee under
the Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of
Debt Securities, and a successor Trustee may be appointed to act with respect to
such series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as Trustee with
respect to different series of Debt Securities, each such Trustee shall be a
Trustee of a trust under the applicable Indenture separate and apart from the
trust administered by any other Trustee and, except as otherwise indicated
herein, any action described herein to be taken by the Trustee may be taken by
each such Trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more
series of Debt Securities for which it is Trustee under the applicable
Indenture.
 
     The Prospectus Supplement will describe certain terms of any Debt
Securities offered hereby, including:
 
          (1) the title of such Debt Securities;
 
          (2) the aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities and any
     limit on such principal amount;
 
          (3) the percentage of the principal amount at which such Debt
     Securities will be issued and, if other than the principal amount thereof,
     the portion of the principal amount payable upon declaration of
     acceleration of the maturity thereof, or (if applicable) the portion of the
     principal amount of such Debt Securities that is convertible into Capital
     Stock of the Company or the method by which any such portion will be
     determined;
 
          (4) if convertible, in connection with the preservation of the
     Company's status as a REIT, any applicable limitations on the ownership or
     transferability of the Capital Stock of the Company into which such Debt
     Securities are convertible;
 
          (5) the date or dates, or the method by which such date or dates will
     be determined, on which the principal of such Debt Securities will be
     payable and the amount of principal payable thereon;
 
          (6) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which such
     Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, or the method by which such
     rate or rates will be determined, the date or dates from which such
     interest will accrue or the method by which such date or dates will be
     determined, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest will be
     payable and the Regular Record Dates for such Interest Payment Dates, or
     the method by which such Dates will be determined, and the basis upon which
     interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year consisting
     of twelve 30-day months;
 
          (7) the place or places where the principal of (and premium or
     Make-Whole Amount as defined in the Indenture, if any), interest, if any,
     and Additional Amounts, if any, payable in respect of, such Debt Securities
     will be payable, where such Debt Securities may be surrendered for
     registration of, transfer or exchange and where notices or demands to or
     upon the Company in respect of such Debt Securities and the applicable
     Indenture may be served;
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   30
 
          (8) the period or periods within which, the price or prices (including
     premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) at which, the currency or currencies,
     currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which and
     other terms and conditions upon which such Debt Securities may be redeemed
     in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to
     have the option;
 
          (9) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or
     purchase such Debt Securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous
     provision or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the period or periods
     within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which,
     the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or
     currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which such Debt
     Securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part,
     pursuant to such obligation;
 
          (10) whether such Debt Securities will be in registered or bearer form
     and terms and conditions relating thereto, and, if other than $1,000 and
     any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any registered
     Debt Securities will be issuable and, if other than $1,000 the denomination
     or denominations in which any bearer Debt Securities will be issuable;
 
          (11) if other than United States dollars, the currency or currencies
     in which such Debt Securities will be denominated and payable, which may be
     a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a
     composite currency or currencies;
 
          (12) whether the amount of payments of principal (and premium or
     Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest, if any, on such Debt Securities may
     be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which
     index, formula or method may be based, without limitation, on one or more
     currencies, currency units, composite currencies, commodities, equity
     indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts will be
     determined;
 
          (13) whether the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if
     any) or interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on such Debt Securities are
     to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a
     currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or
     currencies other than that in which such Debt Securities are denominated or
     stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and
     conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner
     of, and identity of the exchange rate agent with responsibility for,
     determining the exchange rate between the currency or currencies, currency
     unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such Debt
     Securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the currency or
     currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in
     which such Debt Securities are to be so payable;
 
          (14) provisions, if any, granting special rights to the Holders of
     such Debt Securities upon the occurrence of such events as may be
     specified;
 
          (15) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events
     of Default or covenants of the Company with respect to such Debt
     Securities, whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are
     consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth in the
     applicable Indenture;
 
          (16) whether such Debt Securities will be issued in certificated or
     book-entry form;
 
          (17) the applicability, if any, of the defeasance provisions of the
     applicable Indenture;
 
          (18) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay
     Additional Amounts as contemplated in the applicable Indenture on such Debt
     Securities in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if
     so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Debt Securities
     rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of any such option);
     and
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   31
 
          (19) any other terms of such Debt Securities not inconsistent with the
     provisions of the applicable Indenture.
 
     The Debt Securities may provide for less than the entire principal amount
thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof
("Original Issue Discount Securities"). Special United States federal income
tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to Original Issue Discount
Securities will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
     (1) The terms, if any, on which Debt Securities of any series may be
converted into shares of Common Stock or Debt Securities of another series will
be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. To protect the
Company's status as a REIT, the holders of Debt Securities of any series
("Holders") may not convert any Debt Security, and such Debt Security shall not
be convertible by any Holder, if as a result of such conversion any person would
then be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 9.8% or more of the
then outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
     (2) The conversion price will be subject to adjustment under certain
conditions, including (a) the payment of dividends (and other distributions) in
shares of Common Stock; (b) subdivisions, combinations and reclassifications of
shares of Common Stock; (c) the issuance to all or substantially all holders of
shares of Common Stock of rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or
purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share (or having a conversion
price per share of Common Stock) less than the then current market price; and
(iv) distributions to all or substantially all holders of shares of Common Stock
or shares of any other class, of evidences of indebtedness or assets (including
securities, but excluding those rights, warrants, dividends and distributions
referred to above and dividends and distributions not prohibited under the terms
of the Indenture) of the Company, subject to the limitation that all adjustments
by reason of any of the foregoing would not be made until they result in a
cumulative change in the conversion price of at least 1%. In the event the
Company shall effect any capital reorganization or reclassification of its
shares of Common Stock or shall consolidate or merge with or into any trust or
corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the
surviving entity) or shall sell or transfer substantially all its assets to any
other trust or corporation, the Holders shall, if entitled to convert such Debt
Securities at any time after such transaction, receive upon conversion thereof,
in lieu of each share of Common Stock into which the Debt Securities of such
series would have been convertible prior to such transaction, the same kind and
amount of stock and other securities, cash or property as shall have been
issuable or distributable in connection with such transaction with respect to
each share of Common Stock.
 
     (3) A conversion price adjustment made according to the provisions of the
Debt Securities of any series (or the absence of provision for such an
adjustment) might result in a constructive distribution to the Holders of Debt
Securities of such series or holders of shares of Common Stock that would be
subject to taxation as a dividend. The Company may, at its option, make such
reductions in the conversion price, in addition to those set forth above, as the
Board of Directors of the Company deems advisable to avoid or diminish any
income tax to holders of shares of Common Stock resulting from any dividend or
distribution of shares of Common Stock (or rights to acquire shares of Common
Stock) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes or for any
other reason. The Board of Directors will also have the power to resolve any
ambiguity or correct any error in the provisions relating to the adjustment of
the conversion price of the Debt Securities of such series and its actions in so
doing shall be final and conclusive.
 
     (4) Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be issued upon conversion,
but, in lieu thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based upon market
price.
 
     (5) The Holders of Debt Securities of any series at the close of business
on an interest payment record date shall be entitled to receive the interest
payable on such Debt Securities on the
                                        6
<PAGE>   32
 
corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion thereof.
However, Debt Securities surrendered for conversion during the period from the
close of business on any record date for the payment of interest to the opening
of business on the corresponding interest payment date must be accompanied by
payment of an amount equal to the interest payable on such interest payment
date. Holders of Debt Securities of any series who convert Debt Securities of
such series on an interest payment date will receive the interest payable by the
Company on such date and need not include payment in the amount of such interest
upon surrender of such Debt Securities for conversion.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
  Merger, Consolidation or Sale
 
     The Company may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity,
provided that (a) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the
successor entity (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any
such consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of such
assets is a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States or
any State thereof and shall expressly assume payment of the principal of (and
premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest on all of the Debt Securities
and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and
conditions contained in each Indenture; (b) immediately after giving effect to
such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of
the Company or any Subsidiary as a result thereof as having been incurred by the
Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default
under an Indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or
both, would become such an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be
continuing; and (c) an Officers' Certificate and legal opinion covering such
conditions shall be delivered to the Trustee.
 
  Optional Redemption
 
     The Debt Securities of any series that are convertible into shares of
Common Stock will be subject to redemption, in whole or from time to time in
part, at any time for certain reasons intended to protect the Company's status
as a REIT at the option of the Company on at least 30 days' prior notice by mail
at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus interest
accrued to the date of redemption. See DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL
STOCK -- "Redemption and Restrictions on Transfer."
 
  Additional Covenants
 
     Any additional covenants of the Company with respect to a series of the
Debt Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relative thereto.
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES
 
     Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made with the consent
of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of all
Outstanding Debt Securities issued under such Indenture that are affected by
such modification or amendment; provided, however, that no such modification or
amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each such Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or premium
or Make-Whole Amount, if any), or any installment of principal of or interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any such Debt Security; (b) reduce the principal
amount of, or the rate or amount of interest on, or any premium or Make-Whole
Amount payable on redemption of, or any Additional Amounts payable with respect
to, any such Debt Security, or reduce the amount of principal of an Original
Issue Discount Security or Make-Whole Amount, if any, that would be due and
payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or would be
provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   33
 
right of repayment of the Holder of any such Debt Security; (c) change the Place
of Payment, or the coin or currency, for payment of principal of (and premium or
Make-Whole Amount, if any), or interest on, or any Additional Amounts payable
with respect to, any such Debt Security; (d) impair the right to institute suit
for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any such Debt Security;
(e) reduce the percentage of Outstanding Debt Securities of any series necessary
to modify or amend the applicable Indenture, to waive compliance with certain
provisions thereof or certain defaults and consequences thereunder or to reduce
the quorum or voting requirements set forth in the Indenture; or (f) modify any
of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions relating to the waiver of
certain past defaults or certain covenants, except to increase the required
percentage to effect such action or to provide that certain other provisions may
not be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of such Debt
Security.
 
     The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of Outstanding
Debt Securities issued under the Indenture have the right to waive compliance by
the Company with certain covenants in the Indenture.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER
 
     The Indenture provides that the following events are "Events of Default"
with respect to any series of Debt Securities issued thereunder: (a) default for
30 days in the payment of any installment of interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Debt Security of such series; (b) default in the payment of the
principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) any Debt Security of
such series at its Maturity; (c) default in making any sinking fund payment as
required for any Debt Security of such series; (d) default in the performance of
any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture (other than a
covenant added to the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Debt
Securities issued thereunder other than such series), continued for 60 days
after written notice as provided in the Indenture; (e) default under any bond,
debenture, note, mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be
issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money
borrowed by the Company (or by any Subsidiary, the repayment of which the
Company has guaranteed or for which the Company is directly responsible or
liable as obligor or guarantor) having an aggregate principal amount outstanding
of at least $10,000,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter
be created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness being
declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have
become due and payable, without such acceleration having been rescinded or
annulled within 10 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture; (f)
the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of one or more judgments, orders
or decrees against the Company or any Subsidiary in an aggregate amount
(excluding amounts fully covered by insurance) in excess of $10,000,000 and such
judgments, orders or decrees remain undischarged, unstayed and unsatisfied in an
aggregate amount (excluding amounts fully covered by insurance) in excess of
$10,000,000 for a period of 30 consecutive days; (g) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver,
liquidator or trustee of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or
substantially all of either of its property; and (h) any other Event of Default
provided with respect to such series of Debt Securities. The term "Significant
Subsidiary" means each significant subsidiary as defined in Regulation S-X
promulgated under the Securities Act of the Company.
 
     If an event of Default under the Indenture with respect to Debt Securities
of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every
such case the Trustees or Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal amount
(or, if the Debt Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount
Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be
specified in the terms thereof) of, and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any,
on, all of the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately
by written notice thereof to the Company and to the Trustee if given by the
Holders. However, at any time after such declaration of acceleration with
respect to Debt Securities
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   34
 
of such series (or of all Debt Securities then Outstanding under the applicable
Indenture, as the case may be) has been made, but before a judgment or decree
for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of
not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities
of such series (or of all Debt Securities then Outstanding under the applicable
Indenture, as the case may be) may rescind and annul such declaration and its
consequences if (a) the Company shall have deposited with the Trustee all
required payments of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any)
and interest, and any Additional Amounts, on the Debt Securities of such series
(or of all Debt Securities then Outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as
the case may be), plus certain fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee and (b) all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated
principal (or specified portion thereof and the premium or Make-Whole Amount, if
any) or interest, with respect to the Debt Securities of such series (or of all
Debt Securities then Outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may
be) have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture. The Indenture also
provides that the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of any series (or of all Debt Securities then
Outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be) may waive any
past default with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(i) in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any)
or interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Debt Security of such series or
(ii) in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable Indenture
that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Debt Security affected thereby.
 
     A Trustee is required to give notice to the Holders of Debt Securities
within 90 days of a default under the applicable Indenture; provided, however,
that a Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders of any series of Debt
Securities of any default with respect to such series (except a default in the
payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Debt Security of such series or in
the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any Debt Security of
such series) if the Responsible Officers of such Trustee consider such
withholding to be in the interest of such Holders.
 
     The Indenture provides that no Holders of Debt Securities of any series may
institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such Indenture
or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the Trustee, for
60 days, to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings
in respect of an Event of Default from the Holders of not less than 25% in
principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series, as well as
an offer of reasonable indemnity. This provision will not prevent, however, any
Holder of Debt Securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment
of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), interest on and
Additional Amounts payable with respect to, such Debt Securities at the
respective due dates thereof.
 
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
 
     The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the
form of one or more global securities ("Global Securities") that will be
deposited with, or on behalf of a depository (the "Depository") identified in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. Global Securities may be
issued in fully registered form and may be issued in either temporary or
permanent form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the
individual Debt Securities represented thereby, a Global Security may not be
transferred except as a whole by the Depository for such Global Security to a
nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository
or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any nominee of
such Depository to a successor Depository or any nominee of such successor.
 
     The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a series
of Debt Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such series. The Company expects that unless
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   35
 
otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the following
provisions will apply to depository arrangements.
 
     Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depository for such Global
Security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer
system the respective principal amounts of the individual Debt Securities
represented by such Global Security to the accounts of persons that have
accounts with such Depository ("Participants"). Such accounts shall be
designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents with respect to such Debt
Securities or by the Company if such Debt Securities are offered directly by the
Company. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security will be
limited to Participants or persons that may hold interests through Participants.
Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and
the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained
by the Depository for such Global Security or its nominee (with respect to
beneficial interests of Participants) and records of Participants (with respect
to beneficial interests of persons who hold through Participants). The laws of
some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery
of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and laws may impair the
ability to own, pledge or transfer beneficial interest in a Global Security.
 
     So long as the Depository for a Global Security or its nominee is the
registered owner of such Global Security, such Depository or such nominee, as
the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the Debt
Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the
applicable Indenture. Except as described below or in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, owners of beneficial interest in a Global Security will not be
entitled to have any of the individual Debt Securities represented by such
Global Security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of any such Debt Securities in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the applicable
Indenture.
 
     Payments of principal of, any premium or Make-Whole Amount and any interest
on, or any Additional Amounts payable with respect to, individual Debt
Securities represented by a Global Security registered in the name of a
Depository or its nominee will be made to the Depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the registered owner of the Global Security. None of the
Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar for such Debt
Securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in the Global Security for such Debt Securities or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests.
 
     The Company expects that the Depository for any Debt Securities or its
nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, Make-Whole Amount,
interest or Additional Amounts in respect of the Global Security representing
such Debt Securities will immediately credit Participants' accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in
the principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such
Depository or its nominee. The Company also expects that payments by
Participants to owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security held
through such Participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of
customers in bearer form or registered in street name. Such payments will be the
responsibility of such Participants.
 
     If a Depository for any Debt Securities is at any time unwilling, unable or
ineligible to continue as depository and a successor depository is not appointed
by the Company within 90 days, the Company will issue individual Debt Securities
in exchange for the Global Security representing such Debt Securities. In
addition, the Company may at any time and in its sole discretion, subject to any
limitations described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt
Securities, determine not to have any of such Debt Securities represented by one
or more Global Securities and in such event will issue individual Debt
Securities in exchange for the Global Security or Securities representing such
Debt Securities. Individual Debt Securities so issued will be issued in
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   36
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Indenture and the Debt Securities will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
 
     The Company may issue, together with any other series of Securities offered
or separately, Warrants entitling the holder to purchase from or sell to the
Company, or to receive from the Company the cash value of the right to purchase
or sell, Debt Securities, shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock. The
Warrants are to be issued under a Warrant Agreement (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 set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement relating to the particular issue of Warrants. Copies of the form of
Warrant Agreement, including the form of Warrant Certificate representing the
Warrants (the "Warrant Certificates"), are filed as exhibits to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
 
     In the case of each series of Warrants, the applicable Prospectus
Supplement will describe the terms of the Warrants being offered thereby,
including the following, if applicable: (a) the offering price; (b) the
currencies in which such Warrants are being offered; (c) the number of Warrants
offered; (d) the securities underlying the Warrants; (e) the exercise price, the
procedures for exercise of the Warrants and the circumstances, if any, that will
cause the Warrants to be deemed to be automatically exercised; (f) the date on
which the right to exercise the Warrants shall commence and the date on which
such right shall expire; (g) U.S. federal income tax consequences; and (h) other
terms of the Warrants.
 
     Warrants may be exercised at the appropriate office of the Warrant Agent or
any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the
exercise of Warrants entitling the holder to purchase any securities, holders of
such Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities
purchasable upon such exercise and will not be entitled to payments made to
holders of such securities.
 
     The Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the consent
of the holders of the Warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not
inconsistent with the provisions of the Warrants and that do not adversely
affect the interests of the holders of the Warrants.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
                              AND PREFERRED STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company is authorized to issue 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $1.00
par value per share. The Company had outstanding 24,124,633 shares of common
stock, $1.00 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), on October 31, 1997. The
shares constitute the only class of outstanding voting securities of the
Company.
 
     The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
$1.00 par value per share. No shares of Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock")
were outstanding on October 31, 1997. The Company has authorized the issuance of
13,000 shares of Junior Participating Stock, Series A ("Series A Preferred
Stock") which is discussed below.
 
     The following statements with respect to the capital stock of the Company
are subject to detailed provisions of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended (the "Certificate"), and the Company's By-Laws (the
"By-Laws") as currently in effect. These statements do not purport to be
complete, or to give full effect of the terms of the provisions of statutory or
common law, and
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   37
 
are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, the terms
of the Certificate and By-Laws which are filed as exhibits to the registration
statement.
 
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
     On July 19, 1994, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the
issuance of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding
share of Common Stock. Under certain conditions, each Right may be exercised to
purchase one one-thousandth of a share of Junior Participation Preferred Stock,
Series A, par value $1.00 per share ("Series A Preferred Stock"), of the Company
at a price of $48. The number of Rights outstanding and Series A Preferred Stock
issuable upon exercise, as well as the Series A Preferred Stock purchase price,
are subject to customary antidilution adjustments.
 
     The Rights are evidenced by the certificates for shares of Common Stock,
and in general are not transferable apart from the Common Stock or exercisable
until after a party has acquired beneficial ownership of, or made a tender offer
for 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company (an "Acquiring
Person"), or the occurrence of other events as specified in a Rights Agreement
between the Company and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as Rights
Agent. Under certain conditions as specified in the Rights Agreement, including
but not limited to, the acquisition by a party of 15% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company, or the acquisition of the Company in a merger or
other business combination, each holder of a Right (other than an Acquiring
Person, whose Rights will be void) will receive upon exercise thereof and
payment of the exercise price that number of shares of Common Stock of the
Company, or of the other party, as applicable, having a market value of two
times the exercise price of the Right.
 
     The Rights expire on August 5, 2004, and until exercised, the holder
thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company. At the
Company's option, the Rights may be redeemed in whole at a price of $.01 per
Right at any time prior to becoming exercisable. In general, the Company may
also exchange the Rights at a ratio of one share of Common Stock per Right after
becoming exercisable but prior to the acquisition of 50% or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock by any party.
 
     Series A Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of the Rights will not be
redeemable. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will have 1,000 votes and
will be entitled to (a) a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment equal
to the greater of $25.00 per share or 1,000 times the amount of the dividends
per share paid on the Common Stock, (b) a liquidation preference in an amount
equal to the greater of $100 or 1,000 times the amount per share paid on the
Common Stock, and (c) a payment in connection with a business combination (in
which shares of Common Stock are exchanged) equal to 1,000 times the amount per
share paid on the Common Stock.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     Holders of the shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends
when declared by the Board of Directors and after payment of, or provision for,
full cumulative dividends on and any required redemptions of shares of Preferred
Stock then outstanding. Holders of the shares of Common Stock have one vote per
share and noncumulative voting rights, which means that holders of more than 50%
of the shares of voting Common Stock can elect all the directors if they choose
to do so, and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares of Common
Stock will not be able to elect any directors. In the event of any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation or dissolution of the Company, holders of the shares of
Common Stock are to share ratably in the distributable assets of the Company
remaining after the satisfaction of the prior preferential rights of the holders
of the shares of Preferred Stock and the satisfaction of all debts and
liabilities of the Company. Holders of the shares of Common Stock do not have
preemptive rights. The transfer agent for the Common Stock is ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   38
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The following description of the terms of the Preferred Stock sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock to which a
Prospectus Supplement may relate. Specific terms of any series of Preferred
Stock offered by a Prospectus Supplement will be described in that Prospectus
Supplement. The description set forth below is subject to and qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Certificate fixing the preferences, limitations and
relative rights of a particular series of Preferred Stock.
 
  General
 
     Under the Certificate, the Board of Directors of the Company is authorized,
without further stockholder action, to provide for the issuance of up to
10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, in one or more series, with such voting
powers and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions, as the Board of Directors shall approve.
 
     The Preferred Stock will have the dividend, liquidation, redemption,
conversion and voting rights set forth below unless otherwise provided in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series
of Preferred Stock offered thereby for specific terms, including: (a) the title
and liquidation preference per share of such Preferred Stock and the number of
shares offered; (b) the price at which such series will be issued; (c) the
dividend rate (or method of calculation), the dates on which dividends shall be
payable and the dates from which dividends shall commence to accumulate; (d) any
redemption or sinking fund provisions of such series; (e) any conversion
provisions of such series; and (f) any additional dividend, liquidation,
redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations
and restrictions of such series.
 
     The Preferred Stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular
series of Preferred Stock, each series will rank on a parity as to dividends and
distributions in the event of a liquidation with each other series of Preferred
Stock and, in all cases, will be senior to the shares of Common Stock.
 
  Dividend Rights
 
     Holders of the shares of Preferred Stock of each series will be entitled to
receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of assets of
the Company legally available therefor, cash dividends at such rates and on such
dates as are set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of
Preferred Stock. Such rate may be fixed or variable or both and may be
cumulative, noncumulative or partially cumulative.
 
     If the applicable Prospectus Supplement so provides, as long as any shares
of Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends will be declared or paid or any
distributions be made on the Common Stock, other than a dividend payable in
shares of Common Stock, unless the accrued dividends on each series of Preferred
Stock have been fully paid or declared and set apart for payment and the Company
shall have set apart all amounts, if any, required to be set apart for all
sinking funds, if any, for each series of Preferred Stock.
 
     If the applicable Prospectus Supplement so provides, when dividends are not
paid in full upon any series of Preferred Stock and any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with such series of
Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon such series of Preferred Stock and
any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends will be
declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share on such
series of Preferred Stock and such other series will in all cases bear to each
other the same ratio that accrued in dividends per share on such series of
Preferred Stock and such other series bear to each other.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   39
 
     Each series of Preferred Stock will be entitled to dividends as described
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series, which may be based upon
one or more methods of determination. Different series of Preferred Stock may be
entitled to dividends at different dividend rates or based upon different
methods of determination. Except as provided in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, no series of Preferred Stock will be entitled to participate
generally in the earnings or assets of the Company.
 
  Rights Upon Liquidation
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, the holders of each series of Preferred Stock will be
entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company available for distribution
to stockholders the amount stated or determined on the basis set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series, which may include accrued
dividends, if such liquidation, dissolution or winding up is involuntary or may
equal the current redemption price per share (otherwise than for the sinking
fund, if any, provided for such series) provided for such series set forth in
such Prospectus Supplement, if such liquidation, dissolution or winding up is
voluntary, and on such preferential basis as is set forth in such Prospectus
Supplement. If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, the amounts payable with respect to Preferred Stock
of any series and any other shares of stock of the Company ranking as to any
such distribution on a parity with such series of Preferred Stock are not paid
in full, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock of such series and of such
other shares will share ratably in any such distribution of assets of the
Company in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they
are entitled or on such other basis as is set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. The rights, if any, of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock
to participate in the assets of the Company remaining after the holders of other
series of Preferred Stock have been paid their respective specified liquidation
preferences upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up the Company will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series.
 
  Redemption
 
     A series of Preferred Stock may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the
option of the Company, and may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a
sinking fund, in each case upon terms, at the times, the redemption prices and
for the types of consideration set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to such series. The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred
Stock which is subject to mandatory redemption shall specify the number of
shares of such series that shall be redeemed by the Company in each year
commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be
specified, together with an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon to the date of redemption.
 
     If, after giving notice of redemption to the holders of a series of
Preferred Stock, the Company deposits with a designated bank funds sufficient to
redeem such shares of Preferred Stock, then from and after such deposit, all
shares called for redemption will no longer be outstanding for any purpose,
other than the right to receive the redemption price and the right to convert
such shares into other classes of capital stock of the Company. The redemption
price will be stated in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular
series of Preferred Stock.
 
     Except as indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred
Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption at the option of the holder.
 
  Sinking Fund
 
     The Prospectus Supplement for any series of Preferred Stock will state the
terms, if any, of a sinking fund for the purchase or redemption of that series.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   40
 
  Conversion Rights
 
     The Prospectus Supplement for any series of Preferred Stock will state the
terms, if any, on which shares of that series are convertible into shares of
Common Stock or another series of Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock will have
no preemptive rights.
 
  Voting Rights
 
     Except as indicated in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular
series of Preferred Stock, or except as expressly required by Delaware law, a
holder of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to vote. Except as indicated in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock, in
the event the Company issues full shares of any series of Preferred Stock, each
such share will be entitled to one vote on matters on which holders of such
series of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote.
 
     Under Delaware law, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of all series of Preferred Stock, voting as a separate
voting group, will be required for (a) the authorization of any class of stock
ranking prior to or on parity with shares of Preferred Stock or the increase in
the number of authorized shares of any such stock, (b) any increase in the
number of authorized shares of shares of Preferred Stock, and (c) certain
amendments to the Articles that may be adverse to the rights of Preferred Stock
outstanding.
 
  Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
     The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for a series
of Preferred Stock will be selected by the Company and be described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. The registrar for shares of Preferred Stock
will send notices to stockholders of any meetings at which holders of the shares
of Preferred Stock have the right to vote on any matter.
 
REDEMPTION AND RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER
 
     In order to preserve the Company's status as a REIT as defined in the Code,
the Company can redeem or stop the transfer of its shares. The Company's
Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company is organized to qualify
as a REIT. Because the Code provides that the concentration of more than 50% in
value of the direct or indirect ownership of its shares in five or fewer
individual stockholders during the last six months of any year would result in
the disqualification of the Company as a REIT, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation provides that the Company has the power to treat any transfer or
issuance resulting in the 9.8% to be exceeded as null and void and treat the
stockholder as holding the securities on behalf of the Company.
 
REIT QUALIFICATION
 
     Generally, for each taxable year during which the Company qualifies as a
real estate investment trust, it will not be taxed on the portion of its taxable
income (including capital gains) that is distributed to stockholders. Any
undistributed income or gains will be taxed to the Company at regular corporate
tax rates. The Company will be subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on
its net income from foreclosure property, regardless of the amount of its
distributions. The highest corporate tax rate is currently 35%. Failure to
qualify could result in the Company's incurring indebtedness and perhaps
liquidating investments in order to pay the resulting taxes.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     The Company may sell Offered Securities to or through underwriters or may
sell Offered Securities to investors directly or through designated agents. Any
such underwriter or agent involved in the offer or sale of the Offered
Securities will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   41
 
     Underwriters may offer and sell the Offered Securities at a fixed price or
prices, which may be changed, or from time to time, at market prices prevailing
at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at
negotiated prices. The Company also may, from time to time, authorize
underwriters acting as agents to offer and sell the Offered Securities upon the
terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. In connection with
the sale of the Offered Securities, underwriters may be deemed to have received
compensation from the Company in the form of underwriting discounts or
commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of Offered
Securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell Offered
Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions (which may be changed from
time to time) from the underwriters and or 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 Offered Securities and any discounts,
concessions, or commissions allowed by the underwriters to participating dealers
would be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Underwriters,
dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the Offered 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 Offered 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 toward certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
     If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will
authorize dealers acting as the Company's agents to solicit offers by certain
institutions to purchase Offered Securities from the Company at the public
offering price set forth in the Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Delayed
Delivery Contracts ("Contracts") providing for payment and delivery on the date
or dates stated in such Prospectus Supplement. Each contract will be for an
amount not less than, and the principal amount of Offered Securities sold
pursuant to Contracts shall not be less or more than the respective amount
stated in such Prospectus Supplement. Institutions with which Contracts, when
authorized, may be made with commercial and savings banks, insurance companies,
pension funds, investment companies, education 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 (a) the purchase
by an institution of the Offered Securities covered by its Contract shall 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 (b) the Company shall
have sold to such underwriters the total principal amount of the Offered
Securities less the principal amount thereof covered by Contracts. The
commission indicated in the Prospectus Supplement will be paid to agents and
underwriters soliciting purchases of Offered Securities pursuant to Contracts
accepted by the Company. Agents and underwriters shall have no responsibility in
respect to this delivery or performance of Contracts.
 
     Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may be customers of,
engaged in transaction with, and perform services for, the Company in the
ordinary course of business.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
     The validity of the Offered Securities will be passed upon by Shumaker,
Loop & Kendrick, LLP, Toledo, Ohio.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   42
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of Health Care REIT, Inc. appearing
in Health Care REIT, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1996, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors,
as set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by
reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   43
                                   $50,000,000

                             HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.

                              8.17% NOTES DUE 2006



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


                              Prospectus Supplement

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                             LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER
                                  INCORPORATED



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