RAMCO GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
10-K405, 1997-03-28
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
Previous: LEAR CORP /DE/, 10-K405, 1997-03-28
Next: AG BAG INTERNATIONAL LTD, 10-K, 1997-03-28



<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
 
                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
                         ------------------------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)
[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
   ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                                       OR
 
[ ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
   ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
 
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                TO
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-10093
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<C>                                                  <C>
                MASSACHUSETTS                                          13-6908486
       (State or Other Jurisdiction of                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
        Incorporated or Organization)
    27600 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY, SUITE 200                                48034
             SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN                                      (Zip Code)
   (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
</TABLE>
 
        REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: 248-350-9900
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
             TITLE OF EACH CLASS                              ON WHICH REGISTERED
             -------------------                             ---------------------
<S>                                                      <C>
Shares of Beneficial Interest,                           New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
$0.10 Par Value Per Share
 
Share Purchase Rights                                    New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
 
                                      None
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]  No [ ]
 
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements to
this Form 10-K.  [X]
 
     Aggregate Market Value of the voting shares held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant as of March 14, 1997: approximately $122,798,000.
 
     Approximately 7,123,105 Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Registrant
were outstanding as of March 14, 1997.
 
     DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the 1997 Ramco-Gershenson
Properties Trust Proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the year covered by this Form 10-K with respect
to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 10, 1997 are
incorporated by reference into Part III.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
NOTE: Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust is sometimes referred to in this Annual
      Report on Form 10-K as "Registrant", or the "Company".
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            ITEM                                                                   PAGE
            ----                                                                   ----
<S>         <C>    <C>                                                             <C>
PART I       1.    Business....................................................      2
             2.    Properties..................................................      8
             3.    Legal Proceedings...........................................     12
             4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........     12
PART II      5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
                   Stockholder Matters.........................................     13
             6.    Selected Financial Data.....................................     15
             7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                   and Results of Operation....................................     17
             8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................     26
             9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
                   and Financial Disclosure....................................     26
PART III    10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..........     26
            11.    Executive Compensation......................................     26
            12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                   Management..................................................     26
            13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............     26
PART IV     14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form
                   8-K.........................................................     27
                                                                                   S-1
SIGNATURES.....................................................................
</TABLE>
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   3
 
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
     Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust (the "Company") is a Massachusetts
business trust organized pursuant to a Declaration of Trust declared and
accepted in Boston, Massachusetts on June 21, 1988, as amended and restated by
an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated June 21, 1988, as amended and
restated by an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 1988
and by a First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated
May 10, 1996 (as amended, the "Declaration of Trust"). The principal office of
the Company is located at 27600 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200, Southfield,
Michigan 48034.
 
     The Company is the successor entity of Resources Pension Shares 1 ("RPS
1"), Resources Pension Shares 2 ("RPS 2"), and Resources Pension Shares 3 ("RPS
3"), each of which was a Massachusetts business trust (collectively, the "RPS
Trusts"), and Integrated Resources Pension Shares 4, a California limited
partnership ("RPS 4") (the RPS Trusts and RPS 4 are collectively referred to as
the "Predecessor Programs"). On December 28, 1988, the Company (i) acquired the
assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Programs (the "Exchange")
in exchange for issuing an aggregate of 28,576,022 shares of beneficial
interest, $.10 par value per share (the "Shares"), and (ii) acquired all of the
outstanding stock of RPS Advisory Corp., a Delaware corporation, in
consideration for a note in the original principal amount of $24,250,000. The
assets of the Predecessor Programs acquired in the Exchange consisted primarily
of mortgage loan investments. Immediately prior to the Company's acquisition of
its stock, RPS Advisory Corp. acquired certain assets (consisting primarily of
10 year employment agreements with Herbert Liechtung, the Company's former
President, and Joel M. Pashcow, the Company's former Chairman and President, and
advisory agreements with, and the managing general partner's right to certain
management, mortgage servicing, and incentive fees from, the Predecessor
Programs). The Company's acquisition of such stock enabled the Company to
internalize its management.
 
     In May 1996, the Company (i) acquired substantially all of the shopping
center and retail properties as well as the management organization and business
operations, of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (the "Ramco
Acquisition"), (ii) changed the Company's name from RPS Realty Trust to Ramco-
Gershenson Properties Trust, (iii) combined the outstanding shares of the
Company by way of a one-for-four reverse split, and, (iv) spun-off eight
mortgage loans and two real properties (the "RPS Mortgage Assets") to Atlantic
Realty Trust , a newly formed real estate investment trust ("Atlantic"). The
Ramco Acquisition was accomplished by the transfer by the Company to
Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), a Delaware
limited partnership of which the Company is the general partner, of six
properties containing approximately 931,000 square feet of gross leasable area
("GLA") and of $68,000,000 in cash, and by the transfer to the Operating
Partnership by the principals of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. (the "Ramco Principals")
and by their affiliates (collectively the "Ramco Group"), of (a) 20 shopping
center properties containing approximately 4,826,000 square feet of gross
leasable area (the "Ramco Properties"), (b) 100% of the non-voting stock and 5%
of the voting stock (representing in excess of 95% of the economic interest) in
Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. ("Ramco"), (c) 50% general partner interests of two
partnerships which each own a shopping center (d) rights in and/or options to
acquire certain development land totaling approximately 155 acres, (e) options
to acquire interests in six shopping center properties and (f) five outparcels
totaling 7.1 acres. In return for its transfers, the Ramco Group received
2,377,492 Units ("Units") of the Operating Partnership (representing an
approximate 25% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership). The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase price was
allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their
estimated fair market value. Units were valued at $16.50 per share representing
the average trading price of the Company's stock immediately preceding and
following the Ramco Acquisition. In addition, the Ramco Group received 279,181
Units as a partial earnout relative to Jackson Crossing Shopping Center
(representing an approximate 2% limited partnership interest in the Operating
Partnership). The Ramco Group's aggregate Units of 2,656,673 represent an
approximate 27% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. The
Company assumed approximately $176,556,000
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
of secured indebtedness on the Ramco Properties. The aggregate interest in the
Operating Partnership to be received by the Ramco Group may be increased to a
maximum of approximately 29% if certain leasing objectives with respect to one
of the Ramco Properties are fulfilled by March 31, 1997. Subject to certain
limitations, the Units are exchangeable into shares of the Company on a
one-for-one basis beginning May 10, 1997. At December 31, 1996, the Company
owned 7,123,105 Units which represents partnership interests amounting to
approximately 73% of the total interest in the Operating Partnership. In
connection with the Ramco Acquisition, the Company entered into three-year
employment agreements with Joel D. Gershenson (the Chairman and a Director of
the Company), Dennis E. Gershenson (the President and a Director of the
Company), Richard D. Gershenson (an Executive Vice President and the Secretary
of the Company), Bruce A. Gershenson (an Executive Vice President and the
Treasurer of the Company) and Michael A. Ward (an Executive Vice President and
the Chief Operating Officer of the Company). The Ramco Acquisition permitted the
Company to become a self-administered, self-managed and fully integrated real
estate investment trust.
 
     The Company was organized for the purpose of qualifying as a real estate
investment trust ("REIT") under Section 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
     The RPS Trusts first elected to qualify as a REIT for the years ended
December 31, 1982, 1983 and 1984 respectively. The Company first elected to
qualify as a REIT for the year ended December 31, 1988 and intends to operate so
as to continue to qualify as a REIT. See "Qualification as a REIT."
 
     The Company is engaged in the business of owning, developing, acquiring,
managing and leasing community shopping centers, regional malls and single
tenant retail properties, nationally. At December 31, 1996, the Company had a
portfolio of 32 shopping centers, with more than 6,700,000 square feet of gross
leasable area, located in Michigan, Ohio, Florida, New York, New Jersey,
Maryland, Wisconsin and Georgia.
 
     The Company's properties consist of 2 regional enclosed malls, 15 community
centers, 12 power centers, and 3 single tenant retail properties. Regional
enclosed malls are larger retail properties (containing 400,000 to more than
1,000,000 square feet of GLA) with two or more department stores as Anchors and
a wide variety of stores along enclosed, climate controlled malls connecting the
Anchors. This layout is intended to maximize customer traffic for the mall
stores. At many regional enclosed malls, freestanding stores are located along
the perimeter of the parking area.
 
     Community shopping centers generally range in size up to 400,000 square
feet of GLA and are located in developed retail and commercial areas in which
other similar centers may be nearby. In addition, with respect to some of these
centers, there may be one or more regional enclosed malls nearby. Community
shopping centers generally fall into two types: traditional community centers
and power centers. Traditional community centers typically are convenient to
their trade areas and focus primarily on value-oriented and convenience goods
and services. They are designed to service a neighborhood area, and are usually
anchored by a supermarket, drugstore or discount retailer providing basic
necessities, although certain community centers are free standing single-user
buildings. Power centers are different from traditional community centers
because they are designed to service a larger trade area and they contain at
least two Anchors which occupy a substantial portion of the GLA in the center.
These Anchors are often national retailers which are leaders in their market or
"category killers" i.e., larger stores which offer a complete selection of a
category of items (e.g., toys, office supplies, home improvement products,
electronics, etc.) at low prices, and often in a warehouse format.
 
     Operations of the Company after the Ramco Acquisition. Since the
consummation of the Ramco Acquisition, the Company conducts substantially all of
its business through the Operating Partnership. The Company is the sole general
partner of, and has exclusive power to manage and conduct the business of, the
Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all of the
Company's interest in its properties, either directly or indirectly through
subsidiaries (including subsidiary property partnerships). The Operating
Partnership also owns 100% of the non-voting common stock and 5% of the voting
common stock of Ramco, such stock ownership enables the Company to receive in
excess of 95% of the dividend and liquidating distributions of Ramco. The
Company's property management operations are conducted through Ramco to
facilitate compliance with certain REIT requirements under the Code. After the
closing of the Ramco
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
Acquisition, the income attributable to the ownership of the Ramco Stock is
accounted for under the equity method.
 
     The Company's business objective and operating strategy is to increase cash
available for distribution per share. The Company expects to achieve internal
growth and to enhance the value of the properties by increasing their rental
income over time through (i) contractual rent increases, (ii) the leasing and
re-leasing of available space at higher rental levels, and (iii) the selective
renovation of the properties. The Company intends to achieve external growth
through the development of new shopping center properties, the selective
acquisition of shopping center properties and through the expansion and
redevelopment of existing properties.
 
     Ramco performs all property management functions for the properties. Ramco
has 139 full-time employees devoted exclusively to property management,
including on-site personnel. Property management efforts will continue to be
directed toward improving tenant sales and rents by continually respositioning
the centers. Ramco strives to meet the needs of its tenants in the areas of
promotion, marketing and ongoing management of its properties and seeks to bring
together a sufficient critical mass of complementary tenants. As part of its
property management efforts, Ramco monitors tenant mix, store size, sales
results and store locations, and works closely with tenants to improve the
overall performance of their stores. Ramco seeks to anticipate trends in the
retailing industry and introduce new retail names and concepts into its shopping
center properties in response to these trends.
 
     As part of its ongoing business strategy, the Company seeks to expand and
redevelop existing properties in its shopping center portfolio, as well as newly
acquired properties, depending on tenant demands and market conditions. The
Company plans to take advantage of attractive purchase opportunities by
acquiring additional shopping center properties in underserved, attractive
and/or expanding markets. The Company also seeks to acquire strategically
located, quality shopping centers that (i) have leases at rental rates below
market rates, (ii) have potential for rental and/or occupancy increases or (iii)
offer cash flow growth or capital appreciation potential where the Company's
financial strength, relationships with retail companies or expansion or
redevelopment capabilities can enhance value, and provide anticipated total
returns that will increase the Company's cash available for distribution per
share. The Company believes that its in-house redevelopment and expansion
capabilities provide it with opportunities to acquire shopping center properties
that may not necessarily be attractive to other potential owners.
 
     During August 1996, the Company acquired for $2,300,000 a property known as
Telegraph and Goddard located in Taylor, Michigan. The shopping center is an
approximately 122,000 square foot, free standing retail property currently
occupied by a Kmart store. The Kmart lease's primary term expired August 31,
1996 and Kmart exercised the first-of-four, five year options extending the term
to August 31, 2001. A provision of the Kmart lease requires Kmart to occupy the
premises in order to exercise any future options. Thus, if Kmart desires to open
a Super Kmart in this area, and the current site cannot accommodate the
expansion of the store, then possession of the premises would revert back to the
Operating Partnership which could seek to re-lease the property at current
market levels. In addition, there is an opportunity to add an outlot user to the
property.
 
     In November 1996 the Company acquired The Shoppes of Lakeland, located in
Lakeland, Florida, for approximately $12,700,000. The shopping center is an
approximately 249,000 square foot power center. The Shoppes of Lakeland is
anchored by Builders Square (72,000 square feet), Service Merchandise (50,000
square feet), Montgomery Ward (78,792 square feet), and Montgomery Ward Electric
Avenue (16,000 square feet). There is approximately 32,000 feet of smaller
tenant GLA. There is also a ground lease to Checkers, a drive-in restaurant. The
Lakeland center offers the potential for long-term growth. The Company believes
that the average rent presently being paid by the smaller tenants is below
current market rates, and the location provides an advantage for the Company's
expansion/renovation strategy.
 
     The Holcomb Center, an approximately 107,000 square foot community center
in Alpharetta, Georgia was acquired in December 1996 for approximately
$6,700,000. Holcomb Center is anchored by A&P (39,668 square feet)and Big B Drug
(9,490 square feet) with the remaining 57,000 square feet being comprised of
smaller tenants. The shopping center is located in a high-growth area with
strong demographics and provides the opportunity for anchor-store expansion,
leaseup and repositioning by leasing to unique, specialty, upscale retailers.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
     Numerous shopping center properties compete with the Company's properties
in attracting tenants to lease space. Some of these competing properties may be
newer, better located, better capitalized or better tenanted than some of the
Company's properties. Furthermore, the Company believes that it is likely that
major national or regional commercial property developers will continue to seek
development opportunities in markets where the Company's properties are located.
These developers may have greater financial resources than the Company. The
number of competitive commercial properties in a particular area could have a
material effect on the Company's ability to lease space in its properties or at
newly developed or acquired properties and on the rents charged. In addition,
the Company may face competition from alternate forms of retailing, including
home shopping networks, mail order catalogues and on-line based shopping
services which may limit the number of retail tenants that desire to seek space
in shopping center properties generally, all of which may affect the Company's
ability to make expected distributions.
 
     The Company is subject to the risks that upon expiration of leases for
space located in its properties, the leases may not be renewed, the space may
not be relet or the terms of renewal or reletting (including the cost of
required renovations) may be less favorable than current lease terms. Leases on
a total of approximately 2.6% of the Company owned GLA will expire in 1997. If
the Company were unable to promptly relet or renew the leases for all or a
substantial portion of this space and, if the rental rates upon such renewal or
reletting were significantly lower than expected rates, then the Company's cash
flow and ability to make distributions to shareholders may be adversely
affected. If the Company were unable to maintain its current occupancy levels,
then the Company's cash flow and ability to make expected distributions to
shareholders may be adversely affected.
 
     The shopping center industry is seasonal in nature. Tenant sales and
occupancy are higher in the fourth quarter due to the Christmas selling season.
Back-to-school and Easter events also result in sales fluctuations.
 
     Qualification as a REIT. The Company first elected to qualify as a REIT for
the year ended December 31, 1988. The Company's policy is to qualify as a REIT
for federal income tax purposes. If the Company so qualifies, amounts paid by
the Company as distributions to its shareholders will not be subject to
corporate income taxes. For any year in which the Company does not meet the
requirements for electing to be taxed as a REIT, it will be taxed as a
corporation.
 
     The requirements for qualification as a REIT are contained in sections
856-860 of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder. The following
discussion is a brief summary of some of those requirements. Such requirements
include certain provisions relating to the nature of a REIT's assets, the
sources of its income, the ownership of its stock, and the distribution of its
income. Among other things, at the end of each fiscal quarter, at least 75% of
the value of the total assets of the Company must consist of real estate assets
(including interests in mortgage loans secured by real property and interests in
other REIT's) as well as cash, cash items and government securities (the "75%
Asset Test"). There are also certain limitations on the amount of other types of
securities which can be held by a REIT. Additionally, at least 75% of the gross
income of the Company for the taxable year must be derived from certain sources,
which include "rents from real property," and interest secured by mortgages on
real property. An additional 20% of the gross income of the Company must be
derived from these same sources or from dividends, interest from any source, or
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or any
combination of the foregoing. There are also restrictions on the percentage of
gross income derived from the sale or disposition of certain assets within
certain time periods. A REIT is also required to distribute annually at least
95% of its REIT Taxable Income (as defined in the Code) to its shareholders.
 
     During the third quarter of 1994, the Company held more than 25% of its
value of its gross assets in overnight Treasury Bill reverse repurchase
transactions which the United States Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") may
view as non-qualifying assets for the purpose of satisfying an asset
qualification test applicable to REITs based on a Revenue Ruling published in
1977 (the "Asset Issue"). The Company has requested that the IRS enter into a
closing agreement with the Company that the Asset Issue will not impact the
Company's status as a REIT. The IRS has deferred any action relating to the
Asset Issue pending the further examination of the Company's 1991-1994 tax
returns. Based on developments in the law which have occurred since 1977, the
Company's legal counsel has rendered an opinion that the Company's investment in
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
Treasury Bill repurchase obligations would not adversely affect the REIT status.
However, such opinion is not binding upon the IRS. In connection with the
spin-off of Atlantic, Atlantic has assumed all tax liability arising out of the
Asset Issue and the IRS audit of the Company's 1991-1994 tax returns. In
connection with the assumption of such potential liabilities, Atlantic and the
Company have entered into a tax agreement which provides that the Company (under
the direction of its Continuing Trustees), and not Atlantic, will control,
conduct and effect the settlement of any tax claims against the Company relating
to the Asset Issue. Accordingly, Atlantic will not have any control as to the
timing of the resolution or disposition of any such claims. No assurance can be
given that the resolution or disposition of any such claims will be on terms or
conditions favorable to the Company. The Company and Atlantic also received an
opinion from legal counsel that, to the extent there is a deficiency in the
Company's taxable income arising out of the IRS examination and provided the
Company makes a deficiency dividend (i.e., declares and pays a distribution
which is permitted to relate back to the year for which each deficiency was
determined to satisfy the requirement that the REIT distribute 95% of its
taxable income), the classification of the Company as a REIT for the taxable
years under examination would not be affected. If notwithstanding the
above-described opinions of legal counsel, the IRS successfully challenged the
status of the Company as a REIT, its status could be adversely affected.
 
     Environmental Matters. Under various Federal, state and local laws,
ordinances and regulations relating to the protection of the environment
("Environmental Laws"), a current or previous owner or operator of real estate
may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or
toxic substances disposed, stored, released, generated, manufactured or
discharged from, on, at, onto, under or in such property. Environmental Laws
often impose such liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew
of, or was responsible for, the presence or release of such hazardous or toxic
substance. The presence of such substances, or the failure to properly remediate
such substances when present, released or discharged, may adversely affect the
owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property
as collateral. The cost of any required remediation and the liability of the
owner or operator therefore as to any property is generally not limited under
such Environmental Laws and could exceed the value of the property and/or the
aggregate assets of the owner or operator. Persons who arrange for the disposal
or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also be liable for the cost of
removal or remediation of such substances at a disposal or treatment facility,
whether or not such facility is owned or operated by such persons. In addition
to any action required by Federal, state or local authorities, the presence or
release of hazardous or toxic substances on or from any property could result in
private plaintiffs bringing claims for personal injury or other causes of
action.
 
     In connection with the ownership (direct or indirect), operation,
management and development of real properties, the Company may be potentially
liable for remediation, releases or injury. In addition, Environmental Laws
impose on owners or operators the requirement of on-going compliance with rules
and regulations regarding business-related activities that may affect the
environment. Such activities include, for example, the ownership or use of
transformers or underground tanks, the treatment or discharge of waste waters,
the removal or abatement of asbestos-containing materials ("ACMs") or
lead-containing paint during renovations or otherwise, or notification to the
parties concerning the potential presence of regulated matter, including ACMs.
Failure to comply with such requirements could result in difficulty in the lease
or sale of any affected property and/or the imposition of monetary penalties and
fines in addition to the costs required to attain compliance.
 
     Each of the Ramco Properties has been the subject of a Phase I
Environmental Assessment completed by an environmental consultant, performed and
obtained in contemplation of the Ramco Acquisition (collectively "Phase I
Assessments"). The Phase I Assessments consisted of, among other activities, a
visual inspection of the Ramco Properties and nearby properties and review of
pertinent publicly available information. The Phase I Assessments, as with
standard Phase I environmental assessments, generally do not include sampling or
analysis of soil, groundwater or other media; however, at certain Ramco
Properties, limited testing was performed for the presence of ACMs.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
     Based on the Phase I Assessments, the Company is aware of the following
environmental issues:
 
          - The Phase I Assessments included observation and/or limited testing
     for the presence of ACMs at the Ramco Properties. The Phase I Assessments
     revealed that ACMs and/or suspected ACMs are present at Clinton Valley
     Mall, Clinton Valley Strip, Fraser Shopping Center, Jackson Crossing, Lake
     Orion Plaza, New Towne Plaza, Roseville Plaza, Southfield Plaza and
     Tel-Twelve Mall, primarily in the form of ceiling tiles, floor tiles,
     mastics or pipe insulation. The identified ACMs and suspected ACMs are
     generally classified as non-friable and in good condition. In the course of
     future operations, maintenance, renovation or demolition at such Ramco
     Properties that may disturb such ACMs or suspected ACMs whether classified
     as friable or non-friable, some or all of such ACMs or suspected ACMs
     ultimately may require removal.
 
          - The Phase I Assessments indicated that underground storage tanks
     ("USTs") are present at Jackson Crossing and Roseville Plaza and were
     formerly present at Lake Orion Plaza, New Towne Plaza, Tel-Twelve Mall and
     West Oaks I Shopping Center, often in connection with tenant operations at
     gasoline stations or automotive tire, battery and accessory service
     centers. USTs also are or were present at properties nearby certain Ramco
     Properties. Certain of these tanks have or may have leaked, and
     consequently the Company may incur investigation, remediation, and/or
     monitoring costs, if the responsible current or former tenant or other
     responsible parties are unavailable to pay such costs.
 
     Except as described below, none of the Phase I Assessments revealed, nor is
the Company aware of, any potential environmental liability that the Company
believes could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, assets
or results of operations. No assurance can be given that the Phase I Assessments
reveal all potential environmental liabilities, that any prior owner or tenant
did not create any material adverse environmental condition not known to the
Company, that no environmental liabilities have developed since the Phase I
Assessments were prepared, that future laws, ordinances or regulations will not
impose any material environmental requirement or liability, or that a material
adverse environmental condition does not otherwise exist.
 
     The Phase I Assessment of Jackson Crossing revealed that, as to a gasoline
station located at such property, there was a release of approximately 2,300
gallons of gasoline from a product line break in August 1986 and a release of
approximately 1,200 gallons of gasoline from a delivery line break in October
1991. The Phase I Assessment of Lake Orion Plaza revealed that a release of
gasoline was discovered in 1987 at the time of removal of USTs from a gasoline
station located adjacent to such property. Subsequent investigations indicated
that levels of contamination exist in the ground water under such property. The
Ramco Principals, jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify the Company,
the Operating Partnership and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates for
any and all damages arising from or in connection with such environmental
conditions at the Jackson Crossing and Lake Orion Plaza properties. On March 20,
1995, the Company received a letter from the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation regarding the release of materials to the ground
water from an off-site source and the presence of such in the well or ground
water at the Trinity Corners Shopping Center property. Although the Company
believes that the costs of any such remediation are the responsibility of third
parties, if such remediation is required to be undertaken by the Company and at
its expense, it may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition and results of operations. The Company has agreed to indemnify the
Operating Partnership for any and all damages arising from or in connection with
the environmental condition present at its Trinity Corners property.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
     The Company's properties are located in eight states primarily throughout
the Midwest and the East as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           STATE                                NUMBER OF PROPERTIES
                           -----                                --------------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Michigan....................................................             19
Florida.....................................................              4
Ohio........................................................              3
New York....................................................              2
Georgia.....................................................              1
Maryland....................................................              1
New Jersey..................................................              1
Wisconsin...................................................              1
                                                                         --
     Total..................................................             32
                                                                         ==
</TABLE>
 
     With the exception of Kentwood Towne Centre and Southfield Plaza Expansion
in which the Company owns 50% interests, all of the properties are 100% owned by
the Operating Partnership.
 
     Additional information regarding the Properties is included in the Property
Schedule on the following pages.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
                               PROPERTY SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                           YEAR OPENED OR
                                                                            ACQUIRED/YEAR                  COMPANY     COMPANY
                                                                              OF LATEST        ANCHOR       OWNED       OWNED
                                                                            RENOVATION OR       OWNED      ANCHOR      TENANT
       PROPERTY                 LOCATION             TYPE OF PROPERTY       EXPANSION(3)         GLA         GLA         GLA
       --------                 --------             ----------------      --------------      ------      -------     -------
<S>                     <C>                        <C>                    <C>                 <C>         <C>         <C>
FLORIDA
Shoppes at Lakeland...  Lakeland, FL               Power Center           1996/NA                           216,792      32,000
Lantana Plaza.........  Lantana, FL                Community Center       1993/NA                            38,884      76,022
Naples Towne Center...  Naples, FL                 Community Center       1983/NA               104,577      21,000      23,152
Sunshine Plaza........  Tamarac, FL                Power Center           1991/NA                           146,342      99,729
GEORGIA
Holcomb Center........  Alpharetta, GA             Community Center       1996/NA                            39,668      66,835
MARYLAND
Crofton Plaza.........  Crofton, MD                Power Center           1991/NA                           181,039      68,977
MICHIGAN
Clinton Valley Mall...  Sterling Heights, MI       Community Center       1979/1993                         108,680      48,333
Clinton Valley
 Strip................  Sterling Heights, MI       Community Center       1979/NA                50,000           0      44,360
Eastridge Commons.....  Flint, MI                  Power Center           1990/NA               101,909     123,869      45,637
Edgewood Towne
 Center...............  Lansing, MI                Power Center           1990/1992             209,272      23,524      62,233
Ferndale Plaza........  Ferndale, MI               Community Center       1984/NA                                 0      30,916
Fraser Shopping
 Center...............  Fraser, MI                 Community Center       1983/NA                            52,384      23,800
Jackson Crossing......  Jackson, MI                Regional Mall          1990/1996             254,243     112,967     266,917
Jackson West..........  Jackson, MI                Community Center       1996/NA                           153,997           0
Kentwood Towne
 Center(2)............  Kentwood, MI               Power Center           1989/NA               101,909     122,390      61,265
Lake Orion Plaza......  Lake Orion, MI             Community Center       1977/NA                           114,574      14,878
New Towne Center......  Canton, MI                 Community Center       1976/1993                          95,810      67,594
Oak Brook Square......  Flint, MI                  Community Center       1989/NA                            57,160      83,122
Roseville Plaza.......  Roseville, MI              Power Center           1983/1994                         114,507     116,769
 
<CAPTION>
                                                             % OF TOTAL
                                                              COMPANY
                          TOTAL       TOTAL                    OWNED
                         COMPANY    SHOPPING    % OF TOTAL   GLA LEASED
                          OWNED      CENTER      COMPANY       AS OF
       PROPERTY            GLA         GLA      OWNED GLA     12/31/96               ANCHORS
       --------          -------    --------    ----------   ----------              -------
<S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
FLORIDA
Shoppes at Lakeland...    248,792     248,792        4.7%      100.00%    Builder's Square
                                                                          Montgomery Ward
                                                                          Service Merchandise
Lantana Plaza.........    114,906     114,906        2.2%       97.82%    Publix
Naples Towne Center...     44,152     148,729        0.8%       75.21%    Florida Food & Drug(1)
                                                                          Kmart(1)
                                                                          Luria's
Sunshine Plaza........    246,071     246,071        4.6%       52.64%    Publix
                                                                          Luria's
GEORGIA
Holcomb Center........    106,503     106,503        2.0%       84.38%    A & P
MARYLAND
Crofton Plaza.........    250,016     250,016        4.7%      100.00%    Basic's Supermarket
                                                                          Drug Emporium
                                                                          Kmart
MICHIGAN
Clinton Valley Mall...    157,013     157,013        3.0%       99.91%    Montgomery Ward
Clinton Valley
 Strip................     44,360      94,360        0.8%      100.00%    Service Merchandise(1)
Eastridge Commons.....    169,506     271,415        3.2%       97.61%    TJ Maxx
                                                                          Farmer Jack
                                                                          Staples
                                                                          Target(1)
Edgewood Towne
 Center...............     85,757     295,029        1.6%      100.00%    OfficeMax
                                                                          Sam's Club(1)
                                                                          Target(1)
Ferndale Plaza........     30,916      30,916        0.6%       95.16%    None
Fraser Shopping
 Center...............     76,184      76,184        1.4%       95.87%    Oakridge Supermarket; Rite
                                                                          Aid
Jackson Crossing......    379,884     634,127        7.2%       86.46%    Kohls Department Store
                                                                          Toys R Us
                                                                          Sears(1)
                                                                          Target(1)
Jackson West..........    153,997     153,997        2.9%      100.00%    Lowe's
                                                                          OfficeMax
Kentwood Towne
 Center(2)............    183,655     285,564        3.5%      100.00%    Builder's Square
                                                                          OfficeMax
                                                                          Target(1)
Lake Orion Plaza......    129,452     129,452        2.4%      100.00%    Kmart
                                                                          Farmer Jack (A&P)
New Towne Center......    163,404     163,404        3.1%       97.55%    Kmart
Oak Brook Square......    140,282     140,282        2.6%       97.90%    Kids R Us
                                                                          TJ Maxx
Roseville Plaza.......    231,276     231,276        4.4%       90.64%    A & P
                                                                          Marshall's
                                                                          Service Merchandise
</TABLE>
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                           YEAR OPENED OR
                                                                            ACQUIRED/YEAR                  COMPANY     COMPANY
                                                                              OF LATEST        ANCHOR       OWNED       OWNED
                                                                            RENOVATION OR       OWNED      ANCHOR      TENANT
       PROPERTY                 LOCATION             TYPE OF PROPERTY       EXPANSION(3)         GLA         GLA         GLA
       --------                 --------             ----------------      --------------      ------      -------     -------
<S>                     <C>                        <C>                    <C>                 <C>         <C>         <C>
Southfield Plaza......  Southfield, MI             Community Center       1983/1983                         128,192      37,168
Southfield Plaza
 Expansion(2).........  Southfield, MI             Community Center       1985/NA                                 0      19,410
Taylor Plaza..........  Taylor, MI                 Single Tenant Retail   1996/NA                           122,374           0
Tel-Twelve Mall.......  Southfield, MI             Regional Mall          1983/1995                         447,033     212,467
West Oaks I...........  Novi, MI                   Power Center           1981/NA                           186,158      44,003
West Oaks II..........  Novi, MI                   Power Center           1987/NA               220,097      25,000      95,944
NEW JERSEY
Chester Springs.......  Chester, NJ                Power Center           1994/NA                            81,760     142,489
NEW YORK
Toys R Us.............  Commack, NY                Single Tenant Retail   1992/NA                            47,500           0
Trinity Corners.......  Pound Ridge, NY            Community Center       1992/NA                            28,515      22,536
OHIO
OfficeMax Center......  Toledo, OH                 Single Tenant Retail   1994/NA                            22,930           0
Spring Meadows
 Place................  Springfield Township, OH   Power Center           1987/1996             275,372      74,125     117,276
Troy Towne Center.....  Troy, OH                   Community Center       1990/1996              90,921      85,000      71,797
WISCONSIN
West Allis Town
 Centre...............  West Allis, WI             Power Center           1987/NA                     0     216,474     112,933
                                                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total..............                                                                        1,408,300   3,188,648   2,108,562
                                                                                              =========   =========   =========
 
<CAPTION>
                                                             % OF TOTAL
                                                              COMPANY
                          TOTAL       TOTAL                    OWNED
                         COMPANY    SHOPPING    % OF TOTAL   GLA LEASED
                          OWNED      CENTER      COMPANY       AS OF
       PROPERTY            GLA         GLA      OWNED GLA     12/31/96               ANCHORS
       --------          -------    --------    ----------   ----------              -------
<S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
 
Southfield Plaza......    165,360     165,360        3.1%       92.93%    Burlington Coat Factory
                                                                          Marshall's
                                                                          Service Merchandise
Southfield Plaza
 Expansion(2).........     19,410      19,410        0.4%       81.40%    None
Taylor Plaza..........    122,374     122,374        2.3%      100.00%    Kmart
Tel-Twelve Mall.......    659,500     659,500       12.4%       94.26%    Kmart
                                                                          Montgomery Ward
                                                                          Office Depot
                                                                          Crowley's
                                                                          Media Play
                                                                          Chrysler (land lease)
                                                                          Crowley's (land lease)
West Oaks I...........    230,161     230,161        4.3%       95.15%    Circuit City
                                                                          Kmart (land lease)
                                                                          Service Merchandise
West Oaks II..........    120,944     341,041        2.3%      100.00%    Marshall's
                                                                          Toys R Us(1)
                                                                          Kids R Us(1)
                                                                          Builder's Square(1)
                                                                          Kohls Department Store(1)
NEW JERSEY
Chester Springs.......    224,249     224,249        4.2%       93.96%    Shop-Rite Supermarket
                                                                          Rickel Home Centers
NEW YORK
Toys R Us.............     47,500      47,500        0.9%      100.00%    Toys R Us
Trinity Corners.......     51,051      51,051        1.0%       65.08%    Scott's Corner Market
OHIO
OfficeMax Center......     22,930      22,930        0.4%      100.00%    OfficeMax
Spring Meadows
 Place................    191,401     466,773        3.6%       97.44%    Marshall's
                                                                          OfficeMax
                                                                          TJ Maxx
                                                                          Target(1)
                                                                          Dick's Sporting Goods
                                                                          Service Merchandise
                                                                          Kroger(1)
Troy Towne Center.....    156,797     247,718        3.0%       95.15%    County Market
                                                                          Sears Hardware
                                                                          Stage Department Store
                                                                          Wal Mart(1)
WISCONSIN
West Allis Town
 Centre...............    329,407     329,407        6.2%      100.00%    Builder's Square
                                                                          Kmart
                                                                          Kohl's Supermarket (A&P)
                        ---------   ---------        ---       ------
   Total..............  5,297,210   6,705,510      100.0%       93.51%
                        =========   =========        ===       ======
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(1) Anchor-owned store
 
(2) 50% general partner interest
 
(3) Represents year opened or acquired/year of latest renovation or expansion by
    either the Company or the former Ramco Group, as applicable.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
TENANT INFORMATION
 
     The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 1996 information
regarding space leased to tenants which in each case, individually account for
more than 2% of total base rental revenue from the Company's properties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    % OF BASE
                                           TOTAL      AGGREGATE     % OF TOTAL     BASE RENTAL       RENTAL
                                         NUMBER OF    GLA LEASED     COMPANY      REVENUE AS OF    REVENUE AS
               TENANT                     STORES      BY TENANT     OWNED GLA       12/31/96       OF 12/31/96
               ------                    ---------    ----------    ----------    -------------    -----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>
Kmart................................        7          693,001        13.1%       $1,719,570          5.3%
Montgomery Ward......................        5          358,130         6.8         1,458,494          4.5
Builder's Square.....................        3          249,440         4.7         1,345,086          4.1
A&P/Farmer Jack......................        5          231,257         4.4         1,340,991          4.1
Service Merchandise..................        4          208,348         3.9         1,018,023          3.1
OfficeMax............................        5          116,823         2.2           985,495          3.0
Marshall's...........................        4          107,649         2.0           673,339          2.1
                                             -        ---------        ----        ----------         ----
                                                      1,964,648        37.1%       $8,540,998         26.1%
                                                      =========        ====        ==========         ====
</TABLE>
 
     The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 1996, the total GLA
leased to Anchors, retail tenants, and available space, in the aggregate, of the
Company's properties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 % OF BASE
                                                   AGGREGATE     % OF TOTAL     BASE RENTAL       RENTAL
                                                   GLA LEASED     COMPANY      REVENUE AS OF    REVENUE AS
                TYPE OF TENANT                     BY TENANT     OWNED GLA       12/31/96       OF 12/31/96
                --------------                     ----------    ----------    -------------    -----------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>
Anchor.........................................    3,115,101        58.80%      $14,952,299         45.7%
Retail (non-Anchor)............................    1,838,467        34.71        17,785,469         54.3
Available......................................      343,642         6.49                --           --
                                                   ---------       ------       -----------        -----
     Total.....................................    5,297,210       100.00%      $32,737,768        100.0%
                                                   =========       ======       ===========        =====
</TABLE>
 
     The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1996, the total GLA
leased to national, regional and local tenants in the aggregate of the Company's
properties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            % OF BASE
                                                 AGGREGATE    % OF TOTAL    BASE RENTAL      RENTAL
                                                 GLA LEASED    COMPANY     REVENUE AS OF   REVENUE AS
                TYPE OF TENANT                   BY TENANT    OWNED GLA      12/31/96      OF 12/31/96
                --------------                   ----------   ----------   -------------   -----------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>
National.......................................  3,994,380       75.40%     $24,303,091        74.2%
Regional.......................................    262,291        4.95        2,089,089         6.4
Local..........................................    696,897       13.16        6,345,588        19.4
Vacant.........................................    343,642        6.49               --          --
                                                 ---------      ------      -----------       -----
     Total.....................................  5,297,210      100.00%     $32,737,768       100.0%
                                                 =========      ======      ===========       =====
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
     The following table sets forth lease expirations for the next five years at
the Company's properties assuming that no renewal options are exercised.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     % OF TOTAL                          AVERAGE BASE         % OF BASE
                                  LEASED COMPANY       COMPANY         BASE RENTAL      RENTAL REVENUE     RENTAL REVENUE
                        NO. OF      OWNED GLA         OWNED GLA       REVENUE AS OF    PER SQ. FT. AS OF   AS OF 12/31/96
        LEASE           LEASES     EXPIRING (IN    REPRESENTED BY    12/31/96 UNDER     12/31/96 UNDER     REPRESENTED BY
     EXPIRATION        EXPIRING    SQUARE FEET)    EXPIRING LEASES   EXPIRING LEASES    EXPIRING LEASES    EXPIRING LEASES
     ----------        --------   --------------   ---------------   ---------------   -----------------   ---------------
<S>                    <C>        <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>                 <C>
1997.................     60         136,055             2.6%           $1,775,190            $13.05              5.4%
1998.................    106         465,637             8.8             4,138,889              8.89             12.6
1999.................     79         476,018             9.0             3,592,730              7.55             11.0
2000.................     79         505,858             9.5             4,040,942              7.99             12.3
2001.................     69         462,193             8.7             2,923,984              6.33              8.9
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary
routine litigation incidental to the business, against or involving the Company
or its properties.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
     The Company did not submit any matter to a vote of its shareholders during
the fourth quarter of 1996.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
     MARKET INFORMATION -- The Shares have been listed and traded on the New
York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "RPT" since May 13, 1996. The
Shares were previously listed on the NYSE under the name of RPS Realty Trust,
symbol "RPS", from December 28, 1988 until May 10, 1996.
 
     The following table shows high and low closing prices per Share for each
quarter in 1996 and 1995. The closing prices have been adjusted to reflect the
effect of the one-for-four reverse split effective May 1, 1996. On May 10, 1996,
the Company spun-off the RPS Mortgage Assets to Atlantic Realty Trust and
effected a stock dividend of shares of Atlantic Realty Trust to shareholders of
the Company; trading price information for subsequent periods does not include
any adjustment for the spin-off transaction.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SHARE PRICE
                                                              ---------------
                       QUARTER ENDED                           HIGH     LOW
                       -------------                           ----     ---
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
March 31, 1995..............................................  $18.50   $16.50
June 30, 1995...............................................   20.50    17.00
September 30, 1995..........................................   18.50    16.50
December 31, 1995...........................................   18.50    16.50
 
March 31, 1996..............................................   19.50    18.00
June 30, 1996...............................................   19.00    15.00
September 30, 1996..........................................   17.00    15.38
December 31, 1996...........................................   17.75    16.25
</TABLE>
 
     HOLDERS -- The approximate number of holders of record of the Company's
Shares was 11,335 as of March 10, 1997.
 
     DIVIDENDS -- Under the Code, a REIT must meet certain requirements,
including a requirement that it distribute annually to its shareholders at least
95% of its taxable income. Dividend distributions per share for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, as adjusted for the one-for-four reverse split
effective May 1, 1996 are summarized as follows.
 
     The Company declared the following cash distributions per share, as
adjusted to reflect the effect of the one-for-four reverse split to
shareholders, for the year ended December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DIVIDEND
                  RECORD DATE                    DISTRIBUTION     PAYMENT DATE
                  -----------                    ------------     ------------
<S>                                              <C>            <C>
April 27, 1995.................................      $.32            May 17, 1995
July 28, 1995..................................      $.32         August 17, 1995
October 27, 1995...............................      $.32       November 17, 1995
December 27, 1995..............................      $.32        January 25, 1996
</TABLE>
 
     The Company declared the following cash distributions per share to
shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1996. The distribution paid April
29, 1996 has been adjusted to reflect the effect of the one-for-four reverse
split.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DIVIDEND
                  RECORD DATE                    DISTRIBUTION     PAYMENT DATE
                  -----------                    ------------     ------------
<S>                                              <C>            <C>
April 7, 1996..................................      $.32          April 29, 1996
July 8, 1996...................................      $.28           July 23, 1996
September 30, 1996.............................      $.42        October 15, 1996
December 31, 1996..............................      $.42        January 21, 1997
</TABLE>
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
     Effective May 1, 1996 the shareholders of RPS, as part of the spin-off of
Atlantic, received one share of beneficial interest of Atlantic Realty Trust for
every two shares of RPS that they held, subsequent to the one-for-four reverse
split of RPS.
 
     Future distributions paid by the Company will be at the discretion the
Board of Trustees and will depend on a number of factors, including cash flow of
the Company, its financial condition and capital requirements, the annual
distribution requirements necessary to maintain its status as a REIT under the
Code, and such other factors as the Board of Trustees deem relevant.
 
     The Company has an Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan") which
allows shareholders to acquire additional Shares by automatically reinvesting
cash dividends. Shares are acquired pursuant to the Plan at a price equal to the
prevailing market price of such Shares, without payment of any brokerage
commission or service charge. Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan
continue to receive cash distributions, as declared.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
     The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for the
Company and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 PRO FORMA YEAR ENDED
                                     DECEMBER 31,                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                 ---------------------   -----------------------------------------------------
                                   1996        1995       1996(1)      1995        1994       1993      1992
                                   ----        ----       -------      ----        ----       ----      ----
                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
OPERATING DATA:
  Revenues
     Rental revenues...........    $53,788     $51,150     $37,598     $ 8,936     $ 6,764   $ 4,087   $ 2,580
     Interest and other
       income..................        628         390       2,915       7,781      19,642    22,881    27,277
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
       Total Revenues..........     54,416      51,540      40,513      16,717      26,406    26,968    29,857
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
  Expenses:
     Real estate taxes.........      6,496       5,487       4,643       1,271       1,236       704       396
     Recoverable operating
       expenses................     11,259      11,302       8,230       1,934       1,530     1,206       726
     Depreciation and
       amortization............      6,919       6,805       4,798       1,214         947       748       557
     Other Operating...........      1,043         943         791         183         227
     General and
       administrative..........      4,440       3,369       4,683       4,127       3,898     3,636     3,820
     Interest expense..........     11,544      11,132       6,725                     426     2,623     2,649
     Spin-off and other
       expenses................      7,976                   7,976
     Allowance for loan
       losses..................                                          4,450       2,500    15,000    13,875
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
       Total Expenses..........     49,677      39,038      37,846      13,179      10,764    23,917    22,023
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
  Operating Income.............      4,739      12,502       2,667       3,538      15,642     3,051     7,834
  Loss From Unconsolidated
     Entities..................        314         418         216
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
  Income Before Minority
     Interest..................      4,425      12,084       2,451       3,538      15,642     3,051     7,834
  Minority Interest............      3,279       3,021       2,159
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
  Income Before Extraordinary
     Items.....................      1,146       9,063         292       3,538      15,642     3,051     7,834
  Extraordinary Gains on Early
     Extinguishment of Debt....                                                                          1,005
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
       Net Income..............    $ 1,146     $ 9,063     $   292     $ 3,538     $15,642   $ 3,051   $ 8,839
                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------   -------
  Earnings Per Common Share:
       Net Income..............      $0.16       $1.27       $0.04       $0.50       $2.20     $0.43     $1.24
                                 =========   =========   =========   =========   =========   =======   =======
  Weighted Average Shares
     Outstanding...............      7,123       7,123       7,123       7,123       7,123     7,146     7,150
                                 =========   =========   =========   =========   =========   =======   =======
OTHER DATA:
  Funds from operations(2).....    $19,154     $18,722
  Weighted average equivalent
     shares outstanding(3).....      9,687       9,501
  Number of Properties at Year
     End.......................         32          31          32           8           8         7         5
  Company owned GLA............  5,297,000   5,143,000   5,297,000   1,189,000   1,189,000   885,000   701,000
  Cash Distributions Declared
     Per Share.................                              $1.44       $1.28       $1.28     $1.28     $2.40
</TABLE>
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                              --------------------------------------------------------
                                              1996(1)       1995        1994        1993        1992
                                              -------       ----        ----        ----        ----
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Cash and cash equivalents...............    $  3,541    $ 11,467    $ 74,584    $ 38,800    $ 37,649
  REMIC Investments.......................                  58,099
  Interest and accounts receivable........       3,901       7,748       8,608       9,978      13,229
  Mortgage loans receivable -- net........                  36,023      41,892     100,692     130,595
  Investment in real estate (before
     accumulated depreciation)............     314,854      58,046      57,841      36,332      26,415
  Total Assets............................     322,854     180,581     186,171     186,420     215,558
  Mortgage and Notes Payable..............     143,410                               5,027       6,232
  Total Liabilities.......................     158,283       3,561       3,572      10,107      32,999
  Minority Interest.......................      44,706
  Shareholders' Equity....................     119,865     177,020     182,599     176,313     182,559
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(1) Effective May 1, 1996, Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, formerly RPS
    Realty Trust, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the shopping
    center and retail properties, as well as the management organization and
    business operations of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. and its affiliates and the
    spin-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Realty Trust, a Maryland
    real estate investment trust. In connection with the Ramco Acquisition, the
    Company's name was changed to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust and a
    one-for-four reverse stock split was effectuated as of the close of business
    on May 1, 1996.
 
(2) Management generally considers Funds From Operations ("FFO") to be one
    measure of financial performance of an equity REIT. The Company has adopted
    the most recent National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts
    ("NAREIT") definition of FFO, which was effective on January 1, 1996. Under
    the new definition, FFO represents income (loss) before minority interest
    (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
    ("GAAP")), excluding gains (losses) from debt restructuring and sales of
    property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding
    amortization of financing costs), and after adjustment for unconsolidated
    partnerships and joint ventures. Therefore, FFO does not represent cash
    generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not
    be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of the Company's
    performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of
    liquidity or the ability to pay distributions. Furthermore, while net income
    and cash generated from operating, investing and financing activities,
    determined in accordance with GAAP, consider capital expenditures which have
    been and will be incurred in the future, the calculation of FFO does not.
 
(3) Represents the weighted average total shares outstanding, assuming the
    redemption of all Operating Partnership Units for Shares.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATION
 
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS)
 
     The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and
results of operations should be read in conjunction with Ramco-Gershenson
Properties Trust Consolidated Financial Statements, the notes thereto, and the
comparative summary of selected financial data appearing elsewhere in this
report.
 
     RPS Realty Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, was formed on June 21,
1988 to be a diversified, growth oriented real estate investment trust ("REIT").
From 1988 until April 30, 1996, RPS Realty Trust was primarily engaged in the
business of owning and managing a participating mortgage loan portfolio, and,
through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owning and operating eight real estate
properties. In May 1996, in connection with the closing of the Ramco Acquisition
and the consummation of the spin-off of Atlantic Realty Trust, discussed below,
RPS Realty Trust successfully completed its plan to transform itself into an
equity REIT.
 
     Effective May 1, 1996, RPS Realty Trust completed the acquisition of
substantially all of the shopping center and retail properties, as well as the
management organization and business operations of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. and
its affiliates (the "Ramco Acquisition") and the spin-off of its wholly owned
subsidiary, Atlantic Realty Trust ("Atlantic"), a Maryland real estate
investment trust. In connection with the Ramco Acquisition, RPS Realty Trust's
name was changed to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust and a one-for-four reverse
stock split was effectuated as of the close of business on May 1, 1996.
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust is referred to herein as the "Company".
 
     Concurrent with the Ramco Acquisition, the former owners of the Ramco
Properties (as defined below) and the shareholders of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc.
("Ramco") (collectively, the "Ramco Group") contributed to Ramco-Gershenson
Properties, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership") (i) their interests in 20
shopping center and retail properties (the "Ramco Properties") containing an
aggregate of approximately 4,826,000 square feet of total gross leasable area
("GLA"), of which approximately 3,520,000 square feet is owned by the Operating
Partnership, and the balance is owned by certain anchor tenants, (ii) 100% of
the nonvoting common stock and 5% of the voting common stock in Ramco
(representing in excess of a 95% economic interest in Ramco), (iii) 50% general
partner interests of two partnerships which each own a shopping center, (iv)
rights in and/or options to acquire certain development land, (v) options to
acquire the Ramco Group's interest in six shopping center properties and (vi)
five outparcels.
 
     In return for these transfers, the Ramco Group received, 2,377,492 units
("Units") of the Operating Partnership (representing an approximate 25% limited
partnership interest in the Operating Partnership). The acquisition was
accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase price was allocated to the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair market
value. Units, which are convertible into shares of beneficial interest in the
Company, as described below, were valued at $16.50 per Unit representing the
average trading price of the Company's shares immediately preceding and
following the Ramco Acquisition. In addition, the Ramco Group received 279,181
Units as a partial earnout relative to Jackson Crossing Shopping Center
(representing an approximate 2% limited partnership interest in the Operating
Partnership). The Ramco Group's 2,656,673 aggregate Units of represent an
approximate 27% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. In
connection with the transfer of the Ramco Properties, the Company assumed
approximately $176,556 of secured indebtedness on the Ramco Properties. The
aggregate interest in the Operating Partnership to be received by the Ramco
Group may be increased to a maximum of approximately 29% if certain leasing
objectives with respect to one of the Ramco Properties are fulfilled by March
31, 1997. Subject to certain limitations, the interests in the Operating
Partnership are exchangeable into shares of the Company on a one-for-one basis
beginning on May 10, 1997.
 
     Pursuant to the Ramco Acquisition, the Company transferred to the Operating
Partnership six properties containing an aggregate of approximately 931,000
square feet of GLA and $68,000 in cash in exchange for 7,123,105 Units of the
Operating Partnership (representing a 1% General Partnership interest, and a 72%
limited partnership interest after giving effect for the reduction of 2% for the
Ramco Group's earnout).
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
     The transfer of the Company's net assets in exchange for Units was
accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As such,
these assets and liabilities were transferred and accounted for at historical
cost in a manner similar to that of a pooling of interests.
 
     Concurrently with the closing of the Ramco Acquisition, the Company's
former mortgage loan portfolio as well as certain of its former real estate
assets were transferred to Atlantic and the shares of Atlantic were distributed
to the Company's shareholders.
 
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
 
     At the closing of the Ramco Acquisition (the "Closing"), the Company's
long-term debt was $116,977, which consisted of $176,556 of mortgage debt
assumed on the Ramco Properties, $9,906 borrowed under the Company's $50,000
revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") less $69,485 paid down using
the proceeds from the Credit Facility and the cash contributed to the Operating
Partnership by the Company.
 
     At the Closing, the Company made a loan to, and assumed an obligation of,
Atlantic. In that connection, Atlantic was obligated to pay the Company the sum
of $5,550 pursuant to a promissory note which would have matured on November 9,
1997 and bore interest at the Base Rate under the Credit Facility (which was
8.25% at Closing). The promissory note was secured by a collateral assignment of
Atlantic's interest in the Hylan Center. Atlantic repaid the promissory note in
full plus accrued interest during 1996.
 
     The Company's mortgage debt consists of debt on certain shopping centers as
well as on two properties in which the Operating Partnership owns an interest
and is accounted for on the equity method of accounting. At December 31, 1996
the Company's portion of mortgage debt attributable to properties 100% owned is
$143,410, with a weighted average interest rate of 8.00%, and its pro rata share
of non-recourse mortgage debt on unconsolidated properties (accounted for on the
equity method) was $6,341, with a weighted average interest rate of 9.13%.
 
     The mortgage debt consists of six loans secured by various properties, two
loans secured by the unconsolidated properties, and the Credit Facility which is
secured by various properties. Seven of the mortgage loans amounting to $99,579
have maturities ranging from 1998 to 2006, monthly payments which include
regularly scheduled amortization, and have fixed interest rates ranging between
7.8% to 8.75%. One of the mortgage loans, evidenced by tax free bonds, amounting
to $7,000 secured by Oakbrook Square Shopping Center is non-amortizing, matures
in 2010, and carries a floating interest equal to 75% of the new issue long-term
Capital A rated utility bonds. In connection with the tender of these bonds for
repayment in December 1996, the Company entered into a supplemental interest
agreement to pay interest to the lender sufficient to cause the lender's overall
yield on its investment in the bonds to be equal to 200 basis points over their
applicable Libor rate.
 
     The Company currently has a $50,000 Credit Facility, which bears interest
at 175 basis points over Libor and matures on May 6, 1999. Upon closing of the
Ramco Acquisition $25,000 of the Credit Facility was in place and $12,000 was
available for borrowing. Effective in June 1996 the additional $13,000 became
available under the Credit Facility when satisfactory appraisals were obtained
by the lender, and the Credit Facility was increased to $50,000 when an
additional participant was added to the bank group. The Company is currently
negotiating with the lender to increase the Credit Facility to $75,000. Although
the Company expects that negotiations should be completed shortly, there can be
no assurance that the increase in the Credit Facility will occur. The Credit
Facility is secured by mortgages on various properties and contains financial
covenants relating to debt-to-market capitalization, minimum operating coverage
ratios and a minimum equity value. Borrowings under the Credit Facility amounted
to $36,831 at December 31, 1996, with approximately $13,200 available.
 
     The Company has used proceeds from borrowings under the Credit Facility to
pay for acquisitions, the development cost reimbursement to the Ramco Group and
for revenue producing expenditures. During 1996 the Company utilized borrowings
of approximately $21,700 under the Credit Facility to purchase several shopping
centers. During August 1996 the Company acquired for approximately $2,300, a
property known as Telegraph and Goddard located in Taylor, Michigan. The
shopping center is an approximately 122,000 square
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
foot, free standing retail property currently occupied by a Kmart store. In
November 1996, the Company acquired The Shoppes of Lakeland, located in
Lakeland, Florida, for approximately $12,700. The shopping center is an
approximately 249,000 square foot power center. The Holcomb Center, an
approximately 107,000 square foot community center in Alpharetta, Georgia was
acquired in December 1996 for approximately $6,700.
 
     In November 1996 approximately $9,600 was borrowed to reimburse affiliates
of the Ramco Group for certain out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with
developments acquired by the Company, including approximately $8,800 related to
the Jackson West Shopping Center which opened in June 1996. Approximately $568
is still expected to be paid to the Ramco Affiliates for costs incurred
subsequent to the original reimbursement request but prior to the date that the
Company took over the development opportunities.
 
     The Tel-Twelve Mall is in the process of completing its most recent
repositioning phase. This phase involved relocating Lane Bryant into a new store
which opened September 1996 and completing the addition of a 43,728 square foot
Circuit City store projected to open in Spring 1997. The addition will increase
the gross leasable area of the center by 11,551 square feet. The costs relative
to the repositioning of Tel-Twelve Mall are expected to be approximately $2,200,
of which approximately $419 was spent during 1996. The Company anticipated the
vacancies of two bankrupt tenants at Eastridge Commons and signed two nationally
recognized retailers, Farmer Jack (A & P) and Staples. The 27,000 square foot
Staples store opened in Spring 1996 and the Farmer Jack, a superstore in 72,000
square feet, is scheduled to open in Spring 1997. Approximately $2,200 is
expected to be spent at Eastridge Commons, of which $184 was spent in 1996. The
costs relative to completing Jackson West Shopping Center are expected to be
approximately $2,250.
 
     The Company's current capital structure includes property specific
mortgages, the Credit Facility, shares of beneficial interest and a minority
interest in the Operating Partnership. The minority interest in the Operating
Partnership represents the 27% ownership in the Operating Partnership held by
the Ramco Group which may, under certain conditions, be exchanged for
approximately 2,656,673 shares of beneficial interest.
 
     The Units owned by the Ramco Group are subject to lock-up agreements which
provide that the Units cannot be transferred, except under certain conditions,
for a period of one year after the closing of the Ramco Acquisition (May 1997)
for those Units owned by holders other than the Ramco Principals, and for a
period of 30 months after the closing of the Ramco Acquisition for those Units
owned by the Ramco Principals. In addition, the Units issued to the Ramco Group
will be exchangeable for shares of the Company on a one-for-one basis. The
Company, as sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, will have the
option to exchange such Units for cash based on the current trading price of the
Shares. Assuming the exchange of all limited partnership interests in the
Operating Partnership, there would be outstanding approximately 9,779,778 shares
of beneficial interest with a market value of approximately $165,033 at December
31, 1996 (based on the closing price of $16.875 per share on December 31, 1996).
 
     The principal uses of the Company's liquidity and capital resources are for
acquisitions, development, including expansion and renovation programs, and debt
repayment. To maintain its qualification as a real estate investment trust under
the Internal Revenue Code, the Company is required to distribute to its
shareholders at least 95% of its "Real Estate Investment Trust Taxable Income"
as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
     Variable rate debt accounted for $43,831 of outstanding debt with a
weighted average interest rate of 7.4% at December 31, 1996. Variable rate debt
accounted for approximately 30.6% of the Company's total debt and 14.2% of its
total capitalization.
 
     Based on the debt and the market value of equity described above, the
Company's debt to total market capitalization (debt plus market value equity)
ratio was 46.5% at December 31, 1996.
 
     The Company anticipates that the combination of the availability under the
Credit Facility, potential new borrowings relative to the acquired properties
and development properties, construction loans and potential equity offerings,
will provide adequate liquidity for the foreseeable future to fund future
acquisitions, developments, expansions, repositionings, and to continue its
currently planned capital programs and to make distributions to its shareholders
in accordance with the Code's requirements applicable to REIT's. Although
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
the Company believes that the combination of factors discussed above will
provide sufficient liquidity, no such assurance can be given that the Company
will have adequate liquidity to meet its needs.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Comparison of year ended December 31, 1996 to year ended December 31, 1995
 
     Total revenues increased $23,796, or 142.3%, for the year ended December
31, 1996 to $40,513 from $16,717 for the year ended December 31, 1995. Minimum
rents increased to $23,713, an increase of $17,242, or 266.5%, for the year
ended December 31, 1996 as compared to $6,471 for the year ended December 31,
1995. Percentage rents increased $424 or 55.4% from $766 in 1995 to $1,190 in
1996. Recoveries from tenants increased $10,996 or 647.2%, from $1,699 in 1995
to $12,695 in 1996. Interest and other income decreased from $7,781 in 1995 to
$2,915 in 1996, a decrease of $4,866, or 62.5%.
 
     The increases in minimum rents, percentage rents, and recoveries from
tenants are primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Ramco Properties
effective May 1, 1996 and the acquisitions of the Taylor, Lakeland and Holcomb
shopping centers effective August 14, November 22, and December 13, 1996,
respectively. The operating results have included the impact of eight months of
the Ramco Properties in 1996 as compared to none in 1995. In addition, two
properties which were part of the Company's portfolio at December 31, 1995 were
spun-off to Atlantic effective May 1, 1996 and thus the revenues in 1996 include
only four months of their activity as compared to twelve months in 1995. The
decrease of $4,866 in interest and the other income is due to the impact of the
spin-off of Atlantic, including the transfer of the mortgage loan portfolio to
Atlantic Realty Trust. The operating results of the Company represent four
months of mortgage loan portfolio activity in 1996 as compared to twelve months
in 1995.
 
     Total expenses increased $24,667, or 187.2%, from $13,179 in 1995 to
$37,846 in 1996. Total recoverable expenses, including recoverable operating
expenses and real estate taxes, increased $9,668, or 301.7%, to $12,873 for the
year ended December 31, 1996 from $3,205 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Other operating expenses increased 332.2%, or $608, to $791 in 1996 from $183 in
1995. General and administrative expenses increased $556, or 13.5%, from $4,127
in 1995 to $4,683 in 1996. Interest expense was $6,725 in 1996 as compared to
zero in 1995. Spin-off and other expenses were $7,976 in 1996 as compared to
zero in 1995. Depreciation and amortization increased $3,584, or 295.2%, to
$4,798 in 1996 as compared to $1,214 in 1995. The allowance for loan losses were
zero in 1996 as compared to $4,450 in 1995.
 
     The increases in recoverable expenses of $9,668, other operating expenses
of $608, general and administrative expenses of $556, and depreciation and
amortization of $3,584 reflect the impact for the partial year on expenses that
are principally attributable to the increase in the size of the real estate
shopping portfolio due to the acquisition of the Ramco Properties in May 1996.
 
     Spin-off and other expenses amounting to $7,976 were a result of
non-recurring expenses, including employee severance and bonus expenses, the
cost of the run-off director's and officer's liability insurance policy for the
Company and the write-off of the Company's deferred acquisition expenses. Total
expenses for the year ended December 31, 1995 included an addition for loan
losses of $4,450, no such addition to the allowance was required in 1996.
 
     Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased $6,725 due
to the partial year effect of the debt assumed in connection with the Ramco
Acquisition and additional borrowings for subsequent acquisitions and
development cost reimbursements. Interest expense for the year ended December
31, 1996 included approximately $140 in additional costs for the period May 1 to
May 10, 1996 due to the closing being effective May 1, 1996 while the Company
contributed the RPS cash on May 10, 1996 thus incurring additional interest
expense on the assumed debt.
 
     The loss from unconsolidated entities of $216 in 1996 as compared to zero
in 1995 is due to the impact of the acquisition during May 1996 of
Ramco-Gershenson Inc., and the 50% general partner interests in two partnerships
which each own a shopping center.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
     The minority interest of $2,159 in 1996 represents the 27% share of income
of the Operating Partnership relative to the period May 1, 1996 to December 31,
1996 allocable to the Ramco Group.
 
     As a result of the previous factors, the Company's net income decreased
$3,246 or 91.7%.
 
Comparison of Pro forma year ended December 31, 1996 to Pro forma year ended
December 31, 1995
 
     The Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations which are included in
Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements are presented as if the Ramco
Acquisition, the Taylor, Holcomb and Lakeland acquisitions and the spin-off of
Atlantic Realty Trust had occurred on January 1, 1995.
 
     Total revenues increased 5.6% or $2,876 for the year ended December 31,
1996 to $54,416 from $51,540 for the year ended December 31, 1995. Of this
increase, minimum rents increased by $1,637, or 4.9%, to $34,722 as compared to
$33,085 in 1995, percentage rents deceased by $222, or 16.7%, to $1,105 as
compared to $1,327 in 1995, recoveries from tenants increased $1,223, or 7.3%,
to $17,961 in 1996 as compared to $16,738 in 1995 and interest and other income
increased $238, or 61.0%, to $628 from $390 in 1995.
 
     Minimum rents increased $1,637, or 4.9%, to $34,722 for the year ended
December 31, 1996 as compared to $33,085 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Approximately $500 of the increase was attributable to initial anchor tenant
openings at Jackson West Shopping Center and $979 was due to opening of new
anchors at Tel-Twelve Mall, Jackson Crossing and West Oaks I.
 
     The decrease in percentage rent of $222, or 16.7%, to $1,105 for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $1,327 for the year ended December 31, 1995 was
attributable to the conversion of percentage rent to minimum rent due to
contractual rent increases. Recoveries from tenants increased 7.3%, or $1,223,
to $17,961 for 1996 as compared to $16,738 for 1995. The increase was due to a
corresponding net increase in real estate taxes and recoverable operating
expenses. The Company's overall recovery ratio for 1996 and 1995 remained
relatively consistent at 101.2% and 99.7%, respectively.
 
     Total expenses increased 27.3%, or $10,639, for the year ended December 31,
1996, to $49,677 from $39,038 for the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase
was primarily due to a $7,976 increase in spin-off and other expenses, a $966
increase in recoverable operating and real estate tax expense and a $1,071
increase in general and administrative expenses.
 
     For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company incurred $7,976 of
spin-off and other expenses for which there was no corresponding costs for the
year ended December 31, 1995. These non-recurring costs were primarily a result
of the employee severance and bonus expenses, the cost of run-off director's and
officer's liability insurance, and the write-off of deferred acquisition costs
related to the spin-off of Atlantic.
 
     Recoverable operating and real estate tax expenses increased 5.8%, or $966,
to $17,755 for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $16,789 for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The increase was offset primarily by an increase in
recoveries from tenants. As noted above, the Company's recovery ratio for the
year ended December 31, 1996 remained relatively consistent with the
corresponding 1995 period.
 
     The increase of $100, or 10.6%, in other operating expense from $943 in
1995 to $1,043 in 1996 was due to an increase of $43 in the allowance for bad
debts due to the overall increase in revenues discussed previously, and an
increase of $57 in landlord costs, advertising and promotional expenses which
are not recoverable from tenants.
 
     Interest expense increased $412, or 3.7%, from $11,132 in 1995 to $11,544
in 1996. The increase was attributable to the impact of borrowings relative to
the Jackson West Shopping Center. In addition, the increase of $114, or 1.7%, in
depreciation expense to $6,919 in 1996 from $6,805 in 1995 was a result of the
opening of the first phase of the Jackson West Shopping Center in 1996.
 
     General and administrative expenses increased $1,071, or 31.8%, to $4,440
in 1996 from $3,369 in 1995. The level of general and administrative expenses is
impacted by several factors, including the cost of the Company's administrative
activities, the cost reimbursement relationship between the Operating
Partnership and Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. (the "Manager") and the capitalization of
costs relative to leasing and
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
development at the centers owned by the Operating Partnership. The Company's
administrative expenses include officers' salaries and benefits, trustee fees,
directors' and officers' liability insurance, transfer agent and shareholder
relations expenses, and professional fees including legal, audit and tax. The
Manager provides third party management, leasing, brokerage and development
services to entities not controlled by the Company. These third party leasing
and development fees earned under management contracts are not necessarily
earned consistently over time since these fees are based on measurements related
to specific transactions and are dependent on the availability of space to lease
or develop at the centers. The operating expenses of the Manager include
employee expenses, such as salaries and benefits, and office and other expenses.
Some of these costs are fixed in nature. The net cost reimbursement to be
charged as general and administrative expense to the Operating Partnership is
dependent on the ability of the Manager to continue to charge leasing, brokerage
and development fees to third party entities, while continuing to generate third
party management business. It is also dependent on the Manager's ability to
control expenses, the majority of which are employee related expenses. Some of
the expenses of the Manager, those which are directly attributable to revenues
to be earned in the future, are charged to the Operating Partnership and
capitalized in order to be amortized over the related revenue.
 
     Following is a breakdown of the general and administrative expenses shown
in the Pro forma financial statements:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PRO FORMA            PRO FORMA
                                                                   YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                                                DECEMBER 31, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>                  <C>
Operating Partnership Administrative Expenses...............         $2,142               $2,027
                                                                    -------              -------
Manager
  Management Fees...........................................          1,078                1,092
  Leasing, Brokerage and Development Fees...................            151                  782
  Other Revenues............................................            293                  288
  Leasing/Development Cost Reimbursements...................            836                  888
                                                                    -------              -------
     Total Revenues.........................................          2,358                3,050
                                                                    -------              -------
  Employee Expenses.........................................          3,292                2,991
  Office and Other Expenses.................................            946                  856
  Depreciation and Amortization.............................             56                   94
                                                                    -------              -------
     Total Expenses.........................................          4,294                3,941
                                                                    -------              -------
  Operating Partnership Cost Reimbursement Expenses.........          1,936                  891
                                                                    -------              -------
Shopping Center Level General and Administrative Expenses...            362                  451
                                                                    -------              -------
Total Pro forma General and Administrative Expenses.........         $4,440               $3,369
                                                                    =======              =======
</TABLE>
 
     The increase in general and administrative expenses of $1,071 was due
primarily to an increase of $1,045 in the cost reimbursement expense between the
Operating Partnership and Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. The $1,045 increase was a
result of a decrease in revenues of $692, and an increase in expenses of
approximately $353. Of the $692 decrease in revenues, $398 pertained to leasing
fees and $233 pertained to development fees billed relative to third party
management contracts. Leasing and development fees are not necessarily earned
consistently over time since these fees are based upon measurements related to
specific transactions. The $353 increase in expenses is primarily attributable
to a $301 increase in employee and related costs, and a $127 increase in
equipment leasing costs offset in part by decreases in office rental costs.
 
     The loss from unconsolidated entities decreased $104, or 24.9%, to $314 in
1996 as compared to $418 in 1995. The decrease in the loss was due to improved
operating results at the two 50% owned shopping centers.
 
     Minority interest increased $258, or 8.5%, to $3,279 in 1996 from $3,021 in
1995. The minority interest for 1996 was computed before the impact of the
spin-off and other expenses on income before minority interest, which were
considered to be 100% attributable to the Company's operations. In addition, the
minority interest percentage increased from 25% as of December 31, 1995 to 27%
at December 31, 1996 due to the
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
earnout, effective May 1996, of the additional Units relative to the Jackson
Crossing Mall by the Ramco Group.
 
     As a result of the factors discussed previously, the Company's net income
decreased $7,917 or 87.4%.
 
Comparison of year ended December 31, 1995 to year ended December 31, 1994
 
     The discussion that follows concerns the historical operating results of
the Company, formerly RPS Realty Trust, prior to the spin-off of Atlantic and
the Ramco Acquisition.
 
     Total revenues (before rental income) for the year ended December 31, 1995
decreased $11,861 or 60%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 1994.
During the 1994 year the Company received $8,406 in additional contingent
interest and pre-payment premium income as compared to none in 1995. Interest
from mortgage loans decreased in the 1995 year as compared to the 1994 year by
$4,906, or 57%. The reduction in interest from mortgage loans is attributable to
the reduction in the size of the Company's mortgage loan portfolio during 1995
as compared to 1994. Current interest income from mortgage loans decreased
$2,757, or 44%, primarily as a result of lower mortgage balances. The Company in
1995 recognized $117 in deferred interest as compared to $1,813 in 1994, a
decrease of $1,696, or 94%. Contingent interest income for 1995 was $44, as
compared to $441 in 1994. This represents a decrease of $397, or 90%. Income
from mortgage backed securities (REMICs) increased 100% or $1,516, as a result
of the Company investing in Mortgage Backed Securities to maintain REIT
qualifying income.
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1995, expenses (excluding interest on
mortgages, property operating expenses, real estate taxes and depreciation)
increased $2,135, or 32%. This increase was primarily due to the increase in the
allowance for possible loan losses expense of $1,150 combined with the increase
in the provision for impairment on real estate expense of $800. The Company
during the first quarter of 1995 provided an additional allowance for possible
loan losses of $3,000 based on an offer for the sale of the Hylan mortgage
received in the first quarter of 1995 which was $3,000 less than the Company's
net carrying amount of the loan at such date. The Company also during the fourth
quarter of 1995 provided an additional allowance for possible loan losses of
$650 based on an agreement in principle with the borrower under the 1-5 Wabash
loan for such borrower to acquire the mortgage for $2,200 in cash. Additionally,
the Company provided an impairment provision of $800 with regard to the 9 North
Wabash building during the fourth quarter of 1995. As a result of these
increases, the Company made allowance for possible loan losses and provision for
impairment of real estate of $4,450 in 1995 as compared to $2,500 in 1994
representing an increase of $1,950, or 78%. The Company during 1995 recognized a
loss of $183 as a result of the Company selling the New England Telephone
Company loan. During 1994 the Company recognized a loss of $227 as a result of
the Company selling the Saratoga Office Building. General and administrative
expenses including payroll and related expenses increased during 1995 by $229,
or 5.8%, as compared to the 1994 year. This increase was primarily due to
increased costs associated with the formation of Atlantic Realty Trust and the
increase in professional fees paid by the Company offset by decreases in payroll
and related expenses.
 
     During 1995, the Company received rental income of $8,936 as compared to
$6,764 for the 1994 year. This increase of $2,172, or 32%, is primarily as a
result of the Company receiving rental income on eight properties during 1995 as
compared to receiving income on six properties during 1994. Interest expense on
mortgage payable in 1995 decreased 100%, or $426, due to the Company exercising
its right to prepay the first mortgage loan relating to the Crofton Plaza
Shopping Center property on September 30, 1994. Property operating expenses,
real estate taxes and depreciation expenses increased during the 1995 year by
$404, or 26%, $35, or 3%, and $267, or 28%, respectively over 1994 due to the
aforementioned increase in number of properties. For the year ended December 31,
1995, the Company recognized net income from the investment of real estate of
$4,714 as compared to $2,823 for the year ended December 31, 1995. As a result
of the foregoing factors, the Company's net earnings for the 1995 year as
compared to the 1994 year decreased $12,104 or 77%.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS
 
     Management generally considers funds from operations ("FFO") to be one
measure of financial performance of an equity REIT. It has been presented to
assist investors in analyzing the performance of the Company and to provide a
relevant basis for comparison to other REITs.
 
     The Company has adopted the most recent National Association of Real Estate
Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") definition of FFO, which was effective on January
1, 1996. Under the NAREIT definition, FFO represents income (loss) before
minority interest (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles), excluding gains (losses) from debt restructuring and sales of
property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding
amortization of financing costs), and after adjustments for unconsolidated
partnerships and joint ventures.
 
     Therefore, FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and should not be
considered an alternative to net income as an indication of the Company's
performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity
or of the ability to pay distributions. Furthermore, while net income and cash
generated from operating, investing and financing activities determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consider capital
expenditures which have been and will be incurred in the future, the calculation
of FFO does not.
 
     The following pro forma FFO are presented as if the Ramco Acquisition, the
Taylor, Holcomb and Lakeland acquisitions and the spin-off of Atlantic Realty
Trust had occurred on January 1, 1995.
 
     The following table illustrates the calculation of pro forma FFO for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            PRO FORMA YEARS ENDED
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            ----------------------
                                                              1996          1995
                                                              ----          ----
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>
Net Income................................................   $ 1,146       $ 9,063
  Add: Depreciation and amortization......................     6,919         6,805
  Less: Amortization of deferred financing costs..........      (139)         (139)
  Less: Non-real estate depreciation and amortization.....       (27)          (28)
  Add: Minority interest in partnership...................     3,279         3,021
  Add: Non-recurring spin-off and other expenses..........     7,976
                                                             -------       -------
Funds from operations.....................................   $19,154       $18,722
                                                             =======       =======
Weighted average equivalent shares outstanding(1).........     9,687         9,501
                                                             =======       =======
Supplemental disclosure:
  Straight-line rental income.............................   $ 1,517       $ 1,417
                                                             =======       =======
  Amortization of management contracts and covenants not
     to compete...........................................   $   494       $   494
                                                             =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(1) Represents the weighted average total shares outstanding, assuming the
    redemption of all Operating Partnership Units for common shares.
 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 
     During 1996 the Company spent approximately $1,003 on revenue generating
capital expenditures including tenant allowances, leasing commissions paid to
third-party brokers, legal costs relative to lease documents, and capitalized
leasing and construction costs. These types of costs generate a return through
rents from tenants over the term of their leases. Revenue enhancing capital
expenditures, including expansions, renovations or repositionings were
approximately $1,830. Revenue neutral capital expenditures, such as roof and
parking lot repairs which are anticipated to be recovered from tenants, amounted
to approximately $422.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
     The Company spent approximately $21,700 on the acquisition of the Taylor,
Lakeland and Holcomb shopping centers, while approximately $12,700 has been
incurred on the development of the Jackson West Shopping Center. In conjunction
with the Ramco Acquisition, not including the development costs reimbursement
for Jackson West Shopping Center, the Company capitalized approximately $226,764
of real estate assets.
 
     This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements with respect to the
operation of certain of the Company's properties. Management of the Company
believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements made in
this document are based on reasonable assumptions. Certain factors could occur
that might cause actual results to vary. These include general economic
conditions, the strength of key industries in the cities in which the Company's
properties are located, the performance of the Company's tenants at the
Company's properties and elsewhere, and other factors discussed in this report.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
     See pages F-1 to F-18, which are included herein.
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
     None.
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
     Incorporated herein by reference to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the year covered by this Form 10-K with respect
to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 10, 1997.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     Incorporated herein by reference to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the year covered by this Form 10-K with respect
to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 10, 1997.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
     Incorporated herein by reference to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the year covered by this Form 10-K with respect
to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 10, 1997.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     Incorporated herein by reference to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the year covered by this Form 10-K with respect
to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 10, 1997.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
(A)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     See pages F-1 through F-18 which are included herein.
 
(A)(3) EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
3.1      Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Company,
         dated October 14, 1988, incorporated by reference to
         Exhibits 3 and 4(a) to the Company's Registration Statement
         on Form S-4, File No. 33-25272.
3.2      Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
         the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to
         the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
         ended June 30, 1996.
3.3      By-Laws of the Company adopted December 6, 1989,
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's
         Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 6, 1989.
3.4      Amendment to Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
4.       Rights Agreement dated as of December 6, 1989 between the
         Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company,
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's
         Registration Statement on Form 8-A, File No. 1-10093, for
         the registration of Share Purchase Rights.
10.1     Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, among the
         Company, Dennis Gershenson, Joel Gershenson, Bruce
         Gershenson, Richard Gershenson, Michael A. Ward, Michael A.
         Ward U/T/A dated 2/22/77, as amended, and the holders of
         interest in Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P., a Delaware
         limited partnership, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
         period ended June 30, 1996.
10.2     Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996,
         among the Company, Dennis Gershenson, Joel Gershenson, Bruce
         Gershenson, Richard Gershenson, Michael A. Ward, Michael A.
         Ward U/T/A dated 2/22/77, as amended, and each of the
         Persons set forth on Exhibit A attached thereto,
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's
         Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30,
         1996.
10.3     Exchange Rights Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
         among the Company and each of the Persons whose names are
         set forth on Exhibit A attached thereto, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.4     1996 Share Option Plan of the Company, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.5     Letter Agreement, dated May 10, 1996, among the Persons and
         Entities party to the Amended and Restated Master Agreement,
         dated as of December 27, 1995, as amended, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.6     Promissory Note payable by Atlantic Realty Trust in favor of
         the Company in the principal face amount of 5,500,000 due
         November 9, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6
         to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
         period ended June 30, 1996.
10.7     Letter Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and between
         Atlantic Realty Trust ("Atlantic") and the Company
         concerning the assumption of certain liabilities by
         Atlantic, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the
         Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
         June 30, 1996.
10.8     Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
         Company and Joel Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
         for the period ended June 30, 1996.
</TABLE>
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
10.9     Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
         Company and Dennis Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
         for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.10    Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
         Company and Michael A. Ward, incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
         for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.11    Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
         Company and Richard Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
         for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.12    Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
         Company and Bruce Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
         for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.13    Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
         between Joel Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.14    Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
         between Dennis Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.15    Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
         between Michael A. Ward and the Company, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.16    Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
         between Richard Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.17    Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
         between Bruce Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
10.18    Letter Agreement, dated April 15, 1996, among the Company
         and Richard Smith concerning Mr. Smith's employment by the
         Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the
         Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
         June 30, 1996.
10.19    Amended and Restated Master Revolving Credit Agreement dated
         as of June 24, 1996 by and among Ramco-Gershenson
         Properties, L.P., the Company, The First National Bank of
         Boston, NBD Bank, the other lending institutions that may
         become a party thereto, and The First National Bank of
         Boston, as Agent for the Banks.
10.20    Note dated June 24, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount
         of $25,000,000 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
         favor of The First National Bank of Boston.
10.21    Note dated June 24, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount
         of $25,000,000 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
         favor of NBD Bank.
10.22    Loan Agreement dated May 1, 1996 by and between
         Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. and The Lincoln National
         Life Insurance Company relating to a $77,585,524.73 loan.
10.23    Note dated May 1, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount of
         $77,585,524.73 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
         favor of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
10.24    Loan Agreement dated May 1, 1996 by and between
         Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. and The Lincoln National
         Life Insurance Company relating to a $4,346,778.76 loan.
10.25    Note dated May 1, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount of
         $4,346,778.76 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
         favor of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
21.1     Subsidiaries.
27.1     Financial Data Schedule.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
                                                   Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
 
Dated: March 28, 1997                              By: /s/ JOEL D. GERSHENSON
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Joel D. Gershenson,
                                                       Chairman
</TABLE>
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of registrant and in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
Dated: March 28, 1997                              By: /s/ JOEL D. GERSHENSON
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Joel D. Gershenson,
                                                       Trustee and Chairman
 
Dated: March 28, 1997                              By:       /s/  DENNIS E. GERSHENSON
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Dennis E. Gershenson,
                                                       Trustee and President
                                                       (Principal Executive Officer)
 
Dated: March 28, 1997                              By:       /s/  STEPHEN R. BLANK
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Stephen R. Blank,
                                                       Trustee
 
Dated: March   , 1997                              By:
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Arthur H. Goldberg,
                                                       Trustee
 
Dated: March   , 1997                              By:
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Herbert Liechtung,
                                                       Trustee
 
Dated: March   , 1997                              By:
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Robert A. Meister,
                                                       Trustee
 
Dated: March 28, 1997                              By:       /s/  JOEL M. PASHCOW
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Joel M. Pashcow,
                                                       Trustee
 
Dated: March 28, 1997                              By:       /s/  MARK K. ROSENFELD
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Mark K. Rosenfeld,
                                                       Trustee
 
Dated: March   , 1997                              By:
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Selwyn Isakow,
                                                       Trustee
 
Dated: March 28, 1997                              By:       /s/  RICHARD J. SMITH
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                       Richard J. Smith,
                                                       Chief Financial Officer
                                                       (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
</TABLE>
 
                                       S-1
<PAGE>   31
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust and subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Ramco-Gershenson Properties
Trust and subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 28, 1997
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   32
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996        1995(*)
                                                                ----        -------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Investment in real estate -- net (Notes 3, 6 and 16)........  $307,752      $ 55,299
Mortgage loans receivable -- net of allowance for possible
  loan losses
  of $10,231 in 1995 (Note 4)...............................                  36,023
REMIC investments...........................................                  58,099
Interest and accounts receivable............................     3,901         7,748
Equity investments in unconsolidated entities (Note 8)......     5,271
Cash and cash equivalents...................................     3,541        11,467
Other assets -- net (Note 5)................................     2,389        11,945
                                                              --------      --------
     TOTAL ASSETS...........................................  $322,854      $180,581
                                                              ========      ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Mortgages and notes payable (Note 6)........................  $143,410
Distributions payable.......................................     4,108      $  2,279
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......................     9,712         1,282
Due to related entities (Note 1)............................     1,053
                                                              --------      --------
     Total liabilities......................................   158,283         3,561
MINORITY INTEREST...........................................    44,706
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 9)......................
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY........................................   119,865       177,020
                                                              --------      --------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY.............  $322,854      $180,581
                                                              ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(*) The 1995 historical results consist of the operations of RPS Realty Trust
    prior to the Spin-Off Transaction and the Ramco Acquisition, which was
    effective on May 1, 1996 (Note 1).
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   33
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996         1995(*)       1994(*)
                                                                 ----         -------       -------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>           <C>
REVENUES
  Minimum rents.............................................    $23,713       $ 6,471       $ 4,978
  Percentage rents..........................................      1,190           766           555
  Recoveries from tenants...................................     12,695         1,699         1,231
  Interest and other income.................................      2,915         7,781        19,642
                                                                -------       -------       -------
       TOTAL REVENUES.......................................     40,513        16,717        26,406
                                                                -------       -------       -------
EXPENSES
  Real estate taxes.........................................      4,643         1,271         1,236
  Recoverable operating expenses............................      8,230         1,934         1,530
  Depreciation and amortization.............................      4,798         1,214           947
  Other operating...........................................        791           183           227
  General and administrative................................      4,683         4,127         3,898
  Interest expense..........................................      6,725                         426
  Spin-off and other expenses (Note 1)......................      7,976
  Allowance for loan losses.................................                    4,450         2,500
                                                                -------       -------       -------
       TOTAL EXPENSES.......................................     37,846        13,179        10,764
                                                                -------       -------       -------
OPERATING INCOME............................................      2,667         3,538        15,642
LOSS FROM UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES (Note 8)..................        216
                                                                -------       -------       -------
INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST.............................      2,451         3,538        15,642
MINORITY INTEREST...........................................      2,159
                                                                -------       -------       -------
NET INCOME..................................................    $   292       $ 3,538       $15,642
                                                                =======       =======       =======
NET INCOME PER SHARE........................................      $0.04         $0.50         $2.20
                                                                =======       =======       =======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING.........................      7,123         7,123         7,123
                                                                =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(*) The 1995 and 1994 historical results consist of the operations of RPS Realty
    Trust prior to the Spin-Off Transaction and the Ramco Acquisition, which was
    effective on May 1, 1996 (Note 1).
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   34
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ADDITIONAL     CUMULATIVE         TOTAL
                                               NUMBER OF     PAR      PAID-IN       EARNINGS/      SHAREHOLDERS'
                                                SHARES      VALUE     CAPITAL      DISTRIBUTION       EQUITY
                                               ---------    -----    ----------    ------------    -------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>      <C>           <C>             <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1994...................      7,138      $714      $197,297       $(21,699)       $176,312
  Shares repurchased and retired...........        (15)       (2)         (236)                          (238)
  Net income...............................                                            15,642          15,642
  Cash distributions declared..............                                            (9,117)         (9,117)
                                                 -----      ----      --------       --------        --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994.................      7,123       712       197,061        (15,174)        182,599
  Net income...............................                                             3,538           3,538
  Cash distributions declared..............                                            (9,117)         (9,117)
                                                 -----      ----      --------       --------        --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995.................      7,123       712       197,061        (20,753)        177,020
  Assets transferred in Spin-Off
     Transaction...........................                            (45,483)                       (45,483)
  Minority interests' equity...............                             (1,706)                        (1,706)
  Cash distributions declared..............                                           (10,258)        (10,258)
  Net income...............................                                               292             292
                                                 -----      ----      --------       --------        --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996.................      7,123      $712      $149,872       $(30,719)       $119,865
                                                 =====      ====      ========       ========        ========
</TABLE>
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   35
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996        1995(*)       1994(*)
                                                                ----        -------       -------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
  Net Income................................................  $    292      $  3,538      $ 15,642
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows
    provided by operating activities:
    Provision for possible loan losses......................       129         4,450         2,500
    Write-off of deferred acquisition expenses..............     2,154
    Loss on disposition of real estate/loans................                     183           227
    Loss on disposal of REMIC's.............................        91
    Depreciation and amortization...........................     4,798         1,214           947
    Loss from unconsolidated entities.......................       216
    Minority interest.......................................     2,159
    Changes in assets/liabilities that provided (used) cash:
      Interest and accounts receivable......................    (2,987)          125          (390)
      Other assets..........................................    (1,902)       (7,165)       (2,132)
      Transaction advances..................................     2,471
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................     6,830           (10)       (2,342)
                                                              --------      --------      --------
  Total adjustments.........................................    13,959        (1,203)       (1,190)
                                                              --------      --------      --------
Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities.................    14,251         2,335        14,452
                                                              --------      --------      --------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
  Satisfaction of mortgage loans receivable.................     3,468         3,025        45,904
  Investment in mortgage loans receivable...................                    (256)
  Amortization of REMICs....................................     1,100
  Investment of REMICs......................................                 (58,098)
  Proceeds from REMICs......................................    56,908
  Sale of real estate.......................................                                   113
  Real estate acquired......................................   (41,727)       (1,006)       (8,833)
                                                              --------      --------      --------
Cash Flow Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities........    19,749       (56,335)       37,184
                                                              --------      --------      --------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
  Cash distributions to shareholders........................    (9,545)       (9,117)       (9,123)
  Cash distributions to operating partnership unit
    holders.................................................    (1,860)
  Shares repurchased........................................                                  (238)
  Principal repayments on debt..............................   (74,852)                     (6,491)
  Net advances from affiliated entities.....................     2,625
  Borrowings on debt........................................    41,706
                                                              --------      --------      --------
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities.....................   (41,926)       (9,117)      (15,852)
                                                              --------      --------      --------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents........    (7,926)      (63,117)       35,784
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period..............    11,467        74,584        38,800
                                                              --------      --------      --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period....................  $  3,541      $ 11,467      $ 74,584
                                                              ========      ========      ========
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information :
  Cash Paid for Interest During the Period..................  $  6,100                    $    426
                                                              ========                    ========
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financial
  Activities:
  Spin-off of net assets to Atlantic........................  $ 45,483
  Acquisition of Ramco:
    Debt assumed............................................   176,478
    Value of OP units issued................................    43,835
    Other liabilities assumed...............................     1,600
  Interest and accounts receivable..........................                $   (733)     $ (1,761)
  Allowance for possible loan losses........................                   5,076        14,567
  Net mortgages receivable sold.............................                  (4,343)      (13,829)
  Investment in real estate.................................                                14,626
  Mortgages payable assumed.................................                                (1,464)
  Gross mortgages exchanged for real estate.................                                (9,500)
  Mortgage receivable exchanged.............................                                (3,000)
  Accounts payable..........................................                                  (839)
  Deposit on sale of loans..................................                                 1,365
  Other assets..............................................                                  (165)
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(*) The 1995 and 1994 historical results consist of the operations of RPS Realty
    Trust prior to the Spin-Off Transaction and the Ramco Acquisition, which was
    effective on May 1, 1996 (Note 1).
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   36
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS)
 
1. RAMCO ACQUISITION AND SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION
 
     RPS Realty Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, was formed on June 21,
1988 to be a diversified, growth-oriented real estate investment trust.
 
     Effective May 1, 1996, RPS Realty Trust completed the acquisition of
substantially all of the shopping center and retail properties, as well as the
management organization and business operations of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. and
its affiliates (the "Ramco Acquisition") and the spin-off of its wholly owned
subsidiary Atlantic Realty Trust ("Atlantic"), a Maryland real estate investment
trust. In connection with the Ramco Acquisition, RPS Realty Trust's name was
changed to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust and a one-for-four reverse stock
split was effectuated as of the close of business on May 1, 1996.
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust is referred to herein as the "Company".
 
     Concurrent with the Ramco Acquisition, the former owners of the Ramco
Properties (as defined below) and the shareholders of Ramco-Gershenson, Inc.
("Ramco") (collectively, the "Ramco Group") transferred to Ramco-Gershenson
Properties, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership") (i) their interests in 20
shopping center and retail properties (the "Ramco Properties") containing an
aggregate of approximately 4,826,000 square feet of total gross leasable area
("GLA"), of which approximately 3,520,000 square feet is owned by the Operating
Partnership, and the balance is owned by certain anchor tenants, (ii) 100% of
the non-voting common stock and 5% of the voting common stock in Ramco
(representing in excess of a 95% economic interest in Ramco), (iii) 50% general
partner interests in two partnerships which each own a shopping center, (iv)
rights in and/or options to acquire certain development land, (v) options to
acquire the Ramco Group's interest in six shopping center properties and (vi)
five outparcels.
 
     In return for these transfers, the Ramco Group received 2,377,492 Units
("Units") of the Operating Partnership (representing an approximate 25% limited
partnership interest in the Operating Partnership). The Acquisition was
accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase price was allocated to the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair market
value. Units, which are convertible into shares of beneficial interest in the
Company, as described below, were valued at $16.50 per Unit representing the
average trading price of the Company's shares immediately preceding and
following the Ramco Acquisition. In addition, the Ramco Group received 279,181
Units as a partial earnout relative to Jackson Crossing Shopping Center
(representing an approximate 2% limited partnership interest in the Operating
Partnership). The Ramco Group's 2,656,673 aggregate Units represent an
approximate 27% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. In
connection with the transfer of the Ramco Properties, the Company assumed
approximately $176,556 of secured indebtedness on the Ramco Properties. The
aggregate interest in the Operating Partnership to be received by the Ramco
Group may be increased to a maximum of approximately 29% if certain leasing
objectives with respect to one of the Ramco Properties are fulfilled. Subject to
certain limitations, the interests in the Operating Partnership are exchangeable
into shares of the Company on a one-for-one basis beginning on May 10, 1997.
 
     Pursuant to the Ramco Acquisition, the Company transferred to the Operating
Partnership six properties containing an aggregate of approximately 931,000
square feet of GLA and $68,000 in cash in exchange for 7,123,105 Units of the
Operating Partnership (representing a 1% General Partnership interest, and a 72%
limited partnership interest after giving effect to the reduction of 2% for the
Ramco Group's earnout).
 
     The transfer of the Company's net assets in exchange for Units was
accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As such,
these assets and liabilities were transferred and accounted for at historical
cost in a manner similar to that of a pooling of interests.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   37
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     Concurrently with the closing of the Ramco Acquisition, the Company's
former mortgage loan portfolio as well as certain of its former real estate
assets were transferred to Atlantic and the shares of Atlantic were distributed
to the Company's shareholders.
 
     For the year ended December 31, 1996 non-recurring expenses, including
expenses related to the spin-off of Atlantic, have been charged to operations as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
Severance and other termination costs..................    $4,672
Directors and officers insurance.......................     1,150
Write-off of deferred acquisition expense..............     2,154
                                                           ------
                                                           $7,976
                                                           ======
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Company has a payable to its former Chairman and
President of $1,600, plus interest, representing the final installment of his
severance package. The final installment is due April 1, 1997.
 
     In connection with the Ramco Acquisition, the due to related entities at
December 31, 1996 of $1,053 represents unreimbursed development costs of $568
and funds collected on behalf of the Ramco Group relating to receivables prior
to the closing of $485.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION -- The consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 1996, include the accounts of the Company and its
majority owned subsidiary, the Operating Partnership (73% owned by the Company
at December 31, 1996). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
     The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the effects of
the Ramco Acquisition and the spin-off of Atlantic as well as the operations of
the Operating Partnership commencing May 1, 1996.
 
     The Company has included the results of three property acquisitions (the
"Property Acquisitions") in 1996. The Taylor Shopping Center was acquired on
August 14, 1996 for approximately $2,300, Shoppes of Lakeland was acquired on
November 22, 1996 for approximately $12,700, and the Holcomb Shopping Center was
acquired on December 13, 1996 for approximately $6,700. Each of these
acquisitions has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The
purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired based upon their estimated
fair market value.
 
     USE OF ESTIMATES -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
     REVENUE RECOGNITION -- Shopping center space is generally leased to retail
tenants under leases which are accounted for as operating leases. Minimum rents
are recognized on the straight-line method over the terms of the leases.
Percentage rents are recognized as earned on an accrual basis over the terms of
the leases. The leases also typically provide for tenant recoveries of common
area maintenance, real estate taxes and other operating expenses. These
recoveries are recognized as revenue in the period the applicable costs are
incurred.
 
     An allowance for doubtful accounts has been provided against the portion of
tenant accounts receivable which is estimated to be uncollectible. Accounts
receivable in the accompanying balance sheet is shown net of an allowance for
doubtful accounts of approximately $417 as of December 31, 1996.
 
     Until May 1, 1996 and in 1995 and 1994, interest income on mortgage loans
was recognized on the accrual method during the periods in which the mortgage
loans were outstanding. Deferred interest, due at the
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   38
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
maturity of the mortgage loan, was recognized as income based on the interest
method using the implicit rate of interest on the mortgage loan. Contingent and
additional contingent income, extension fee income and prepayment premium income
was recognized as cash was received.
 
     INCOME TAX STATUS -- The Company conducts its operations with the intent of
meeting the requirements applicable to a real estate investment trust ("REIT")
under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended
(the "Code"). In order to maintain qualification as a real estate investment
trust, the REIT is required to distribute at least 95% of its taxable income to
shareholders and meet certain other asset and income tests as well as other
requirements (Note 9). As a real estate investment trust, the REIT will
generally not be liable for federal corporate income taxes. Thus, no provision
for federal income taxes has been included in the accompanying financial
statements.
 
     REAL ESTATE -- Real estate assets are stated at cost. Costs incurred for
the acquisition, development, construction, and improvement of properties are
capitalized, including direct costs incurred by Ramco. Depreciation is computed
using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Expenditures for
improvements and construction allowances paid to tenants are capitalized and
amortized over the remaining life of the initial terms of each lease.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred.
 
     In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Assets to be
Disposed of" which requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangibles to be held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. The provisions of this Statement were adopted as of January 1, 1996
and the adoption of this Statement did not have an impact on the carrying value
of the real estate.
 
     MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE -- Investments in mortgage loans receivable are
stated at the lower of the carrying amount of the loan or the market value of
the underlying real estate. Effective May 1, 1996, the Mortgage loans receivable
were spun-off to Atlantic Realty Trust (Note 1).
 
     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -- In 1995, short term investments of $10,300
were considered cash equivalents for the purposes of the balance sheet and the
statement of cash flows and consist primarily of highly liquid investments
having original maturities of less than three months. Accordingly, in 1995 the
Company classified its short term investments as held-to-maturity and carried
such investments at amortized cost, which approximated fair value.
 
     REMIC INVESTMENTS -- In 1995, the Company's investments in REMICS,
consisted of collateralized mortgage backed securities which were guaranteed by
the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC").
At December 31, 1995, the cost of such securities approximated fair value and
accordingly, there were no unrealized gains and losses.
 
     INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES -- Consist of 50% general partner
interests in Kentwood Town Center ("Kentwood") and the Southfield Plaza
Expansion ("Southfield Plaza") and the Company's 100% interest in the non-voting
and 5% interest in the voting common stock of Ramco. These investments are not
unilaterally controlled and are, therefore, accounted for on the equity method.
 
     OTHER ASSETS -- Consist primarily of financing costs and leasing costs
which are amortized over the terms of the respective agreements.
 
     MINORITY INTEREST -- Represents the Ramco Group's 27% limited partnership
interest in the Operating Partnership. Such interest is held in the form of
Units which become exchangeable on a one-for-one equivalent basis into common
shares of the Company on May 10, 1997.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   39
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE -- Computations of earnings per common share are
based on the weighted number of shares and dilutive common share equivalents
outstanding during the year. The conversion of a Unit to common stock will have
no effect on earnings per share since the allocation of earnings to a Unit is
equivalent to earnings allocated to a share of common stock.
 
     Earnings per common share and the weighted average number of shares
outstanding for 1995 and 1994 have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-four
reverse stock split which occurred on May 1, 1996 (Note 1).
 
     RECLASSIFICATIONS -- Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1995
and 1994 financial statements in order to conform with the 1996 presentation.
 
3. REAL ESTATE
 
     The Company's real estate at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995
consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1996       DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                              -----------------       -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>                     <C>
Land......................................................        $ 42,681                 $18,459
Buildings and Improvements................................         270,544                  39,587
Construction in progress..................................           1,629
                                                                  --------                 -------
  Sub Total...............................................         314,854                  58,046
Less: Accumulated Depreciation............................          (7,102)                 (2,747)
                                                                  --------                 -------
  Total Investment in Real Estate -- net..................        $307,752                 $55,299
                                                                  ========                 =======
</TABLE>
 
4. MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE
 
     Effective May 1, 1996 the mortgage loans receivable and associated interest
receivable were spun-off to Atlantic Realty Trust (Note 1). The following is a
summary of mortgage loans receivable activity for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995    DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                                 -----------------    -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Beginning balance............................        $ 36,023              $41,892             $100,692
  Additions during period....................                                  255
  Payments during period.....................          (3,468)              (2,474)             (56,300)
  Provision for possible losses..............                               (3,650)              (2,500)
  Spin-off to Atlantic Realty Trust (net)....         (32,555)
                                                     --------              -------             --------
Ending Balance...............................        $      0              $36,023             $ 41,892
                                                     ========              =======             ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   40
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
5. OTHER ASSETS
 
     Other assets at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1996       DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                              -----------------       -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>                     <C>
Leasing costs.............................................         $1,868                  $   493
Deferred financing costs..................................            471
Other.....................................................            282                    6,827
Deferred acquisition expenses.............................                                   3,672
Transaction advances......................................                                   2,471
                                                                  -------                  -------
  Sub Total...............................................          2,621                   13,463
Less: Accumulated Amortization............................           (232)                  (1,518)
                                                                  -------                  -------
  Total Other Assets -- net...............................         $2,389                  $11,945
                                                                  =======                  =======
</TABLE>
 
6. MORTGAGES AND NOTES PAYABLE
 
     Mortgages and notes payable at December 31, 1996 consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
Fixed rate mortgages with interest rates ranging from 7.8%
  to 8.75% due at various dates through 2006................    $ 99,579
Floating rate mortgages at 75% of the rate of long-term
  Capital A rated utility bonds due January 1, 2010. The
  effective rate at December 31 was 7.59%...................       7,000
Credit Facility, with an interest rate at the reserve
  adjusted Eurodollar rate plus 1.75% basis points, due May
  1999, maximum available borrowings of $50,000. The
  effective rate at December 31 was 7.37%...................      36,831
                                                                --------
                                                                $143,410
                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
     The mortgage notes are secured by mortgages on properties that have an
approximate net book value of $135,898 as of December 31, 1996. The Credit
Facility is secured by mortgages on various properties that have an approximate
net book value of $78,100 as of December 31, 1996.
 
     The Credit Facility contains financial covenants relating to debt to market
capitalization, minimum operating coverage ratios, and a minimum equity value.
As of December 31, 1996 the Company was in compliance with the covenant terms.
 
     The following table presents scheduled principal payments on mortgages and
notes payable as of December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
Year ended December 31,
       1997.................................................    $  1,874
       1998.................................................       3,799
       1999.................................................      38,857
       2000.................................................       2,130
       2001.................................................       2,243
       Thereafter...........................................      94,507
                                                                --------
       Total................................................    $143,410
                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   41
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
7. LEASES
 
     Approximate future minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases in
effect at December 31, 1996, assuming no new or renegotiated leases nor option
extensions on lease agreements, is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
Year ended December 31,
       1997.................................................    $ 32,674
       1998.................................................      29,127
       1999.................................................      26,081
       2000.................................................      22,726
       2001.................................................      19,822
       Thereafter...........................................     162,146
                                                                --------
       Total................................................    $292,576
                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   42
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
8. UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
 
     Condensed financial statement information of Ramco, Kentwood and Southfield
Plaza Expansion as of December 31, 1996, and for the period from May 1, 1996
through December 31, 1996 are presented as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SOUTHFIELD
                                                        RAMCO     KENTWOOD         PLAZA           TOTAL
                                                        -----     --------       ----------        -----
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>         <C>                 <C>
ASSETS
  Net Real Estate Assets...........................               $ 1,966         $   585         $ 2,551
  Other Assets.....................................    $ 4,909        504              67           5,480
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
     Total Assets..................................    $ 4,909    $ 2,470         $   652         $ 8,031
                                                       =======    =======         =======         =======
LIABILITIES
  Mortgage Notes Payable...........................               $11,050         $ 1,632         $12,682
  Other Liabilities................................    $ 1,296        409              25           1,730
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
     Total Liabilities.............................      1,296     11,459           1,657          14,412
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
OWNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)...........................      3,613     (8,989)         (1,005)         (6,381)
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
  Total Liabilities and Owners' Deficit............    $ 4,909    $ 2,470         $   652         $ 8,031
                                                       =======    =======         =======         =======
Company's Equity Investments in Unconsolidated
  Entities.........................................    $ 3,948    $   800         $   523         $ 5,271
                                                       =======    =======         =======         =======
REVENUES
  Management Fees..................................    $   711                                    $   711
  Leasing and Development Fees.....................        131                                        131
  Property Revenues................................               $ 1,380         $   191           1,571
  Other Revenues...................................        417                                        417
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
     Total Revenues................................      1,259      1,380             191           2,830
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
EXPENSES
  Employee Expenses................................      2,187                                      2,187
  Office and Other Expenses........................        630                                        630
  Property Expenses................................                 1,186             121           1,307
  Depreciation and amortization....................         45                                         45
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
     Total Expenses................................      2,862      1,186             121           4,169
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
Excess Revenues Over Expenses......................     (1,603)       194              70          (1,339)
Cost Reimbursement From Operating Partnership......      1,603                                      1,603
                                                       -------    -------         -------         -------
Income.............................................    $     0    $   194         $    70         $   264
                                                       =======    =======         =======         =======
Company's Share of Income..........................    $     0    $    97         $    35         $   132
                                                       =======    =======         =======         =======
</TABLE>
 
     The Company's share of the unconsolidated entities' income of $132 for the
period from May 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996 was reduced by $348 which
represents depreciation and amortization adjustments arising from the Company's
net basis adjustments in the unconsolidated entities' assets. These adjustments
result in a net loss of $216 from unconsolidated entities.
 
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     Substantially all of the properties have been subjected to Phase I
environmental audits. Such audits have not revealed nor is management aware of
any environmental liability that management believes would have a material
adverse impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Management is unaware
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   43
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
of any instances in which it would incur significant environmental costs if any
or all properties were sold, disposed of or abandoned.
 
     During the third quarter of 1994, the Company held more than 25% of the
value of its gross assets in overnight Treasury Bill reverse repurchase
transactions which the United States Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") may
view as nonqualifying assets for the purposes of satisfying an asset
qualification test applicable to REITs, based on a Revenue Ruling published in
1977 (the "Asset Issue"). The Company has requested that the IRS enter into a
closing agreement with the Company that the Asset Issue will not impact the
Company's status as a REIT. The IRS has deferred any action relating to the
Asset Issue pending the further examination of the Company's 1991-1994 tax
returns. Based on developments in the law which occurred since 1977, the
Company's legal counsel has rendered an opinion that the Company's investment in
Treasury Bill repurchase obligations would not adversely affect its REIT status.
However, such opinion is not binding upon the IRS. In connection with the
spin-off of Atlantic, Atlantic has assumed all tax liability arising out of the
Asset Issue and the IRS audit of the Company's 1991-1994 tax returns. In
connection with the assumption of such potential liabilities, Atlantic and the
Company have entered into a tax agreement which provides that the Company (under
the direction of its Continuing Trustees), and not Atlantic, will control,
conduct and effect the settlement of any tax claims against the Company relating
to the Asset Issue. Accordingly, Atlantic will not have any control as to the
timing of the resolution or disposition of any such claims. No assurance can be
given that the resolution or disposition of any such claims will be on terms or
conditions favorable to the Company. The Company and Atlantic also received an
opinion from legal counsel that, to the extent there is a deficiency in the
Company's taxable income arising out of the IRS examination and provided the
Company makes a deficiency dividend (i.e, declares and pays a distribution which
is permitted to relate back to the year for which each deficiency was determined
to satisfy the requirement that the REIT distribute 95 percent of its taxable
income), the classification of the Company as a REIT for the taxable years under
examination would not be affected. If notwithstanding the above-described
opinions of legal counsel, the IRS successfully challenged the status of the
Company as a REIT, its status could be adversely affected.
 
10. SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS
 
     On December 6, 1989, the Company's Board of Trustees (the "Board") declared
a dividend distribution of one share purchase right to each outstanding share of
beneficial interest, $.10 par value per share, to shareholders of record at the
close of business on December 18, 1989. These rights may be exercised to
purchase one share of beneficial interest at a price of $80 per share, subject
to adjustment, under certain specified conditions at the Board's option. These
rights are not exercisable or transferable apart from the shares of beneficial
interest until the distribution date, which is the earlier of (i) 10 days
following a public announcement that any person or group has acquired beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the outstanding shares (the "Share
Acquisition Date"), (ii) 10 days following the commencement of a tender offer or
exchange offer that would result in a person or group beneficially owning 20
percent or more of the outstanding shares or (iii) the day the Board determines
that any person or group has become the beneficial owner of an amount of shares
the Board determines to be substantial (which amount shall in no event be less
than 10 percent of the shares outstanding) and the Board shall determine that
such beneficial ownership is intended to cause the Company to repurchase the
shares owned by such person or group or is reasonable likely to cause a material
adverse impact on the Company's business. The rights, which do not have voting
rights, expire on December 6, 1999 and may be redeemed by the Company at a price
of $.01 per right at any time until rights expire or, if earlier, 10 days
following the Share Acquisition Date.
 
     Upon the occurrence of certain events following the distribution date, the
holder of each right will have the right to receive, upon exercise, shares (or,
in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company)
having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. In certain
events in which the Company is not a surviving entity or has transferred 50
percent or more of its assets or earnings power, the
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   44
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
rights will entitle the holder, upon exercise, to receive equity securities of
the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of
the right.
 
11. STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
     a. 1989 Trustees' Stock Option Plan -- On April 4, 1989, the Board approved
the establishment of the 1989 Trustees' Stock Option Plan (the "Trustees' Plan")
which permitted the Company to grant options to purchase up to 350,000 shares of
beneficial interest in the Company at the fair market value at the date of
grant. The Company had 350,000 options outstanding under the Trustees' Plan at
December 31, 1995 and 1994. In connection with the Ramco Acquisition and
Spin-off Transaction, all Trustees who had been granted options under the
Trustees' Plan have surrendered their options to the Company without
consideration.
 
     b. 1989 Employee's Stock Option Plan -- On June 21, 1989, the Board
approved the establishment of the 1989 Employee Stock Option Plan which
permitted the Company to grant options to purchase up to 1,550,000 shares of
beneficial interest in the Company at the fair market value at the date of
grant. On December 6, 1989, 1,355,000 options were granted. Option shares in the
amount of 125,000 were purchased from certain employees prior to the closing of
the Ramco Acquisition and Spin-off Transaction for $.50 per share and the
balance of the options were canceled.
 
     c. 1996 Share Option Plan -- Concurrent with the Ramco Acquisition, the
Company adopted the 1996 Share Option Plan (the "Plan") to enable its employees
to participate in the ownership of the Company. The Plan is designed to attract
and retain executive officers and other key employees of the Company, to
encourage a proprietary interest in the Company, and to provide incentives to
employees.
 
     Under the Plan, executive officers and employees of the Company may be
granted options to acquire shares of common stock of the Company ("Options").
The Plan is administered by the independent trustee members of the Compensation
Committee, of the Board of Trustees, who are authorized to select the executive
officers and other employees to whom Options are to be granted. No member of the
compensation committee is eligible to participate in the Plan.
 
     The compensation committee, at its discretion, determines the number of
Options to be granted. At June 30, 1996, the Plan provided for Options to
purchase up to 855,000 shares of the Company's stock. However, no more than
50,000 stock options may be granted to any one individual in any calendar year.
Stock options issued under the Plan allow for the purchase of common stock at
the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. Stock options granted
to officers and employees under the Plan vest and become exercisable in
installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and
expire ten years after the date of grant.
 
     In connection with the Ramco Acquisition and the spin-off of Atlantic, the
Company granted certain principals of the Ramco Group, options to purchase
120,000 shares at an exercise price of $16.00 per share. Subsequent to the Ramco
Acquisition, an additional 25,000 options have been granted to the Chief
Financial Officer at an exercise price of $15.44 per share, and an additional
38,200 options have been granted to Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. employees at an
exercise price of $16.56 per share.
 
     Information relating to the Plan from inception through December 31, 1996
is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        SHARES    OPTION PRICE
                                                        ------    ------------
<S>                                                     <C>       <C>
Granted (since inception).............................  183,200   $15.44-$16.56
Exercised.............................................
Forfeited.............................................
                                                        -------   -------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996......................  183,200   $15.44-$16.56
                                                        =======   =============
Exercisable...........................................     None
                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   45
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     The fair value of options granted during 1996 was estimated to be
negligible on the date of grant. This was determined using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used:
expected dividend yield of 10.21%; expected life of six years; risk free
interest rate of 6.53% and expected volatility of 10%.
 
     The Company accounts for the Plan in accordance with Accounting Principles
Board Option No. 25 under which no compensation cost has been recognized for
stock option awards. There is no material difference if compensation cost had
been calculated consistent with the provisions of Statement of Financial
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation". Therefore, there
would be no change in the Company's pro forma net income and earnings per share
for 1996.
 
12. DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
 
     The Company has a dividend reinvestment plan that allows for participating
shareholders to have their dividend distributions automatically invested in
additional shares of beneficial interest in the Company based on the average
price of the shares acquired for the distribution.
 
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 requires disclosure
about the fair value of all financial instruments. The carrying values of cash
and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses are
reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturity of these
financial instruments. As of December 31, 1996 the mortgages and notes payable
amounts are also a reasonable estimate of their fair value because their
interest rates approximate the current borrowing rates available to the Company.
 
     The market value of the Company's mortgage loans and receivables as of
December 31, 1995 was estimated to be approximately $45,000. At December 31,
1995, the aggregate estimated fair market value of five of the Company's ten
mortgage loans exceeded the aggregate carrying value of $32,517 by $4,244. The
remaining five mortgage loans were stated at their fair market value.
 
14. PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
     The following pro forma consolidated statements of operations have been
presented as if (i), the Ramco Acquisition, the Property Acquisitions, and the
spin-off of Atlantic had occurred on January 1, 1995, and (ii) the Company had
qualified as a REIT, distributed all of its taxable income and, therefore had
incurred no tax expense during the periods. In management's opinion, all
adjustments necessary to reflect the Ramco Acquisition, the Property
Acquisitions and the spin-off of Atlantic have been made. The pro forma
consolidated statements of operations are not necessarily indicative of what the
actual results of operations of
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   46
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
the Company would have been had such transactions actually occurred as of
January 1, 1995, nor do they purport to represent the results of the Company for
future periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996      1995
                                                              ----      ----
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
REVENUES
  Minimum rents............................................  $34,722   $33,085
  Percentage rents.........................................    1,105     1,327
  Recoveries from tenants..................................   17,961    16,738
  Interest and other income................................      628       390
                                                             -------   -------
Total Revenues.............................................   54,416    51,540
EXPENSES
  Real estate taxes........................................    6,496     5,487
  Recoverable operating expenses...........................   11,259    11,302
  Depreciation and amortization............................    6,919     6,805
  Other operating..........................................    1,043       943
  General and administrative...............................    4,440     3,369
  Interest expense.........................................   11,544    11,132
  Spin-off and other expenses..............................    7,976
                                                             -------   -------
Total Expenses.............................................   49,677    39,038
                                                             -------   -------
Operating Income...........................................    4,739    12,502
Loss From Unconsolidated Entities..........................      314       418
                                                             -------   -------
Income Before Minority Interest............................    4,425    12,084
Minority Interest..........................................    3,279     3,021
                                                             -------   -------
Net Income.................................................  $ 1,146   $ 9,063
                                                             =======   =======
Pro Forma Earnings Per Share...............................     $.16     $1.27
                                                             =======   =======
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding.......    7,123     7,123
                                                             =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       NET INCOME      PER SHARE:
                                            REVENUES     (LOSS)     NET INCOME (LOSS)
                                            --------   ----------   -----------------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>          <C>
1996
Quarter ended:
  March 31................................  $ 4,262     $   536          $ 0.08
  June 30.................................    9,676      (4,691)          (0.66)
  September 30............................   12,737       2,281            0.32
  December 31.............................   13,838       2,166            0.30
1995
Quarter ended:
  March 31................................  $ 4,246     $  (705)         $(0.09)
  June 30.................................    4,079       1,939            0.27
  September 30............................    4,254       2,295            0.32
  December 31.............................    4,138           9            0.00
</TABLE>
 
     During 1996, the Company recorded spin-off and other related expenses of
$1,657, $6,276, and $43 in the first, second and third quarters respectively.
During the first and fourth quarters of 1995, the Company recorded provisions
for possible loan losses of $3,000, and $650 respectively. In addition, the
Company provided $800 for the impairment in value of real estate in the fourth
quarter of 1995.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   47
 
                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
16. REAL ESTATE ASSETS
 
     Net investment in real estate assets at December 31, 1996 consisted of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                   YEAR         YEAR       YEAR
DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY                                        CONSTRUCTED   ACQUIRED   RENOVATED
- ----------------------------------------                                        -----------   --------   ---------
<S>                                                 <C>                         <C>           <C>        <C>
Tel-Twelve Mall                                     Southfield, Michigan                        1996        1995
Office Max Center                                   Toledo, Ohio                   1994         1996
New Towne Plaza                                     Canton, Michigan               1976         1996        1993
Ferndale Plaza                                      Ferndale, Michigan             1984         1996
Clinton Valley Strip Center                         Sterling Heights, Michigan     1979         1996
Fraser Shopping Center                              Fraser, Michigan                            1996
Eastridge Commons                                   Flint, Michigan                1990         1996
Oakbrook Square                                     Flint, Michigan                             1996
Jackson West                                        Jackson, Michigan                           1996
Jackson Crossing                                    Jackson, Michigan                           1996        1996
Roseville Plaza                                     Roseville, Michigan                         1996        1994
Naples Towne Center                                 Naples, Florida                1983         1996
Southfield Plaza                                    Southfield, Michigan                        1996        1983
Clinton Valley Mall                                 Sterling Heights, Michigan     1979         1996        1993
Lake Orion Plaza                                    Lake Orion, Michigan           1977         1996
Edgewood Towne Centre                               Lansing, Michigan              1990         1996        1992
Troy Towne Center                                   Troy, Ohio                     1990         1996        1996
West Oaks I                                         Novi, Michigan                 1981         1996
West Oaks II                                        Novi, Michigan                 1987         1996
Spring Meadows Place                                Springfield Twp, Ohio          1987         1996        1996
West Allis Towne Center                             West Allis, Wisconsin          1987         1996
Chester Springs                                     Chester, New Jersey                         1994
Crofton Plaza                                       Crofton, Maryland                           1991
Lantana Plaza                                       Lantana, Florida                            1993
Sunshine Plaza                                      Tamarac, Florida                            1991
Commack Shopping Center                             Commack, New York                           1992
Trinity Corners                                     Pound Ridge, New York                       1992
Taylor Shopping Center                              Taylor, Michigan                            1996
Shoppes of Lakeland                                 Lakeland, Florida                           1996
Holcomb Center                                      Alpharetta, Georgia                         1996
                                                                                                          Totals
 
<CAPTION>
                                                       INITIAL COST TO
                                                           COMPANY                          GROSS COST AT END OF PERIOD(B)
                                                    ----------------------   SUBSEQUENT    ---------------------------------
                                                               BUILDING &    CAPITALIZED              BUILDING &
DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY             LAND     IMPROVEMENTS      COSTS       LAND     IMPROVEMENTS    TOTAL
- ----------------------------------------             ----     ------------   -----------    ----     ------------    -----
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>            <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>
Tel-Twelve Mall                                     $ 4,777     $ 43,181       $  314      $ 4,777     $ 43,495     $ 48,272
Office Max Center                                       227        2,042            0          227        2,042        2,269
New Towne Plaza                                         817        7,354            0          817        7,354        8,171
Ferndale Plaza                                          265        2,388            3          265        2,391        2,656
Clinton Valley Strip Center                             399        3,588            0          399        3,588        3,987
Fraser Shopping Center                                  363        3,263            0          363        3,263        3,626
Eastridge Commons                                     1,086        9,775            5        1,086        9,780       10,866
Oakbrook Square                                         955        8,591            0          955        8,591        9,546
Jackson West                                          2,806        6,270        3,624        2,806        9,894       12,700
Jackson Crossing                                      2,249       20,237           86        2,249       20,323       22,572
Roseville Plaza                                       1,466       13,195           98        1,466       13,293       14,759
Naples Towne Center                                     218        1,964            1          218        1,965        2,183
Southfield Plaza                                      1,121       10,090           89        1,121       10,179       11,300
Clinton Valley Mall                                   1,101        9,910          119        1,101       10,029       11,130
Lake Orion Plaza                                        470        4,234           69          470        4,303        4,773
Edgewood Towne Centre                                   665        5,981            3          665        5,984        6,649
Troy Towne Center                                       930        8,372          872          930        9,244       10,174
West Oaks I                                             630        5,674           13          630        5,687        6,317
West Oaks II                                          1,391       12,519            4        1,391       12,523       13,914
Spring Meadows Place                                  1,662       14,959          378        1,662       15,337       16,999
West Allis Towne Center                               1,866       16,789            0        1,866       16,789       18,655
Chester Springs                                       4,931       13,331          986        4,931       14,317       19,248
Crofton Plaza                                         3,201        6,499        1,050        3,201        7,549       10,750
Lantana Plaza                                         2,590        2,600          473        2,590        3,073        5,663
Sunshine Plaza                                        1,748        7,452          742        1,748        8,194        9,942
Commack Shopping Center                               1,160        1,740            2        1,160        1,742        2,902
Trinity Corners                                       1,250        1,250          501        1,250        1,751        3,001
Taylor Shopping Center                                  400        1,930            0          400        1,930        2,330
Shoppes of Lakeland                                   1,279       11,543           67        1,279       11,610       12,889
Holcomb Center                                          658        5,953            0          658        5,953        6,611
                                                    -------     --------       ------      -------     --------     --------
                                                    $42,681     $262,674       $9,499      $42,681     $272,173     $314,854
                                                    =======     ========       ======      =======     ========     ========
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                      ACCUMULATED
DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY            DEPRECIATION(A)   ENCUMBRANCES
- ----------------------------------------            ---------------   ------------
<S>                                                 <C>               <C>
Tel-Twelve Mall                                         $  722           (d)
Office Max Center                                           34           (c)
New Towne Plaza                                            123           (d)
Ferndale Plaza                                              40           (c)
Clinton Valley Strip Center                                 60           (c)
Fraser Shopping Center                                      54           (c)
Eastridge Commons                                          163           (d)
Oakbrook Square                                            143          $ 7,000
Jackson West                                               114
Jackson Crossing                                           341           (d)
Roseville Plaza                                            221           (d)
Naples Towne Center                                         33
Southfield Plaza                                           169           (d)
Clinton Valley Mall                                        166           (d)
Lake Orion Plaza                                            71           (d)
Edgewood Towne Centre                                      100           (c)
Troy Towne Center                                          145           (c)
West Oaks I                                                 95            4,347(d)
West Oaks II                                               209            8,409
Spring Meadows Place                                       251            9,237
West Allis Towne Center                                    280           (c)
Chester Springs                                            896           (c)
Crofton Plaza                                              995           (c)
Lantana Plaza                                              285
Sunshine Plaza                                             985
Commack Shopping Center                                    176           (c)
Trinity Corners                                            171
Taylor Shopping Center                                      18
Shoppes of Lakeland                                         36
Holcomb Center                                               6
                                                        ------          -------
                                                        $7,102          $28,993
                                                        ======          =======
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(a) Depreciation for all properties is computed over the useful life which is
    generally forty years.
(b) The aggregate cost of land and buildings and improvements for federal income
    tax purposes is approximately $262 million.
(c) The property is pledged as collateral on the secured line of credit.
(d) The property is pledged as collateral on secured mortgages.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   48
 
                       RAMSON-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     The changes in real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for the
three years ended December 31, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996      1995      1994
                                                                ----      ----      ----
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>       <C>
REAL ESTATE ASSETS
Balance at beginning of period..............................  $ 58,046   $57,840   $34,751
Ramco Acquisition...........................................   235,840
Other Acquisitions..........................................    21,765              22,462
Capital Improvements........................................     6,252     1,006       997
Disposition of Saratoga.....................................                          (370)
Provision for impairment....................................                (800)
Spin-off of assets to Atlantic..............................    (7,049)
                                                              --------   -------   -------
Balance at end of period....................................  $314,854   $58,046   $57,840
                                                              ========   =======   =======
ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
Balance at beginning of period..............................  $  2,747   $ 1,731   $ 1,012
Depreciation................................................     4,567     1,016       749
Spin-off of Assets to Atlantic..............................      (212)
Disposition of Saratoga.....................................                           (30)
                                                              --------   -------   -------
Balance at end of period....................................  $  7,102   $ 2,747   $ 1,731
                                                              ========   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   49
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
- -------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
  3.1      Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Company,
           dated October 14, 1988, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibits 3 and 4(a) to the Company's Registration Statement
           on Form S-4, File No. 33-25272.
  3.2      Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
           the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to
           the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
           ended June 30, 1996.
  3.3      By-Laws of the Company adopted December 6, 1989,
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's
           Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 6, 1989.
  3.4      Amendment to Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
  4.       Rights Agreement dated as of December 6, 1989 between the
           Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company,
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's
           Registration Statement on Form 8-A, File No. 1-10093, for
           the registration of Share Purchase Rights.
 10.1      Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, among the
           Company, Dennis Gershenson, Joel Gershenson, Bruce
           Gershenson, Richard Gershenson, Michael A. Ward, Michael A.
           Ward U/T/A dated 2/22/77, as amended, and the holders of
           interest in Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P., a Delaware
           limited partnership, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
           period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.2      Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996,
           among the Company, Dennis Gershenson, Joel Gershenson, Bruce
           Gershenson, Richard Gershenson, Michael A. Ward, Michael A.
           Ward U/T/A dated 2/22/77, as amended, and each of the
           Persons set forth on Exhibit A attached thereto,
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's
           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30,
           1996.
 10.3      Exchange Rights Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
           among the Company and each of the Persons whose names are
           set forth on Exhibit A attached thereto, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.4      1996 Share Option Plan of the Company, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.5      Letter Agreement, dated May 10, 1996, among the Persons and
           Entities party to the Amended and Restated Master Agreement,
           dated as of December 27, 1995, as amended, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.6      Promissory Note payable by Atlantic Realty Trust in favor of
           the Company in the principal face amount of 5,500,000 due
           November 9, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6
           to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
           period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.7      Letter Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and between
           Atlantic Realty Trust ("Atlantic") and the Company
           concerning the assumption of certain liabilities by
           Atlantic, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the
           Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
           June 30, 1996.
 10.8      Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
           Company and Joel Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
           for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.9      Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
           Company and Dennis Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
           for the period ended June 30, 1996.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
- -------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
 10.10     Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
           Company and Michael A. Ward, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
           for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.11     Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
           Company and Richard Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
           for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.12     Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, between the
           Company and Bruce Gershenson, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
           for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.13     Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
           between Joel Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.14     Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
           between Dennis Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.15     Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
           between Michael A. Ward and the Company, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.16     Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
           between Richard Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.17     Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1996, by and
           between Bruce Gershenson and the Company, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996.
 10.18     Letter Agreement, dated April 15, 1996, among the Company
           and Richard Smith concerning Mr. Smith's employment by the
           Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the
           Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
           June 30, 1996.
 10.19     Amended and Restated Master Revolving Credit Agreement dated
           as of June 24, 1996 by and among Ramco-Gershenson
           Properties, L.P., the Company, The First National Bank of
           Boston, NBD Bank, the other lending institutions that may
           become a party thereto, and The First National Bank of
           Boston, as Agent for the Banks.
 10.20     Note dated June 24, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount
           of $25,000,000 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
           favor of The First National Bank of Boston.
 10.21     Note dated June 24, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount
           of $25,000,000 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
           favor of NBD Bank.
 10.22     Loan Agreement dated May 1, 1996 by and between
           Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. and The Lincoln National
           Life Insurance Company relating to a $77,585,524.73 loan.
 10.23     Note dated May 1, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount of
           $77,585,524.73 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
           favor of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
 10.24     Loan Agreement dated May 1, 1996 by and between
           Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. and The Lincoln National
           Life Insurance Company relating to a $4,346,778.76 loan.
 10.25     Note dated May 1, 1996 in the aggregate principal amount of
           $4,346,778.76 made by Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. in
           favor of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
 21.1      Subsidiaries.
 27.1      Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.19


             AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

                           DATED AS OF JUNE 24, 1996

                                     among

                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.,
                                  as Borrower,

                                      and

                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST,
                                 as Guarantor,

                                      and

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
                                   as a Bank,

                                      and

                              NBD BANK, as a Bank,

                                      and

                          OTHER BANKS WHICH MAY BECOME
                           PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT,
                                   as Banks,

                                      and

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
                                    as Agent
<PAGE>   2

                          AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER
                           REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


         This AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT is made as
of the 24th day of June, 1996, by and among RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.
(the "Borrower"), a Delaware limited partnership, RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES
TRUST (the "Guarantor"), a Massachusetts business trusts, THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF BOSTON ("FNBB"), NBD BANK ("NBD"), the other lending institutions which
may become parties hereto pursuant to Section 18 (the "Banks"), and THE FIRST
NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON, as Agent for the Banks (the "Agent").

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Guarantor, FNBB and the Agent are parties
to that certain Master Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of May 6, 1996 (the
"Prior Credit Agreement");

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Prior Credit Agreement, FNBB has made certain
loans to the Borrower which are outstanding on the date hereof;

         WHEREAS, the Borrower requires additional availability of funds in the
operation of its business and FNBB and NBD are willing to provide such
additional funds pursuant to the terms set forth herein; and

         WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Guarantor, FNBB, NBD and the Agent desire
to amend and restate the Prior Credit Agreement, among other things, to provide
for an increase in the commitment of the Banks under the credit facility, it
being understood that the loans heretofore made to the Borrower by FNBB shall
continue to remain outstanding and that this Agreement is an amendment and
restatement of the Prior Credit Agreement, which shall remain in full force and
effect, as amended and restated hereby;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained
herein, and of any loans, advances, or extensions of credit heretofore, now or
hereafter made to or for the benefit of the Borrower by the Banks, the parties
hereto hereby agree as follows:

          1.  DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION.

          1.     Definitions.  The following terms shall have the meanings set
forth in this Section l or elsewhere in the provisions of this Agreement
referred to below:





                                      -1-
<PAGE>   3

         Agent.  The First National Bank of Boston acting as agent for the
Banks.

         Agent's Head Office.  The Agent's head office located at 100 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, or at such other location as the Agent may
designate from time to time by notice to the Borrower and the Banks.

         Agent's Special Counsel
                               .  Winston & Strawn or such other counsel as may
be approved by the Agent.

         Agreement
                 .  This Amended and Restated Master Revolving Credit
Agreement, including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto.

         Applicable Margin.  As of any date of determination, with respect to
LIBOR Rate loans, the amount set forth below:

         1.  Until such time as the Borrower and/or the Guarantor have a
long-term debt rating from two rating agencies, including either Standard and
Poor's Rating Group Inc. or Moody's Investors Service, Inc., 1.75%

         2.  At such time as the Borrower and/or the Guarantor receives a
long-term debt rating from two rating agencies, including either Standard &
Poor's Rating Group Inc. or Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and thereafter,
the applicable amount set forth below based upon the lower of the Standard &
Poor's Rating or Moody's Rating received as such ratings may be adjusted from
time to time:

Standard & Poor's Rating              Moody's Rating          Applicable Margin

BBB or better                         Baa2 or better          1.50%

BBB -                                 Baa3                    1.625%

BB+ or worse                          Ba1 or worse            1.75%


         Appraisal.  An MAI appraisal of the value of a parcel of Real Estate,
determined on a fair value basis, performed by an independent appraiser
selected by the Agent who is not an employee of the Borrower, the Agent or a
Bank, the form and substance of such appraisal and the identity of the
appraiser to be in compliance with the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery
and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended, the rules and regulations adopted
pursuant thereto and all other regulatory laws and policies (both regulatory
and internal) applicable to the Banks and otherwise acceptable (i) to the
Agent, in the case of such appraisals delivered by the Borrower on or before
the Closing Date, and (ii) the Majority Banks, in the case of any such
appraisals delivered by the Borrower after the Closing Date,





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4



provided that if the Agent's appraisal department has determined that the value
of any parcel of Real Estate is within five percent (5%) of the value for such
parcel of Real Estate as set forth in the MAI appraisal delivered to the Agent
by the Borrower, the Banks shall accept such appraised value.

         Appraised Value.  The fair value of a parcel of Mortgaged Property
determined by the most recent Appraisal of such parcel or update obtained
pursuant to Section 5.2 or Section 10.7, subject, however, to such changes or
adjustments to the value determined thereby as may be required by (i) the
appraisal department of the Agent, in the case of such appraisals delivered by
the Borrower on or before the Closing Date, and (ii) the appraisal departments
of the Majority Banks, in the case of any such appraisals delivered by the
Borrower after the Closing Date, in their good faith business judgment,
provided that if the Agent's appraisal department has determined that the value
of any parcel of Mortgaged Property is within five percent (5%) of the value
for such Mortgaged Property as set forth in the MAI appraisal delivered to the
Agent by the Borrower, the Banks shall accept such appraised value.

         
         Assignment of Leases and Rents.  Each of the collateral assignments of
leases and rents from the Borrower to the Agent, as the same may be modified or
amended, pursuant to which there shall be assigned to the Agent for the benefit
of the Banks a security interest in the interest of the Borrower as lessor with
respect to all Leases of all or any part of a Mortgaged Property, each such
collateral assignment to be in form and substance satisfactory to the Majority
Banks.

         Balance Sheet Date.  September 30, 1995.

         Banks.  FNBB, NBD and any other Person who becomes an assignee of any
rights of a Bank pursuant to Section 18.

         Base Rate.  The annual rate of interest announced from time to time by
Agent at Agent's Head Office as its "base rate".  Any change in the rate of
interest payable hereunder resulting from a change in the Base Rate shall
become effective as of the opening of business on the day on which such change
in the Base Rate becomes effective.

         Base Rate Loans.  Those Loans bearing interest calculated by reference
to the Base Rate.

         Borrower.  As defined in the preamble hereto.

         Borrowing Base.  At any time with respect to the Borrower, the
Borrowing Base shall be the aggregate of the Borrowing Bases for each parcel of
Eligible Real Estate included in





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5

the Mortgaged Property owned by the Borrower.  The Borrowing Base for each
parcel of Eligible Real Estate included in the Mortgaged Property shall be the
amount which is sixty percent (60%) of the Appraised Value of such Mortgaged
Property as most recently determined as provided under Section 5.2 or Section
10.7.

         Building.  With respect to each parcel of Mortgaged Property, all of
the buildings, structures and improvements now or hereafter located thereon.

         
         Building Service Equipment.  All apparatus, fixtures and articles of
personal property owned by the Borrower now or hereafter attached to or used or
procured for use in connection with the operation or maintenance of any
building, structure or other improvement located on or included in the
Mortgaged Property, including, but without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, all engines, furnaces, boilers, stokers, pumps, heaters, tanks,
dynamos, motors, generators, switchboards, electrical equipment, heating,
plumbing, lifting and ventilating apparatus, air-cooling and air-conditioning
apparatus, gas and electric fixtures, elevators, escalators, fittings, and
machinery and all other equipment of every kind and description, used or
procured for use in the operation of a Building and located on the Mortgaged
Property (except apparatus, fixtures or articles of personal property belonging
to lessees or other occupants of such building or to persons other than the
Borrower unless the same be abandoned by any such lessee or other occupant or
person and shall become the Borrower's property by reason of such abandonment),
together with any and all replacements thereof and additions thereto.

         
         Business Day.  Any day on which banking institutions in Boston,
Massachusetts are open for the transaction of banking business and, in the case
of LIBOR Rate Loans, which also is a LIBOR Business Day.

         Capital Expenditure Reserve Amount.  With respect to any Person or
property, a reserve for replacements and capital expenditures equal to $.10 per
square foot of building space located on all Real Estate owned by such Person,
other than Real Estate subject to long term leases having a remaining term of
at least five years, exclusive of unexpired options, which provide that the
tenant is responsible for all building maintenance.

         Capital Improvement Project.  With respect to any Real Estate now or
hereafter owned by the  Borrower which is utilized principally for shopping
centers, capital improvements consisting of rehabilitation, refurbishment,
replacement, expansions and improvements (including related amenities) to the
existing Buildings on such Real Estate and capital additions, repairs,
resurfacing and replacements in the common areas of such Real Estate all of
which may be properly capitalized under generally accepted accounting
principles.

         CERCLA.  See Section 6.18.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6



         
         Closing Date.  The first date on which all of the conditions set forth
in Section 10 and Section 11 have been satisfied.

         
         Code.  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         Collateral.  All of the property, rights and interests of the Borrower
and the Guarantor which are or are intended to be subject to the security
interests, liens and mortgages created by the Security Documents, including,
without limitation, the Mortgaged Property and the Guaranty.

         Commitment.  With respect to each Bank, the amount set forth on
Schedule I hereto as the amount of such Bank's Commitment to make or maintain
Loans to the Borrower and to participate in Letters of Credit for the account
of the Borrower, as the same may be changed from time to time in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement

         Commitment Percentage.  With respect to each Bank, the percentage set
forth on Schedule 1 hereto as such Bank's percentage of the aggregate
Commitments of all of the Banks.

         Compliance Certificate.  See Section 7.4(e).

         
         Consolidated or combined.  With reference to any term defined herein,
that term as applied to the accounts of a Person and its Subsidiaries,
consolidated or combined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

         Consolidated Operating Cash Flow.  With respect to any period of a
Person, an amount equal to the Operating Cash Flow of such Person and its
Subsidiaries for such period consolidated in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.

         
         Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.  The amount by which Consolidated
Total Assets exceeds Consolidated Total Liabilities, and less the sum of:

                 (a)      the total book value of all assets of a Person and
         its Subsidiaries properly classified as intangible assets under
         generally accepted accounting principles, including such items as good
         will, the purchase price of acquired assets in excess of the fair
         market value thereof, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand
         names, copyrights, patents and licenses, and rights with respect to
         the foregoing; plus

                 (b)      all amounts representing any write-up in the book
         value of any assets of such Person or its Subsidiaries resulting from
         a revaluation thereof subsequent to the





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7

         Balance Sheet Date.

         Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value.  With respect to any Person,
the sum of (i) an amount equal to (A) the Operating Cash Flow of such Person
for the period covered by the four previous consecutive fiscal quarters
(treated as a single accounting period) divided by (B) a ten percent (10%)
capitalization rate, (ii) the aggregate cash, Short-term Investments of such
Person, (iii) the aggregate accounts receivable for such Person minus a
deduction for straight-line rent credit and (iv) the capitalized cost of
development in progress up to an amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the
sum of items (i), (ii) and (iii),  provided that (i) prior to such time as the
Borrower has owned and operated any parcel of Real Estate for four full fiscal
quarters, the Operating Cash Flow with respect to such parcel of Real Estate
for the number of full fiscal quarters which the Borrower has owned and
operated such parcel of Real Estate as annualized shall be utilized and (ii)
any parcel of Real Estate without a full quarter of performance shall be
calculated at capitalized costs.

         Consolidated Total Assets.  With respect to any Person, all assets of
such Person and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

         Consolidated Total Liabilities.  All liabilities of a Person and its
Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and all Indebtedness of such Person and its
Subsidiaries, whether or not so classified, including any liabilities arising
in connection with sale and leaseback transactions.  Amounts undrawn under this
Agreement shall not be included in Indebtedness for purposes of this
definition.

         Construction Inspector.  A firm of professional engineers or
architects selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Agent.

         Conversion Request.  A notice given by the Borrower to the Agent of
its election to convert or continue a Loan in accordance with Section 4.1.

         Debt Offering.  The issuance and sale by the Borrower or the Guarantor
of any debt securities of the Borrower or the Guarantor.

         Debt Service.  For any period, the sum of all interest, including
capitalized interest not paid in cash, bond related expenses, and mandatory
principal/sinking fund payments due and payable during such period reduced by
any balloon payments due upon maturity of any Indebtedness.

         Default.  See Section 12.1.





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8



         Defaulting Bank.  Any Bank which fails or refuses to perform its
obligations under this Agreement within the time period specified for
performance of such obligation or, if no time frame is specified, if such
failure or refusal continues for a period of five (5) Business Days after
notice from the Agent.

         Distribution.  With respect to any Person, the declaration or payment
of any cash, cash flow, dividend or distribution on or in respect of any shares
of any class of capital stock or other beneficial interest of such Person other
than dividends or distributions payable solely in equity securities of such
Person; the purchase, redemption, exchange or other retirement of any shares of
any class of capital stock or other beneficial interest of such Person,
directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary of such Person or otherwise; the
return of capital by such Person to its shareholders or partners as such; or
any other distribution on or in respect of any shares of any class of capital
stock or other beneficial interest of such Person.

         Dollars or $.  Dollars in lawful currency of the United States of
America.

         Domestic Lending Office.  Initially, the office of each Bank designated
as such in Schedule 1 hereto; thereafter, such other office of such Bank, if
any, located within the United States that will be making or maintaining Base
Rate Loans.

         Drawdown Date.  The date on which any Loan is made or is to be made,
and the date on which any Loan which is made prior to the Maturity Date is
converted or combined in accordance with Section 4.1.

         Eligible Real Estate.  Real Estate:

                 (a)      which is owned in fee by the Borrower or which is
         leased by the Borrower pursuant to a ground lease which has been
         approved by the Majority Banks at their sole discretion;

                 (b)      which is located within the contiguous 48 States of
         the continental United States, excluding those States which prescribe
         a "single-action" or similar rule limiting the rights of creditors
         secured by real property, which exclusion shall apply, without
         limitation, to the States of California and Washington except to the
         extent such exclusion is waived in writing by the Majority Banks with
         respect to a specific parcel of Real Estate;

                 (c)      which is utilized principally for shopping centers or
retail facilities;

                 (d)      which is approved by the Majority Banks after the 
date hereof in their





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9

         sole judgment;

                 (e)      as to which all of the representations set forth in
         Section 6 of this Agreement concerning Mortgaged Property are true and
         correct; and

                 (f)      as to which the Agent has received all Eligible Real
         Estate Qualification Documents, so long as all of such documents
         remain in full force and effect.

         Eligible Real Estate Qualification Documents.  With respect to any
parcel of Real Estate of the Borrower proposed to be included in the
Collateral, each of the following:

                 (a)      Security Documents.  Such Security Documents relating
         to such Real Estate as the Majority Banks shall require, in form and
         substance satisfactory to the Agent and the Majority Banks and duly
         executed and delivered by the respective parties thereto.

                 (b)      Enforceability Opinion.  The favorable legal opinion
         of counsel to the Borrower and the Guarantor reasonably acceptable to
         the Majority Banks qualified to practice in the State in which such
         Real Estate is located, addressed to the Banks and in form and
         substance satisfactory to the Majority Banks as to the enforceability
         of such Security Documents and such other matters as the Majority
         Banks shall reasonably request.

                 (c)      Perfection of Liens.  Evidence reasonably
         satisfactory to the Majority Banks that the Security Documents are
         effective to create in favor of the Agent a legal, valid and
         enforceable first (except for Permitted Liens approved by the Majority
         Banks entitled to priority under applicable law) lien and security
         interest in such Real Estate and that all filings, recordings,
         deliveries of instruments and other actions necessary or desirable to
         protect and preserve such liens or security interests have been duly
         effected.

                 (d)      Survey and Taxes.  The Survey of such Real Estate,
         together with the Surveyor Certification and evidence of payment of
         all real estate taxes, assessments and municipal charges on such Real
         Estate which on the date of determination are required to have been
         paid under Section 7.8.

                 (e)      Title Insurance; Title Exception Documents.  The
         Title Policy covering such Real Estate, including all endorsements
         thereto, and together with proof of payment of all fees and premiums
         for such policy, and true and accurate copies of all documents listed
         as exceptions under such policy.

                 (f)      UCC Certification.  A certification from the Title 
         Insurance Company or





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10



         counsel satisfactory to the Majority Banks that a search of the public
         records designated by the Majority Banks disclosed no conditional
         sales contracts, security agreements, chattel mortgages, leases of
         personalty, financing statements or title retention agreements which
         affect any property, rights or interests of the Borrower that are or
         are intended to be subject to the security interest, assignments, and
         mortgage liens created by the Security Documents relating to such Real
         Estate except to the extent that the same are discharged and removed
         prior to or simultaneously with the inclusion of the Real Estate in
         the Collateral.

                 (g)      Management Agreement.  A true copy of the Management
         Agreement, if any, relating to such Real Estate.

                 (h)      Service Agreements.  True copies of all Service 
         Agreements relating to such Real Estate.

                 (i)      Standard Form Leases.  True copies of sample leases
         and Rent Rolls and summaries thereof satisfactory to the Majority
         Banks certified by the Borrower as accurate and complete as of a
         recent date.

                 (j)      Certificates of Insurance.  Each of (i) a current
         certificate of insurance as to the insurance maintained by the
         Borrower on such Real Estate (including flood insurance if necessary)
         or blanket coverage which includes such Real Estate in accordance with
         the terms of this Agreement from the insurer or an independent
         insurance broker dated as of the date of determination, identifying
         insurers, types of insurance, insurance limits, and policy terms; (ii)
         certified copies of all policies evidencing such insurance (or
         certificates therefor signed by the insurer or an agent authorized to
         bind the insurer); and (iii) such further information and certificates
         from the Borrower, its insurers and insurance brokers as the Majority
         Banks may reasonably request, all of which shall be in compliance with
         the requirements of this Agreement.

                 (k)      Hazardous Substance Assessments.  A Phase I
         environmental site assessment report concerning Hazardous Substances
         and asbestos on such Real Estate dated or updated not more than six
         (6) months prior to the inclusion of such Real Estate in the
         Collateral, from an Environmental Engineer, such report to contain no
         qualifications except those that are acceptable to the Majority Banks
         in their sole discretion and to otherwise be in form and substance
         satisfactory to the Majority Banks.

                (l)      Certificate of Occupancy.  A copy of the 
         certificate(s) of occupancy





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11

         issued to the Borrower for such parcel of Real Estate permitting the
         use and occupancy of the Building thereon (or a copy of the
         certificates of occupancy issued for such parcel of Real Estate and
         evidence satisfactory to the Majority Banks that any previously issued
         certificate(s) of occupancy is not required to be reissued to the
         Borrower), or a legal opinion or certificate from the appropriate
         principality reasonably satisfactory to the Agent that no certificates
         of occupancy are necessary to the use and occupancy thereof.

                 (m)      Appraisal.  An Appraisal of such Real Estate, in form
         and substance satisfactory to the Agent or the Majority Banks as
         provided in Section 5.2 and dated not more than three (3) months prior
         to the inclusion of such Real Estate in the Collateral.

                 (n)      Zoning and Land Use Opinion of Counsel.  A favorable
         opinion concerning the Real Estate addressed to the Agent and dated
         the date of the inclusion of such Real Estate in the Collateral, in
         form and substance satisfactory to the Majority Banks, from counsel
         approved by the Majority Banks admitted to practice in the State in
         which such parcel is located, as to zoning and land use compliance, or
         such other evidence regarding zoning and land use compliance as the
         Majority Banks may approve in their reasonable discretion,
         provided that a 3.1 zoning endorsement with parking from
         the Title Insurance Company shall be satisfactory for this purpose.

                 (o)      Construction Inspector Report.  A report or written
         confirmation from the Construction Inspector satisfactory in form and
         content to the Majority Banks, dated or updated not more than three
         months prior to the inclusion of such Real Estate in the Collateral,
         addressing such matters as the Majority Banks may reasonably require,
         including without limitation that the Construction Inspector has
         reviewed the plans and specifications or other available materials for
         all Buildings on the Real Estate, that the condition of the Buildings
         is good, that all Buildings were constructed and completed in a good
         and workmanlike manner, that the Buildings satisfy all applicable
         building, zoning, handicapped access and Environmental Laws applicable
         thereto, whether or not the Real Estate and the Buildings thereon are
         a conforming use under applicable zoning laws, and that utilities and
         public water and sewer service are available at the lot lines of the
         Real Estate through dedicated rights-of-way or through insured
         perpetual private easements approved by the Majority Banks and
         connected directly to the Building with all necessary permits.

                 (p)      Permit and Legal Compliance Assurances.  Evidence
         satisfactory to the Majority Banks that all activities being conducted
         on such Real Estate which require federal, state or local licenses or
         permits have been duly licensed and that such licenses or permits are
         in full force and effect, and that the Real Estate, the Buildings and
         the use and occupancy thereof are in compliance with all applicable
         federal, state or local laws, ordinances or regulations.





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   12




                 (q)      Operating Statements.  Operating statements for such
         Real Estate in the form of such statements delivered to the Banks
         under Section 6.4(c) covering each of the four fiscal quarters ending
         immediately prior to the addition of such Mortgaged Property to the
         Collateral.

                 (r)      Doing Business Opinion.  An opinion, dated the date
         of the inclusion of such Real Estate in the Collateral, of legal
         counsel to the Borrower reasonably acceptable to the Majority Banks
         qualified to practice in the State in which such Real Estate is
         located to the effect that neither the Agent nor any Bank shall be
         required to qualify to do business in such State or any political
         subdivision thereof or to become liable to pay any taxes in such State
         or any political subdivision thereof solely on account of the receipt
         of the lien on such Real Estate securing the Obligation, such opinion
         to be satisfactory to the Majority Banks.

                 (s)      Additional Documents.  Such other documents,
         certificates, reports or assurances as the Majority Banks may
         reasonably require in their discretion.

         Employee Benefit Plan.  Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of
Section 3(3) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate, other than a Multiemployer Plan.

         Environmental Engineer. McLaren Hart or another firm of independent
professional engineers or other scientists generally recognized as expert in
the detection, analysis and remediation of Hazardous Substances and related
environmental matters and which has been previously approved by the Agent, or
if not previously approved by the Agent, with respect to which the Borrower has
provided to the Agent a copy at such firm's errors and omissions insurance
policy and a reliance letter both in form and substance acceptable to the
Agent.

         Environmental Laws.  See Section 6.18(a).

         Equity Offering.  The issuance and sale by the  Borrower or the
Guarantor of any equity securities of the Borrower or the Guarantor.

         ERISA.  The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended and in effect from time to time.

         ERISA Affiliate.  Any Person which is treated as a single employer
with the Borrower under Section 414 of the Code.

         ERISA Reportable Event.  A reportable event with respect to a 
Guaranteed Pension





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   13

Plan within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations
promulgated thereunder as to which the requirement of notice has not been
waived.

         Event of Default.  See Section 12.1.

         Federal Funds Effective Rate.  For any day, the rate per annum equal
to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions
with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers,
as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next
preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such
rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average of the
quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Agent from three
Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Agent.

         FNBB.  As defined in the preamble hereto.

         Funds from Operations.  With respect to any Person for any fiscal
period, the Net Income of such Person computed in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, excluding financing costs and gains (or losses)
from debt restructuring and sales of property, plus depreciation (other than
non-real estate depreciation) and amortization (other than amortization of
deferred financing costs) and other non- cash items.

         Generally accepted accounting principles.  Principles that are (a)
consistent with the principles promulgated or adopted by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board and its predecessors, as in effect from time to time
and (b) consistently applied with past financial statements of the Person
adopting the same principles; provided that a certified public accountant
would, insofar as the use of such accounting principles is pertinent, be in a
position to deliver an unqualified opinion (other than a qualification
regarding changes in generally accepted accounting principles) as to financial
statements in which such principles have been properly applied.

         Government Acts.  See Section 2.7(j).

         Guaranteed Pension Plan.  Any employee pension benefit plan within the
meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by either of the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate the benefits of which are guaranteed on
termination in full or in part by the PBGC pursuant to Title IV of ERISA, other
than a Multiemployer Plan.

         Guarantor.  Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust.

         Guaranty.  The Amended and Restated Unconditional Guaranty of Payment
and Performance dated of even date herewith made by the Guarantor in favor of
the Agent and the Banks, as the same may be modified or amended, such Guaranty
to be in form and





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   14



substance satisfactory to the Agent.

         Hazardous Substances.  See Section 6.18(b).

         HLT Notice Date.  See Section 4.13.

         Indebtedness.  All obligations, contingent and otherwise, that in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles should be classified
upon the obligor's balance sheet as liabilities, or to which reference should
be made by footnotes thereto, but without any double counting, including in any
event and whether or not so classified:  (a) all debt and similar monetary
obligations, whether direct or indirect; (b) all liabilities secured by any
mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien, charge or other encumbrance existing
on property owned or acquired subject thereto, whether or not the liability
secured thereby shall have been assumed; and (c) all guarantees, endorsements
and other contingent obligations whether direct or indirect in respect of
indebtedness of others, including any obligation to supply funds to or in any
manner to invest directly or indirectly in a Person, to purchase indebtedness,
or to assure the owner of indebtedness against loss through an agreement to
purchase goods, supplies or services for the purpose of enabling the debtor to
make payment of the indebtedness held by such owner or otherwise, and the
obligation to reimburse the issuer in respect of any letter of credit.

         Indemnity Agreement.  The Amended and Restated Indemnity Agreement
Regarding Hazardous Materials made by the Borrower and the Guarantor in favor
of the Agent and the Banks, as the same may be modified or amended,  pursuant
to which the Borrower and the Guarantor agree to indemnify the Agent and the
Banks with respect to Hazardous Substances and Environmental Laws, such
Indemnity Agreement to be in form and substance satisfactory to the Majority
Banks.

         Interest Payment Date.  As to each Base Rate Loan, the first day of
each calendar month during the term of such Base Rate Loan and as to each LIBOR
Rate Loan, the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto.

         Interest Period.  With respect to each LIBOR Rate Loan (a) initially,
the period commencing on the Drawdown Date of such Loan and ending one, three
or six months thereafter, and (b) thereafter, each period commencing on the day
following the last day of the next preceding Interest Period applicable to such
Loan and ending on the last day of one of the periods set forth above, as
selected by the Borrower in a Conversion Request; provided that all of the
foregoing provisions relating to Interest Periods are subject to the following:

         (A)      if any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan would





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   15

         otherwise end on a day that is not a LIBOR Business Day, that Interest
         Period shall end and the next Interest Period shall commence on the
         next preceding or succeeding LIBOR Business Day as determined
         conclusively by the Reference Bank in accordance with the then current
         bank practice in the London Interbank Market;

                 (B)      if the Borrower shall fail to give notice as provided
         in Section 4.1, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a
         conversion of the affected LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan on the
         last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto; and

                 (C)      no Interest Period relating to any LIBOR Rate Loan 
         shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.

         Interest Rate Contracts.  Interest rate swap, collar, cap or similar 
agreements providing interest rate protection.

         Investments.  With respect to any Person, all shares of capital stock,
evidences of Indebtedness and other securities issued by any other Person, all
loans, advances, or extensions of credit to, or contributions to the capital
of, any other Person, all purchases of the securities or business or integral
part of the business of any other Person and commitments and options to make
such purchases, all interests in real property, and all other investments;
provided, however, that the term "Investment" shall not include (i) equipment,
inventory and other tangible personal property acquired in the ordinary course
of business, or (ii) current trade and customer accounts receivable for
services rendered in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance
with customary trade terms.  In determining the aggregate amount of Investments
outstanding at any particular time:  (a) the amount of any investment
represented as a guaranty shall be taken at not less than the principal amount
of the obligations guaranteed and still outstanding; (b) there shall be
included as an Investment all interest accrued with respect to Indebtedness
constituting an Investment unless and until such interest is paid; (c) there
shall be deducted in respect of each such Investment any amount received as a
return of capital (but only by repurchase, redemption, retirement, repayment,
liquidating dividend or liquidating distribution); (d) there shall not be
deducted in respect of any Investment any amounts received as earnings on such
Investment, whether as dividends, interest or otherwise, except that accrued
interest included as provided in the foregoing clause (b) may be deducted when
paid; and (e) there shall not be deducted from the aggregate amount of
Investments any decrease in the value thereof.

         Leases.  Leases, licenses and agreements whether written or oral,
relating to the use or occupation of space in or on the Building or on the Real
Estate by persons other than the Borrower.

         Letter of Credit.  Any standby letter of credit issued at the request 
of the Borrower and





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   16



for the account of the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.7.

         Letter of Credit Application.  See Section 2.7(b).

         LIBOR Business Day
                          .  Any day on which commercial banks are open for
international business (including dealings in Dollar deposits) in London.

         LIBOR Lending Office.  Initially, the office of each Bank designated
as such in Schedule 1 hereto; thereafter, such other office of such Bank, if
any, that shall be making or maintaining LIBOR Rate Loans.

         LIBOR Rate.  For any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate
Loan, the rate per annum as determined by the Reference Bank's LIBOR Lending
Office to be the rate (rounded upwards to the nearest 1/16 of one percent) at
which Dollar deposits are offered to prime banks, by such banks in the London
Interbank Market as are selected in good faith by the Reference Bank, at
approximately 11:00 a.m. London time two LIBOR Business Days prior to the
beginning of such Interest Period for delivery on the first day of such
Interest Period for the number of days comprised therein and in an amount
comparable to the amount of the LIBOR Rate Loan to which such Interest Period
applies.

        LIBOR Rate Loans.  Loans bearing interest calculated by reference to a
LIBOR Rate.

         Loan Documents.  This Agreement, the Notes, the Letters of Credit, the
Letter of Credit Applications, the Security Documents and all other documents,
instruments or agreements now or hereafter executed or delivered by or on
behalf of the Borrower or the Guarantor in connection with the Loans.

         Loan Request.  See Section 2.5.

         Loans.  See Section 2.1.

         Majority Banks.  As of any date, the Bank or Banks whose aggregate
Commitment Percentage is more than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66_ %);
provided, that, in determining said percentage at any given time, all then
existing Defaulting Banks will be disregarded and excluded and the Commitment
Percentages of the Banks shall be redetermined, for voting purposes only, to
exclude the Commitment Percentages of such Defaulting Banks; and provided,
further, that the Agent must always be among the Majority Banks except that
after an Event of Default described in Section 12.1(a) or (b) decisions of the
Majority Banks to accelerate and/or exercise remedies pursuant to Section 12.5
shall be made without regard to whether the Agent is among the Majority Banks.





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   17


         Management Agreements.  Agreements, whether written or oral, providing
for the management of the Mortgaged Properties or any of them.

         Master Agreement.  The Amended and Restated Master Agreement dated as
of December 27, 1995 by and among RPS Realty Trust, Ramco- Gershenson, Inc. and
certain other parties as set forth therein, as amended by First Amendment to
Amended and Restated Master Agreement dated as of March 19, 1996.

         Maturity Date.  May 1, 1999, or such earlier date on which the Loans
shall become due and payable pursuant to the terms hereof.

         Mortgaged Property or Mortgaged Properties.  The Eligible Real Estate 
owned by the Borrower which is conveyed to and accepted by the Agent as 
security for the Obligations of the Borrower pursuant to the Security Deeds.

         Multiemployer Plan.  Any multiemployer plan within the meaning of
Section 3(37) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate.

         NBD.  As defined in the preamble hereto.

         Net Income (or Deficit).  With respect to any Person (or any asset of
any Person) for any fiscal period, the net income (or deficit) of such Person
(or attributable to such asset), after deduction of all expenses, taxes and
other proper charges, determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.

         Net Offering Proceeds.  The gross cash proceeds received by the
Borrower or the Guarantor as a result of a Debt Offering or an Equity Offering
less customary and reasonable costs, fees, expenses, underwriting commissions
and discounts incurred by the Borrower or the Guarantor in connection
therewith.

         Non-recourse Indebtedness.  Indebtedness of a Person which is secured
by one or more parcels of Real Estate (other than Mortgaged Property) and
related personal property or interests therein and Short-term Investments and
is not a general obligation of such Person, the holder of such Indebtedness
having recourse solely to the parcels of Real Estate securing such
Indebtedness, the Building and Leases thereon and the rents and profits thereof
and the Short-term Investments securing such Indebtedness.

         Notes.  See Section 2.3.

         Notice.  See Section 19.

         Obligations.  All indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of the 
Borrower to any of the





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   18



Banks and the Agent, individually or collectively, under this Agreement or any
of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans or the Notes, or
other instruments at any time evidencing any of the foregoing, whether existing
on the date of this Agreement or arising or incurred hereafter, direct or
indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured,
liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract,
operation of law or otherwise.

         Operating Cash Flow.  With respect to any Person (or any asset of any
Person) for any period, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the Net Income of
such Person (or attributable to such asset) for such period plus (b)
depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and any extraordinary or
non-recurring losses deducted in calculating such Net Income minus (c) any
extraordinary or nonrecurring gains included in calculating such Net Income
minus (d) the Capital Expenditure Reserve Amount, all as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

         Outstanding.  With respect to the Loans, the aggregate unpaid principal
thereof as of any date of determination and with respect to Letters of Credit,
the aggregate undrawn face amount of issued Letters of Credit.

         PBGC.  The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation created by Section 4002
of ERISA and any successor entity or entities having similar responsibilities.

         Permitted Liens.  Liens, security interests and other encumbrances
permitted by Section 8.2.

         Person.  Any individual, corporation, partnership, trust,
unincorporated association, business, or other legal entity, and any government
or any governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.

         Potential Collateral.  Any property of the Borrower which is not at
the time included in the Collateral and which consists of (i) Eligible Real
Estate and (ii) Real Estate which is capable of becoming Eligible Real Estate
through the approval of the Majority Banks and the completion and delivery of
Eligible Real Estate Qualification Documents.

         Principal Documents.  The Master Agreement, the RPS Contribution 
Agreements and the Ramco Agreements.

         Pro Forma Debt Service Charges.  For any period of four consecutive
fiscal quarters the sum of principal and interest which would have been payable
during such period on a loan in the original principal amount equal to the
outstanding principal balance of the Loans as of the date of such determination
bearing interest at a rate per annum equal to the greater of (i)





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   19

the sum of the then-current annual yield on seven (7) year obligations issued
by the United States Treasury most recently prior to the date of such
determination plus one and three-quarters percent (1.75%) and (ii) the then
applicable interest rate(s), both being payable based on a 25 year mortgage
style amortization schedule.  Such determination of the Pro Forma Debt Service
Charges by the Agent shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error.

         Ramco Agreements.  As defined in the Master Agreement.

         Real Estate.  All real property at any time owned or leased (as lessee
or sublessee) by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

         Record.  The grid attached to any Note, or the continuation of such
grid, or any other similar record, including computer records, maintained by
any Bank with respect to any Loan referred to in such Note.

         Reference Bank. FNBB.

         Register.  See Section 18.2.

         REIT Status.  With respect to the Guarantor, its status as a real
estate investment trust as defined in Section 856(a) of the Code.

         Release.  See Section 6.18(c)(iii).

         Rent Roll.  A report prepared by the Borrower showing for each unit
its square footage, tenant, lease commencement date, lease expiration date,
market rent, lease rent, expense escalations paid, options and other
information in substantially the form presented to the Banks prior to the date
hereof or in such other form as may have been approved by the Majority Banks,
such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

         RPS Contribution Agreements.  As defined in the Master Agreement.

         SEC.  The federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

         Security Deeds.  The Mortgages, Deeds to Secure Debt and Deeds of
Trust from the Borrower to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks (or to
trustees named therein acting on behalf of the Agent for the benefit of the
Banks), as the same may be modified or amended,  pursuant to which the Borrower
has conveyed a Mortgaged Property as security for the Obligations of the
Borrower.

         Security Documents.  The Security Deeds, the Assignments of Rents and
Leases, the Indemnity Agreement, the Guaranty and any further collateral
assignments to the Agent for





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   20



the benefit of the Banks, including, without limitation, UCC-1 financing
statements executed and delivered in connection therewith.

         Service Agreement.  Service agreements with third parties, whether
written or oral, relating to the operation, maintenance, security, finance or
insurance of Mortgaged Property.

         Short-term Investments.  Investments described in subsections (a)
through (g), inclusive, of Section 8.3.

         State.  A state of the United States of America.

         Subsidiary.  Any corporation, association, partnership, trust, or
other business entity of which the designated parent shall at any time own
directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries at least a majority
(by number of votes or controlling interests) of the outstanding Voting
Interests.

         Survey.  An instrument survey of Mortgaged Property prepared by a
registered land surveyor which shall show the location of all buildings,
structures, easements and utility lines on such property, shall be sufficient
to remove the standard survey exception from the Title Policy, shall show that
all buildings and structures are within the lot lines of the Mortgaged Property
and shall not show any encroachments by others (or to the extent any
encroachments are shown, such encroachments shall be acceptable to the Majority
Banks in their sole discretion), shall show rights of way, adjoining sites,
establish building lines and street lines, the distance to, and names of the
nearest intersecting streets and such other details as the Majority Banks may
reasonably require; shall show the zoning district or districts in which the
Mortgaged Property is located and shall show whether or not the Mortgaged
Property is located in a flood hazard district as established by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency or any successor agency or is located in any flood
plain, flood hazard or wetland protection district established under federal,
state or local law and shall otherwise be in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Majority Banks.

         Surveyor Certification.  With respect to each parcel of Mortgaged
Property, a certificate executed by the surveyor who prepared the Survey with
respect thereto, dated as of a recent date and containing such information
relating to such parcel as the Majority Banks or the Title Insurance Company
may reasonably require, such certificate to be reasonably satisfactory to the
Majority Banks in form and substance.

         Title Insurance Company. Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company or
another title insurance company or companies approved by the Majority Banks.





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   21

         Title Policy.  With respect to each parcel of Mortgaged Property, an
ALTA standard form title insurance policy (or, if such form is not available,
an equivalent form of or legally promulgated form of mortgagee title insurance
policy reasonably acceptable to the Majority Banks) issued by a Title Insurance
Company (with such reinsurance or co-insurance as the Majority Banks may
require, any such reinsurance to be with direct access endorsements to the
extent available under applicable law) in such amount as the Majority Banks may
require insuring the priority of the Security Deeds and that the Borrower holds
marketable fee simple title to such parcel, subject only to the encumbrances
permitted by the Security Deed and which shall not contain standard exceptions
for mechanics liens, persons in occupancy (other than tenants as tenants only
under Leases) or matters which would be shown by a survey, shall not insure
over any matter except to the extent that any such affirmative insurance is
acceptable to the Majority Banks in their sole discretion, and shall contain
(a) a revolving credit endorsement and (b) such other endorsements and
affirmative insurance as the Majority Banks reasonably may require and is
available in the State in which the Real Estate is located, including but not
limited to (i) a comprehensive endorsement, (ii) a variable rate of interest
endorsement, (iii) a usury endorsement, (iv) a doing business endorsement, (v)
in States where available, an ALTA form 3.1 zoning endorsement, (vi) a "tie-in"
endorsement and (vii) a "first loss" endorsement.

         Total Commitment.  The sum of the Commitments of the Banks, as in
effect from time to time.  As of the date of this Agreement, the Total
Commitment is Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

         Type.  As to any Loan, its nature as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate
Loan.

         Under Development.  Any Real Estate shall be considered under
development until such time as (i) a Certificate of Occupancy has been
obtained, (ii) seventy percent (70%) of the gross leasable area is leased and
occupied, (iii) signed leases totaling eighty percent (80%) of the total space
have been obtained and (iv) break even has been achieved assuming a ten percent
(10%) return on cost.

         Voting Interests.  Stock or similar ownership interests, of any class
or classes (however designated), the holders of which are at the time entitled,
as such holders, (a) to vote for the election of a majority of the directors
(or persons performing similar functions) of the corporation, association,
partnership, trust or other business entity involved, or (b) to control,
manage, or conduct the business of the corporation, partnership, association,
trust or other business entity involved.

          2.  Rules of Interpretation.

                 (a)      A reference to any document or agreement shall
include such document or agreement as amended, modified or supplemented from
time to time in accordance with its





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   22



terms and the terms of this Agreement.

                 (b)      The singular includes the plural and the plural 
includes the singular.

                 (c)      A reference to any law includes any amendment or 
modification to such law.

                 (d)      A reference to any Person includes its permitted
successors and permitted assigns.

                 (e)      Accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have
the meanings assigned to them by generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis by the accounting entity to which they refer.

                 (f)      The words "include", "includes" and "including" are
not limiting.

                 (g)      The words "approval" and "approved", as the context
so determines, means an approval in writing given to the party seeking approval
after full and fair disclosure to the party giving approval of all material
facts necessary in order to determine whether approval should be granted.

                 (h)      All terms not specifically defined herein or by
generally accepted accounting principles, which terms are defined in the
Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of Michigan, have the
meanings assigned to them therein.

                 (i)      Reference to a particular "Section ", refers to that
section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

                 (j)      The words "herein", "hereof", "hereunder" and words
of like import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any
particular section or subdivision of this Agreement.

          2.  THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY.

          1.  Commitment to Lend.  Subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, each of the Banks severally agrees to lend to the
Borrower (the "Loans"), and the Borrower may borrow (and repay and reborrow)
from time to time between the Closing Date and the Maturity Date upon notice by
the Borrower to the Agent given in accordance with Section 2.5, such sums as
are requested by the Borrower for the purposes set forth in Section 7.11 up to
the lesser of (a) a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding (after
giving effect to all





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   23

amounts requested) at any one time equal to such Bank's Commitment minus such
Bank's participations in the aggregate undrawn face amount of Letters of Credit
and (b) such Bank's Commitment Percentage of the Borrowing Base; provided,
that, in all events no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; and provided, further that the outstanding principal amount of the
Loans (after giving effect to all amounts requested) and the undrawn face
amount of Letters of Credit shall not at anytime exceed the Total Commitment.
The Loans shall be made pro rata in accordance with each Bank's Commitment
Percentage.  Each request for a Loan hereunder shall constitute a
representation and warranty by the Borrower that all of the conditions set
forth in Section 10 and Section 11, in the case of the initial Loan, and
Section 11, in the case of all other Loans, have been satisfied on the date of
such request.

          2.  Unused Facility Fee.   The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent
for the accounts of the Banks in accordance with their respective Commitment
Percentages an unused facility fee calculated at the rate of (i) one eighth of
one percent (.125%) per annum on the average daily amount by which the
aggregate Commitments exceeds the outstanding principal amount of the Loans
during each calendar quarter or portion thereof commencing on the date hereof
and ending on the Maturity Date when the outstanding principal amount of the
Loans exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the Total Commitment and (ii) one-fourth
of one percent (.25%) per annum on the average daily amount by which the
aggregate Commitments exceeds the outstanding principal amount of the Loans
during each calendar quarter or portion thereof commencing on the date hereof
and ending on the Maturity Date when the outstanding principal amount of the
Loans is equal to or less than fifty percent (50%) of the Total Commitment.
The unused facility fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the fifth day
of each calendar quarter for the immediately preceding calendar quarter or
portion thereof, with a final payment on the Maturity Date.

          3.  Notes.  The Loans shall be evidenced by separate promissory notes
of the Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto (collectively,
the "Notes"), dated as of the Closing Date and completed with appropriate
insertions.  One Note shall be payable to the order of each Bank in the
principal amount equal to such Bank's Commitment or, if less, the outstanding
amount of all Loans made by such Bank, plus interest accrued thereon, as set
forth below.  The Borrower irrevocably authorizes each Bank to make or cause to
be made, at or about the time of the Drawdown Date of any Loan or at the time
of receipt of any payment of principal thereof, an appropriate notation on such
Bank's Record reflecting the making of such Loan or (as the case may be) the
receipt of such payment.  The outstanding amount of the Loans set forth on such
Bank's Record shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount thereof
owing and unpaid to such Bank, but the failure to record, or any error in so
recording, any such amount on such Bank's Record shall not limit or otherwise
affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under any Note to make
payments of principal of or interest on any Note when due.





                                      -22-
<PAGE>   24



          4.  Interest on Loans.

                 (a)      Each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest for the
period commencing with the Drawdown Date thereof and ending on the date on
which such Base Rate Loan is converted to a LIBOR Rate Loan at the per annum
rate equal to the Base Rate.

                 (b)      Each LIBOR Rate Loan shall bear interest for the
period commencing with the Drawdown Date thereof and ending on the last day of
the Interest Period with respect thereto at the rate per annum equal to the sum
of the Applicable Margin plus the LIBOR Rate determined for such Interest
Period.

                 (c)      The Borrower promises to pay interest on each Loan to
it in arrears on each Interest Payment Date with respect thereto.

                 (d)      Base Rate Loans and LIBOR Rate Loans may be converted
to Loans of the other Type as provided in Section 4.1.

          5.  Requests for Loans.  The Borrower (i) shall notify the Agent of a
potential request for a Loan as soon as possible but not less than five (5)
Business Days prior to the Borrower's proposed Drawdown Date, and (ii) shall
give to the Agent written notice in the form of Exhibit B hereto (or telephonic
notice confirmed in writing in the form of Exhibit B hereto) of each Loan
requested hereunder (a "Loan Request") no less than three (3) Business Days
prior to the proposed Drawdown Date.  Each such notice shall specify with
respect to the requested Loan the proposed principal amount, Drawdown Date,
Interest Period (if applicable) and Type.  Each such notice shall also contain
(i) a statement as to the purpose for which such advance shall be or has been
used (which purpose shall be in accordance with the terms of Section 7.11),
(ii) in the case of any advance relating to any Capital Improvement Project,
upon the request of the Agent (A) a statement that such advance will reimburse
the Borrower for or pay costs incurred for work on the applicable Capital
Improvement Project together with such evidence as the Majority Banks may
reasonably require to verify the cost of such work (which evidence may include,
without limitation, invoices and receipts) and that such work is in place or
that stored materials are properly secured (which evidence may include a
satisfactory report from the Construction Inspector), and (B) in the event that
such Capital Improvement Project relates to a Mortgaged Property and if
requested by the Majority Banks, delivery to the Agent within thirty (30) days
thereafter of affidavits, lien waivers or other evidence reasonably
satisfactory to the Majority Banks showing that all materialmen, laborers,
subcontractors and any other parties who might or could claim statutory or
common law liens and are furnishing or have furnished material or labor to the
Mortgaged Property have been paid all amounts due for such labor and materials,
and (iii) a certification by the chief financial or chief accounting officer of
the general partner of the Borrower that the Borrower





                                      -23-
<PAGE>   25

is and will be in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Documents after
giving effect to the making of such Loan.  Notwithstanding anything in this
Section 2.5 to the contrary, the Borrower shall be permitted to use the
proceeds of a Loan to reimburse the Borrower for amounts paid from its own
funds to acquire Real Estate, to develop undeveloped Real Estate (subject to
the restrictions set forth in Section 8.9) or for Capital Improvement Projects
with respect thereto.  Promptly upon receipt of any such notice, the Agent
shall notify each of the Banks thereof.  Except as provided in this Section
2.5, each such Loan Request shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower
and shall obligate the Borrower to accept the Loan requested from the Banks on
the proposed Drawdown Date, provided that, in addition to the Borrower's other
remedies against any Bank which fails to advance its proportionate share of a
requested Loan, such Loan Request may be revoked by the Borrower by notice
received by the Agent no later than the Drawdown Date if any Bank fails to
advance its proportionate share of the requested Loan in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, provided further that the Borrower shall be liable in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement to any Bank which is prepared to
advance its proportionate share of the requested Loan for any costs, expenses
or damages actually incurred by such Bank as a result of the Borrower's
election to revoke such Loan Request.  Nothing herein shall prevent the
Borrower from seeking recourse against any Bank that fails to advance its
proportionate share of a requested Loan as required by this Agreement.  The
Borrower may without cost or penalty revoke a Loan Request by delivering notice
thereof to each of the Banks no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the
Drawdown Date.  Each Loan Request shall be (a) for a Base Rate Loan in a
minimum aggregate amount of $500,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in
excess thereof, or (b) for a LIBOR Rate Loan in a minimum aggregate amount of
$1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof; provided,
however, that there shall be no more than four (4) LIBOR Rate Loans outstanding
at any one time.  In the event that the proceeds from such Loan have been or
are to be used for a purpose other than a Capital Improvement Project, then the
Borrower shall provide to the Agent as soon as practicable such evidence as the
Majority Banks shall reasonably require to evidence that such funds have been
used for such purpose (which evidence may include, without limitation, a
closing statement).

          6.  Funds for Loans.  Not later than 11:00 a.m. (Boston time) on the
proposed Drawdown Date of any Loans, each of the Banks will make available to
the Agent, at the Agent's Head Office, in immediately available funds, the
amount of such Bank's Commitment Percentage of the amount of the requested
Loans which may be disbursed pursuant to Section 2.1.  Upon receipt from each
Bank of such amount, and upon receipt of the documents required by Section 10
and Section 11 and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth therein,
to the extent applicable, the Agent will make available to the Borrower the
aggregate amount of such Loans made available to the Agent by the Banks by
crediting such amount to the account of the Borrower maintained at the Agent's
Head Office.  The failure or refusal of any Bank to make available to the Agent
at the aforesaid time and place on any Drawdown Date the amount of its
Commitment Percentage of the requested Loans shall not relieve any other Bank
from its several obligation hereunder to make available to the Agent the amount
of such other





                                      -24-
<PAGE>   26



Bank's Commitment Percentage of any requested Loans, including any additional
Loans that may be requested subject to the terms and conditions hereof to
provide funds to replace those not advanced by the Bank so failing or refusing,
provided that the Borrower may by notice received by the Agent no later than
the Drawdown Date refuse to accept any Loan which is not fully funded in
accordance with the Borrower's Loan Request subject to the terms of Section
2.5.  In the event of any such failure or refusal, the Banks not so failing or
refusing shall be entitled to a priority secured position as against the Bank
or Banks so failing or refusing for such Loans as provided in Section 12.6.

          7.  Letters of Credit

                 (a)      Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and
provided that all of the conditions contained in Section 11 have been
satisfied, the Agent agrees to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the
Borrower, from the date of this Agreement to, but not including, a date 90 days
prior to the Maturity Date at such times as the Borrower may request; provided,
however, that the aggregate undrawn face amount of Letters of Credit (including
such requested Letter of Credit) at any one time outstanding shall not exceed
the lesser of (i) $10,000,000.00 or (ii) the Total Commitment minus the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Loans (including any amounts drawn
under any Letters of Credit and not yet reimbursed by the Borrower).  The
issuance of a Letter of Credit pursuant to this Section 2.7(a) shall be deemed
to reduce the aggregate of the unborrowed Commitments of the Banks then in
effect by an amount equal to the undrawn face amount of such Letter of Credit
as set forth herein.  Each Bank agrees to participate in each such Letter of
Credit issued by the Agent in an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of
the total amount of the Letter of Credit requested by the Borrower; provided,
however, that no Bank shall be required to participate in any Letter of Credit
to the extent that its participation therein plus (x) such Bank's participation
in the aggregate undrawn face amounts of all other Letters of Credit, and (y)
such Bank's Commitment Percentage of the outstanding principal amount of any
Loans (including any amounts drawn under any Letters of Credit and not yet
reimbursed by the Borrower), would exceed an amount equal to such Bank's
Commitment as then in effect.  Each Bank agrees with the Agent that it will
participate in each Letter of Credit issued by the Agent to the extent required
by the preceding sentence.  No Bank's obligation to participate in a Letter of
Credit shall be affected by any other Bank's failure to participate in the same
or any other Letter of Credit.

                 (b)      The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent at least five
(5) Business Days (or such shorter period as may be agreed to by the Agent in
any particular instance) prior to the proposed issuance date or amendment date
of any Letter of Credit, a Letter of Credit Application signed by the chief
executive, chief financial or chief accounting officer of the general partner
of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit D hereto (a "Letter of Credit





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   27

Application") together with a Compliance Certificate prepared using the
financial statements of the Borrower most recently provided or required to be
provided to the Banks under Section 6.4 or Section 7.4 adjusted in the best
good faith estimate of the Borrower to give effect to the proposed issuance of
the Letter of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section
2.7(a) and, unless the Agent is aware that the conditions precedent to such
issuance of a Letter of Credit set forth in Section 11 have not been satisfied,
the Agent will make the requested Letter of Credit available at the Agent's
principal office not later than 4:00 p.m. (Boston time) on the issuance date,
and, immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Bank shall be
deemed to participate in such Letter of Credit to the extent set forth in
Section 2.7(a).  Not more than two (2) Business Days after the issuance of any
Letter of Credit, the Agent shall notify each Bank of the amount and other
contents of such Letter of Credit and of the date of issuance.  The Agent shall
notify each Bank at least monthly, or at the request of such Bank, of the
amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

                 (c)      The chief executive,  chief financial or chief
accounting officer of the general partner of the Borrower may request a Letter
of Credit on behalf of the Borrower.  The Agent shall be entitled to rely
conclusively on such authorized officer's authority to request a Letter of
Credit on behalf of the Borrower until the Agent receives written notice to the
contrary. The Agent shall have no duty to verify the authenticity of the
signature appearing on any Letter of Credit Application.

                 (d)      Each Letter of Credit Application shall be
irrevocable and the Borrower shall be bound to accept the issuance of a Letter
of Credit in accordance therewith.

                 (e)      All Letters of Credit shall be stated to expire no
more than twelve months from the date of issuance; provided, however, that no
Letter of Credit shall be stated to expire after, or be extended for a period
that ends after, the Maturity Date.

                 (f)      In the event that any amount is drawn under a Letter
of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the Borrower shall reimburse the Agent by
having such amount drawn treated as an outstanding Base Rate Loan under this
Agreement and the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank by telex, telecopy,
telegram, telephone (confirmed in writing) or other similar means of
transmission, and each Bank shall promptly and unconditionally pay to the
Agent, for the Agent's own account, an amount equal to such Bank's Commitment
Percentage of such Letter of Credit (to the extent of the amount drawn).  If
and to the extent any Bank shall not make such amount available on the Business
Day on which such draw occurs, such Bank agrees to pay such amount to the Agent
forthwith on demand, together with interest thereon, for each day from the date
on which such draw occurred until the date on which such amount is paid to the
Agent, at the Federal Funds Effective Rate until three (3) days after the date
on which the Agent gives notice of such draw and at the Federal Funds Effective
Rate plus 1% for each day thereafter.  Further, such Bank shall be deemed to
have assigned any and all payments made of principal and interest on its Loans,
amounts due with respect to its





                                      -26-
<PAGE>   28



participations in Letters of Credit and any other amounts due to it hereunder
to the Agent to fund the amount of any drawn Letter of Credit which such Bank
was required to fund pursuant to this Section 2.7(f) until such amount has been
funded (as a result of such assignment or otherwise).  In the event of any such
failure or refusal, the Banks not so failing or refusing shall be entitled to a
priority secured position for such amounts as provided in Section 12.6.  The
failure of any Bank to make funds available to the Agent in such amount shall
not relieve any other Bank of its obligation hereunder to make funds available
to the Agent pursuant to this Section 2.7(f).

                 (g)      The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the
Agent, and of the Banks to make payments to the Agent with respect to Letters
of Credit, shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to any qualification
or exception whatsoever and shall be made in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement under all circumstances, including, without
limitation, any of the following circumstances:

                 (i)      Any lack of validity or enforceability of this
         Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any of the other Loan Documents;

                 (ii)     The existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other
         right which the Borrower may have at any time against a beneficiary
         named in a Letter of Credit or any transferee of any Letter of Credit
         (or any Person for whom any such transferee may be acting), the Agent,
         any Bank or any other Person, whether in connection with this
         Agreement, any Letter of Credit, the transactions contemplated herein
         or any unrelated transactions (including any underlying transactions
         between the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower and the
         beneficiary named in any Letter of Credit);

                 (iii)    Any draft, certificate or other document presented
         under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid
         or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue
         or inaccurate in any respect in the absence of gross negligence or
         willful misconduct on the part of the Agent;

                 (iv)     The surrender or impairment of any security for the
         performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Loan
         Documents;

                 (v)      Payment by the Agent under any Letter of Credit
against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document which
does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, provided that such
payment does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
Agent;

                 (vi)     Any other circumstance or happening whatsoever which 
         is similar to





                                      -27-
<PAGE>   29

         any of the foregoing; or

                 (vii)    The occurrence of any Event of Default or Default.

                 (h)      Whenever the Agent receives a reimbursement payment
from the Borrower on account of an amount drawn under a Letter of Credit, as to
which the Agent has received for its own account any payment from the Banks
pursuant to this Section 2.7, then the Agent shall promptly pay to each Bank
which has funded its participation in such Letter of Credit in accordance with
this Section 2.7, in Dollars and in the kind of funds so received, such Bank's
share of such reimbursement payment based on its Commitment Percentage of such
Letter of Credit.

                 (i)      The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account
of the Banks (based on their respective Commitment Percentage of Letters of
Credit), a fee equal to one and three- quarters percent (1.75%) per annum on
the face amount of such Letter of Credit calculated quarterly and payable in
advance.  The fee for any Letter of Credit with a term of less than one year
(or part of a year) shall be calculated on a pro-rata basis.  In addition, the
Borrower shall pay the standard service charges for Letters of Credit issued
from time to time by the Agent including an issuance fee of $150.00 for each
Letter of Credit.  Such additional fees shall be paid to the Agent for its own
account.  All such fees shall be payable when due in immediately available
funds and shall be nonrefundable.

                 (j)      In addition to amounts payable as elsewhere provided
in this Section 2.7, the Borrower hereby agrees to pay, and to protect,
indemnify and save harmless the Agent and the Banks from and against, any and
all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and allocated costs of internal counsel)
which the Agent and the Banks may incur or be subject to as a consequence,
direct or indirect, of (i) the issuance of or participations in the Letters of
Credit, other than as a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
the Agent or any Bank as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, or
(ii) the failure of the Agent to honor a drawing under any Letter of Credit as
a result of any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present
or future government or governmental authority (all such acts or omissions
herein called "Government Acts").  The obligations of the Borrower under this
Section 2.7(j) shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the
discharge of the Borrower's other obligations hereunder, including the
Obligations.

                 (k)      As between (i) the Borrower and (ii) the Agent and
the Banks, the Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or
misuse of the Letters of Credit issued by the Agent by, the respective
beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit.  In furtherance and not in limitation
of the foregoing, neither the Agent nor any Bank shall be responsible:  (i) for
the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any
document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and
issuance of such Letters of





                                      -28-
<PAGE>   30



Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid,
insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) for the validity or
sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to
transfer or assign any Letter of Credit or the right or benefits thereunder or
proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or
ineffective for any reason; (iii) for failure of the beneficiary of any Letter
of Credit to comply fully with conditions required in order to draw upon such
Letter of Credit; (iv) for errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in
transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or
otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) for errors in interpretation
of technical terms; (vi) for any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise
of any document required in order to make a drawing under any Letter of Credit
or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) for the misapplication by the beneficiary of
any Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of
Credit; and (viii) for any consequences arising from causes beyond the control
of the Agent or any Bank, including, without limitation, any Government Acts;
provided, however, that the Agent will be responsible for grossly negligent
actions or willful misconduct on its part.  None of the above shall affect,
impair, or prevent the vesting of any of the Agent's or any Bank's rights or
powers hereunder.

                 (l)      In furtherance and extension and not in limitation of
the specific provisions hereinabove set forth, any action taken or omitted by
the Agent under or in connection with the Letters of Credit issued by it or the
related certificates, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall not put the
Agent or any Bank under any resulting liability to the Borrower other than as a
result of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Agent as determined by
a court of competent jurisdiction.

          3.  REPAYMENT OF THE LOANS.

          1.  Stated Maturity.  The Borrower promises to pay on the Maturity
Date and there shall become absolutely due and payable on the Maturity Date all
of the Loans outstanding on such date, together with any and all accrued and
unpaid interest thereon.

          2.  Mandatory Prepayments.  If at any time the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Loans exceeds (a) the aggregate Commitment, or (b) the
Borrowing Base for the Loans, then the Borrower shall pay the amount of such
excess to the Agent for the respective accounts of the Banks for application to
such Loans within the time period provided for in Section 12.3, subject to the
Borrower's right to provide additional Collateral pursuant to Section 12.2.

          3.  Optional Prepayments.  The Borrower shall have the right, at its
election, to prepay the outstanding amount of the applicable Loans, as a whole
or in part, at any time without penalty or premium; provided, that the full or
partial prepayment of the outstanding





                                      -29-
<PAGE>   31

amount of any LIBOR Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 3.3 may be made only on
the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto except as otherwise
required pursuant to Section 4.7.  The Borrower shall give the Agent, no later
than 10:00 a.m., Boston time, at least five (5) Business Days' prior written
notice of any prepayment pursuant to this Section 3.3, in each case specifying
the proposed date of payment of Loans and the principal amount to be paid.

          4.  Partial Prepayments.  Each partial prepayment of the Loans under
Section 3.2(a) and Section 3.3 shall be in an integral multiple of $100,000,
shall be accompanied by the payment of accrued interest on the principal
prepaid to the date of payment and, after payment of such interest, shall be
applied, in the absence of instruction by the Borrower, first to the principal
of Base Rate Loans and then to the principal of LIBOR Rate Loans.

          5.  Effect of Prepayments.  Amounts of the Loans prepaid under
Section 3.2, Section 3.3 and Section 3.6 or out of any casualty or condemnation
proceeds prior to the Maturity Date may be reborrowed as provided in Section 2.

          6.  Proceeds from Debt or Equity Offering.  At the option of the
Majority Banks, the Borrower shall cause any Net Offering Proceeds to be paid
by the Borrower or the Guarantor to the Agent for the account of the Banks as a
prepayment of the Loans to the Borrower or which are guaranteed by the
Guarantor within ten (10) days of the date such offering to the extent of the
outstanding balance of such Loans.

          4.  CERTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS.

          1.  Conversion Options.

                 (a)      The Borrower may elect from time to time to convert
any of its outstanding Loans to a Loan of another Type and such Loan shall
thereafter bear interest as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate Loan, as
applicable; provided that (i) with respect to any such conversion of a LIBOR
Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan, the Borrower shall give the Agent at least three
(3) Business Days' prior written notice of such election, and such conversion
shall only be made on the last day of the Interest Period with respect to such
LIBOR Rate Loan; (ii) with respect to any such conversion of a Base Rate Loan
to a LIBOR Rate Loan, the Borrower shall give the Agent at least four (4) LIBOR
Business Days' prior written notice of such election and the Interest Period
requested for such Loan, the principal amount of the Loan so converted shall be
in a minimum aggregate amount of $2,000,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000
in excess thereof and, after giving effect to the making of such Loan, there
shall be no more than four (4) LIBOR Rate Loans outstanding at any one time;
and (iii) no Loan may be converted into a LIBOR Rate Loan when any Default or
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.  All or any part of the
outstanding Loans of any Type may be converted as provided herein, provided
that no partial conversion shall result in a Base Rate Loan in an aggregate
principal amount of less than $1,000,000 or a





                                      -30-
<PAGE>   32



LIBOR Rate Loan in an aggregate principal amount of less than $2,000,000 and
that the aggregate principal amount of each Loan shall be in an integral
multiple of $100,000.  On the date on which such conversion is being made, each
Bank shall take such action as is necessary to transfer its Commitment
Percentage of such Loans to its Domestic Lending Office or its LIBOR Lending
Office, as the case may be.  Each Conversion Request relating to the conversion
of a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be irrevocable by the Borrower.

                 (b)      Any Loan may be continued as such Type upon the
expiration of an Interest Period with respect thereto by compliance by the
Borrower with the terms of Section 4.1; provided that no LIBOR Rate Loan may be
continued as such when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, but shall be automatically converted to a Base Rate Loan on the
last day of the Interest Period relating thereto ending during the continuance
of any Default or Event of Default.

                 (c)      In the event that the  Borrower does not notify the
Agent of its election hereunder with respect to any Loan to it, such Loan shall
be automatically converted to a Base Rate Loan at the end of the applicable
Interest Period.

          2.  Commitment and Syndication Fee.  The Borrower has paid to FNBB
certain fees for services rendered or to be rendered in connection with the
Loan as provided pursuant to an Amended and Restated Agreement Regarding Fees
dated as of April 26, 1996 between the Borrower and FNBB.

          3.  Agent's Fee.  The Borrower will pay to the Agent, for the Agent's
own account, an annual Agent's fee calculated at the rate, and payable at such
times as are, set forth in the Agreement Regarding Fees referred to in Section
4.2.

          4.  Funds for Payments.

                 (a)      All payments of principal, interest, unused facility
fees, Agent's fees, closing fees and any other amounts due hereunder or under
any of the other Loan Documents shall be made to the Agent, for the respective
accounts of the Banks and the Agent, as the case may be, at the Agent's Head
Office, not later than 1:00 p.m. (Boston time) on the day when due, in each
case in immediately available funds.  The Agent is hereby authorized to charge
the accounts of the Borrower with FNBB designated by the Borrower, on the dates
when the amount thereof shall become due and payable, with the amounts of the
principal of and interest on the Loans and all fees, charges, expenses and
other amounts owing to the Agent and/or the Banks under the Loan Documents.





                                      -31-
<PAGE>   33

                 (b)      All payments by the Borrower hereunder and under any
of the other Loan Documents shall be made without setoff or counterclaim and
free and clear of and without deduction for any taxes, levies, imposts, duties,
charges, fees, deductions, withholdings, compulsory loans, restrictions or
conditions of any nature now or hereafter imposed or levied by any jurisdiction
or any political subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein
unless the Borrower is compelled by law to make such deduction or withholding.
If any such obligation is imposed upon the Borrower with respect to any amount
payable by them hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, the
Borrower will pay to the Agent, for the account of the Banks or (as the case
may be) the Agent, on the date on which such amount is due and payable
hereunder or under such other Loan Document, such additional amount in Dollars
as shall be necessary to enable the Banks or the Agent to receive the same net
amount which the Banks or the Agent would have received on such due date had no
such obligation been imposed upon the Borrower.  The Borrower will deliver
promptly to the Agent certificates or other valid vouchers for all taxes or
other charges deducted from or paid with respect to payments made by the
Borrower hereunder or under such other Loan Document.

          5.  Computations.  All computations of interest on the Loans and of
other fees to the extent applicable shall be based on a 360-day year and paid
for the actual number of days elapsed.  Except as otherwise provided in the
definition of the term "Interest Period" with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans,
whenever a payment hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents becomes
due on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date for such payment shall be
extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and interest shall accrue during
such extension.  The outstanding amount of the Loans as reflected on the
records of the Agent from time to time shall be considered prima facie evidence
of such amount.

          6.  Inability to Determine LIBOR Rate.  In the event that, prior to
the commencement of any Interest Period relating to any LIBOR Rate Loan, the
Agent shall reasonably determine that adequate and reasonable methods do not
exist for ascertaining the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period, the Agent shall
forthwith give notice of such determination (which shall be conclusive and
binding on the Borrower and the Banks) to the Borrower and the Banks.  In such
event (a) any Loan Request with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans shall be
automatically withdrawn and shall be deemed a request for Base Rate Loans and
(b) each LIBOR Rate Loan will automatically, on the last day of the then
current Interest Period thereof, become a Base Rate Loan, and the obligations
of the Banks to make LIBOR Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Agent
determines that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension no longer
exist, whereupon the Agent shall so notify the Borrower and the Banks.

          7.  Illegality.  Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, if any
present or future law, regulation, treaty or directive or the interpretation or
application thereof shall make it unlawful, or any central bank or other
governmental authority having jurisdiction over a Bank or its LIBOR Lending
Office shall assert that it is unlawful, for any Bank to make or





                                      -32-
<PAGE>   34



maintain LIBOR Rate Loans, such Bank shall forthwith give notice of such
circumstances to the Agent and the Borrower and thereupon (a) the commitment of
the Banks to make LIBOR Rate Loans or convert Loans of another type to LIBOR
Rate Loans shall forthwith be suspended and (b) the LIBOR Rate Loans then
outstanding shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on the last day
of each Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loans or within such
earlier period as may be required by law.

          8.  Additional Interest.  If any LIBOR Rate Loan or any portion
thereof is repaid or is converted to a Base Rate Loan for any reason on a date
which is prior to the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR
Rate Loan, the Borrower will pay to the Agent upon demand for the account of
the Banks in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages, in
addition to any amounts of interest otherwise payable hereunder, any amounts
required to compensate the Banks for any losses, costs or expenses which may
reasonably be incurred as a result of such payment or conversion, including,
without limitation, an amount equal to daily interest for the unexpired portion
of such Interest Period on the LIBOR Rate Loan or portion thereof so repaid or
converted at a per annum rate equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the interest
rate calculated on the basis of the LIBOR Rate applicable to such LIBOR Rate
Loan minus (b) the yield obtainable by the Agent upon the purchase of debt
securities customarily issued by the Treasury of the United States of America
which have a maturity date most closely approximating the last day of such
Interest Period (it being understood that the purchase of such securities shall
not be required in order for such amounts to be payable).

          9.  Additional Costs, Etc.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, if any present or future applicable law, which expression, as used
herein, includes statutes, rules and regulations thereunder and legally binding
interpretations thereof by any competent court or by any governmental or other
regulatory body or official with appropriate jurisdiction charged with the
administration or the interpretation thereof and requests, directives,
instructions and notices at any time or from time to time hereafter made upon
or otherwise issued to any Bank or the Agent by any central bank or other
fiscal, monetary or other authority (whether or not having the force of law),
shall:

                 (a)  subject any Bank or the Agent to any tax, levy, impost,
duty, charge, fee, deduction or withholding of any nature with respect to this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents, such Bank's Commitment, the Loans or the
Letters of Credit (other than taxes based upon or measured by the income or
profits of such Bank or the Agent), or

                 (b)  materially change the basis of taxation (except for
changes in taxes on income or profits) of payments to any Bank of the principal
of or the interest on any Loans or any other amounts payable to any Bank under
this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or





                                      -33-
<PAGE>   35


                 (c)  impose or increase or render applicable any special
deposit, reserve, assessment, liquidity, capital adequacy or other similar
requirements (whether or not having the force of law) against assets held by,
or deposits in or for the account of, or loans by, or commitments of an office
of any Bank, or

                 (d)  impose on any Bank or the Agent any other conditions or
requirements with respect to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the
Loans, the Letters of Credit, such Bank's Commitment, or any class of loans or
commitments of which any of the Loans or such Bank's Commitment forms a part;
and the result of any of the foregoing is

                  (i)    to increase the cost to any Bank of making, funding,
issuing, renewing, extending or maintaining any of the Loans, the Letters of
Credit or such Bank's Commitment, or

                 (ii)    to reduce the amount of principal, interest or other
amount payable to such Bank or the Agent hereunder on account of such Bank's
Commitment or any of the Loans or the Letters of Credit, or

                    (iii)    to require such Bank or the Agent to make any
payment or to forego any interest or other sum payable hereunder, the amount of
which payment or foregone interest or other sum is calculated by reference to
the gross amount of any sum receivable or deemed received by such Bank or the
Agent from the Borrower hereunder,

then, and in each such case, the Borrower will within fifteen (15) days after
demand made by such Bank or (as the case may be) the Agent at any time and from
time to time and as often as the occasion therefor may arise, pay to such Bank
or the Agent such additional amounts as such Bank or the Agent shall determine
in good faith to be sufficient to compensate such Bank or the Agent for such
additional cost, reduction, payment or foregone interest or other sum.  Each
Bank and the Agent in determining such amounts may use any reasonable averaging
and attribution methods, generally applied by such Bank or the Agent.

          10.  Capital Adequacy.  If after the date hereof any Bank determines
that (a) the adoption of or change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline
regarding capital requirements for banks or bank holding companies or any
change in the interpretation or application thereof by any governmental
authority charged with the administration thereof, or (b) compliance by such
Bank or its parent bank holding company with any guideline, request or
directive of any such entity regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having
the force of law), has the effect of reducing the return on such Bank's or such
holding company's capital as a consequence of such Bank's commitment to make
Loans or participate in Letters of Credit hereunder to a level below that which
such Bank or holding company could have achieved but for such adoption, change
or compliance (taking into consideration such Bank's or such holding company's
then existing policies with respect to capital adequacy and assuming the full





                                      -34-
<PAGE>   36



utilization of such entity's capital) by any amount deemed by such Bank to be
material, then such Bank may notify the Borrower thereof.  The Borrower agrees
to pay to such Bank the amount of such reduction in the return on capital as
and when such reduction is determined, upon presentation by such Bank of a
statement of the amount and setting forth such Bank's calculation thereof.  In
determining such amount, such Bank may use any reasonable averaging and
attribution methods.

          11.  Indemnity of Borrower.  The Borrower agrees to indemnify each
Bank and to hold each Bank harmless from and against any loss, cost or expense
that such Bank may sustain or incur as a consequence of (a) default by the
Borrower in payment of the principal amount of or any interest on any LIBOR
Rate Loans as and when due and payable, including any such loss or expense
arising from interest or fees payable by such Bank to lenders of funds obtained
by it in order to maintain its LIBOR Rate Loans, or (b) default by the Borrower
in making a borrowing or conversion after the Borrower has given (or is deemed
to have given) a Loan Request or a Conversion Request.

          12.  Interest on Overdue Amounts; Late Charge.  Overdue principal and
(to the extent permitted by applicable law) interest on the Loans and all other
overdue amounts payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents
shall, following the expiration of any applicable cure period expressly
provided for in this Agreement, bear interest payable on demand at a rate per
annum equal to five percent (5.0%) above the Base Rate until such amount shall
be paid in full (after as well as before judgment).  In addition, the Borrower
shall pay a late charge equal to four percent (4.0%) of any amount of interest
and/or principal payable on the Loans or any other amounts payable hereunder or
under the Loan Documents, which is not paid by the Borrower within the
applicable cure period expressly provided for in this Agreement

          13.  HLT Classification.  The Banks acknowledge that as of the date
hereof neither the Commitments nor the Loans are classified as "highly
leveraged transactions".  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after the date
hereof, the Agent determines, or is advised by any Bank that such Bank has
determined or has received notice from any governmental authority, central bank
or comparable agency having jurisdiction over such Bank, that any of the
Commitments or Loans are classified as a "highly leveraged transaction" (an
"HLT Classification") pursuant to any existing regulations regarding "highly
leveraged transactions" or any modification, amendment or interpretation
thereof, or the adoption of new regulations regarding "highly leveraged
transactions" after the date hereof by any governmental authority, central bank
or comparable agency, the Agent shall promptly give notice of such HLT
Classification to the Borrower and the Banks (which date is hereafter referred
to as the "HLT Notice Date").  The Agent, the Banks and the Borrower shall
thereupon commence negotiations in good faith to agree on the extent to which
fees, interest rates and/or margins





                                      -35-
<PAGE>   37

hereunder should be increased so as to reflect such HLT Classification.  If the
Borrower and the Majority Banks agree on the amount of such increase or
increases, this Agreement shall be promptly amended to give effect to such
increase or increases. If the Borrower and the Majority Banks fail to so agree
and the Borrower has failed to refinance the Loans within 90 days after the HLT
Notice Date, then the Agent shall, if so requested by the Majority Banks, by
notice to the Borrower terminate the Commitments and accelerate the maturity
date of the Loans and the Loans shall become due and payable in full on the
date specified in such notice, which date shall be not earlier than 180 days
after the HLT Notice Date. The Agent and the Banks acknowledge that an HLT
Classification is not a Default or an Event of Default.

          14.  Certificate.  A certificate setting forth any amounts payable
pursuant to Section 4.8, Section 4.9, Section 4.10, Section 4.11, Section 4.12
or Section 4.13 and a brief explanation of such amounts which are due,
submitted by any Bank or the Agent to the Borrower, shall be conclusive in the
absence of manifest error.

          15.  Limitation on Interest.  Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, all agreements between the Borrower and the Banks
and the Agent, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether written or
oral, are hereby limited so that in no contingency, whether by reason of
acceleration of the maturity of any of the Obligations or otherwise, shall the
interest contracted for, charged or received by the Banks exceed the maximum
amount permissible under applicable law.  If, from any circumstance whatsoever,
interest would otherwise be payable to the Banks in excess of the maximum
lawful amount, the interest payable to the Banks shall be reduced to the
maximum amount permitted under applicable law; and if from any circumstance the
Banks shall ever receive anything of value deemed interest by applicable law in
excess of the maximum lawful amount, an amount equal to any excessive interest
shall be applied to the reduction of the principal balance of the Obligations
of the Borrower and to the payment of interest or, if such excessive interest
exceeds the unpaid balance of principal of the Obligations of the Borrower,
such excess shall be refunded to the Borrower.  All interest paid or agreed to
be paid to the Banks shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be
amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until
payment in full of the principal of the Obligations of the Borrower (including
the period of any renewal or extension thereof) so that the interest thereon
for such full period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by
applicable law.  This section shall control all agreements between the Borrower
and the Banks and the Agent.

          5.  COLLATERAL SECURITY.

          1.  Collateral.  The Obligations of the Borrower shall be secured by
(i) a perfected first priority lien or security title to be held by the Agent
for the benefit of the Banks in the Mortgaged Property, Building Service
Equipment and other personal property of the Borrower, pursuant to the terms of
the Security Deeds, (ii) a perfected first priority security





                                      -36-
<PAGE>   38



interest to be held by the Agent for the benefit of the Banks in the Leases
pursuant to the Assignments of Rents and Leases from the Borrower and (iii) the
Indemnity Agreement.  The Obligations shall also be guaranteed pursuant to the
terms of the Guaranty.

          2.  Appraisals.

                 (a)      The Agent on behalf of the Banks shall require
biennial Appraisals of each of the Mortgaged Properties, which will be ordered
by the Agent and reviewed and approved by the appraisal department of the
Agent, or, if the Agent's appraisal department has determined that the value of
any Mortgaged Property is more than five percent (5%) different from the value
for such Mortgaged Property as set forth in the Appraisal delivered to the
Agent by the Borrower, by the appraisal departments of the Majority Banks, in
order to determine the current Appraised Value and Borrowing Base of the
Mortgaged Property, and the Borrower shall pay to the Agent on demand all
reasonable costs of all such Appraisals relating to the Mortgaged Property of
the Borrower; provided, however, that so long as (i) no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) regulatory requirements of
any Bank generally applicable to real estate loans of the category made under
this Agreement as reasonably interpreted by such Bank shall not require more
frequent Appraisals and (iii) there has been no material change in the market
for the leasing of any of the Mortgaged Properties as reasonably determined by
the Agent, the Borrower shall not be required to pay for Appraisals for a
particular Mortgaged Property more often than once in any twenty-four (24)
month period, with the result that unless any such condition shall occur the
first Appraisals of a Mortgaged Property for which the Borrower shall be
financially responsible shall not be required prior to the date which is
twenty- four (24) months from the date of the Appraisal for such Mortgaged
Property delivered to the Agent pursuant to this Agreement.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions, however, in the event of a material change of the
type referred to in clause (iii), the Borrower shall not be required to pay for
Appraisals of the affected Mortgaged Property or Mortgaged Properties more
often than once in any twelve (12) month period.

                 (b)      Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.2(a), the
Agent may, for the purpose of determining the current Appraised Value and
Borrowing Base of the applicable Mortgaged Properties, perform annual internal
studies updating and revising prior Appraisals with respect to the Mortgaged
Properties or such portion thereof as the Agent shall determine at any time
following (i) the occurrence of an event or condition which, in the reasonable
judgment of the Agent, constitutes a material adverse change with respect to a
Mortgaged Property or presents a reasonable likelihood that such a change shall
occur in the future or (ii) a condemnation of or uninsured casualty to a
Mortgaged Property (provided that any such Appraisal as a result of an event or
condition described in clause (i) or (ii) shall be limited to the affected
Mortgaged Property).  The expense of such Appraisals and updates performed





                                      -37-
<PAGE>   39

pursuant to this Section 5.2(b) shall be borne by the Borrower, provided that
the Borrower shall not be required to pay for any update pursuant to Section
5.2(b)(i) more often than once in any twelve (12) month period.

                 (c)      In the event that the Agent shall advise the
Borrower, on the basis of any Appraisal or update pursuant to Section 5.2, that
the Borrower's Borrowing Base is insufficient to comply with the requirements
of Section 9.1, then until such Borrowing Base shall be restored to compliance
with Section 9.1 the Banks shall not be required to make advances under Section
2.1.

          3.  Release of Collateral.   Upon termination of this Agreement and
the Commitment of the Banks to make Loans and to participate in Letters of
Credit hereunder and the payment in full of all of the Obligations, the Agent,
on behalf of the Banks, shall release the Collateral and shall execute such
instruments of release as the Borrower and its counsel may reasonably request.
In addition, Collateral may be released as provided in Section 8.8.

          4.  Substitution of Mortgaged Property.  Any requested substitution
by the Borrower of any Real Estate for any Mortgaged Property shall require the
consent of the Majority Banks and shall require the completion and delivery to
the Agent, for the benefit of the Banks, of the Eligible Real Estate
Qualification Documents and the payment to the Agent, for the benefit of the
Banks, of a substitution fee of $10,000 to be split equally by the Banks,
without regard to their respective Commitment Percentages.

          6.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE GUARANTOR
                 AND THE BORROWER.

         The Borrower and the Guarantor, jointly and severally, represent and
warrant to the Agent and the Banks as follows.

          1.  Corporate Authority, Etc.

                 (a)      Incorporation; Good Standing.  The Borrower is a
Delaware limited partnership duly organized pursuant to its limited partnership
agreement dated December 21, 1994, as amended as of January 1, 1995, and as
amended and restated on May 1, 1996, and a Certificate of Limited Partnership
and amendments thereto filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and is
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
The Guarantor is a Massachusetts business trust duly organized pursuant to its
amended and restated trust agreement dated June 14, 1988 and a Certificate of
Trust and amendments thereto filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Each of the Borrower and the Guarantor (i)
has all requisite power to own its respective property and conduct its
respective business as now conducted and as presently contemplated, and (ii) as
to the Borrower is in good standing as a foreign entity and is duly authorized
to do





                                      -38-
<PAGE>   40



business in the jurisdictions where the Mortgaged Property of the Borrower is
located and in each other jurisdiction where a failure to be so qualified in
such other jurisdiction could have a materially adverse effect on the business,
assets or financial condition of such person.  The Guarantor is a real estate
investment trust in full compliance with and entitled to the benefits of
Section 856 of the Code.

                 (b)      Subsidiaries.  Each of the Subsidiaries of the
Borrower and the Guarantor (i) is a corporation, limited partnership or trust
duly organized under the laws of its State of organization and is validly
existing and in good standing under the laws thereof, (ii) has all requisite
power to own its property and conduct its business as now conducted and as
presently contemplated and (iii) is in good standing and is duly authorized to
do business in each jurisdiction where Mortgaged Property held by it is located
and in each other jurisdiction where a failure to be so qualified could have a
materially adverse effect on the business, assets or financial condition of the
Borrower, the Guarantor, or such Subsidiary.

                 (c)      Authorization.  The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the
Borrower or the Guarantor is or is to become a party and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby (i) are within the authority of such Person,
(ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings on the part of such
Person, (iii) do not and will not conflict with or result in any breach or
contravention of any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which
such Person is subject or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, license or
permit applicable to such Person, (iv) do not and will not conflict with or
constitute a default (whether with the passage of time or the giving of notice,
or both) under any provision of the articles of incorporation, partnership
agreement, declaration of trust or other charter documents or bylaws of, or any
agreement or other instrument binding upon, such Person or any of its
properties, and (v) do not and will not result in or require the imposition of
any lien or other encumbrance on any of the properties, assets or rights of
such Person.

                 (d)      Enforceability.  The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower or the Guarantor
is or is to become a party are valid and legally binding obligations of such
Person enforceable in accordance with the respective terms and provisions
hereof and thereof, except as enforceability is limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting
generally the enforcement of creditors' rights and except to the extent that
availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is
subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may
be brought.

          2.  Governmental Approvals.  The execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower or the
Guarantor is or is to





                                      -39-
<PAGE>   41

become a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not
require the approval or consent of, or filing with, any governmental agency or
authority other than those already obtained and the filing of the Security
Documents in the appropriate records office with respect thereto.

          3.  Title to Properties: Lease.  The Borrower, the Guarantor  and
their Subsidiaries own all of the assets reflected in the consolidated balance
sheet of the Borrower and the Guarantor as at the Balance Sheet Date or
acquired since that date (except property and assets sold or otherwise disposed
of in the ordinary course of business since that date), subject to no rights of
others, including any mortgages, leases, conditional sales agreements, title
retention agreements, liens or other encumbrances except Permitted Liens.

          4.  Financial Statements.  The Borrower has furnished to each of the
Banks:  (a) the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, the Guarantor and
their respective Subsidiaries as of the Balance Sheet Date, (b) an unaudited
statement of Operating Cash Flow for each of the Mortgaged Properties for the
previous three (3) fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, to the extent
available, satisfactory in form to the Majority Banks and certified by the
chief financial or accounting officer of the general partner of the Borrower as
fairly presenting the operating income for such parcels for such periods,
provided that such certification need only be made with respect to any
Mortgaged Property for the period such Mortgaged Property has been owned and
operated by the Borrower, if such period is less than three (3) fiscal years,
and (c) certain other financial information relating to the Borrower, the
Guarantor and the Real Estate.  Such balance sheet and statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and fairly
present the financial condition of the Borrower, the Guarantor and their
respective Subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of the operations of
the Borrower, the Guarantor and the Mortgaged Properties for such periods.
There are no liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries involving material amounts
not disclosed in said financial statements and the related notes thereto.

          5.  No Material Changes.  Since the Balance Sheet Date, there has
occurred no materially adverse change in the financial condition or business of
the Borrower, the Guarantor, and their respective Subsidiaries taken as a whole
as shown on or reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and
the Guarantor as of the Balance Sheet Date, or its consolidated statement of
income or cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, other than changes in the
ordinary course of business that have not had any materially adverse effect
either individually or in the aggregate on the business or financial condition
of such Person.

          6.  Franchises, Patents, Copyrights, Etc.  The Borrower and its
Subsidiaries possess all franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade
names, servicemarks, licenses and permits, and rights in respect of the
foregoing, adequate for the conduct of their business





                                      -40-
<PAGE>   42



substantially as now conducted without known conflict with any rights of
others.

          7.  Litigation.  Except as stated on Schedule 6.7 there are no
actions, suits, proceedings or investigations of any kind pending or to the
knowledge of such person threatened against the Borrower, the Guarantor or any
of their respective Subsidiaries before any court, tribunal or administrative
agency or board that, if adversely determined, might, either in any case or in
the aggregate, materially adversely affect the properties, assets, financial
condition or business of such Person or materially impair the right of such
Person to carry on business substantially as now conducted by it, or result in
any liability not adequately covered by insurance, or for which adequate
reserves are not maintained on the balance sheet of such Person, or which
question the validity of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, any
action taken or to be taken pursuant hereto or thereto or any lien or security
interest created or intended to be created pursuant hereto or thereto, or which
will adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or the Guarantor to pay and
perform the Obligations in the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents.

          8.  No Materially Adverse Contracts, Etc.  None of the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries is subject to any charter,
corporate or other legal restriction, or any judgment, decree, order, rule or
regulation that has or is expected in the future to have a materially adverse
effect on the business, assets or financial condition of  such Person.  None of
the Borrower, the Guarantor, nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is a
party to any contract or agreement that has or is expected, in the judgment of
the partners or officers of such Person, to have any materially adverse effect
on the business of any of them.

          9.  Compliance with Other Instruments, Laws, Etc.  None of  the
Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries is in violation
of any provision of its charter or other organizational documents, bylaws, or
any agreement or instrument to which it may be subject or by which it or any of
its properties may be bound or any decree, order, judgment, statute, license,
rule or regulation, in any of the foregoing cases in a manner that could result
in the imposition of substantial penalties or materially and adversely affect
the financial condition, properties or business of such Person.

          10.  Tax Status.  The Borrower, the Guarantor and each of their
respective Subsidiaries (a) has made or filed all federal and state income and
all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to
which it is subject, (b) has paid all taxes and other governmental assessments
and charges shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and
declarations, except those being contested in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings and (c) has set aside on its books provisions reasonably adequate
for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which
such returns, reports or declarations apply.  There are no unpaid taxes in any
material amount claimed to be due by the taxing





                                      -41-
<PAGE>   43

authority of any jurisdiction, and the partners or officers of such Person know
of no basis for any such claim.

          11.  No Event of Default.  No Default or Event of Default has
               occurred and is continuing.

          12.  Holding Company and Investment Company Acts.  None of  the
Borrower, the Guarantor, or any of their respective Subsidiaries is or after
giving effect to any loan will be, subject to regulation under the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 or to any federal or state statute or regulation limiting
its ability to incur indebtedness for borrowed money.

          13.  Absence of UCC Financing Statements, Etc.  Except with respect
to Permitted Liens, there is no financing statement, security agreement,
chattel mortgage, real estate mortgage or other document filed or recorded with
any filing records, registry, or other public office, that purports to cover,
affect or give notice of any present or possible future lien on, or security
interest or security title in, any property of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries
or rights thereunder.

          14.  Setoff, Etc.  The Collateral and the rights of the Agent and the
Banks with respect to the Collateral are not subject to any setoff, claims,
withholdings or other defenses.  The Borrower is the owner of the Collateral
free from any lien, security interest, encumbrance or other claim or demand,
except those encumbrances permitted in the Security Deeds.

          15.  Certain Transactions.  Except as set forth on Schedule 6.15,
none of the officers, trustees, directors, or employees of the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party to any transaction
with either or both of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective
Subsidiaries (other than for services as employees, officers and directors),
including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the
furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal
property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer,
trustee, director or such employee or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, the
Guarantor, or any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any
officer, trustee, director, or any such employee has a substantial interest or
is an officer, director, trustee or partner.

          16.  Employee Benefit Plans.  None of the Borrower, the Guarantor or
any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to any Employee Benefit Plan,
Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan; provided, however, that nothing
hereon shall prohibit the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective
Subsidiaries from maintaining or contributing to an Employee Benefit Plan,
Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan so long as the Borrower, the
Guarantor or such Subsidiary does so in compliance with all applicable laws.





                                      -42-
<PAGE>   44



          17.  Regulations U and X.  No portion of any Loan is to be used for
the purpose of purchasing or carrying any "margin security" or "margin stock"
as such terms are used in Regulations U and X of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. Parts 221 and 224.

          18.  Environmental Compliance.  The Borrower and the Guarantor has
each taken all commercially reasonable steps to investigate the past and
present conditions and usage of the Real Estate and the operations conducted
thereon and, based upon such investigation, makes the following representations
and warranties.

                 (a)      With respect to the Mortgaged Properties, and to the
best of the Borrower's and the Guarantor's knowledge with respect to any other
Real Estate, none of the Borrower, the Guarantor or their respective
Subsidiaries or any operator of the Real Estate, or any operations thereon is
in violation, or alleged violation, of any judgment, decree, order, law,
license, rule or regulation pertaining to environmental matters, including
without limitation, those arising under the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980 as amended ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 ("SARA"), the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal
Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or any state or local statute,
regulation, ordinance, order or decree relating to the environment (hereinafter
"Environmental Laws"), which violation involves any of the Mortgaged Properties
or involves other Real Estate and would have a material adverse effect on the
business, assets or financial condition of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any
of their respective Subsidiaries.

                 (b)      None of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries has received notice from any third party including,
without limitation, any federal, state or local governmental authority, (i)
that it has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") as a potentially responsible party under CERCLA with respect to
a site listed on the National Priorities List, 40 C.F.R. Part 300 Appendix B
(1986); (ii) that any hazardous waste, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 9601(5),
any hazardous substances as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 9601(14), any
pollutant or contaminant as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 9601(33) or any toxic
substances, oil or hazardous materials or other chemicals or substances
regulated by any Environmental Laws ("Hazardous Substances") which it has
generated, transported or disposed of have been found at any site at which a
federal, state or local agency or other third party has conducted or has
ordered that the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective
Subsidiaries conduct a remedial investigation, removal or other response action
pursuant to any Environmental Law; or (iii) that it is or shall be a named
party to any claim, action, cause of action, complaint, or legal or
administrative proceeding (in each case, contingent or otherwise) arising out
of any third party's incurrence of costs, expenses, losses or damages of any
kind whatsoever in connection





                                      -43-
<PAGE>   45

with the release of Hazardous Substances.

                 (c)      With respect to the Mortgaged Properties, and to the
best of the Borrower's and the Guarantor's knowledge with respect to any other
Real Estate, except as specifically set forth in the written environmental site
assessment reports of McLaren Hart provided to the Agent on or before the date
hereof or, in the case of Real Estate acquired after the date hereof, the
environmental site assessment reports with respect thereto provided to the
Agent under Section 7.4(h):  (i) no portion of the Real Estate has been used
for the handling, processing, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances
except in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws in all material
respects, and no underground tank or other underground storage receptacle for
Hazardous Substances is located on any portion of the Mortgaged Property; (ii)
in the course of any activities conducted by either the Borrower, the
Guarantor, their Subsidiaries or the operators of its properties, no Hazardous
Substances have been generated or are being used on the Real Estate except in
the ordinary course of business and in accordance with applicable Environmental
Laws in all material respects; (iii) there has been no past or present
releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying,
discharging, injecting, escaping, disposing or dumping (a "Release") or
threatened Release of Hazardous Substances on, upon, into or from any of the
Mortgaged Properties, or, to the best of the Borrower's or the Guarantor's
knowledge, on, upon, into or from the other properties of the Borrower, the
Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries, which Release would have a material
adverse effect on the value of any of the Real Estate or adjacent properties or
the environment; (iv) to the best of the Borrower's or the Guarantor's
knowledge, there have been no Releases on, upon, from or into any real property
in the vicinity of any of the Real Estate which, through soil or groundwater
contamination, may have come to be located on, and which would have a material
adverse effect on the value of, the Real Estate; and (v) any Hazardous
Substances that have been generated on any of the Real Estate have been
transported off-site only by carriers having an identification number issued by
the EPA or approved by a state or local environmental regulatory authority
having jurisdiction regarding the transportation of such substance and treated
or disposed of only by treatment or disposal facilities maintaining valid
permits as required under all applicable Environmental Laws, which transporters
and facilities have been and are, to the best of the Borrower's or the
Guarantor's knowledge, operating in compliance with such permits and applicable
Environmental Laws.

                 (d)      None of the Borrower, the Guarantor, their respective
Subsidiaries, the Mortgaged Properties or any other Real Estate is subject to
any applicable Environmental Law requiring the performance of Hazardous
Substances site assessments, or the removal or remediation of Hazardous
Substances, or the giving of notice to any governmental agency or the recording
or delivery to other Persons of an environmental disclosure document or
statement by virtue of the transactions set forth herein and contemplated
hereby, or as a condition to the recording of the Security Deeds or to the
effectiveness of any other transactions contemplated hereby.





                                      -44-
<PAGE>   46




          19.  Subsidiaries.  Schedule 6.19 sets forth all of the Subsidiaries
of the Borrower and the Guarantor.  The form and jurisdiction of organization
of each of the Subsidiaries, and the Borrower's and the Guarantor's ownership
interest therein, is set forth in said Schedule 6.19.

          20.  Leases.  The Borrower has delivered to the Agent true copies of
the forms of the Leases used by the Borrower at the Mortgaged Properties as of
the date hereof.

          21.  Loan Documents.  All of the representations and warranties made
by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantor, and their respective
Subsidiaries in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any document or
instrument delivered to the Agent or the Banks pursuant to or in connection
with any of such Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects,
and neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor has failed to disclose such
information as is necessary to make such representations and warranties not
misleading.

          22.  Mortgaged Property.  The Borrower and the Guarantor each makes
the following representations and warranties concerning each Mortgaged
Property:

                 (a)      Off-Site Utilities.  All water, sewer, electric, gas,
telephone and other utilities necessary for the use and operation of the
Mortgaged Property are installed to the property lines of the Mortgaged
Property through dedicated public rights-of-way or through perpetual private
easements approved by the Majority Banks with respect to which the applicable
Security Deed creates a valid and enforceable first lien and, except in the
case of drainage facilities, are connected to the Building located thereon with
valid permits and are adequate to service the Building in compliance with
applicable law.

                 (b)      Access, Etc.  The streets abutting the Mortgaged
Property are dedicated and accepted public roads, to which the Mortgaged
Property has direct access by trucks and other motor vehicles and by foot, or
are perpetual private ways (with direct access by trucks and other motor
vehicles and by foot to public roads) to which the Mortgaged Property has
direct access approved by the Majority Banks and with respect to which the
applicable Security Deed creates a valid and enforceable first lien.  All
private ways providing access to the Mortgaged Property are zoned in a manner
which will permit access to the Building over such ways by trucks and other
commercial and industrial vehicles.

                 (c)      Independent Building.  The Building is fully
independent in all respects including, without limitation, in respect of
structural integrity, heating, ventilating and air conditioning, plumbing,
mechanical and other operating and mechanical systems, and electrical,
sanitation and water systems, all of which are connected directly to off-site
utilities located in public streets or ways or through insured perpetual
private easements approved by the Majority Banks.  The Building is located on a
lot which is separately assessed for





                                      -45-
<PAGE>   47

purposes of real estate tax assessment and payment.  The Building, all Building
Service Equipment and all paved or landscaped areas related to or used in
connection with the Building are located wholly within the perimeter lines of
the lot or lots on which the Mortgaged Property is located, except as may be
specifically shown on the Survey for such Mortgaged Property.

                 (d)      Condition of Building; No Asbestos.  The Building is,
in all material respects, structurally sound, in good repair and free of
defects in materials and workmanship. All major building systems located within
the Building, including without limitation heating, ventilating and air
conditioning, electrical, sprinkler, plumbing or other mechanical systems, are
in good working order and condition.  Except as set forth in the Phase I
environmental site assessments delivered by the Borrower to the Agent, no
asbestos is located in or on the Building, except for nonfriable asbestos or
contained friable asbestos which is being monitored and/or remediated in
accordance with the recommendations of an Environmental Engineer.

                 (e)      Building Compliance with Law.  The Building as
presently constructed, used, occupied and operated does not, in any material
respect, violate any applicable federal or state law or governmental
regulation, or any local ordinance, order or regulation, including but not
limited to laws, regulations, or ordinances relating to zoning, building use
and occupancy, subdivision control, fire protection, health, sanitation,
safety, handicapped access, historic preservation and protection, tidelands,
wetlands, flood control and Environmental Laws.  The Building complies, in all
material respects, with applicable zoning laws and regulations and is not a
so-called non-conforming use.  The zoning laws permit use of the Building for
its current use.  There is such number of parking spaces on the lot or lots on
which the Mortgaged Property is located as is adequate under the zoning laws
and regulations to permit use of the Building for its current use.  Each
Mortgaged Property constitutes a separate parcel which has been properly
subdivided in accordance with all applicable state and local laws, regulations
and ordinances to the extent required thereby, and neither the execution and
delivery of the Security Deeds nor the exercise of any remedies thereunder by
Agent shall violate any such law or regulation relating to the subdivision of
real property.

                 (f)      No Required Mortgaged Property Consents, Permits,
Etc.  Neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor has received any notice of, and
has no knowledge of, any approvals, consents, licenses, permits, utility
installations and connections (including, without limitation, drainage
facilities), curb cuts and street openings, required by applicable laws, rules,
ordinances or regulations or any agreement affecting the Mortgaged Property for
the maintenance, operation, servicing and use of the Mortgaged Property or the
Building for its current use which have not been granted, effected, or
performed and completed (as the case may be), or any fees or charges therefor
which have not been fully paid, or which are no longer in full force and
effect. No such approvals, consents, permits or licenses (including, without
limitation, any railway siding agreements) will terminate, or become void or
voidable





                                      -46-
<PAGE>   48



or terminable on any foreclosure sale of the Mortgaged Property pursuant to the
Security Deed.  To the best knowledge of the Borrower and the Guarantor, there
are no outstanding notices, suits, orders, decrees or judgments relating to
zoning, building use and occupancy, fire, health, sanitation or other
violations affecting, against, or with respect to, the Mortgaged Property or
any part thereof.

                 (g)      Insurance.  Neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor
has received any outstanding notice from any insurer or its agent requiring
performance of any work with respect to the Mortgaged Property or canceling or
threatening to cancel any policy of insurance, and the Mortgaged Property
complies with the requirements of all of the Borrower's and the Guarantor's
insurance carriers.

                 (h)      Real Property Taxes; Special Assessments.  There are
no unpaid or outstanding real estate or other taxes or assessments on or
against the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof which are payable by the
Borrower or the Guarantor (except only real estate or other taxes or
assessments, that are not yet due and payable).  The Borrower has delivered to
the Agent true and correct copies of real estate tax bills for the Mortgaged
Property for the past three fiscal years.  No abatement proceedings are pending
with reference to any real estate taxes assessed against the Mortgaged
Property, other than with respect to taxes which have been paid under protest
and which are being contested in good faith.  Except as set forth in the Title
Policies delivered to the Agent, there are no betterment assessments or other
special assessments presently pending with respect to any portion of the
Mortgaged Property, and neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor has received any
notice of any such special assessment being contemplated.

                 (i)      Historic Status.  The Building is not a historic
structure or landmark and neither the Building or the Mortgaged Property is
located within any historic district pursuant to any federal, state or local
law or governmental regulation.

                 (j)      Eminent Domain; Casualty.  There are no pending
eminent domain proceedings against the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof,
and, to the knowledge of the Borrower or the Guarantor, no such proceedings are
presently threatened or contemplated by any taking authority.  Neither the
Mortgaged Property, the Building or any part thereof is now damaged or injured
as a result of any fire, explosion, accident, flood or other casualty.

                 (k)      Leases.  An accurate and complete Rent Roll and
summary thereof in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Banks as of
the date of inclusion of the Mortgaged Property in the Collateral (or such
other recent date as may be acceptable to the Agent) with respect to all Leases
of any portion of the Mortgaged Property has been provided to the Agent. The
Leases reflected on such Rent Roll constitute as of the date thereof the sole





                                      -47-
<PAGE>   49

agreements and understandings relating to leasing or licensing of space at the
Mortgaged Property and in the Building relating thereto.  Each of the Leases
was entered into as the result of arms-length negotiation and has not been
modified, changed, altered, assigned, supplemented or amended in any respect,
except as reflected on the Rent Roll, and no tenant is entitled to any free
rent, partial rent, rebate of rent payments, credit, offset or deduction in
rent, including, without limitation, lease support payments or lease buy-outs,
except as reflected in the Rent Roll.  There are no occupancies, rights,
privileges or licenses in or to the Mortgaged Property or portion thereof other
than pursuant to the Leases reflected in Rent Rolls previously furnished to the
Agent for the Mortgaged Property.  Except as set forth in each Rent Roll, the
Leases reflected therein are in full force and effect in accordance with their
respective terms, without any payment default or any other material default
thereunder, nor are there any defenses, counterclaims, offsets, concessions or
rebates available to any tenant thereunder, and neither the Borrower or the
Guarantor has given or made, any notice of any payment or other material
default, or any claim, which remains uncured or unsatisfied, with respect to
any of the Leases.  The Rent Rolls furnished to the Banks accurately and
completely set forth all rents payable by and security, if any, deposited by
tenants, no tenant having paid more than one month's rent in advance.  All
tenant improvements or work to be done for tenants on the Rent Roll, furnished
or paid for by the Borrower or the Guarantor, or credited or allowed to a
tenant, for, or in connection with, the Building pursuant to any Lease has been
completed and paid for or provided for in a manner satisfactory to the Agent.
No material leasing, brokerage or like commissions, fees or payments are due
from the Borrower or the Guarantor in respect of the Leases.

                 (l)      Service Agreements; Management Agreements.  Except as
listed on Schedule 6.22, there are no material Service Agreements relating to
the operation and maintenance of the Building, the Mortgaged Property, or any
portion thereof that are not cancelable at any time.  The Borrower has no
Management Agreements for the Mortgaged Properties.  To the best knowledge of
the Borrower, there are no material claims or any bases for material claims in
respect of the Mortgaged Property or its operation by any party to any Service
Agreement or Management Agreement.

                 (m)      Other Material Real Property Agreements; No Options.
There are no material agreements pertaining to the Mortgaged Property, any
Building thereon or the operation or maintenance of either thereof other than
as described in this Agreement (including the Schedules hereto), the Title
Policies or otherwise disclosed in writing to the Agent and the Banks by the
Borrower; and no person or entity has any right or option to acquire the
Mortgaged Property or any Building thereon or any portion thereof or interest
therein.

          23.  Brokers.  None of the Borrower, the Guarantor, or any of their
respective Subsidiaries has engaged or otherwise dealt with any broker, finder
or similar entity in connection with this Agreement or the Loans contemplated
hereunder.





                                      -48-
<PAGE>   50




          24.  Other Debt.  None of the Borrower, the Guarantor, or any of
their respective Subsidiaries is in default of the payment of any Indebtedness
or any other agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, financing
agreement, indenture or lease to which any of them is a party.  The Borrower is
not a party to or bound by any agreement, instrument or indenture that may
require the subordination  in right or time or payment of any of the
Obligations to any other indebtedness or obligation of the Borrower.  The
Borrower has provided to the Agent a schedule, and upon the request of the
Agent will provide copies, of all agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust,
financing agreements or other material agreements binding upon the Borrower or
its properties and entered into by the Borrower as of the date of this
Agreement with respect to any Indebtedness of the Borrower.

          25.  Solvency.  As of the Closing Date and after giving effect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
including all Loans made or to be made hereunder, the Borrower is not insolvent
on a balance sheet basis such that the sum of the Borrower's assets exceeds the
sum of the Borrower's liabilities, the Borrower is able to pay its debts as
they become due, and the Borrower has sufficient capital to carry on its
business.

          7.     AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE GUARANTOR
                 AND THE BORROWER.

         The Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Loan, Letter of
Credit or Note is outstanding or any Bank has any obligation to make any Loans
or to participate in any Letters of Credit:

          1.  Punctual Payment.  The Borrower will duly and punctually pay or
cause to be paid the principal and interest on their respective Loans and all
interest and fees provided for in this Agreement, all in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement and the Notes as well as all other sums owing pursuant
to the Loan Documents.

          2.  Maintenance of Office.  The Borrower will maintain its chief
executive office at 27600 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200, Southfield,
Michigan, 48034, or at such other place in the United States of America as the
Borrower shall designate upon prior written notice to the Agent and the Banks,
where notices, presentations and demands to or upon the Borrower in respect of
the Loan Documents may be given or made.

          3.  Records and Accounts.  The Borrower will (a) keep, and cause each
of its Subsidiaries to keep, true and accurate records and books of account in
which full, true and correct entries will be made in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and (b) maintain adequate accounts and reserves
for all taxes (including income taxes),





                                      -49-
<PAGE>   51

depreciation and amortization of its properties and the properties of its
Subsidiaries, contingencies and other reserves.

          4.  Financial Statements, Certificates and Information.  The Borrower
will deliver or cause to be delivered to each of the Banks:

                 (a)      as soon as practicable, but in any event not later
than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the
audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at the
end of such year, and the related audited consolidated statements of income,
changes in shareholder's equity and cash flows for such year, each setting
forth in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year and all such
statements to be in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and accompanied by an auditor's report prepared
without qualification by Deloitte & Touche, or by another "Big Six" accounting
firm, the Form 10-K filed with the SEC (unless the SEC has approved an
extension, in which event the Borrower will deliver to the Agent and each of
the Banks a copy of the Form 10-K simultaneously with delivery to the SEC), and
any other information the Banks may need to complete a financial analysis of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

                 (b)      as soon as practicable, but in any event not later
than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal
quarters of the Borrower, copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter, and the
related unaudited consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholder's
equity and cash flows for the portion of the Borrower's fiscal year then
elapsed, and a statement showing the aging of the receivables and payables for
the Mortgaged Properties, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles (which may be provided by
inclusion in the Form 10-Q of the Borrower for such period provided pursuant to
subsection (c) below), together with a certification by the principal financial
or accounting officer of the Borrower that the information contained in such
financial statements fairly presents the financial position of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries on the date thereof (subject to year-end adjustments);

                 (c)      as soon as practicable, but in any event not later
than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal
quarters of the Borrower in each year, copies of Form 10-Q filed with the SEC
(unless the SEC has approved an extension in which event the Borrower will
deliver such copies of the Form 10-Q to the Agent and each of the Banks
simultaneously with delivery to the SEC);

                 (d)      as soon as practicable, but in any event not later
than forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower
(including the fourth fiscal quarter in each year), (i) copies of a
consolidated statement of Operating Cash Flow for such fiscal quarter for the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries and a statement of Operating Cash Flow for such





                                      -50-
<PAGE>   52



fiscal quarter for the Borrower and each of the Mortgaged Properties, prepared
on a basis consistent with the statement furnished pursuant to Section 6.4(c)
together with a certification by the chief financial or chief accounting
officer of the general partner of the Borrower, that the information contained
in such statement fairly presents the Operating Cash Flow of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries and the Mortgaged Properties for such period, and (ii) the
Borrower's best estimate on a quarterly and rolling four quarter basis of the
Borrower's taxable net income;

                 (e)      simultaneously with the delivery of the financial
statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, a statement (a
"Compliance Certificate") certified by the principal financial or accounting
officer of the general partner of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit C hereto
(or in such other form as the Agent may approve from time to time) setting
forth in reasonable detail computations evidencing compliance with the
covenants contained in Section 9 and the other covenants described therein, and
(if applicable) reconciliations to reflect changes in generally accepted
accounting principles since the Balance Sheet Date;

                 (f)      contemporaneously with the filing or mailing thereof,
copies of all material of a financial nature filed with the SEC or sent to the
stockholders of the Guarantor or the partners of the Borrower;

                 (g)      as soon as practicable but in any event not later
than forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower
(including the fourth fiscal quarter in each year), updated Rent Rolls with
respect to the Mortgaged Properties and a summary of each Rent Roll and rolling
four quarter operating statements and tenant sales reports with respect to the
Mortgaged Properties, all in form reasonably satisfactory to the Majority
Banks;

                 (h)      not later than thirty (30) days following each
acquisition of an interest in Real Estate having a fair market value in excess
of $1,000,000.00 by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (which for the
purposes of this Section 7.4(h) shall include the Investments described in
Section 8.3(i)), each of the following (provided that with respect to the
Investments described in Section 8.3(i), the following items shall be provided
to the extent reasonably available to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries): (i)
the closing statement relating to such acquisition, (ii) a description of the
property acquired, (iii) a certificate from the chief financial or accounting
officer of the Borrower stating that (A) an environmental site assessment has
been prepared by an Environmental Engineer and such assessment contains no
material qualifications with respect to such Real Estate and (B) a statement of
condition of such Real Estate has been prepared by a construction engineer and
such statement contains no material qualifications, (iv) an historical
operating statement of such Real Estate for such period as may be available to
the Borrower and a current rent roll for such Real Estate, and (v) a Compliance
Certificate prepared using the financial statements of the  Borrower most
recently provided or required to





                                      -51-
<PAGE>   53

be provided to the Banks under Section 6.4 or this Section 7.4 adjusted in the
best good-faith estimate of the Borrower to give effect to such acquisition and
demonstrating that no Default or Event of Default with respect to the covenants
referred to therein shall exist after giving effect to such acquisition;

                 (i)      promptly after they are filed with the Internal
Revenue Service, copies of all annual federal income tax returns and amendments
thereto of the Borrower;

                 (j)      promptly upon completion, copies of such market
studies relating to the Mortgaged Property and the other Eligible Real Estate
as are from time to time prepared by or on behalf of the Borrower or its
Subsidiaries;

                 (k)      not later than thirty (30) days following each
acquisition of an interest in a Subsidiary, each of the following: (i) the name
and structure of the Subsidiary, (ii) a description of the property owned by
such Subsidiary, and (iii) such other information as the Agent may reasonably
request;

                 (l)      simultaneously within the delivery of the financial
statement referred to in subsection (a) above, a statement (i) listing the Real
Estate owned by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (or in which the Borrower or
its Subsidiaries owns an interest) and stating the location thereof, the date
acquired and the acquisition cost, (ii) listing the Indebtedness of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding Indebtedness of the type described in
Section 8.1(b)-(e)), which statement shall include, without limitation, a
statement of the original principal amount of such Indebtedness and the current
amount outstanding, the holder thereof, the maturity date and any extension
options, the interest rate, the collateral provided for such Indebtedness and
whether such Indebtedness is recourse or non-recourse, and (iii) listing the
properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which are under "development"
(as used in Section 8.9) and providing a brief summary of the status of such
development;

                 (m)      not later than thirty (30) days prior to the end of
each fiscal year of the Borrower a budget and business plan for the next fiscal
year; and

                 (n)      from time to time such other financial data and
information in the possession of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries (including
without limitation auditors' management letters, property inspection and
environmental reports and information as to zoning and other legal and
regulatory changes affecting the Borrower) as the Agent may reasonably request.

          5.  Notices.





                                      -52-
<PAGE>   54




                 (a)      Defaults.  The Borrower will promptly notify the
Agent in writing of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.  If any
Person shall give any notice or take any other action in respect of a claimed
default (whether or not constituting an Event of Default) under this Agreement
or under any note, evidence of indebtedness, indenture or other obligation to
which or with respect to which the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries is a party or obligor, whether as principal or surety,
and such default would permit the holder of such note or obligation or other
evidence of indebtedness to accelerate the maturity thereof, which acceleration
would have a material adverse effect on the Borrower or the Guarantor, the
Borrower shall forthwith give written notice thereof to the Agent and each of
the Banks, describing the notice or action and the nature of the claimed
default.

                 (b)      Environmental Events.  The Borrower will promptly
give notice to the Agent (i) upon the Borrower obtaining knowledge of any
potential or known Release, of any Hazardous Substances at or from the
Mortgaged Property; (ii) of any violation of any Environmental Law that the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries reports in writing or is reportable by such
Person in writing (or for which any written report supplemental to any oral
report is made) to any federal, state or local environmental agency and (iii)
upon becoming aware thereof, of any inquiry, proceeding, investigation, or
other action, including a notice from any agency of potential environmental
liability, of any federal, state or local environmental agency or board, that
in either case involves the Mortgaged Property or has the potential to
materially affect the assets, liabilities, financial conditions or operations
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the Agent's liens on the Collateral
pursuant to the Security Documents.

                 (c)      Notification of Claims Against Collateral.  The
Borrower will, immediately upon becoming aware thereof, notify the Agent in
writing of any setoff, claims (including, with respect to any Mortgaged
Property, environmental claims), withholdings or other defenses to which any of
the Collateral, or the rights of the Agent or the Banks with respect to the
Collateral, are subject.

                 (d)      Notice of Litigation and Judgments.  The Borrower
will give notice to the Agent in writing within 15 days of becoming aware of
any litigation or proceedings threatened in writing or any pending litigation
and proceedings affecting the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries or to which the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries is or is to become a party involving an uninsured claim
against the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries
that could reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse effect on the
Borrower or the Guarantor  and stating the nature and status of such litigation
or proceedings.  The Borrower will give notice to the Agent, in writing, in
form and detail satisfactory to the Agent and each of the





                                      -53-
<PAGE>   55

Banks, within ten days of any judgment not covered by insurance, whether final
or otherwise, against the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective
Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of $100,000.

                 (e)      Notice of Proposed Sales, Encumbrances, Refinance or
Transfer of Non-Mortgaged Property.  The Borrower will give notice to the Agent
of any proposed or completed sale, encumbrance, refinance or transfer of any
Real Estate other than Mortgaged Property or other Investment described in
Section 8.3(i) of the Borrower, the Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries
within any fiscal quarter of the Borrower, such notice to be submitted, in the
case of any such sale, encumbrance, refinance or transfer in an amount in
excess of $1,000,000.00, together with the Compliance Certificate provided or
required to be provided to the Banks under Section 7.4 with respect to such
fiscal quarter.  The Compliance Certificate shall with respect to any proposed
or completed sale, encumbrance, refinance or transfer be adjusted in the best
good-faith estimate of the Borrower to give effect to such sale, encumbrance,
refinance or transfer and demonstrate that no Default or Event of Default with
respect to the covenants referred to therein shall exist after giving effect to
such sale, encumbrance, refinance or transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
in the event of any sale, encumbrance, refinance or transfer of any Real Estate
other than the Mortgaged Property or other Investment described in Section
8.3(i) of the Borrower, the Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries, the
Borrower shall promptly give notice to the Agent of such transaction, which
notice shall be accompanied by a Compliance Certificate prepared using the
financial statements of the Borrower most recently provided or required to be
provided to the Banks under Section 6.4 or Section 7.4 adjusted as provided in
the preceding sentence.

                 (f)      Notification of Banks.  Promptly after receiving any
notice under this Section 7.5, the Agent will forward a copy thereof to each of
the Banks, together with copies of any certificates or other written
information that accompanied such notice.

          6.  Existence; Maintenance of Properties.

                 (a)      The Borrower will do or cause to be done all things
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence as a
Delaware limited partnership.  The Borrower will cause each of its Subsidiaries
to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full
force and effect its legal existence.  The Borrower will do or cause to be done
all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force all of its rights and
franchises and those of its Subsidiaries.  The Borrower will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, continue to engage primarily in the businesses now
conducted by it and in related businesses.

                 (b)      The Borrower (i) will cause all of its properties and
those of its Subsidiaries used or useful in the conduct of its business or the
business of its Subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in good condition,
repair and working order (ordinary wear and tear





                                      -54-
<PAGE>   56



excepted) and supplied with all necessary equipment, and (ii) will cause to be
made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and
improvements thereof in all cases in which the failure so to do would have a
material adverse effect on the condition of the applicable Mortgaged Property
or on the financial condition, assets or operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries.

          7.  Insurance.  (a) The Borrower will, at its expense, procure and
maintain for the benefit of the Borrower and the Agent, insurance policies
issued by such insurance companies, in such amounts, in such form and
substance, and with such coverages, endorsements, deductibles and expiration
dates as are acceptable to the Majority Banks, providing the following types of
insurance covering the Mortgaged Property:

                 (i)      "All Risks" property insurance (including broad form
         flood, broad form earthquake and comprehensive boiler and machinery
         coverages) on each Building and the contents therein of the Borrower
         and its Subsidiaries in an amount not less than one hundred percent
         (100%) of the full replacement cost of each Building and the contents
         therein of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or such other limit as
         the Agent may approve, with deductibles not to exceed $10,000 for any
         one occurrence, with a replacement cost coverage endorsement, an
         agreed amount endorsement, and, if requested by the Majority Banks, a
         contingent liability from operation of building laws endorsement in
         such amounts as the Majority Banks may require.  Full replacement cost
         as used herein means the cost of replacing the Building (exclusive of
         the cost of excavations, foundations and footings below the lowest
         basement floor) and the contents therein of the Borrower and its
         Subsidiaries without deduction for physical depreciation thereof;

                 (ii)     During the course of construction or repair of any
         Building, the insurance required by clause (i) above shall be written
         on a builders risk, completed value, non-reporting form, meeting all
         of the terms required by clause (i) above, covering the total value of
         work performed, materials, equipment, machinery and supplies
         furnished, existing structures, and temporary structures being erected
         on or near the Real Estate, including coverage against collapse and
         damage during transit or while being stored off-site, and containing a
         soft costs (including loss of rents) coverage endorsement and a
         permission to occupy endorsement;

                 (iii)    Flood insurance if at any time any Building is
         located in any federally designated "special hazard area" (including
         any area having special flood, mudslide and/or flood-related erosion
         hazards, and shown on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or a Flood Insurance
         Rate Map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as Zone
         A, AO, Al-30, AE, A99, AH, VO, Vl-30, VE, V, M or E) and the broad
         form





                                      -55-
<PAGE>   57

         flood coverage required by clause (i) above is not available, in an
         amount equal to the full replacement cost or the maximum amount then
         available under the National Flood Insurance Program;

                 (iv)     Rent loss insurance in an amount sufficient to
         recover at least the total estimated gross receipts from all sources
         of income, including without limitation, rental income, for the Real
         Estate for a twelve month period;

                 (v)      Commercial general liability insurance against claims
         for personal injury (to include, without limitation, bodily injury and
         personal and advertising injury) and property damage liability, all on
         an occurrence basis, if commercially available, with such coverages as
         the Majority Banks may reasonably request (including, without
         limitation, contractual liability coverage, completed operations
         coverage for a period of two years following completion of
         construction of any improvements on the Real Estate, and coverages
         equivalent to an ISO broad form endorsement), with a general aggregate
         limit of not less than $l,000,000, a completed operations aggregate
         limit of not less than $1,000,000, and a combined single "per
         occurrence" limit of not less than $1,000,000 for bodily injury,
         property damage and medical payments;

                 (vi)     During the course of construction or repair of any
         improvements on the Real Estate, owner's contingent or protective
         liability insurance covering claims not covered by or under the terms
         or provisions of the insurance required by clause (v) above;

                 (vii)    Employers liability insurance with respect to the
         Borrower's employees;

                 (viii)   Umbrella liability insurance with limits of not less
         than $10,000,000 to be in excess of the limits of the insurance
         required by clauses (v), (vi) and (vii) above, with coverage at least
         as broad as the primary coverages of the insurance required by clauses
         (v), (vi) and (vii) above, with any excess liability insurance to be
         at least as broad as the coverages of the lead umbrella policy.  All
         such policies shall be endorsed to provide defense coverage
         obligations;

                 (ix)     Workers' compensation insurance for all employees of
         the Borrower or its Subsidiaries engaged on or with respect to the
         Real Estate; and

                 (x)      Such other insurance in such form and in such amounts
         as may from time to time be reasonably required by the Majority Banks
         against other insurable hazards and casualties which at the time are
         commonly insured against in the case of properties of similar
         character and location to the Real Estate.

The Borrower shall pay all premiums on insurance policies.  The insurance
policies





                                      -56-
<PAGE>   58



with respect to all Mortgaged Property provided for in clauses (v), (vi) and
(viii) above shall name the Agent and each Bank as an additional insured and
shall contain a cross liability/ severability endorsement.  The insurance
policies provided for in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above shall name the
Agent as mortgagee and loss payee, shall be first payable in case of loss to
the Agent, and shall contain mortgage clauses and lender's loss payable
endorsements in form and substance acceptable to the Majority Banks.  The
Borrower shall deliver duplicate originals or certified copies of all such
policies to the Majority Banks, and the Borrower shall promptly furnish to the
Majority Banks all renewal notices and evidence that all premiums or portions
thereof then due and payable have been paid.  At least 30 days prior to the
expiration date of the policies, the Borrower shall deliver to the Banks
evidence of continued coverage, including a certificate of insurance, as may be
satisfactory to the Majority Banks.

         (b)     All policies of insurance required by this Agreement shall
contain clauses or endorsements to the effect that (i) no act or omission of
the Borrower or any Subsidiary or anyone acting for the Borrower or any
Subsidiary (including, without limitation, any representations made in the
procurement of such insurance), which might otherwise result in a forfeiture of
such insurance or any part thereof, no occupancy or use of the Real Estate for
purposes more hazardous then permitted by the terms of the policy, and no
foreclosure or any other change in title to the Real Estate or any part
thereof, shall affect the validity or enforceability of such insurance insofar
as the Agent is concerned, (ii) the insurer waives any right of setoff,
counterclaim, subrogation, or any deduction in respect of any liability of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary and the Agent, (iii) such insurance is primary and
without right of contribution from any other insurance which may be available,
(iv) such policies shall not be modified, canceled or terminated prior to the
scheduled expiration date thereof without the insurer thereunder giving at
least 30 days prior written notice to the Agent by certified or registered
mail, and (v) that the Agent or the Banks shall not be liable for any premiums
thereon or subject to any assessments thereunder, and shall in all events be in
amounts sufficient to avoid any coinsurance liability.

         (c)     The insurance required by this Agreement may be effected
through a blanket policy or policies covering additional locations and property
of the Borrower and other Persons not included in the Mortgage Property,
provided that such blanket policy or policies comply with all of the terms and
provisions of this Section 7.7 and contain endorsements or clauses assuring
that any claim recovery will not be less than that which a separate policy
would provide, including, without limitation, a priority claim provision with
respect to property insurance and an aggregate limits of insurance endorsement
in the case of liability insurance.

         (d)     All policies of insurance required by this Agreement shall be
issued by companies licensed to do business in the State where the policy is
issued and also in the states where the Real Estate is located and having a
rating in Best's Key Rating Guide of at least





                                      -57-
<PAGE>   59

"A" and a financial size category of at least "VIII".

         (e)     Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall carry separate
insurance, concurrent in kind or form or contributing in the event of loss,
with any insurance required under this Agreement unless such insurance complies
with the terms and provisions of this Section 7.7.

         (f)     In the event of any Loss or damage to the Mortgaged Property
in excess of $50,000, the Borrower shall give immediate written notice to the
insurance carrier and the Agent, and the Agent shall furnish a copy of such
notice promptly to each of the Banks.  The Borrower may make proof of loss and
adjust and compromise any claim under insurance policies which is of an amount
not more than $500,000.00 so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing and so long as the Borrower shall in good faith diligently pursue
such claim. The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and empowers the Agent,
at the Agent's option in the Agent's sole discretion or at the request of the
Majority Banks in their sole discretion, as attorney in fact for the Borrower,
except as provided in the preceding sentence, to make proof of any loss, to
adjust and compromise any claim under insurance policies, to appear in and
prosecute any action arising from such insurance policies, to collect and
receive insurance proceeds, and to deduct therefrom the Agent's expenses
incurred in the collection of such proceeds, provided that the Agent agrees to
consult with the Borrower prior to taking such action.  If the Mortgaged
Property is acquired by the Agent or any nominee through foreclosure, deed in
lieu of foreclosure or otherwise is acquired from the Borrower, all right,
title and interest of the Borrower in and to any insurance policies and
unearned premiums thereon and in and to the proceeds thereof resulting from
loss or damage to the Mortgaged Property prior to such sale or acquisition
shall pass to the Agent or any other successor in interest to the Borrower or
purchaser or grantee of the Mortgaged Property.

         (g)     Subject to the terms of the following sentence, the Borrower
authorizes the Agent, at the Agent's option or at the request of the Majority
Banks in their sole discretion, to (i) apply the balance of such proceeds to
the payment of the Obligations of the Borrower whether or not then due, or (ii)
if the Agent or the Majority Bank shall require the reconstruction or repair of
the Mortgaged Property, to hold the balance of such proceeds to be used to pay
all taxes, charges, sewer use fees, water rates and assessments which may be
imposed upon the Mortgaged Property and the Obligations of the Borrower as they
become due during the course of reconstruction or repair of the Mortgaged
Property and to reimburse the Borrower, in accordance with such terms and
conditions as Agent may prescribe, for the cost of such reconstruction or
repair of the Mortgaged Property, and on completion of such reconstruction or
repair to apply any of the excess to the payment of the Obligations of the
Borrower.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Agent shall make such net
proceeds available to the Borrower to reconstruct and repair the Mortgaged
Property, in accordance with such terms and conditions as the Agent may
prescribe for the disbursement of such proceeds to assure completion of such
reconstruction or repair provided that (x) no Default or Event of





                                      -58-
<PAGE>   60



Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (y) the Borrower shall have
provided to Agent additional cash security in an amount equal to the amount
reasonably estimated by the Agent to be the amount in excess of such proceeds
which will be required to complete such repair or restoration, and (z) the
Agent shall determine that such repair or reconstruction can be completed prior
to the Maturity Date.

         (h)     The Borrower will, at its expense, procure and maintain
insurance covering the Borrower and the Real Estate other than the Mortgaged
Property in such amounts and against such risks and casualties as are customary
for properties of similar character and location, due regard being given to the
type of improvements thereon, their construction, location, use and occupancy.

         (i)     The Borrower shall provide to the Agent for the benefit of the
Banks Title Policies for all of the Mortgaged Properties of the Borrower which
shall at all times be in an aggregate amount of not less than the total
Commitments for the Borrower at the time in effect. Each Title Policy shall
also contain, to the extent available, a tie-in endorsement aggregating the
insurance coverage provided under all of the policies relating to the Borrower
with tie-in endorsements.

          8.  Taxes.  The Borrower and each Subsidiary will duly pay and
discharge, or cause to be paid and discharged, before the same shall become
overdue, all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges imposed upon it
and upon the Mortgaged Property and the other Real Estate, sales and
activities, or any part thereof, or upon the income or profits therefrom, as
well as all claims for labor, materials, or supplies that if unpaid might by
law become a lien or charge upon any of its property; provided that any such
tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim need not be paid if the validity or
amount thereof shall currently be contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and if the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall have set aside on its
books adequate reserves with respect thereto; and provided, further, that
forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to foreclose any lien that may
have attached as security therefor, the Borrower and each Subsidiary of the
Borrower either (i) will provide a bond issued by a surety reasonably
acceptable to the Majority Banks and sufficient to stay all such proceedings or
(ii) if no such bond is provided, will pay each such tax, assessment, charge,
levy or claim.

          9.  Inspection of Properties and Books.  The Borrower shall permit
the Banks, through the Agent or any representative designated by the Agent, at
the Borrower's expense to visit and inspect any of the properties of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, to examine the books of account of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries (and to make copies thereof and extracts
therefrom) and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries with, and to be advised as to the same by, its officers,
all at





                                      -59-
<PAGE>   61

such reasonable times and intervals as the Agent or any Bank may reasonably
request, provided that so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall not be required to pay for such
visits and inspections more often than once in any twelve (12) month period.
The Banks shall use good faith efforts to coordinate such visits and
inspections so as to minimize the interference with and disruption to the
Borrower's normal business operations.

          10.  Compliance with Laws, Contracts, Licenses, and Permits.  The
Borrower will comply with, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply in
all respects with (i) all applicable laws and regulations now or hereafter in
effect wherever its business is conducted, including all Environmental Laws,
(ii) the provisions of its corporate charter, partnership agreement or
declaration of trust, as the case may be, and other charter documents and
bylaws, (iii) all agreements and instruments to which it is a party or by which
it or any of its properties may be bound, (iv) all applicable decrees, orders,
and judgments, and (v) all licenses and permits required by applicable laws and
regulations for the conduct of its business or the ownership, use or operation
of its properties.  If at any time while any Loan or Note is outstanding or the
Banks have any obligation to make Loans hereunder, any authorization, consent,
approval, permit or license from any officer, agency or instrumentality of any
government shall become necessary or required in order that the  Borrower may
fulfill any of its obligations hereunder, the Borrower will immediately take or
cause to be taken all steps necessary to obtain such authorization, consent,
approval, permit or license and furnish the Agent and the Banks with evidence
thereof.

          11.  Use of Proceeds.  The Borrower will use the proceeds of the
Loans and the Letters of Credit to the Borrower solely to provide short-term
financing (a) for the acquisition of fee interests by the Borrower in Real
Estate which is utilized principally for shopping centers, (b) for Capital
Improvement Projects, (c) subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 8.9,
for development of new shopping centers, the acquisition of undeveloped Real
Estate, (d) for general corporate purposes including working capital, (e) to
repay outstanding Indebtedness, and (f) for such other purposes as the Majority
Banks in their discretion from time to time may agree to in writing.

          12.  Further Assurances.  Each of the Borrower and the Guarantor will
cooperate with, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to cooperate with the
Agent and the Banks and execute such further instruments and documents as the
Banks or the Agent shall reasonably request to carry out to their satisfaction
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

         13.  Compliance.  The Borrower shall operate its business in
compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.  The Guarantor shall at all times comply with all requirements of
applicable laws necessary to maintain REIT Status and shall operate its
business in compliance with the terms and conditions of this





                                      -60-
<PAGE>   62



Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

          14.  Management.  There shall not occur, without the prior written
consent of the Majority Banks, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, any material change in management of the Mortgaged Properties
(including, without limitation, the hiring of third party managers), provided
that so long as the Mortgaged Properties are managed by the Borrower, a change
in the internal management personnel of the Borrower shall not be deemed a
material change in management.

          15.  Interest Rate Contracts.  At all times when variable rate
Indebtedness of the Borrower exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the Borrower's
Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value, the Borrower shall maintain in effect
Interest Rate Contracts which are satisfactory to the Agent.

          8.     CERTAIN NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE GUARANTOR
                 AND THE BORROWER.

         The Borrower and the Guarantor, jointly and severally, covenant and
agree that, so long as any Loan, Letter of Credit or Note is outstanding or any
of the Banks has any obligation to make any Loans or to participate in any
Letters of Credit:

          1.  Restrictions on Indebtedness.  The Guarantor will not (other than
solely as a result of its status as a general partner of the Borrower) create,
incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable, contingently or otherwise with
respect to any Indebtedness other than the Obligations and any Indebtedness of
the Borrower permitted under the terms of this Section 8.1.  The Borrower will
not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume,
guarantee or be or remain liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to
any Indebtedness other than:

                 (a)      Indebtedness to the Banks arising under any of the
Loan Documents;

                 (b)      current liabilities of the Borrower or its
Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business but not incurred
through (i) the borrowing of money, or (ii) the obtaining of credit except for
credit on an open account basis customarily extended and in fact extended in
connection with normal purchases of goods and services;

                 (c)      Indebtedness in respect of taxes, assessments,
governmental charges or levies and claims for labor, materials and supplies to
the extent that payment therefor shall not at the time be required to be made
in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.8;





                                      -61-
<PAGE>   63

                 (d)      Indebtedness in respect of judgments or awards that
have been in force for less than the applicable period for taking an appeal so
long as execution is not levied thereunder or in respect of which the Borrower
shall at the time in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for
review and in respect of which a stay of execution shall have been obtained
pending such appeal or review;

                 (e)      endorsements for collection, deposit or negotiation
and warranties of products or services, in each case incurred in the ordinary
course of business;

                 (f)      subject to the provisions of Section 9, Non-recourse
Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that neither
the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall incur any Non-recourse
Indebtedness unless the Borrower shall have provided to the Banks a statement
that no Default or Event of Default exists and a Compliance Certificate
demonstrating that the Borrower will be in compliance with the covenants
referred to therein after giving effect to such incurrence, and environmental
indemnities and customary exceptions to exculpatory language shall be permitted
in any such Non-recourse Indebtedness;

                 (g)      Indebtedness in respect of reverse repurchase
agreements having a term of not more than 180 days with respect to Investments
described in Section 8.3(d) or (e);

                 (h)      Indebtedness existing on the date of this Agreement
and listed and described on Schedule 8.1 hereto and refinancing of same;

                 (i)      subject to the provisions of Section 9, other
recourse Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not secured by the
Mortgaged Property in an aggregate outstanding principal amount (excluding the
Obligations and those obligations set forth in Schedule 8.1) not exceeding
$2,500,000.00; provided that neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall incur any recourse Indebtedness described in this Section 8.1(i) unless
the Borrower shall have provided to the Banks a statement that no Default or
Event of Default exists and a Compliance Certificate demonstrating that the
Borrower will be in compliance with the covenants referred to therein after
giving effect to such incurrence;

                 (j)      Indebtedness in respect of purchase money financing
for equipment, computers and vehicles acquired in the ordinary course of the
Borrower's business not exceeding $1,000,000.00; and

                 (k)      recourse debt required by another lender to obtain a
construction loan in an aggregate not exceeding $50,000,000.00.

          2.  Restrictions on Liens, Etc.  Neither the Guarantor nor the
Borrower will, nor will either of them permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a)
create or incur or suffer to be created or





                                      -62-
<PAGE>   64



incurred or to exist any lien, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, charge,
restriction or other security interest of any kind upon any of its property or
assets of any character whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon the
income or profits therefrom; (b) transfer any of its property or assets or the
income or profits therefrom for the purpose of subjecting the same to the
payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to
payment of its general creditors; (c) acquire, or agree or have an option to
acquire, any property or assets upon conditional sale or other title retention
or purchase money security agreement, device or arrangement; (d) suffer to
exist for a period of more than 30 days after the same shall have been incurred
any Indebtedness or claim or demand against it that if unpaid might by law or
upon bankruptcy or insolvency, or otherwise, be given any priority whatsoever
over its general creditors; (e) sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer any
accounts, contract rights, general intangibles, chattel paper or instruments,
with or without recourse; or (f) incur or maintain any obligation to any holder
of Indebtedness of the Borrower, the Guarantor or such Subsidiary which
prohibits the creation or maintenance of any lien securing the Obligations;
provided that the Borrower, the Guarantor and any Subsidiary of either of them
may create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist:

                 (i)      liens in favor of the Borrower or the Guarantor on
         all or part of the assets of Subsidiaries of such Person (other than
         Collateral) securing Indebtedness owing by Subsidiaries of such Person
         to such Person;

                 (ii)     liens on properties to secure taxes, assessments and
         other governmental charges or claims for labor, material or supplies
         in respect of obligations not overdue;

                 (iii)    deposits or pledges made in connection with, or to
         secure payment of, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, old
         age pensions or other social security obligations;

                 (iv)     liens on properties other than the Mortgaged Property
         or any interest therein (including the rents, issues and profits
         therefrom) in respect of judgments, awards or indebtedness, the
         Indebtedness with respect to which is permitted by Section 8.1(d),
         Section 8.1(f) or Section 8.1(b), (c), (h) or (i);

                 (v)      encumbrances on properties other than the Mortgaged
         Property consisting of easements, rights of way, zoning restrictions,
         restrictions on the use of real property and defects and
         irregularities in the title thereto, landlord's or lessor's liens
         under leases to which the Borrower, the Guarantor or a Subsidiary of
         such Person is a party, and other minor liens or encumbrances none of
         which interferes materially with the use of the property affected in
         the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower, the Guarantor or
         their Subsidiaries, which defects do not individually or in





                                      -63-
<PAGE>   65

         the aggregate have a materially adverse effect on the business of the
         Borrower or the Guarantor individually or of such Person and its
         Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;

                 (vi)     liens on Real Estate other than the Mortgaged
         Property and Short-term Investments securing Non-recourse Indebtedness
         permitted by Section 8.1(f);

                 (vii)    liens on Real Estate other than the Mortgaged
         Property permitted by Section 8.1(h), (i) and (j);

                 (viii)   liens in favor of the Agent and the Banks under the
         Loan Documents;

                 (ix)     liens and encumbrances on a Mortgaged Property
         expressly permitted under the terms of the Security Deed relating
         thereto; and

                 (x)      other presently outstanding liens listed on Schedule
         8.2 on properties other than the Mortgaged Property and refinancing
         the same.

          3.  Restrictions on Investments.  Neither the Borrower nor the
Guarantor will, nor will either of them permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make
or permit to exist or to remain outstanding any Investment except Investments
in:

                 (a)      marketable direct or guaranteed obligations of the
United States of America that mature within one (1) year from the date of
purchase by the Borrower or its Subsidiary;

                 (b)      marketable direct obligations of any of the
following: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Student Loan Marketing
Association, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal National Mortgage Association,
Government National Mortgage Association, Bank for Cooperatives, Federal
Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Financing Banks, Export-Import Bank of the
United States, Federal Land Banks, or any other agency or instrumentality of
the United States of America;

                 (c)      demand deposits, certificates of deposit, bankers
acceptances and time deposits of United States banks having total assets in
excess of $100,000,000; provided, however, that the aggregate amount at any
time so invested with any single bank having total assets of less than
$1,000,000,000 will not exceed $200,000;

                 (d)      securities commonly known as "commercial paper"
issued by a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America or any State which at the time of purchase are rated by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or by Standard & Poor's Corporation at not less
than "P 1" if then rated by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and not less than
"A 1", if then rated by Standard & Poor's Corporation;





                                      -64-
<PAGE>   66




                 (e)      mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the
Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage
Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other
mortgage-backed bonds which at the time of purchase are rated by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or by Standard & Poor's Corporation at not less than
"Aa" if then rated by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and not less than "AA" if
then rated by Standard & Poor's Corporation;

                 (f)      repurchase agreements having a term not greater than
90 days and fully secured by securities described in the foregoing subsection
(a), (b) or (e) with banks described in the foregoing subsection (c) or with
financial institutions or other corporations having total assets in excess of
$500,000,000;

                 (g)      shares of so-called "money market funds" registered
with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 which maintain a level
per-share value, invest principally in investments described in the foregoing
subsections (a) through (f) and have total assets in excess of $50,000,000;

                 (h)      Investments in Subsidiaries of the Borrower or the
Guarantor, but only with the consent of the Majority Banks;

                 (i)      Investments in Real Estate permitted under 
Section 7.11; and

                 (j)      Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 8.9,
investments in real estate investment trusts which own real property which is
used principally for fee interests in Real Estate utilized principally for
shopping centers located within the United States, provided that in no event
shall the aggregate costs of all Investments pursuant to this Section 8.3(j)
exceed the amount set forth with respect thereto in the Borrower's annual
budget and business plan delivered to the Agent pursuant to Section 7.4(m).

          4.  Merger, Consolidation.  Neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor
will, nor will either of them permit any of its Subsidiaries to, become a party
to any merger or consolidation except (i) the merger or consolidation of one or
more of the Subsidiaries of the Borrower with and into the Borrower and (ii)
the merger or consolidation of two or more Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

          5.  Conduct of Business.  Neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor will
conduct any of its business operations other than through the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries.  No reorganizations, spin-offs or new business lines shall be
established or occur without the prior written consent of the Majority Banks





                                      -65-
<PAGE>   67

          6.  Compliance with Environmental Laws.  Neither the Borrower nor the
Guarantor will, nor will either of them permit any of its Subsidiaries, to do
any of the following:  (a) use any of the Real Estate or any portion thereof as
a facility for the handling, processing, storage or disposal of Hazardous
Substances, except for small quantities of Hazardous Substances used in the
ordinary course of business and in compliance with all applicable Environmental
Laws, (b) cause or permit to be located on any of the Real Estate any
underground tank or other underground storage receptacle for Hazardous
Substances except in full compliance with Environmental Laws, (c) generate any
Hazardous Substances on any of the Real Estate except in full compliance with
Environmental Laws, (d) conduct any activity at any Real Estate or use any Real
Estate in any manner so as to cause a Release of Hazardous Substances on, upon
or into the Real Estate or any surrounding properties or any threatened Release
of Hazardous Substances which might give rise to liability under CERCLA or any
other Environmental Law, or (e) directly or indirectly transport or arrange for
the transport of any Hazardous Substances (except in compliance with all
Environmental Laws).

         The Borrower shall:

                 (i)      in the event of any change in Environmental Laws
governing the assessment, release or removal of Hazardous Substances, which
change would lead a prudent lender to require additional testing to avail
itself of any statutory insurance or limited liability, take all action
(including, without limitation, the conducting of engineering tests at the sole
expense of the Borrower) to confirm that no Hazardous Substances are or ever
were Released or disposed of on the Mortgaged Property; and

                 (ii)     if any Release or disposal of Hazardous Substances
shall occur or shall have occurred on the Mortgaged Property (including without
limitation any such Release or disposal occurring prior to the acquisition of
such Mortgaged Property by the Borrower), cause the prompt containment and
removal of such Hazardous Substances and remediation of the Mortgaged Property
in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and to the
satisfaction of the Majority Banks; provided, that the Borrower shall be deemed
to be in compliance with Environmental Laws for the purpose of this clause (ii)
so long as it or a responsible third party with sufficient financial resources
is taking reasonable action to remediate or manage any event of noncompliance
to the satisfaction of the Majority Banks and no action shall have been
commenced by any enforcement agency.  The Majority Banks may engage their own
Environmental Engineer to review the environmental assessments and the
Borrower's compliance with the covenants contained herein.

         At any time after an Event of Default shall have occurred hereunder,
or, whether or not an Event of Default shall have occurred, at any time that
the Agent or the Majority Banks shall have reasonable grounds to believe that a
Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Substances may have occurred,
relating to any Mortgaged Property, or that any of the Mortgaged Properties is
not in compliance with the Environmental Laws, the Agent may at its





                                      -66-
<PAGE>   68



election (and will at the request of the Majority Banks) obtain such
environmental assessments of such Mortgaged Property prepared by an
Environmental Engineer as may be necessary or advisable for the purpose of
evaluating or confirming (i) whether any Hazardous Substances are present in
the soil or water at or adjacent to such Mortgaged Property and (ii) whether
the use and operation of such Mortgaged Property comply with all Environmental
Laws.  Environmental assessments may include detailed visual inspections of
such Mortgaged Property including, without limitation, any and all storage
areas, storage tanks, drains, dry wells and leaching areas, and the taking of
soil samples, as well as such other investigations or analyses as are necessary
or appropriate for a complete determination of the compliance of such Mortgaged
Property and the use and operation thereof with all applicable Environmental
Laws.  All such environmental assessments shall be at the sole cost and expense
of the Borrower.

          7.  Distributions.  Neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor shall make
any Distributions which would cause it to violate any of the following
covenants:

                 (a)      The Borrower shall not pay any Distribution to its
partners if such Distribution is in excess of the amount which, when added to
the amount of all other Distributions paid in the same fiscal quarter and the
preceding three (3) fiscal quarters would exceed ninety-five percent (95%) of
its Funds from Operations for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior
to the quarter in which such Distribution is paid;

                 (b)      In the event that an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor shall make
any Distributions by the Borrower to the Guarantor and by the Guarantor other
than the minimum Distributions required under the Code to maintain the REIT
Status of the Guarantor, as evidenced by a certification of the principal
financial or accounting officer of the Guarantor containing calculations in
reasonable detail satisfactory in form and substance to Agent; and

                 (c)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when an
Event of Default shall have occurred and the maturity of the Obligations has
been accelerated, neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor shall make any
Distributions whatsoever, directly or indirectly.

          8.  Asset Sales.  Neither the Borrower, the Guarantor nor any
Subsidiary thereof shall sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Real Estate
having an Appraised Value in excess of $1,000,000.00 (except as the result of a
condemnation or casualty and except for the granting of Permitted Liens) unless
there shall have been delivered to the Banks a statement that no Default or
Event of Default exists and a Compliance Certificate demonstrating that the
Borrower will be in compliance with the covenants referred to therein after
giving effect to such sale, transfer or other disposition.  Upon compliance
with this Section 8.8, the Agent, on behalf





                                      -67-
<PAGE>   69

of the Banks, shall release any such Real Estate which is a Mortgaged Property.

          9.  Development Activity.  Neither the Borrower, the Guarantor nor
any of their respective Subsidiaries shall engage, directly or indirectly, in
the development of more than three (3) properties (in addition to the Mortgaged
Properties) at any one time to be used principally for shopping centers and
having a total cost (including acquisition, construction and other costs)
individually for each development project in excess of ten percent (10%) of the
Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value of the Borrower and the Guarantor and
in the aggregate for all development projects in excess of fifteen percent
(15%) of the Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value of the Borrower and the
Guarantor, without the prior written consent of the Majority Banks.  For
purposes of this Section 8.9, the term "development" shall include the new
construction of a shopping center complex or the substantial renovation of
improvements to real property which materially change the character or size
thereof, but shall not include the addition of amenities or other related
facilities to existing Real Estate which is already used principally for
shopping centers.  The Borrower and the Guarantor each acknowledges that the
decision of the Majority Banks to grant or withhold such consent shall be based
on such factors as the Majority Banks deem relevant in their sole discretion,
including without limitation, evidence of sufficient funds both from borrowings
and equity to complete such development and evidence that the Borrower, the
Guarantor or either of its Subsidiaries has the resources and expertise
necessary to complete such project.  Nothing herein shall prohibit the
Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries thereof from
entering into an agreement to acquire Real Estate which has been developed and
initially leased by another Person.  Neither the Borrower, the Guarantor nor
any Subsidiary shall acquire or hold more than three undeveloped parcels of
Real Estate without the prior written consent of the Majority Banks, provided
that the acquisition or holding of any outlots or property adjacent to any Real
Estate owned by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall not be
deemed to be an undeveloped parcel of Real Estate for this purpose and options
to acquire any property shall not be deemed an acquisition or holding of such
property.  Further, any new development project engaged in by the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall be at least seventy percent (70%) pre-
leased, including all anchors, or under a purchase agreement and all
construction bids shall be in place and any such development shall continue to
be deemed an undeveloped parcel until such time as construction commences.

          9.     FINANCIAL COVENANTS OF THE GUARANTOR
                 AND THE BORROWER.

         The Borrower and the Guarantor, jointly and severally, covenant and
agree that, so long as any Loan, Letter of Credit or Note is outstanding or any
Bank has any obligation to make any Loans or to participate in any Letters of
Credit, each of them will comply with the following:





                                      -68-
<PAGE>   70



          1.     Borrowing Base.  The Borrower will not, at the end of any
fiscal quarter, permit the outstanding principal balance of the Loans as of the
date of determination to be greater than the Borrowing Base of the Borrower as
determined as of the same date.

          2.     Liabilities to Assets Ratio.  Each of the Borrower and the
Guarantor will not, at the end of any fiscal quarter, permit the ratio of its
Consolidated Total Liabilities to Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value to
exceed 0.55 to 1.

          3.     Debt Service Coverage.  The Borrower will not, at the end of
any fiscal quarter, permit the Borrower's Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for
the period covered by the four previous consecutive fiscal quarters (treated as
a single accounting period) to be less than 2.0 times the Debt Service of the
Borrower for such period, provided that for purposes of determining compliance
with this covenant, prior to such time as the Borrower has owned and operated a
parcel of Real Estate for four full fiscal quarters, the Operating Cash Flow
with respect to such parcel of Real Estate for the number of full fiscal
quarters which the Borrower has owned and operated such parcel of Real Estate
as annualized shall be utilized.

          4.     Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.  The Borrower will not, at
the end of any fiscal quarter, permit its Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be
less than $100,000,000.00 plus seventy-five percent (75%) of any Net Offering
Proceeds received by the Borrower or the Guarantor after the Closing Date.

          5.     Mortgaged Property Operating Cash Flow.  The Borrower will
not, at the end of any fiscal quarter, permit the combined Operating Cash Flow
with respect to the Mortgaged Properties for the period covered by the four
previous consecutive fiscal quarters (treated as a single accounting period) to
be less than 1.4 times the Pro Forma Debt Service Charges for such period,
provided that for purposes of determining compliance with this covenant prior
to such time as the Borrower has owned and operated a Mortgaged Property for
four full fiscal quarters, the Operating Cash Flow with respect to such
Mortgaged Property for the number of full fiscal quarters which the Borrower
has owned and operated such Mortgaged Property as annualized shall be utilized.

          10.  CLOSING CONDITIONS.

         Pursuant to the Prior Credit Agreement, the Borrower executed and
delivered various documents to the Agent as a condition to the obligations of
the Agent and FNBB to make the initial Loans under the Prior Credit Agreement.
Except to the extent expressly amended and replaced as provided in this Section
10, all such documents shall remain in full force and effect, and none of such
documents is superseded by the provisions of this Section 10 or any other
provision of this Agreement.  The obligation of the Agent and the Banks to
increase the Total





                                      -69-
<PAGE>   71

Commitment to $50,000,000.00 and to make further Loans to the Borrower is
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

          1.  Loan Documents. The Borrower shall have duly executed and
delivered to the Agent, except that each Bank shall have received a fully
executed counterpart of its Note, each of the following Loan Documents, each of
which shall be in full force and effect and shall be in form and substance
satisfactory to the Majority Banks:

                 (a)      Agreement; Notes.  Four (4) duly executed copies of
this Agreement, one (1) duly executed copy of the Note in favor of FNBB, and
one (1) duly executed copy of the Note in favor of NBD.  Upon delivery the
Notes, the Note executed and delivered by the Borrower to FNBB in connection
with the Prior Credit Agreement shall be marked cancelled and delivered to the
Borrower.

                 (b)      Indemnity Agreement.  Four (4) duly executed copies
of the Indemnity Agreement.

                 (c)      Guaranty.  Four (4) duly executed copies of the
Guaranty.

                 (d)      Amendments to Security Deeds and Assignments of
Rents.  Four (4) duly executed copies of an Amendment to each Security Deed and
Assignment of Rents executed and delivered in connection with the Prior Credit
Agreement.

          2.  Resolutions.  All action on the part of the Borrower and the
Guarantor, as applicable, necessary for the valid execution, delivery and
performance by such Person of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to
which such Person is or is to become a party shall have been duly and
effectively taken, and evidence thereof satisfactory to the Agent shall have
been provided to the Agent.  The Agent shall have received from the Guarantor
true copies of the resolutions adopted by its board of directors authorizing
the transactions described herein, certified by its secretary as of a recent
date to be true and complete.

          3.  Incumbency Certificate; Authorized Signers.  The Agent shall have
received from the Guarantor an incumbency certificate, dated as of the Closing
Date, signed by a duly authorized officer of the Borrower and giving the name
and bearing a specimen signature of each individual who shall be authorized to
sign, in the name and on behalf of such Person, each of the Loan Documents to
which such Person is or is to become a party.  The Agent shall have also
received from the Borrower a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed
by a duly authorized officer of the Borrower and giving the name and specimen
signature of each individual who shall be authorized to make Loan and
Conversion Requests and to give notices and to take other action on behalf of
the Borrower under the Loan Documents.

          4.  Opinion of Counsel.  The Agent shall have received a favorable 
opinion addressed





                                      -70-
<PAGE>   72



to the Banks and the Agent and dated as of the Closing Date, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Banks and the Agent, from counsel of the Borrower
and the Guarantor as to such matters as the Agent shall reasonably request.

          5.  Performance; No Default.  The Borrower and the Guarantor shall
have performed and complied with all terms and conditions herein required to be
performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date, and on the
Closing Date there shall exist no Default or Event of Default.

          6.  Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
warranties made by the Borrower and the Guarantor in the Loan Documents or
otherwise made by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries in connection therewith or after the date thereof shall
have been true and correct in all material respects when made and shall also be
true and correct in all material respects on the Closing Date.

          7.  Proceedings and Documents.  All proceedings in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Agent's Special Counsel
in form and substance, and the Agent shall have received all information and
such counterpart originals or certified copies of such documents and such other
certificates, opinions or documents as the Agent and the Agent's Special
Counsel may reasonably require.

          8.  Compliance Certificate.  A Compliance Certificate dated as of the
date of the Closing Date demonstrating compliance with each of the covenants
calculated therein as of the most recent fiscal quarter end for which the
Borrower and the Guarantor has provided financial statements under Section 6.4
adjusted in the best good faith estimate of the Borrower or the Guarantor, as
applicable, shall have been delivered to the Agent.

          9.  Stockholder Consents.  The Agent shall have received evidence
satisfactory to the Agent that all necessary stockholder consents required in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the other Loan Agreements have been obtained.

          10.  Other Documents.  To the extent requested by the Majority Banks,
the Majority Banks shall have received executed copies of all material
agreements of any nature whatsoever to which the Borrower, the Guarantor or any
Subsidiary is a party affecting or relating to the use, operation, development,
construction or management of the Mortgaged Property.

          11.  No Condemnation/Taking.  The Agent shall have received written
confirmation





                                      -71-
<PAGE>   73

from the Borrower that no condemnation proceedings are pending or to the
Borrower' knowledge threatened against any Mortgaged Property or, if any such
proceedings are pending or threatened, identifying the same and the Real Estate
affected thereby and the Agent shall have determined that none of such
proceedings is or will be material to the Mortgaged Property affected thereby.

          12. Principal Documents.  On the Closing Date: (i) the Agent shall
have received executed or conformed copies of the Master Agreement and each of
the Ramco Agreements and RPS Contribution Agreements and any amendments
thereto; (ii) the Principal Documents shall be in full force and effect and no
material term or condition thereof shall have been amended, modified or waived
after the execution thereof, except with the prior written consent of the
Agent; (iii) none of the parties to the Principal Documents shall have failed
to perform any material obligation or covenant required by the Principal
Documents to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing Date;
and (iv) the Agent shall have received a certificate from the chief executive
or chief financial officer of the general partner of the Borrower to the effect
set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above.

          13.  Title Insurance Updates.  The Agent shall have received a "date
down" endorsement to each Title Policy with respect to each Mortgaged Property
and new tie-in endorsements with respect to all of the Title Policies for the
aggregate Commitment of $50,000,000.

          14.  Other.  The Agent shall have reviewed such other documents,
instruments, certificates, opinions, assurances, consents and approvals as the
Agent or the Agent's Special Counsel may reasonably have requested.

          11. CONDITIONS TO ALL BORROWINGS.

         The obligations of the Banks to make any Loan or to participate in any
Letter of Credit, whether on or after the Closing Date, shall also be subject
to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

          1.  Prior Conditions Satisfied.  All conditions set forth in Section
10 or in Section 10 of the Prior Agreement shall continue to be satisfied as of
the date upon which any Loan is to be made or any Letter of Credit to be
issued.

          2.  Representations True; No Default.  Each of the representations
and warranties made by or on behalf of the Borrower,  the Guarantor or any of
their respective Subsidiaries contained in this Agreement, the other Loan
Documents or in any document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in
connection with this Agreement shall be true as of the date as of which they
were made and shall also be true at and as of the time of the making of such
Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, with the same
effect as if made at and





                                      -72-
<PAGE>   74



as of that time (except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions
contemplated or permitted by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and
changes occurring in the ordinary course of business that singly or in the
aggregate are not materially adverse, and except to the extent that such
representations and warranties relate expressly to an earlier date) and no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.  Each of the
Banks shall have received a certificate of the Borrower and the Guarantor
signed by an authorized officer of the Borrower and the Guarantor to such
effect.

          3.  No Legal Impediment.  There shall be no law or regulations
thereunder or interpretations thereof that in the reasonable opinion of any
Bank would make it illegal for such Bank to make such Loan or to participate in
such Letter of Credit.

          4.  Governmental Regulation.  Each Bank shall have received such
statements in substance and form reasonably satisfactory to such Bank as such
Bank shall require for the purpose of compliance with any applicable
regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System.

          5.  Proceedings and Documents.  All proceedings in connection with
the Loan or the Letter of Credit, as applicable, shall be satisfactory in
substance and in form to the Majority Banks, and the Majority Banks shall have
received all information and such counterpart originals or certified or other
copies of such documents as the Majority Banks may reasonably request.

          6.  Borrowing Documents.  In the case of any request for a Loan
and/or a Letter of Credit, as applicable, the Agent shall have received the
request for a Loan required by Section 2.5 in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
fully completed and/or the Letter of Credit Application required by Section 2.7
in the form of Exhibit D hereto fully completed.

          7.  Endorsement to Title Policy.  At such times as Agent shall
determine in its discretion, to the extent available under applicable law, a
"date down" endorsement to each Title Policy indicating no change in the state
of title and containing no survey exceptions not approved by the Majority
Banks, which endorsement shall, expressly or by virtue of a proper "revolving
credit" clause or endorsement in the Title Policy, increase the coverage of the
Title Policy to the aggregate amount of all Loans advanced and outstanding and
all Letters of Credit issued and outstanding on or before the effective date of
such endorsement, or if such endorsement is not available, such other evidence
and assurances as the Agent may reasonably require (which evidence may include,
without limitation, an affidavit from the Borrower stating that there have been
no changes in title from the date of the last effective date of the Title
Policy).





                                      -73-
<PAGE>   75

          8.  Future Advances Tax Payment.  The Borrower will pay to the Agent
any mortgage, recording, intangible, documentary stamp or other similar taxes
and charges which the Agent reasonably determines to be payable as a result of
such Loan to any state or any county or municipality thereof in which any of
the Mortgaged Properties are located and deliver to the Agent such affidavits
or other information which the Agent reasonably determines to be necessary in
connection with the payment of such tax, in order to insure that the Security
Deeds on Mortgaged Property located in such state secure the Borrower's
obligation with respect to the Loans then being requested by the Borrower.  The
provisions of this Section 11.8 shall be without limitation of the Borrower's
obligations under other provisions of the Loan Documents, including without
limitation Section 15 hereof.

          12.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION; ETC.

          1.  Events of Default and Acceleration.  If any of the following
events ("Events of Default" or, if the giving of notice or the lapse of time or
both is required, then, prior to such notice or lapse of time, "Defaults")
shall occur:

                 (a)      the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of the
Loans after the same shall become due and payable, whether at the stated date
of maturity or any accelerated date of maturity or at any other date fixed for
payment;

                 (b)      the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on the
Loans, any reimbursement obligations with respect to the Letters of Credit or
any other fees or sums due hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents,
within ten (10) days after the same shall become due and payable, whether at
the stated date of maturity or any accelerated date of maturity or at any other
date fixed for payment;

                 (c)      the Borrower or the Guarantor shall fail to comply
with any covenant contained in Section 9, and such failure shall continue for
thirty (30) days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the
Borrower by the Agent;

                 (d)      the Borrower or the Guarantor or any of its
Subsidiaries shall fail to perform any other material term, covenant or
agreement contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents (other than
those specified above in this Section 12), and such failure shall continue for
thirty (30) days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the
Borrower by the Agent;

                 (e)      any representation or warranty made by or on behalf
of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries in this
Agreement or any other Loan Document, or in any report, certificate, financial
statement, request for a Loan, or in any other document or instrument delivered
pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, any advance of a Loan or any
of the other Loan Documents shall prove to have been false in any





                                      -74-
<PAGE>   76



material respect upon the date when made or deemed to have been made or
repeated;

                 (f)      the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries shall fail to pay at maturity, or within any applicable
period of grace, any obligation for borrowed money or credit received or other
Indebtedness, or fail to observe or perform any material term, covenant or
agreement contained in any agreement by which it is bound, evidencing or
securing any such borrowed money or credit received or other Indebtedness for
such period of time as would permit (assuming the giving of appropriate notice
if required) the holder or holders thereof or of any obligations issued
thereunder to accelerate the maturity thereof; provided that the events
described in this Section 12.1(f) shall not constitute an Event of Default
unless such failure to perform, together with other failures to perform as
described in this Section 12.1(f), involve singly or in the aggregate
obligations for borrowed money or credit received totaling in excess of
$5,000,000.00;

                 (g)      the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries, (i) shall make an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, or admit in writing its general inability to pay or generally fail
to pay its debts as they mature or become due, or shall petition or apply for
the appointment of a trustee or other custodian, liquidator or receiver of any
such Person or of any substantial part of the assets of any thereof, (ii) shall
commence any case or other proceeding relating to any such Person under any
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt,
dissolution or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, now or hereafter
in effect, or (iii) shall take any action to authorize or in furtherance of any
of the foregoing;

                 (h)      a petition or application shall be filed for the
appointment of a trustee or other custodian, liquidator or receiver of any of
the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any
substantial part of the assets of any thereof, or a case or other proceeding
shall be commenced against any such Person under any bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or
liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, now or hereafter in effect, and
any such Person shall indicate its approval thereof, consent thereto or
acquiescence therein or such petition, application, case or proceeding shall
not have been dismissed within sixty (60) days following the filing or
commencement thereof;

                 (i)      a decree or order is entered appointing any such
trustee, custodian, liquidator or receiver or adjudicating any of the Borrower,
the Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries bankrupt or insolvent, or
approving a petition in any such case or other proceeding, or a decree or order
for relief is entered in respect of any such Person, in an involuntary case
under federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter constituted;





                                      -75-
<PAGE>   77

                 (j)      there shall remain in force, undischarged,
unsatisfied and unstayed, for more than sixty (60) days, whether or not
consecutive, any uninsured final judgment against any of the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries that, with other outstanding
uninsured final judgments, undischarged, against such Persons exceeds in the
aggregate $1,000,000.00;

                 (k)      if any of the Loan Documents shall be canceled,
terminated, revoked or rescinded otherwise than in accordance with the terms
thereof or with the express prior written agreement, consent or approval of the
Banks, or any action at law, suit in equity or other legal proceeding to
cancel, revoke or rescind any of the Loan Documents shall be commenced by or on
behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantor  or any of its holders of Voting
Interests, or any court or any other governmental or regulatory authority or
agency of competent jurisdiction shall make a determination that, or issue a
judgment, order, decree or ruling to the effect that, any one or more of the
Loan Documents is illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with the
terms thereof;

                 (l)      any dissolution, termination, partial or complete
liquidation, merger or consolidation of the Borrower or the Guarantor or any
sale, transfer or other disposition of the assets of the Borrower other than as
permitted under the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

                 (m)      any suit or proceeding shall be filed against the
Borrower, the Guarantor or any of the Mortgaged Properties which in the good
faith business judgment of the Majority Banks after giving consideration to the
likelihood of success of such suit or proceeding and the availability of
insurance to cover any judgment with respect thereto and based on the
information available to them, if adversely determined, would have a materially
adverse effect on the ability of the  Borrower or the Guarantor to perform each
and every one of its obligations under and by virtue of the Loan Documents and
such suit or proceeding is not dismissed within sixty (60) days following the
filing or commencement thereof;

                 (n)      the Borrower shall be indicted for a federal crime, a
punishment for which could include the forfeiture of any assets of such person,
including the Mortgaged Property;

                 (o)      with respect to any Guaranteed Pension Plan, an ERISA
Reportable Event shall have occurred and the Majority Banks shall have
determined in their reasonable discretion that such event reasonably could be
expected to result in liability of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries to the PBGC or such Guaranteed Pension Plan in an
aggregate amount exceeding $1,000,000 and such event in the circumstances
occurring reasonably could constitute grounds for the termination of such
Guaranteed Pension Plan by the PBGC or for the appointment by the appropriate
United States District Court of a trustee to administer such Guaranteed Pension
Plan; or a trustee shall have been appointed by





                                      -76-
<PAGE>   78



the United States District Court to administer such Plan; or the PBGC shall
have instituted proceedings to terminate such Guaranteed Pension Plan;

                 (p)      Joel Gershenson, Dennis Gershenson, Richard
Gershenson, Bruce Gershenson and Michael Ward, their family members or estate
planning trusts established for their benefit, shall in the aggregate own,
directly or indirectly, less than ten percent (10.0%) of the issued and
outstanding partnership interests or shares of the Borrower and the Guarantor,
as applicable, on a consolidated basis;

                 (q)      Either of the Chairman or Chief Executive Officer of
the Borrower approved by the Majority Banks on the Closing Date shall cease to
be the Chairman or Chief Executive Officer, as applicable, of the Borrower and
a competent and experienced successor for such Person shall not be approved by
the Majority Banks within six (6) months of such event, such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld; or

                 (r)      any Event of Default as defined in any of the other
Loan Documents, shall occur;

then, and in any such event, the Agent may, and upon the request of the
Majority Banks shall, by notice in writing to the Borrower (i) declare all
amounts owing with respect to this Agreement, the Notes, the Letters of Credit
and the other Loan Documents to be, and they shall thereupon forthwith become,
immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other
notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower
and (ii) require the Borrower to immediately cash collateralize all outstanding
Letters of Credit or obtain replacement letters of credit for such Letters of
Credit, all in a manner satisfactory to the Majority Banks; provided that in
the event of any Event of Default specified in Section 12.1(g), Section 12.1(h)
or Section 12.1(i), all such amounts shall become immediately due and payable
automatically and the Borrower shall be required to immediately so cash
collateralize or replace all outstanding Letters of Credit forthwith, without
any requirement of notice from any of the Banks or the Agent.

          2.  Limitation of Cure Periods.  Notwithstanding the provisions of
subsections (b), (c) and (d) of Section 12.1, the cure periods provided therein
shall not be allowed and the occurrence of a Default thereunder immediately
shall constitute an Event of Default for all purposes of this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents if, within the period of twelve months immediately
preceding the occurrence of such Default, there shall have occurred two periods
of cure or portions thereof under any one or more than one of said subsections.

          3.  Certain Cure Periods.





                                      -77-
<PAGE>   79

                 (a)      In the event that there shall occur any Default under
Section 12.1(c), then within five (5) Business Days after receipt of notice of
such Default from the Agent or the Majority Banks the Borrower may elect to
cure such Default by providing additional Collateral consisting of Potential
Collateral, and/or to reduce the outstanding Loans to it, in which event such
actions shall be completed not later than fifteen (15) days following the date
on which the Borrower is notified that the Majority Banks have approved the
Borrower's proposed actions (or thirty (30) days in the event that the Borrower
intends to provide additional Mortgaged Property).  The Borrower's notice of
its election pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be delivered to the Agent
within the period of five (5) Business Days provided above.  Within five (5)
Business Days after receipt of such advice, the Majority Banks shall advise the
Borrower as to whether in their good faith judgment the actions proposed by the
Borrower are sufficient to cure such Default without the creation of any other
Default hereunder.  In the event that the Majority Banks determine the
Borrower's proposal is insufficient to cure such Default or is otherwise not in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Borrower within an additional
three (3) Business Days after such negative notice may submit to the Agent an
alternative plan or evidence establishing that the Borrower's original election
was sufficient.  In the event that within the times provided herein the
Borrower shall have failed to provide evidence satisfactory to the Majority
Banks that the Borrower's proposed actions are sufficient to cure such Default
in accordance with the terms hereof, the cure period shall terminate and such
Default immediately shall constitute an Event of Default.

                 (b)      In the event that the  Borrower shall elect in whole
or in part under Section 12.3(a) to provide additional Mortgaged Property, (i)
the Real Estate to be added to the Collateral shall be Eligible Real Estate and
on or prior to the expiration of the 30-day period each of the Eligible Real
Estate Qualification Documents shall have been completed at the Borrower's
expense and provided to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks, and (ii) the
Borrower, in addition to any other amounts payable under this Agreement, shall
pay to the Agent within fifteen (15) days following the commencement of such
30-day period a review fee in the amount of $10,000.00, which fee shall be
nonrefundable under any circumstances, to be split equally by the Banks without
regard to their respective Commitment Percentages.

          4.  Termination of Commitments.  If any one or more Events of Default
specified in Section 12.1(g), Section 12.1(h) or Section 12.1(i) shall occur,
then immediately and without any action on the part of the Agent or any Bank
any unused portion of the credit hereunder shall terminate and the Banks shall
be relieved of all obligations to make Loans to the Borrower or to participate
in Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower.  If any other Event of
Default shall have occurred, the Agent, upon the election of the Majority
Banks, may by notice to the Borrower terminate the obligation to make Loans to
the Borrower or to participate in Letters of Credit for the account of the
Borrower.  No termination under this Section 12.4 shall relieve the Borrower of
its obligations to the Banks arising under this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents.





                                      -78-
<PAGE>   80



          5.  Remedies. In case any one or more of the Events of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing, and whether or not the Banks shall have
accelerated the maturity of the Loans pursuant to Section 12.1, the Agent on
behalf of the Banks, may, with the consent of the Majority Banks but not
otherwise, proceed to protect and enforce their rights and remedies under this
Agreement, the Notes, the Letters of Credit or any of the other Loan Documents
by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceeding, whether for
the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any instrument pursuant to which the
Obligations are evidenced, including to the full extent permitted by applicable
law the obtaining of the ex parte appointment of a receiver, and, if such
amount shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, proceed to enforce
the payment thereof or any other legal or equitable right.  No remedy herein
conferred upon the Agent or the holder of any Note is intended to be exclusive
of any other remedy and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be
in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing
at law or in equity or by statute or any other provision of law.  In the event
that all or any portion of the Obligations is collected by or through an
attorney-at- law, the Borrower shall pay all costs of collection including, but
not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees.

          6.  Distribution of Collateral Proceeds.  In the event that,
following the occurrence or during the continuance of any Event of Default, any
monies are received in connection with the enforcement of any of the Security
Documents, or otherwise with respect to the realization upon any of the
Collateral, such monies shall be distributed for application as follows:

                 (a)      First, to the payment of, or (as the case may be) the
reimbursement of, the Agent for or in respect of all reasonable costs,
expenses, disbursements and losses which shall have been incurred or sustained
by the Agent to protect or preserve the collateral or in connection with the
collection of such monies by the Agent, for the exercise, protection or
enforcement by the Agent of all or any of the rights, remedies, powers and
privileges of the Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents
or in respect of the Collateral or in support of any provision of adequate
indemnity to the Agent against any taxes or liens which by law shall have, or
may have, priority over the rights of the Agent to such monies;

                 (b)      Second, to all other Obligations in such order or
preference as the Majority Banks shall determine; provided, however, that (i)
distributions in respect of such Obligations shall be made pari passu among
Obligations with respect to the Agent's fee payable pursuant to Section 4.3 and
all other Obligations, (ii) in the event that any Bank shall have wrongfully
failed or refused to make an advance under Section 2.6 or Section 2.7(f) and
such failure or refusal shall be continuing, advances made by other Banks
during the pendency of such failure or refusal shall be entitled to be repaid
as to principal and accrued interest in priority





                                      -79-
<PAGE>   81

to the other Obligations described in this subsection (b), (iii) Obligations
owing to the Banks with respect to each type of Obligation such as interest,
principal, fees and expenses, shall be made among the Banks pro rata, and (iv)
amounts received or realized from the Borrower shall be applied against the
Obligations of the Borrower; and provided, further that the Majority Banks may
in their discretion make proper allowance to take into account any Obligations
not then due and payable; and

                 (c)      Third, the excess, if any, shall be returned to the
Borrower or to such other Persons as are entitled thereto.

          13.  SETOFF.

         Regardless of the adequacy of any collateral, during the continuance
of any Event of Default, any deposits (general or specific, time or demand,
provisional or final, regardless of currency, maturity, or the branch of where
such deposits are held) or other sums credited by or due from any of the Banks
to the Borrower or the Guarantor and any securities or other property of the
Borrower or the Guarantor in the possession of such Bank may be applied to or
set off against the payment of Obligations of such Person and any and all other
liabilities, direct, or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due,
now existing or hereafter arising, of such Person to such Bank.  Each of the
Banks agrees with each other Bank that if such Bank shall receive from the
Borrower or the Guarantor, whether by voluntary payment, exercise of the right
of setoff, or otherwise, and shall retain and apply to the payment of the Note
or Notes held by such Bank any amount in excess of its ratable portion of the
payments received by all of the Banks with respect to the Notes held by all of
the Banks, such Bank will make such disposition and arrangements with the other
Banks with respect to such excess, either by way of distribution, pro tanto
assignment of claims, subrogation or otherwise as shall result in each Bank
receiving in respect of the Notes held by it its proportionate payment as
contemplated by this Agreement; provided that if all or any part of such excess
payment is thereafter recovered from such Bank, such disposition and
arrangements shall be rescinded and the amount restored to the extent of such
recovery, but without interest.

          14. THE AGENT.

          1.  Authorization.  The Agent is authorized to take such action on
behalf of each of the Banks and to exercise all such powers as are hereunder
and under any of the other Loan Documents and any related documents delegated
to the Agent, together with such powers as are reasonably incident thereto,
provided that no duties or responsibilities not expressly assumed herein or
therein shall be implied to have been assumed by the Agent.  The relationship
between the Agent and the Banks is and shall be that of agent and principal
only, and nothing contained in this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents shall be construed to constitute the Agent as a trustee for any Bank.
The Borrower and any other Person shall be entitled to conclusively rely on a
statement from the Agent that it has the





                                      -80-
<PAGE>   82



authority to act for and bind the Banks pursuant to this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents.

          2.  Employees and Agents.  The Agent may exercise its powers and
execute its duties by or through employees or agents and shall be entitled to
take, and to rely on, advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to
its rights and duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The
Agent may utilize the services of such Persons as the Agent may reasonably
determine, and all reasonable fees and expenses of any such Persons shall be
paid by the Borrower.

          3.  No Liability.  Neither the Agent nor any of its shareholders,
directors, officers or employees nor any other Person assisting them in their
duties nor any agent, or employee thereof, shall be liable to any of the Banks
for any waiver, consent or approval given or any action taken, or omitted to be
taken, in good faith by it or them hereunder or under any of the other Loan
Documents, or in connection herewith or therewith, or be responsible for the
consequences of any oversight or error of judgment whatsoever, except that the
Agent or such other Person, as the case may be, may be liable for losses due to
its willful misconduct or gross negligence.

          4.  No Representations.  The Agent shall not be responsible for the
execution or validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the Notes, any of
the other Loan Documents or any instrument at any time constituting, or
intended to constitute, collateral security for the Notes, or for the value of
any such collateral security or for the validity, enforceability or
collectability of any such amounts owing with respect to the Notes, or for any
recitals or statements, warranties or representations made herein or in any of
the other Loan Documents or in any certificate or instrument hereafter
furnished to it by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries, or be bound to ascertain or inquire as to the
performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, covenants or
agreements herein or in any other of the Loan Documents.  The Agent shall not
be bound to ascertain whether any notice, consent, waiver or request delivered
to it by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any holder of any of the Notes shall
have been duly authorized or is true, accurate and complete.  The Agent has not
made nor does it now make any representations or warranties, express or
implied, nor does it assume any liability to the Banks, with respect to the
creditworthiness or financial condition of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any
of their respective Subsidiaries.  Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Bank, and based
upon such information and documents as it has deemed appropriate, made its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Bank also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or
any other Bank, based upon such information and documents as it deems
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis and decisions
in taking or not





                                      -81-
<PAGE>   83

taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

          5.  Payments.

                 (a)      A payment by the Borrower or the Guarantor to the
Agent hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents for the account of any
Bank shall constitute a payment to such Bank.  The Agent agrees to distribute
to each Bank not later than one Business Day after the Agent's receipt of good
funds, determined in accordance with the Agent's customary practices, such
Bank's pro rata share of payments received by the Agent for the account of the
Banks except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any of the other Loan
Documents.

                 (b)      If in the opinion of the Agent the distribution of
any amount received by it in such capacity hereunder, under the Notes or under
any of the other Loan Documents might involve it in liability, it may refrain
from making distribution until its right to make distribution shall have been
adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction.  If a court of competent
jurisdiction shall adjudge that any amount received and distributed by the
Agent is to be repaid, each Person to whom any such distribution shall have
been made shall either repay to the Agent its proportionate share of the amount
so adjudged to be repaid or shall pay over the same in such manner and to such
Persons as shall be determined by such court.

                 (c)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, any Bank that fails (i) to
make available to the Agent its pro rata share of any Loan or (ii) to comply
with the provisions of Section 13 with respect to making dispositions and
arrangements with the other Banks, where such Bank's share of any payment
received, whether by setoff or otherwise, is in excess of its pro rata share of
such payments due and payable to all of the Banks, in each case as, when and to
the full extent required by the provisions of this Agreement, shall be deemed
delinquent (a "Delinquent Bank") and shall be deemed a Delinquent Bank until
such time as such delinquency is satisfied.  A Delinquent Bank shall be deemed
to have assigned any and all payments due to it from the Borrower, whether on
account of outstanding Loans, interest, fees or otherwise, to the remaining
nondelinquent Banks for application to, and reduction of, their respective pro
rata shares of all outstanding Loans.  The Delinquent Bank hereby authorizes
the Agent to distribute such payments to the nondelinquent Banks in proportion
to their respective pro rata shares of all outstanding Loans.  A Delinquent
Bank shall be deemed to have satisfied in full a delinquency when and if, as a
result of application of the assigned payments to all outstanding Loans of the
nondelinquent Banks or as a result of other payments by the Delinquent Banks to
the nondelinquent Banks, the Banks' respective pro rata shares of all
outstanding Loans have returned to those in effect immediately prior to such
delinquency and without giving effect to the nonpayment causing such
delinquency.

        6.  Holders of Notes.  Subject to the terms of Article 18, the Agent
may deem and





                                      -82-
<PAGE>   84



treat the payee of any Note as the absolute owner or purchaser thereof for all
purposes hereof until it shall have been furnished in writing with a different
name by such payee or by a subsequent holder, assignee or transferee.

          7.  Indemnity.  The Banks ratably hereby agree to indemnify and hold
harmless the Agent from and against any and all claims, actions and suits
(whether groundless or otherwise), losses, damages, costs, expenses (including
any expenses for which the Agent has not been reimbursed by the Borrower as
required by Section 15), and liabilities of every nature and character arising
out of or related to this Agreement, the Notes, or any of the other Loan
Documents or the transactions contemplated or evidenced hereby or thereby, or
the Agent's actions taken hereunder or thereunder, except to the extent that
any of the same shall be directly caused by the Agent's willful misconduct or
gross negligence.

          8.  Agent as Bank.  In its individual capacity, FNBB shall have the
same obligations and the same rights, powers and privileges in respect to its
Commitment and the Loans made by it, and as the holder of any of the Notes as
it would have were it not also the Agent.

          9.  Resignation.  The Agent may resign at any time by giving 60 days'
prior written notice thereof to the Banks and the Borrower.  Upon any such
resignation, the Majority Banks shall have the right to appoint as a successor
Agent any Bank or any bank whose senior debt obligations are rated not less
than "A" or its equivalent by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or not less than
"A" or its equivalent by Standard & Poor's Rating Group Inc. and which has a
net worth of not less than $500,000,000.  Unless a Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, such successor Agent shall be reasonably
acceptable to the Borrower.  If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed
by the Majority Banks and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days
after the retiring Agent's giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring
Agent may, on behalf of the Banks, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be
any Bank or a bank whose debt obligations are rated not less than "A" or its
equivalent by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or not less than "A" or its
equivalent by Standard & Poor's Rating Group Inc. and which has a net worth of
not less than $500,000,000.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent
hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to
and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the
retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations hereunder as Agent.  After any retiring Agent's resignation, the
provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall continue in
effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken
by it while it was acting as Agent.

          10.  Duties in the Case of Enforcement.  In case one or more Events
of Default have occurred and shall be continuing, and whether or not
acceleration of the Obligations shall





                                      -83-
<PAGE>   85

have occurred, the Agent shall, if (a) so requested by the Majority Banks and
(b) the Banks have provided to the Agent such additional indemnities and
assurances against expenses and liabilities as the Agent may reasonably
request, proceed to enforce the provisions of the Security Documents
authorizing the sale or other disposition of all or any part of the Collateral
and exercise all or any such other legal and equitable and other rights or
remedies as it may have in respect of such Collateral.  The Majority Banks may
direct the Agent in writing as to the method and the extent of any such sale or
other disposition, the Banks hereby agreeing to indemnify and hold the Agent
harmless from all liabilities incurred in respect of all actions taken or
omitted in accordance with such directions, provided that the Agent need not
comply with any such direction to the extent that the Agent reasonably believes
the Agent's compliance with such direction to be unlawful or commercially
unreasonable in any applicable jurisdiction.

          15.  EXPENSES.

     The Borrower agrees to pay (a) the reasonable costs of producing and
reproducing this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the other agreements
and instruments mentioned herein, (b) any taxes (including any interest and
penalties in respect thereto) payable by the Agent or any of the Banks (other
than taxes based upon the Agent's or any Bank's gross or net income, except
that the Agent and the Banks shall be entitled to indemnification for any and
all amounts paid by them in respect of taxes based on income or other taxes
assessed by any State in which Mortgaged Property or other Collateral is
located, such indemnification to be limited to taxes due solely on account of
the granting of Collateral under the Security Documents and to be net of any
credit allowed to the indemnified party from any other State on account of the
payment or incurrence of such tax by such indemnified party), including any
recording, mortgage, documentary or intangibles taxes in connection with the
Security Deeds and other Loan Documents, or other taxes payable on or with
respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any such
taxes payable by the Agent or any of the Banks after the Closing Date (the
Borrower hereby agreeing to indemnify the Agent and each Bank with respect
thereto), (c) all title insurance premiums, appraisal fees, engineer's fees,
reasonable internal charges of the Agent (determined in good faith and in
accordance with the Agent's internal policies applicable generally to its
customers) for commercial finance exams and engineering and environmental
reviews and the reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of the counsel to
the Agent and any local counsel to the Agent incurred in connection with the
preparation, administration or interpretation of the Loan Documents and other
instruments mentioned herein (excluding, however, the preparation of agreements
evidencing participation granted under Section 18.4), each closing hereunder,
and amendments, modifications, approvals, consents or waivers hereto or
hereunder, (d) the reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of the Agent
incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation or interpretation of
the Loan Documents and other instruments mentioned herein, and the making of
each advance hereunder, (e) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, which attorneys may be employees of any





                                      -84-
<PAGE>   86



Bank or the Agent and the fees and costs of appraisers, engineers, investment
bankers or other experts retained by any Bank or the Agent) incurred by any
Bank or the Agent in connection with (i) the enforcement of or preservation of
rights under any of the Loan Documents against the Borrower or the Guarantor or
the administration thereof after the occurrence of a Default or Event of
Default and (ii) any litigation, proceeding or dispute whether arising
hereunder or otherwise, in any way related to the Agent's or any of the Bank's
relationship with the Borrower or the Guarantor, (f) all reasonable fees,
expenses and disbursements of any Bank or the Agent incurred in connection with
UCC searches, UCC filings, title rundowns, title searches or mortgage
recordings, and (g) all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) which may be incurred by FNBB and the
other Banks in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents.  The covenants of this Section 15 shall survive
payment or satisfaction of payment of amounts owing with respect to the Notes.

          16.  INDEMNIFICATION.

     The Borrower and the Guarantor jointly and severally, agree to indemnify
and hold harmless the Agent and the Banks and each director, officer, employee,
agent and Person who controls the Agent or any Bank from and against any and
all claims, actions and suits, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and
against any and all liabilities, losses, damages and expenses of every nature
and character arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby including,
without limitation, (a) any leasing fees and any brokerage, finders or similar
fees asserted against any Person indemnified under this Section 16 based upon
any agreement, arrangement or action made or taken, or alleged to have been
made or taken, by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their respective
Subsidiaries, (b) any condition of the Mortgaged Properties, (c) any actual or
proposed use by the Borrower or the Guarantor of the proceeds of any of the
Loans, (d) any actual or alleged infringement of any patent, copyright,
trademark, service mark or similar right of any of the Borrower, the Guarantor
or any of their respective Subsidiaries comprised in the Collateral, (e) the
Borrower entering into or performing this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents, (f) any actual or alleged violation of any law, ordinance, code,
order, rule, regulation, approval, consent, permit or license relating to the
Mortgaged Property, or (g) with respect to the Borrower, the Guarantor and
their respective Subsidiaries and their respective properties and assets, the
violation of any Environmental Law, the Release or threatened Release of any
Hazardous Substances or any action, suit, proceeding or investigation brought
or threatened with respect to any Hazardous Substances (including, but not
limited to claims with respect to wrongful death, personal injury or damage to
property), in each case including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel and allocated costs of internal counsel incurred in
connection with any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding;
provided, however, that neither the Borrower nor the Guarantor





                                      -85-
<PAGE>   87

shall be obligated under this Section 16 to indemnify any Person for
liabilities arising from such Person's own gross negligence or willful
misconduct.  In litigation, or the preparation therefor, the Banks and the
Agent shall be entitled to select a single nationally recognized law firm as
their own counsel and, in addition to the foregoing indemnity, the Borrower and
the Guarantor agree to pay promptly the reasonable fees and expenses of such
counsel.  If, and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower and the
Guarantor under this Section 16 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower
and the Guarantor hereby agree to make the maximum contribution to the payment
in satisfaction of such obligations which is permissible under applicable law.
The provisions of this Section 16 shall survive the repayment of the Loans and
the termination of the obligations of the Banks hereunder.

          17.  SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS, ETC.

     All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein, in
the Notes, in any of the other Loan Documents or in any documents or other
papers delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or thereto shall be deemed to have been
relied upon by the Banks and the Agent, notwithstanding any investigation
heretofore or hereafter made by any of them, and shall survive the making by
the Banks of any of the Loans, as herein contemplated, and shall continue in
full force and effect so long as any amount due under this Agreement or the
Notes or any of the other Loan Documents remains outstanding or any Bank has
any obligation to make any Loans.  The indemnification obligations of the
Borrower and the Guarantor provided herein and the other Loan Documents shall
survive the full repayment of amounts due and the termination of the
obligations of the Banks hereunder and thereunder to the extent provided herein
and therein.  All statements contained in any certificate or other paper
delivered to any Bank or the Agent at any time by or on behalf of the Borrower,
the Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall constitute
representations and warranties by the such person hereunder.

          18.  ASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPATION.

          1.  Conditions to Assignment by Banks.  Except as provided herein,
each Bank may assign to one or more banks or other entities all or a portion of
its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a
portion of its Commitment Percentage and Commitment and the same portion of the
Loans at the time owing to it, and the Notes held by it); provided that (a)
each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of
all the assigning Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement, (b) the
parties to such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for
recording in the Register (as hereinafter defined), a notice of such
assignment, together with any Notes subject to such assignment, (c) in no event
shall any voting, consent or approval rights of a Bank be assigned to any
Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with, or which is not





                                      -86-
<PAGE>   88



otherwise free from influence or control by, any of the Borrower or the
Guarantor, which rights shall instead be allocated pro rata among the other
remaining Banks, (d) such assignee shall have a net worth as of the date of
such assignment of not less than $500,000,000, (e) such assignee shall acquire
an interest in the Loans of not less than $10,000,000, (f) the assignor shall
assign its entire interest in the Loans or retain an interest in the Loans of
not less than $10,000,000 and (g) each such assignment shall be subject to the
approval of the Agent, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Upon
such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, of such notice of
assignment, (i) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and all other
Loan Documents executed by the Banks and, to the extent provided in such
assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Bank hereunder, and (ii) the
assigning Bank shall, to the extent provided in such assignment and upon
payment to the Agent of the registration fee referred to in Section 18.2, be
released from its obligations under this Agreement.  In connection with each
assignment, the assignee shall represent and warrant to the Agent, the assignor
and each other Bank as to whether such assignee is controlling, controlled by,
under common control with or is not otherwise free from influence or control
by, the Borrower or the Guarantor.  In the event that, as of result of any such
assignment, the Agent in its capacity as a Bank retains an interest in the
Loans of less than $15,000,000 and such amount is less than the retained
interest of any other Bank, then the Agent shall offer to resign as Agent for
the Banks.

          2.  Register.  The Agent shall maintain a copy of each assignment
delivered to it and a register or similar list (the "Register") for the
recordation of the names and addresses of the Banks and the Commitment
Percentages of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to the Banks from time
to time.  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of
manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Banks may treat each Person
whose name is recorded in the Register as a Bank hereunder for all purposes of
this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower
and the Banks at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable
prior notice.  Upon each such recordation, the assigning Bank agrees to pay to
the Agent a registration fee in the sum of $2,000.

          3.  New Notes.  Upon its receipt of an assignment executed by the
parties to such assignment, together with each Note subject to such assignment,
the Agent shall (a) record the information contained therein in the Register,
and (b) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower and the Banks (other than
the assigning Bank).  Within five Business Days after receipt of such notice,
the Borrower, at its own expense, shall execute and deliver to the Agent, in
exchange for each surrendered Note, a new Note to the order of such assignee in
an amount equal to the amount assumed by such assignee pursuant to such
assignment and, if the assigning Bank has retained some portion of its
obligations hereunder, a new Note to the order of the assigning Bank in an
amount equal to the amount retained by it hereunder and shall cause the
Guarantor to deliver to the Agent an acknowledgment in form and substance





                                      -87-
<PAGE>   89

satisfactory to the Agent to the effect that the Guaranty extends to and is
applicable to each new Note.  Such new Notes shall provide that they are
replacements for the surrendered Notes, shall be in an aggregate principal
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the surrendered Notes, shall
be dated the effective date of such assignment and shall otherwise be in
substantially the form of the assigned Notes.  The surrendered Notes shall be
canceled and returned to the Borrower.

          4.  Participations.  Each Bank may sell participations to one or more
banks or other entities in all or a portion of such Bank's rights and
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that
(a) any such sale or participation shall not affect the rights and duties of
the selling Bank hereunder to the Borrower, (b) such participation shall not
entitle such participant to any rights or privileges under this Agreement or
any Loan Documents, including without limitation, the right to approve waivers,
amendments or modifications, (c) such participant shall have no direct rights
against the Borrower or the Guarantor except the rights granted to the Banks
pursuant to Section 13, (d) such sale is effected in accordance with all
applicable laws, and (e) such participant shall not be a Person controlling,
controlled  by or under common control with, or which is not otherwise free
from influence or control by the Borrower or the Guarantor.  Any Bank which
sells a participation shall promptly notify the Agent of such sale and the
identity of the purchaser of such interest.

          5.  Pledge by Bank.  Any Bank may at any time pledge all or any
portion of its interest and rights under this Agreement (including all or any
portion of its Note) to any of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks organized under
Section 4 of the Federal Reserve Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 341. No such pledge or
the enforcement thereof shall release the pledgor Bank from its obligations
hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents.

          6.  No Assignment by Borrower or Guarantor.  Neither the Borrower nor
the Guarantor shall assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under
any of the Loan Documents without the prior written consent of each of the
Banks.

          7.  Disclosure.  The Borrower and the Guarantor each agrees that in
addition to disclosures made in accordance with standard banking practices any
Bank may disclose information obtained by such Bank pursuant to this Agreement
to assignees or participants and potential assignees or participants hereunder.

          8.  Amendments to Loan Documents.  Upon any such assignment or
participation, the Borrower and the Guarantor shall, upon the request of the
Agent, enter into such documents as may be reasonably required by the Agent to
modify the Loan Documents to reflect such assignment or participation.

          19.  NOTICES.





                                      -88-
<PAGE>   90



         Each notice, demand, election or request provided for or permitted to
be given pursuant to this Agreement (hereinafter in this Section 19 referred to
as "Notice"), but specifically excluding to the maximum extent permitted by law
any notices of the institution or commencement of foreclosure proceedings, must
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been properly given or served by
personal delivery or by sending same by overnight courier or by depositing same
in the United States Mail, postpaid and registered or certified, return receipt
requested, or as expressly permitted herein, by telegraph, telecopy, telefax or
telex, and addressed as follows:

         If to the Agent or FNBB:

                    The First National Bank of Boston
                    100 Federal Street
                    Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                    Attn:  Real Estate Division/Ramco-Gershenson Account Officer

         With a copy to:

                    The First National Bank of Boston
                    115 Perimeter Center Place, N.E.
                    Suite 500
                    Atlanta, Georgia  30346
                    Attn: Daniel J. Sullivan or Ramco-Gershenson Account Officer
                    Telecopy No.: (770) 390-8434

         and to:

                    Winston & Strawn
                    35 West Wacker Drive
                    Chicago, Illinois 60601
                    Attn: Charles E. Stahl, Esq.
                    Telecopy No.: (312) 558-5700

         If to NBD:

                    NBD Bank
                    611 Woodward Avenue, 3rd Floor
                    Detroit, Michigan 48226
                    Attn:  Commercial Real Estate Division
                    Telecopy No.:  (313) 225-3939





                                      -89-
<PAGE>   91


         If to the Borrower or the Guarantor:

                          Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P.
                          Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
                          27600 Northwestern Highway
                          Southfield, Michigan 48034
                          Attn: Chief Executive Officer
                          Telecopy No. (810) 350-9925

         With a copy to:
                          Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn
                          2290 First National Building
                          Detroit, MI 48226
                          Attn: Alan M. Hurvitz, Esq.
                          Telecopy No.: (313) 962-0176

and to each other Bank which may hereafter become a party to this Agreement at
such address as may be designated by such Bank.  Each Notice shall be effective
upon being personally delivered or upon being sent by overnight courier or upon
being deposited in the United States Mail as aforesaid.  The time period in
which a response to such Notice must be given or any action taken with respect
thereto (if any), however, shall commence to run from the date of receipt if
personally delivered or sent by overnight courier, or if so deposited in the
United States Mail, the earlier of three (3) Business Days following such
deposit or the date of receipt as disclosed on the return receipt.  Rejection
or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of changed
address for which no notice was given shall be deemed to be receipt of the
Notice sent.  By giving at least fifteen (15) days prior Notice thereof, the
Borrower, a Bank or Agent shall have the right from time to time and at any
time during the term of this Agreement to change their respective addresses and
each shall have the right to specify as its address any other address within
the United States of America.

          20.  RELATIONSHIP.

         The relationship between each Bank and the Borrower is solely that of
a lender and borrower, and nothing contained herein or in any of the other Loan
Documents shall in any manner be construed as making the parties hereto
partners, joint venturers or any other relationship other than lender and
borrower.

          21.  GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE.

         THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED THEREIN, ARE CONTRACTS UNDER THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN AND SHALL





                                      -90-
<PAGE>   92



FOR ALL PURPOSES BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF
SUCH STATE (EXCLUDING THE LAWS APPLICABLE TO CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW).  THE
BORROWER AND THE GUARANTOR EACH AGREES THAT ANY SUIT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF
THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS
OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN AND
CONSENT TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURT AND THE SERVICE OF
PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT BRING MADE UPON THE BORROWER OR THE GUARANTOR BY MAIL
AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN Section 19.  THE BORROWER AND THE GUARANTOR EACH
HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF
ANY SUCH SUIT OR ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH SUIT IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT
COURT.

          22.  HEADINGS.

         The captions in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only
and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof.

          23.  COUNTERPARTS.

         This Agreement and any amendment hereof may be executed in several
counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be an original, and all of which together shall
constitute one instrument.  In proving this Agreement it shall not be necessary
to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party
against whom enforcement is sought.

          24.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT, ETC.

         The Loan Documents and any other documents executed in connection
herewith or therewith express the entire understanding of the parties with
respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.  Neither this Agreement nor
any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated, except as
provided in Section 27.

          25.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL AND CERTAIN DAMAGE CLAIMS.

     EACH OF THE BORROWER, THE GUARANTOR, THE AGENT AND THE BANKS HEREBY WAIVES
ITS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF
ANY DISPUTE IN CONNECTION





                                      -91-
<PAGE>   93

WITH THIS AGREEMENT, ANY NOTE OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, ANY RIGHTS OR
OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR THE PERFORMANCE OF SUCH RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS.  EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED BY LAW, THE BORROWER
AND THE GUARANTOR EACH HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT  MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER
IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES.  THE
BORROWER AND THE GUARANTOR EACH (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR
ATTORNEY OF ANY BANK OR THE AGENT HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT
SUCH BANK OR THE AGENT WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE
THE FOREGOING WAIVERS AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE AGENT AND THE BANKS HAVE
BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS TO WHICH
THEY ARE PARTIES BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS
CONTAINED IN THIS Section 25.

          26.  DEALINGS WITH THE BORROWER OR THE GUARANTOR.

         The Banks and their affiliates may accept deposits from, extend credit
to and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with
the Borrower, the Guarantor, their respective Subsidiaries or any of their
affiliates regardless of the capacity of the Bank hereunder.

          27.  CONSENTS, AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS, ETC.

         Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any consent
or approval required or permitted by this Agreement may be given, and any term
of this Agreement or of any other instrument related hereto or mentioned herein
may be amended, and the performance or observance by the Borrower or the
Guarantor of any terms of this Agreement or such other instrument or the
continuance of any Default or Event of Default may be waived (either generally
or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with,
but only with, the written consent of the Majority Banks.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, none of the following may occur without the written consent of each
Bank:  a change in the rate of interest on and the term of the Notes; the
amount of the Commitments of the Banks; a reduction or waiver of the principal
of any unpaid Loan or any interest thereon; the amount of any fee (other than
late fees) payable to a Bank hereunder; the release of the Borrower, the
Guarantor or any Collateral except as otherwise provided herein; or an
amendment of the definition of Majority Banks or of any requirement for consent
by all of the Banks.  The amount of the Agent's fee payable for the Agent's
account and the provisions of Section 14 may not be amended without the written
consent of the Agent.  The Borrower and the Guarantor each agrees to enter into
such modifications or amendments of this Agreement or





                                      -92-
<PAGE>   94



the other Loan Documents as may be reasonably requested by FNBB in connection
with the acquisition by each Bank acquiring all or a portion of the Commitment,
provided that no such amendment or modification materially affects or increases
any of the obligations of the Borrower or the Guarantor hereunder.  No waiver
shall extend to or affect any obligation not expressly waived or impair any
right consequent thereon.  No course of dealing or delay or omission on the
part of the Agent or any Bank in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver
thereof or otherwise be prejudicial thereto.  No notice to or demand upon the
Borrower or the Guarantor shall entitle the Borrower and the Guarantor to other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

          28.  SEVERABILITY.

         The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any one clause
or provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part
in any jurisdiction, then such invalidity or unenforceability shall affect only
such clause or provision, or part thereof, in such jurisdiction, and shall not
in any manner affect such clause or provision in any other jurisdiction, or any
other clause or provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

          29.  TIME OF THE ESSENCE.

         Time is of the essence with respect to each and every covenant,
agreement and obligation of the Borrower or the Guarantor under this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents.

          30.  NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS.

         THE WRITTEN LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR
SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.  ANY ADDITIONAL TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE PARTIES ARE SET FORTH BELOW.

          31.    TRUST EXCULPATION.

         All persons having a claim against the Guarantor, the general partner
of the Borrower whose signature is affixed hereto as said general partner,
hereunder or in connection with any matter that is subject hereof shall look
solely to the trust assets of the trust, and in no event shall the obligations
of the Guarantor be enforceable against any shareholder, trustee, officer,
employee or agent of the Guarantor personally.





                                      -93-
<PAGE>   95



                            [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]





                                      -94-
<PAGE>   96

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement
as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above.

                             RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST

                             By:  /s/ Dennis Gershenson             
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Dennis Gershenson, President

                             
                             RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.

                             By:  Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust,
                                   its General Partner

                             By:  /s/ Dennis Gershenson             
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Dennis Gershenson, President


                             THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
                             individually and as Agent




                             NBD BANK

                             By:
                                 --------------------------------

                             Title:
                                    -----------------------------

                             By:
                                 --------------------------------

                             Title:
                                    -----------------------------




                                      -95-
<PAGE>   97



                             EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES


EXHIBIT A                 FORM OF NOTE
                          
EXHIBIT B                 FORM OF REQUEST FOR LOAN
                          
EXHIBIT C                 FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
                          
EXHIBIT D                 FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT APPLICATION

SCHEDULE 1                BANKS AND COMMITMENTS

SCHEDULE 6.7              LITIGATION

SCHEDULE 6.15             AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS

SCHEDULE 6.19             SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE 6.22             AGREEMENTS

SCHEDULE 8.1              INDEBTEDNESS

SCHEDULE 8.2              LIENS










                                      -1-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 10.20

                                      NOTE

$25,000,000.00
June 24, 1996


         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership, hereby promises to pay to The First National
Bank of Boston or order, in accordance with the terms of that certain Amended
and Restated Master Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 1996 (the
"Credit Agreement"), as from time to time in effect, among the undersigned, The
First National Bank of Boston, for itself and as Agent, NBD Bank and such other
Banks as may be from time to time named therein, to the extent not sooner paid,
on or before the Maturity Date, the principal sum of Twenty-Five Million
Dollars ($25,000,000.00), or such amount as may be advanced by the payee hereof
under the Credit Agreement with daily interest from the date hereof, computed
as provided in the Credit Agreement, on the principal amount hereof from time
to time unpaid, at a rate per annum on each portion of the principal amount
which shall at all times be equal to the rate of interest applicable to such
portion in accordance with the Credit Agreement, and with interest on overdue
principal and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on overdue
installments of interest and late charges at the rates provided in the Credit
Agreement. Interest shall be payable on the dates specified in the Credit
Agreement, except that all accrued interest shall be paid at the stated or
accelerated maturity hereof or upon the prepayment in full hereof.  Capitalized
terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set
forth in the Credit Agreement.

         Payments hereunder shall be made to The First National Bank of Boston,
as Agent for the payee hereof, 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

         This Note is one of one or more Notes evidencing borrowings under and
is entitled to the benefits and subject to the provisions of the Credit
Agreement.  The principal of this Note may be due and payable in whole or in
part prior to the maturity date stated above and is subject to mandatory
prepayment in the amounts and under the circumstances set forth in the Credit
Agreement, and may be prepaid in whole or from time to time in part, all as set
forth in the Credit Agreement.  The Note is issued in substitution of and in
renewal and extension of, but not in payment of, the Note dated May 6, 1996, in
the principal amount of Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000.00) issued to
The First National Bank of Boston pursuant to the Master Revolving Credit
Agreement dated as of May 6, 1996 prior to its amendment and restatement on the
date hereof.

         Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, all agreements
between the undersigned Borrower and the Banks and the Agent, whether now
existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral, are hereby limited
so that in no contingency, whether by reason of acceleration of the maturity of
any of the Obligations or otherwise, shall the interest contracted for, charged
or received by the Banks exceed the maximum amount permissible under applicable
law. If, from any circumstance whatsoever, interest would otherwise be payable
to the Banks in excess of the maximum lawful amount, the interest payable to
the Banks shall be reduced to the maximum amount permitted under applicable
law; and if from any circumstance the Banks shall ever receive anything of
value deemed interest by applicable law in excess of the maximum lawful amount,
an amount equal to any excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of
the principal balance of the Obligations of the undersigned Borrower and to the
payment of interest
<PAGE>   2

or, if such excessive interest exceeds the unpaid balance of principal of the
Obligations of the undersigned Borrower, such excess shall be refunded to the
undersigned Borrower.  All interest paid or agreed to be paid to the Banks
shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated,
allocated and spread throughout the full period until payment in full of the
principal of the Obligations of the undersigned Borrower (including the period
of any renewal or extension thereof) so that the interest thereon for such full
period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. This
paragraph shall control all agreements between the undersigned Borrower and the
Banks and the Agent.

         In case an Event of Default shall occur, the entire principal amount
of this Note may become or be declared due and payable in the manner and with
the effect provided in said Credit Agreement. In addition to and not in
limitation of the foregoing and the provisions of the Credit Agreement
hereinabove defined, the undersigned further agrees, subject only to any
limitation imposed by applicable law, to pay all expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and legal expenses, incurred by the holder of this Note in
endeavoring to collect any amounts payable hereunder which are not paid when
due, whether by acceleration or otherwise.

         This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Michigan (without giving effect to the conflict of laws
rules of any jurisdiction).

         The undersigned maker and all guarantors and endorsers, hereby waive
presentment, demand, notice, protest, notice of intention to accelerate the
indebtedness evidenced hereby, notice of acceleration of the indebtedness
evidenced hereby and all other demands and notices in connection with the
delivery, acceptance, performance and enforcement of this Note, except as
specifically otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, and assent to
extensions of time of payment or forbearance or other indulgence without
notice.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned has by its duly authorized
officers, executed this Note under seal as of the day and year first above
written.

                                               RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.

                                     By:      Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust,
                                                             its General Partner

                                      By:     /s/ Dennis Gershenson             

                             Title:           President                         

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 10.21


                                      NOTE

$25,000,000.00
June 24, 1996


         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership, hereby promises to pay to NBD Bank or order, in
accordance with the terms of that certain Amended and Restated Master Revolving
Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 1996 (the "Credit Agreement"), as from
time to time in effect, among the undersigned, The First National Bank of
Boston, for itself and as Agent, NBD Bank and such other Banks as may be from
time to time named therein, to the extent not sooner paid, on or before the
Maturity Date, the principal sum of Twenty-Five Million Dollars
($25,000,000.00), or such amount as may be advanced by the payee hereof under
the Credit Agreement with daily interest from the date hereof, computed as
provided in the Credit Agreement, on the principal amount hereof from time to
time unpaid, at a rate per annum on each portion of the principal amount which
shall at all times be equal to the rate of interest applicable to such portion
in accordance with the Credit Agreement, and with interest on overdue principal
and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on overdue installments of
interest and late charges at the rates provided in the Credit Agreement.
Interest shall be payable on the dates specified in the Credit Agreement,
except that all accrued interest shall be paid at the stated or accelerated
maturity hereof or upon the prepayment in full hereof.  Capitalized terms used
herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in
the Credit Agreement.

         Payments hereunder shall be made to The First National Bank of Boston,
as Agent for the payee hereof, 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

         This Note is one of one or more Notes evidencing borrowings under and
is entitled to the benefits and subject to the provisions of the Credit
Agreement.  The principal of this Note may be due and payable in whole or in
part prior to the maturity date stated above and is subject to mandatory
prepayment in the amounts and under the circumstances set forth in the Credit
Agreement, and may be prepaid in whole or from time to time in part, all as set
forth in the Credit Agreement.

         Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, all agreements
between the undersigned Borrower and the Banks and the Agent, whether now
existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral, are hereby limited
so that in no contingency, whether by reason of acceleration of the maturity of
any of the Obligations or otherwise, shall the interest contracted for, charged
or received by the Banks exceed the maximum amount permissible under applicable
law. If, from any circumstance whatsoever, interest would otherwise be payable
to the Banks in excess of the maximum lawful amount, the interest payable to
the Banks shall be reduced to the maximum amount permitted under applicable
law; and if from any circumstance the Banks shall ever receive anything of
value deemed interest by applicable law in excess of the maximum lawful amount,
an amount equal to any excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of
the principal balance of the Obligations of the undersigned Borrower and to the
payment of interest or, if such excessive interest exceeds the unpaid balance
of principal of the Obligations of the undersigned Borrower, such excess shall
be refunded to the undersigned Borrower.  All interest paid or agreed to be
paid to the Banks shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be
amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until
payment in full of the
<PAGE>   2

principal of the Obligations of the undersigned Borrower (including the period
of any renewal or extension thereof) so that the interest thereon for such full
period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. This
paragraph shall control all agreements between the undersigned Borrower and the
Banks and the Agent.

         In case an Event of Default shall occur, the entire principal amount
of this Note may become or be declared due and payable in the manner and with
the effect provided in said Credit Agreement. In addition to and not in
limitation of the foregoing and the provisions of the Credit Agreement
hereinabove defined, the undersigned further agrees, subject only to any
limitation imposed by applicable law, to pay all expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and legal expenses, incurred by the holder of this Note in
endeavoring to collect any amounts payable hereunder which are not paid when
due, whether by acceleration or otherwise.

         This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Michigan (without giving effect to the conflict of laws
rules of any jurisdiction).

         The undersigned maker and all guarantors and endorsers, hereby waive
presentment, demand, notice, protest, notice of intention to accelerate the
indebtedness evidenced hereby, notice of acceleration of the indebtedness
evidenced hereby and all other demands and notices in connection with the
delivery, acceptance, performance and enforcement of this Note, except as
specifically otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, and assent to
extensions of time of payment or forbearance or other indulgence without
notice.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned has by its duly authorized
officers, executed this Note under seal as of the day and year first above
written.

                                               RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.

                                     By:      Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust,
                                                             its General Partner

                             By:     Dennis Gershenson                          

                             Title:           President                         

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.22

                                 LOAN AGREEMENT




                                 BY AND BETWEEN


                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.


                                      AND

                 THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                                                 Loan No. 157670
<PAGE>   2


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                          Page #
                                  ARTICLE I
                                 DEFINITIONS
                                                                               1

                                 ARTICLE II
                                  THE LOAN
                                                                               2

Section 2.1.  Loan                                                             2
Section 2.2.  Loan Documents                                                   2

                                 ARTICLE III
            REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
                                                                               2

Section 3.1.  No Consent Required                                              2
Section 3.2.  No Conflicting Law or Agreement                                  2
Section 3.3.  Binding Obligations                                              3
Section 3.4.  Filing Fees                                                      3
Section 3.5.  Further Assurances                                               3
Section 3.6.  Name                                                             3
Section 3.7.  Chief Executive Office                                           3
Section 3.8.  Notice of Certain Events                                         3
Section 3.9.  Full and Faithful Disclosure                                     3
Section 3.10.  Financial Statements and Reports                                3
Section 3.11.  Impairment of Business or Property                              3
Section 3.12.  Maintenance of Premises                                         3
Section 3.13.  Utilities                                                       4
Section 3.14.  No Defaults                                                     4
Section 3.15.  Disclosure of Litigation                                        4
Section 3.16.  Payment of Obligations                                          4
Section 3.17.  Certifications by Borrower                                      4
Section 3.18.  Use of Lender's Name                                            4
Section 3.19.  Notice to Lender Upon Perceived Breach                          4
Section 3.20.  Prohibition Against Removal or Material Alteration              4

                                   ARTICLE IV
                             TAXES AND INSURANCE
                                                                               4

Section 4.1.  Taxes; Governmental Charges                                      4
Section 4.2.  Taxes and Other Encumbrances                                     4
Section 4.3.  Tax and Insurance Deposits                                       4
Section 4.4.  Insurance Coverages                                              5

                                   ARTICLE V
                   DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION; INSURANCE PROCEEDS
                                                                               5

Section 5.1.  Notice                                                           5
Section 5.2.  Assignment of Insurance Proceeds; Authority to Settle Claims     5
Section 5.3.  Lender's Election Regarding Insurance Proceeds                   6
Section 5.4.  Destruction                                                      6
Section 5.5.  Application of Proceeds                                          6
Section 5.6.  Restoration                                                      6
Section 5.7.  Payment of Deposited Funds                                       6
Section 5.8.  Application of Insurance Proceeds in Event of Default            6

                                   ARTICLE VI
                      EMINENT DOMAIN; CONDEMNATION AWARDS
                                                                               7

Section 6.1.  Notice                                                           7
Section 6.2.  Assignment of Condemnation Awards                                7
Section 6.3.  Total Taking                                                     7
Section 6.4.  Partial Taking - Lender's Election                               7
Section 6.5.  Abandonment; Failure of Borrower to Respond to Offer, etc        7
Section 6.6.  Application of Proceeds                                          7
Section 6.7.  Expenses                                                         7
Section 6.8.  Application of Condemnation Awards in Event of Default           7

                                  ARTICLE VII
                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
                                                                               7

Section 7.1.  Environmental Indemnity Agreements                               7
Section 7.2.  Entry Upon Premises                                              7





                                       i
<PAGE>   3


                                  ARTICLE VIII
                             DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
                                                                               8

Section 8.1.  Events of Default                                                8
Section 8.2.  Remedies                                                         8
Section 8.3.  Additional Amount Due After Acceleration                         8
Section 8.4.  Remedies Not Exclusive                                           8

                                   ARTICLE IX
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
                                                                               8


Section 9.1.  Right to Inspect; Right to Require Management Agent              8
Section 9.2.  No Effect on Liability                                           8
Section 9.3.  Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement                              8
Section 9.4.  No Marshalling of Assets                                         8
Section 9.5.  Transfer of Loan                                                 9
Section 9.6.  Notices                                                          9
Section 9.7.  Joint and Several Liability                                      9
Section 9.8.  Severability                                                     9
Section 9.9.  Binding Effect; No Assignment                                    9
Section 9.10.  Entire Agreement                                                9
Section 9.11.  Counterparts                                                    9
Section 9.12.  Negotiated Document                                             9
Section 9.13.  Not Partners; No Third Party Beneficiaries                      9
Section 9.14.  Governing Law                                                   9
Section 9.15.  Modification Procedure                                          9
Section 9.16.  No Waiver                                                       9
Section 9.17.  Captions                                                       10
Section 9.18.  Incorporation of Exhibits                                      10
Section 9.19.  Time of Essence                                                10
Section 9.20.  Gender and Number                                              10
Section 9.21.  Maximum Interest Payable                                       10
Section 9.22.  Payment by any Party                                           10
Section 9.23.  Fee for Services Rendered                                      10
Section 9.24.  Indemnity; Lender's Expenses                                   10
Section 9.25.  Jurisdiction                                                   10
Section 9.26.  Waiver of Trial by Jury                                        10
Section 9.27.  Additional Provisions                                          10





                                       ii
<PAGE>   4

                                                                  Loan No. 15760

                                 LOAN AGREEMENT


         THIS LOAN AGREEMENT ("Loan Agreement") is entered into as of the 1ST
day of May 1996, by and between RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.
("Borrower"), A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, and THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY ("Lender"), an Indiana corporation.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

        WHEREAS, Lender has agreed to extend credit to Borrower, on certain
terms and conditions; and

         WHEREAS, one condition to Lender's agreement to extend credit to
Borrower is that Lender and Borrower must enter into a comprehensive loan
agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of the extension of credit to
Borrower;

         NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement to cause Lender to extend credit to
Borrower, and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, Lender and Borrower agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

         As used in this Loan Agreement or in any Collateral Loan Document, the
following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings, unless the
context expressly requires otherwise:

         "Bankruptcy Code" means the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as it may
be amended from time to time.

         "Collateral" means any and all Property now or hereafter securing the
Obligations.

         "Collateral Loan Documents" means, collectively, the Commitment, this
Loan Agreement, the Environmental Indemnity Agreements and the other documents
(except for the Note and the Mortgage) listed in Section 2.2 hereof, and each
writing furnished Lender in connection with this Loan Agreement, whenever
delivered.  SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, SECTION 1.
         "Commitment" means that certain letter of application dated APRIL 12,
1995,submitted by Borrower with respect to the Loan and accepted by Lincoln
National Investment Management Company on behalf of Lender on APRIL 18, 1995,
AS FURTHER MODIFIED BY BORROWER'S LETTERS DATED JULY 14, 1995, AUGUST 14, 1995,
AUGUST 18, 1995 AND DECEMBER 4, 1995, AND LENDER'S LETTERS DATED AUGUST 4,
1995, AUGUST 18, 1995, AUGUST 25, 1995, SEPTEMBER 22, 1995, OCTOBER 17, 1995,
NOVEMBER 17, 1995, DECEMBER 1, 1995 AND DECEMBER 28, 1995.

         "Debt" means, with respect to any Person, all liabilities and
obligations, contingent or otherwise, of that Person including, but not limited
to, any nonrecourse obligations secured by Property of that Person.

         "Default" means the occurrence of any of the events specified in
Section 8.1 hereof, as to which any requirement for notice or lapse of time (or
both) has been satisfied.

         "Default Condition" means the occurrence of any of the events
specified in Section 8.1 hereof, in the Note, the Mortgage, or in any of the
Collateral Loan Documents which, with the giving of notice or passage of time
(or both) would constitute a Default hereunder.

         "Default Rate" means an interest rate equal to the lesser of four
percentage points (4%) in excess of the Interest Rate (as defined in the Note)
or the maximum rate of interest permissible under applicable law.

         "Encumbrance" means any interest in any Property in favor of one not
the owner thereof, whether voluntary or involuntary, including, but not limited
to, (i) the lien or security interest arising from deed of trust, mortgage,
pledge, security agreement, conditional sale, capital lease, consignment, or
bailment for security purposes, and (ii) reservations, exceptions,
encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions,
leases, and other title exceptions.

         "Environmental Indemnity Agreements" means, collectively, those
certain environmental indemnity agreements described in Sections 2.2 and 7.1
hereof.

         "Financial Statements" means all balance sheets, income statements,
and statements of cash flow for Borrower and any guarantors, delivered by
Borrower and any guarantors of the Secured Indebtedness or of Borrower's
obligations hereunder, to Lender prior to the date hereof or pursuant to the
requirements hereof or of any Collateral Loan Document.

         "Hazardous Substances" shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in
the Environmental Indemnity Agreements.

         "Improvements" means all structures, buildings and other improvements
now upon or which may hereafter be put upon the Real Property (as more
particularly defined in the Mortgage).

         "Lease" shall have the same meaning ascribed to that term in the
Assignment of Leases, Rents and Profits of even date herewith.

         "Lender" means The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, its
successors and assigns.





                                       1
<PAGE>   5


         "Loan" means the loan to be made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to the
Note and this Loan Agreement.

         "Mortgage" or "Mortgages", as the context requires, means those
certain mortgage and security agreements described in Section 2.2.

         "Note" means that certain note described in Section 2.2.

         "Obligations" means all present and future Debts of Borrower to
Lender, whether arising by contract, tort, guaranty, overdraft, or otherwise;
whether or not the advances or events creating such Debts are presently
foreseen; whether such Debt was originally payable to Lender or are acquired by
Lender from another Person; and regardless of the class of the Debts, be they
otherwise secured or unsecured.  Without limiting the foregoing, the
"Obligations" specifically include the obligation of Borrower under the Note,
the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents to perform the covenants and
agreements contained therein and in any modification, extension or amendment
thereof.

         "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, trust,
unincorporated organization, government, or any agency or political subdivision
thereof, or any other form of entity.

         "Personal Property" means all fixtures and articles of property now or
hereafter attached to or used or adopted for use in the operation of the Real
Property or the Improvements (as more particularly defined in the Mortgage).

         "Premises" means the Real Property and any Improvements, Personal
Property or Property located thereon.

         "Property" or "Properties" means any interest in any kind of property,
whether real, personal, or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

         "Real Property" means that certain real property described on Exhibit
A to the Mortgage and all present and future fixtures, leases, rents, and other
appurtenant rights.

         "Restoration" shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in Section
5.6 hereof.

         "Secured Indebtedness" means the indebtedness, now or hereafter
secured by the Mortgage (as more particularly defined in the Mortgage).


                                   ARTICLE II
                                    THE LOAN

        Section 2.1.  Loan.  Concurrently with the execution of this Loan
Agreement, Lender shall make the Loan to Borrower on the terms set forth in the
Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents.

        Section 2.2.  Loan Documents.  Concurrently with the execution hereof,
and as a condition to this Loan, Borrower shall deliver to Lender the following
documents, all fully executed by the appropriate parties and in form and
substance acceptable to Lender:

         (a)     This Loan Agreement.

         (b)     THAT CERTAIN NOTE OF EVEN DATE HEREWITH IN THE AMOUNT OF
SEVENTY-SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED
TWENTY-FOUR DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-THREE CENTS ($77,585,524.73) (THE "NOTE"),
payable to the order of Lender.

         (c)     THOSE certain Mortgage and Security AGREEMENTS conveying to a
mortgagee thereunder, the Premises described on Exhibit A thereto.

         (d)     All U.C.C. Financing Statements to be filed with the
appropriate governmental offices to perfect the security interests granted
under the Mortgage and the Collateral Loan Documents.

         (e)     One or more Environmental Indemnity Agreements executed by
Borrower and Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, dated  May 1, 1996,
respectively.

         (f)     Such other documents, assignments, certificates, agreements,
opinions, title insurance policies, environmental assessments, and indemnities
as are required by Lender pursuant to the Commitment or as Lender may
reasonably require, including without limitation, those documents, if any,
shown on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.


                                  ARTICLE III
             REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

         Borrower represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof, and
Borrower covenants and agrees that during the term of this Loan Agreement while
any portion of the Obligations remain unpaid or unsatisfied (and thereafter
where expressly stated herein):

        Section 3.1.  No Consent Required.  Borrower's execution, delivery, and
performance of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents do not
require the consent or approval of or the giving of notice to any Person which
approval has not been duly obtained or which notice has not been duly given.

        Section 3.2.  No Conflicting Law or Agreement.  Borrower's execution,
delivery and performance of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan
Documents do not constitute a breach of or default under, and will not violate
or conflict with, any provisions of the organizational or governing documents of
Borrower; any contract, financing agreement, Lease, or other agreement to which
Borrower is a party or by which its Properties may be affected; or any law,
regulation, order, injunction, judgment, decree, or writ to which Borrower is
subject or by which its Properties may be affected; nor will the same result in
the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance upon any Properties of Borrower,
other than those contemplated by the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan
Documents.  Borrower shall not enter into any agreement which would be violated
or breached by the performance by Borrower of its Obligations.





                                       2
<PAGE>   6

        Section 3.3.  Binding Obligations.  This Loan Agreement is, and the
Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents, when executed and
delivered to Lender, will be, legal, valid and binding upon Borrower,
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

        Section 3.4.  Filing Fees.  Borrower shall pay all filing, registration
or recording fees, and all expenses incident to the execution and acknowledgment
of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents and any extension,
amendment or renewal thereof.

        Section 3.5.  Further Assurances.  Borrower shall promptly cure, and
ratify the cure of, any defects in the creation, issuance, and delivery of the
Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents.  Borrower at its expense
will execute (or cause to be executed) and deliver to Lender upon request all
such other and further documents, agreements, and instruments in compliance with
or accomplishment of the covenants and agreements of Borrower in the Note, the
Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, or to evidence further and to
describe more fully any Collateral intended as security for the Obligations, or
to correct any omissions in the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral
Loan Documents, or to state more fully the Obligations and agreements set out in
the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, or to perfect,
protect, or preserve any Encumbrances created pursuant to the Note, the 
Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, or to make any recordings, to
file any notices, or to obtain any consents, all as may be reasonably necessary
or appropriate in connection therewith.

        Section 3.6.  Name.  Borrower has not existed, been known under or done
business under, nor shall Borrower exist, be known under or do business under
any name other than the name used by Borrower in executing this Loan Agreement.
Borrower has not registered or applied for registration nor shall Borrower
register under any fictitious name statute of any state.

        Section 3.7.  Chief Executive Office.  Borrower's chief executive office
is located at the address listed in Section 9.6 hereof and shall not be
transferred to any other location OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH IT IS PRESENTLY
LOCATED without Lender's prior written consent.

        Section 3.8.  Notice of Certain Events.  Borrower shall promptly notify
Lender if Borrower learns of the occurrence of (i) any event that constitutes a
Default or a Default Condition together with a detailed statement of the steps
being taken as a result thereof; (ii) any legal, judicial, or regulatory
proceedings affecting Borrower which, if adversely determined, would have a
material adverse effect on the business or the financial condition of Borrower;
(iii) any dispute between Borrower and any governmental or regulatory authority
or any other Person which, if adversely determined, might interfere with the
normal business operations of Borrower or otherwise have a material adverse
effect on Borrower, its business or Properties; (iv) any labor dispute to which
Borrower may become a party, any strikes or walkouts affecting its operations,
any demand for collective bargaining, and the expiration of any labor contract
by which it may be bound; (v) any material change in the management of Borrower;
(vi) any material adverse changes, either individually or in the aggregate, in
the assets, liabilities, financial condition, business, operations, affairs, or
circumstances of Borrower from those reflected in the Financial Statements or
from the facts warranted or represented in any of the Collateral Loan Documents,
or (vii) any material Default by Borrower under Debt to any party other than
Lender.

        Section 3.9.  Full and Faithful Disclosure.  Borrower has fully advised
Lender of all matters involving Borrower's financial condition, operations,
Properties or industry that would be reasonably expected to have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, operations, Properties or prospects
of Borrower.  No information, exhibit, or report furnished or to be furnished by
Borrower to Lender in connection with the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the
Collateral Loan Documents contains, as of the date thereof, any
misrepresentation of fact or fails to state any material fact, the omission of
which would render the statements therein materially false or misleading.

        Section 3.10.  Financial Statements and Reports.

                 (a)      The Financial Statements are complete and correct,
have been prepared in accordance with recognized financial accounting standards
which are consistently applied, and present fairly the financial condition and
results of operations of Borrower, and any guarantors, of the Secured
Indebtedness as of the date and for the period stated therein.  No material
adverse change in the financial condition of Borrower or any guarantors of the
Secured Indebtedness has occurred since the date of the Financial Statements.
Borrower acknowledges that Lender has advanced (or shall advance) the Loan in
reliance upon the Financial Statements.

                 (b)      Borrower shall furnish to the Lender or cause the
Lender to receive all of the following, all of which must be in form and
substance satisfactory to the Lender:

                        (i)       Annual Reports.  Within ONE HUNDRED TWENTY
(120) days after the end of each calendar year, Borrower shall furnish to
Lender an annual financial and operating statement covering the Premises in
such detail as may be required by Lender, such statements to be prepared by a
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT APPROVED BY LENDER (who need not be independent)
and certified as true and correct by the Chief Financial Officer of Guarantor,
including therein (i) current rent roll, (ii) gross income received, (iii)
operating expenses (taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, repairs and
maintenance, salaries and wages), and (iv) the net operating income and
depreciation for federal income tax purposes, AND STATED TO HAVE BEEN PREPARED
ON A BASIS CONSISTENT WITH PRIOR YEARS EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED.

                       (ii)       Other Reports.  From time to time, as may be
reasonably requested by Lender, Borrower shall, with reasonable promptness,
deliver to Lender interim rent rolls certified as true and correct by an
officer or other authorized party of the Borrower, together with other
pertinent information and data regarding Borrower, its business operations and
Properties, including without limitation, reports of tenant sales within ten
business days of receipt by the Borrower.  SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS, SECTION A4.

        Section 3.11.  Impairment of Business or Property.  Neither the business
nor the Property of Borrower is impaired as a result of any fire, explosion,
earthquake, flood, drought, windstorm, accident, strike or other labor
disturbance, embargo, requisition or taking of property, cancellation of
contracts, permits, concessions by any domestic or foreign government or any
agency thereof, riot, activities of armed forces or acts of God or of any public
enemy.

        Section 3.12.  Maintenance of Premises.  Borrower shall maintain the
Premises in good and workable condition at all times and make all repairs,
replacements, additions, and improvements to the Premises reasonably necessary
and proper to ensure that the business carried on in connection with the
Premises may be conducted properly and efficiently at all times, including,
without limitation, repairing, restoring, replacing or rebuilding any part of
the Premises now or hereafter subject to the lien of the Mortgage which may be
damaged or destroyed by any casualty whatsoever or which may be affected by any
eminent domain or similar proceeding.  Borrower shall not in any manner commit
or suffer any waste of the Premises.  Borrower shall complete and pay, within a
reasonable time, for any structure at any time in the process of construction on
the Premises and shall not initiate, join in, or consent to any change in any
private restrictive covenant, zoning ordinance or other public or private
restrictions, limiting or defining the uses which may be made of the Premises or
any part thereof.





                                       3
<PAGE>   7

        Section 3.13.  Utilities.  Borrower agrees to pay, or cause to be paid,
when due all utility charges which are incurred for the benefit of the Premises
or which may become a charge or lien against the Premises for energy, fuel, gas,
electricity, water, or sewer services furnished to the Premises and all other
assessments or charges of a similar nature, whether public or private, affecting
the Premises or any portion thereof, whether or not such assessments or charges
are liens thereon.

        Section 3.14.  No Defaults.  Borrower is not in default in any respect
that affects its business, Properties, operations, or condition, financial or
otherwise, under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit agreement, note,
agreement, Lease, sale agreement or other instrument to which Borrower is a
party or by which its Properties are bound.  To the best of Borrower's
knowledge, information and belief, no other party to any contract with Borrower
is in default or breach thereof and no circumstances exist which, with the
giving of notice and/or the passing of time would constitute such default or
breach.  As of the date hereof, no Default or Default Condition exists under the
Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents.

        Section 3.15.  Disclosure of Litigation.  There is no litigation OTHER
THAN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS, THE DEFENSE OF WHICH HAS BEEN ASSUMED BY BORROWER'S
LIABILITY INSURER AND WHICH CAN BE RESOLVED WITHIN APPLICABLE POLICY LIMITS,
arbitration, legal or administrative proceeding, tax audit, investigation, or
other action of any nature pending or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened
against, likely to be instituted against or affecting Borrower, any guarantor of
the Secured Indebtedness or any of their respective Properties.  Neither
Borrower nor any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness is subject to any
outstanding court or administrative order, writ or injunction.  To the best of
Borrower's knowledge, information and belief, no facts exist that give claims to
third parties against Borrower or any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness,
except as disclosed in the Financial Statements.

        Section 3.16.  Payment of Obligations.  The Borrower shall pay, in
lawful money of the United States, all sums due the Lender at the time and in
the manner as set forth in the Note, the Mortgage, and in the Collateral Loan
Documents.

        Section 3.17.  Certifications by Borrower.  Borrower, within ten (10)
BUSINESS days of request, made either personally or by mail, shall certify, by a
writing duly acknowledged, to the Lender, or to any proposed assignee of this
Loan Agreement, (1) the balance of the Obligations, including a breakdown of the
principal and interest then owing on the Loan, (2) any offsets or defenses to
payment of the Obligations, (3) a then current list of lessees of the Premises,
if any, with beginning date and the term, minimum annual rent, amount of square
footage and status of each Lease, and (4) a copy of each current Lease of the
Premises.

        Section 3.18.  Use of Lender's Name.  Borrower shall not, without the
prior written consent of Lender, use the name of Lender or the name of any
affiliates of Lender in connection with any of Borrower's business or
activities, except in connection with internal business matters, as required in
making required securities law disclosure, in dealings with governmental
agencies and financial institutions and to trade creditors of Borrower solely
for credit reference purposes.

        Section 3.19.  Notice to Lender Upon Perceived Breach.  Borrower agrees
to give Lender prompt written notice of any action or inaction by Lender in
connection with this Loan Agreement or the Obligations that Borrower believes
may be actionable against Lender or a defense to payment of Obligations for any
reason, including, but not limited to, commission of a tort or violation of any
contractual duty or duty implied by law.

        Section 3.20.  Prohibition Against Removal or Material Alteration. No
Improvements or other Property now or hereafter covered by the lien of the
Mortgage or otherwise constituting the Premises shall be removed, demolished or
materially altered or enlarged, nor shall any new Improvements be constructed
thereon, without the prior written consent of Lender, except TO THE EXTENT
BORROWER'S TENANTS ARE ENTITLED TO DO SO UNDER THE TERMS OF THEIR LEASES, AND
EXCEPT that Borrower shall have the right, without such consent, to remove and
dispose of, free from the lien of the Mortgage, such Personal Property as from
time to time may become worn out or obsolete, provided that either
simultaneously with or prior to such removal any such Personal Property shall be
replaced with other Personal Property of a value at least equal to that of the
replaced Personal Property and free from any title retention or other security
agreement or other encumbrance and from any reservation of title, and by such
removal and replacement Borrower shall be deemed to have subjected such new
Personal Property to the lien of the Mortgage and to have granted a security
interest therein to Lender.* *NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, BORROWER SHALL HAVE
THE RIGHT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS OR ALTERATIONS TO ANY ONE OF THE PREMISES
PROVIDED THE AGGREGATE COST OF ANY PARTICULAR RELATED IMPROVEMENTS OR
ALTERATIONS MADE BY THE BORROWER (HEREINAFTER, A "PROJECT") DOES NOT EXCEED
$500,000 FOR EACH OF THE JACKSON CROSSING AND TEL-TWELVE TRACTS AND $100,000 FOR
THE REMAINING TRACTS COMPRISING THE PREMISES.  Borrower agrees to accept
Lender's reasonable determination as to which improvements or alterations are
sufficiently related in scope or in time so as to constitute a Project.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                              TAXES AND INSURANCE

        Section 4.1.  Taxes; Governmental Charges.  Borrower has filed or caused
to be filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed.  Borrower has
paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of, all taxes that have or may
have become due pursuant to such returns or otherwise, or pursuant to any
assessment received by Borrower, except such taxes, if any, as are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate
reserves have been provided.  Borrower knows of no proposed material tax
assessment against it or any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness and no
extension of time for the assessment of federal, state or local taxes of
Borrower or any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness that is in effect or has
been requested, except as disclosed in the Financial Statements. Borrower has
made all required withholding deposits.

        Section 4.2.  Taxes and Other Encumbrances.  Borrower shall make due and
timely payment or deposit of all federal, state and local taxes (including but
not limited to FICA payments and withholding taxes), impositions, assessments
(general or special) or contributions required of it by law, or levied on or
assessed against the Premises, the Mortgage, the Note, the Obligations, or any
interest of the Lender therein and execute and deliver to Lender, on demand,
appropriate certificates attesting to the payment or deposit thereof. It is
understood that, to the extent Borrower makes deposits with Lender for taxes and
insurance, as provided in Section 4.3, Borrower shall be in compliance with this
Section with respect to the deposited sums.

         Borrower may, in good faith and with due diligence, contest the
validity or amount of such taxes or impositions; provided that (i) Borrower
either pays in full the amount under protest in the manner allowed by law, or
withholds payment thereof so long as such contest has the effect of preventing
the sale or foreclosure of the Premises or any portion thereof; OR (ii)
Borrower notifies Lender in writing at least forty-five (45) days prior to the
date such imposition will be increased by reason of penalties or interest of
its intent to contest the same; and Borrower furnishes Lender with A LETTER OF
CREDIT OR SUCH OTHER security, bond or indemnification as Lender may, in good
faith, require for the final payment and discharge thereof.  In the event of a
ruling adverse to Borrower, Borrower shall promptly pay such tax or imposition,
together with all interest and penalties.

        Section 4.3.  Tax and Insurance Deposits.  Borrower will pay to Lender,
on the installment payment dates of the Note, until the Note and all other sums
secured by the Mortgage are fully paid or until notification from Lender to the
contrary, an amount equal to one-twelfth of the estimated annual insurance
premiums, AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES AND ANY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS ("IMPOUND
PAYMENTS") due during the succeeding calendar year. Nothing contained herein
shall cause Lender to be deemed a trustee of said funds,





                                       4
<PAGE>   8

and no interest shall be allowed to Borrower on account of any deposit or
deposits made hereunder and said deposits need not be kept separate and apart
from any other funds of Lender.  Borrower shall furnish to Lender at least
thirty (30) days before the date on which the same shall become due, insurance
premium invoices and an official statement of the amount of said taxes and
assessments next due, and Lender shall be entitled to rely on such invoices and
statements, tax bills, etc. without inquiry into their accuracy or validity,
and Lender shall pay said premium and charges but only if the amounts received
from Borrower are sufficient. An official receipt therefor shall be conclusive
evidence of such payment and of the validity of such charges.  IF SUCH AMOUNTS
RECEIVED FROM BORROWER ARE DETERMINED IN GOOD FAITH BY LENDER TO EXCEED WHAT IS
NECESSARY TO FULLY PAY ESTIMATED IMPOUND PAYMENTS AS THEY BECOME DUE, UPON
BORROWER'S WRITTEN REQUEST BUT NOT MORE OFTEN THAN ANNUALLY, LENDER SHALL
REDUCE THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS REQUIRED HEREUNDER BY AN AMOUNT REASONABLY
CALCULATED TO REDUCE THE SURPLUS FUNDS ON HAND TO AN INSIGNIFICANT AMOUNT
WITHIN THE ENSUING TWELVE (12) MONTHS.  If such amounts received from Borrower
are insufficient, Lender shall notify Borrower of the shortage whereupon
Borrower will deposit (with Lender) such needed funds WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS
AFTER RECEIPT OF SUCH NOTICE.  IF BORROWER SHALL FAIL TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENT,
Lender may elect to advance any needed funds and any sums so advanced shall
become immediately due and payable to Lender, become part of the Secured
Indebtedness, and bear interest at the Default Rate from the date of such
advance.  If Borrower is in Default hereunder or under the Mortgage, the Note,
or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, Lender, at its option, may instead
apply such amounts to the Secured Indebtedness in such priority as it may
determine, with any excess held by it over the amount of the Secured
Indebtedness to be returned to Borrower or any party entitled thereto without
interest.  The amount of the existing credit hereunder at the time of any
transfer of the Premises shall, without assignment thereof, inure to the
benefit of the successor-owner of the Premises, and shall be applied under and
subject to all of the provisions hereof.  Upon payment in full of the Secured
Indebtedness, the amount of any unused credit shall be paid over to the then
owner of record.

         In satisfaction of the foregoing, so long as no Default has occurred,
Lender shall accept either (i) an unconditional (not standby) letter of credit
from a financial institution reasonably satisfactory to the Lender or (ii)
written acknowledgement that a reserve of funds exists which is sufficient to
meet the obligations hereunder, whose form and arrangement shall be acceptable
to Lender in its sole discretion.

          Section 4.4 Insurance Coverages.

         (a)     Borrower will keep the Improvements insured for the benefit of
the Lender and Borrower under 1) "All Risk" type Property Insurance to include
as a minimum the perils of fire and extended coverage, vandalism, water damage,
collapse, earthquake and Law and Ordinance (demolition and increased cost of
construction) coverage in an amount equal to 100% of the full insurable
replacement value of the Improvements (i.e., total cost less value of land and
nondestructibles such as foundations, underground utilities, etc.), which
replacement shall be subject to annual adjustment based on reconstruction
indices published by national appraisal organizations such as Marshall & Swift
or E.H. Boeckh; 2) Personal Property Insurance as required by Lender in an
amount equal to 100% of the full insurable replacement value of the Personal
Property; 3) Business Income Insurance in an amount equal to (i) annual net
income plus continuing normal operating expenses, or (ii) one year's rental
value including, but not limited to, rental income from all Leases or subleases
which are assigned to Lender (and in an amount to be adjusted annually to
reflect current rental values); 4) Flood Insurance in an amount equal to 100%
of the full insurable replacement value unless Lender is furnished a surveyor's
certificate indicating that the Premises are not located inside the special
flood hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or in Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Zones A,
AE, A1-A30, AH, AO, A99, VE, V1-V30 or M); 5) Boiler and Machinery Insurance in
an amount equal to 25% of the full insurable replacement value of the
Improvements or One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), whichever is greater, when
boilers or other pressure vessels or significant air conditioning equipment or
electrical switchgear are located on Premises; and 6) Premises Liability
Insurance including the Broad Form endorsement in the amount of One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) CSL (combined single limit for bodily injury and property
damage) per occurrence and no policy general aggregate, or for policies
containing aggregate limits, One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) each occurrence,
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) products/completed operations aggregate, Two
Million Dollars ($2,000,000) general aggregate per location, and One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) personal and advertising injury aggregate, or in such
amount as required in any collateralized Leases, whichever is greater, with
defense appearance cost coverage and naming Lender as an additional insured.
All insurance herein provided for shall be in form and content and be issued by
carriers approved by Lender (minimum Best's rating of A-, V).  Borrower shall
deliver to the Lender all policies of insurance which insure against any loss
or damage to the Premises, as collateral and further security for the payment
of the Secured Indebtedness, with (i) a Standard Mortgage Clause giving Lender
thirty (30) days' written notice prior to cancellation of any of said policies,
(ii) a replacement cost or restoration endorsement, (iii) a provision stating
that a waiver of subrogation rights by the insured does not void coverage, and
(iv) such special endorsements as may be required by the terms of any Leases
assigned as a source for repayment of the Loan.  If Borrower defaults in so
insuring the Premises or in so delivering the policies, Lender may at its
option (but without any obligation to do so) effect such insurance from year to
year, and pay the premiums therefor, and Borrower will reimburse Lender for any
premiums so paid, on demand, with interest at the Default Rate from the time of
payment and the same shall be deemed a part of the Secured Indebtedness.
Lender, upon receipt of any money for loss or damage pursuant to such
insurance, may, at its option, (a) retain and apply such monies toward payment
of the Secured Indebtedness, with any excess held by it over the amount of the
Secured Indebtedness to be returned to Borrower or any party entitled thereto
without interest, or (b) pay such monies in whole or in part to Borrower for
the repair or restoration of the Improvements or for the erection of new
Improvements in their place, or for any other purpose or object satisfactory to
Lender, but Lender shall not be obligated to see to the proper application of
any amount paid over to Borrower.  Not less than ten (10) days prior to the
expiration dates of each policy required of Borrower, Borrower will deliver to
Lender a paid renewal or replacement policy. Borrower shall not take out
separate insurance concurrent in form or contributing in the event of loss
separate from that insurance required to be maintained hereunder unless Lender
is included thereon under a standard mortgagee's clause acceptable to Lender.
Borrower shall immediately notify Lender whenever any such separate insurance
is taken out and shall promptly deliver to Lender the policy or policies of
such insurance; and SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, SECTION A8.
         (b)     In the event of a foreclosure of the Mortgage, or deed in lieu
of foreclosure, or other transfer of title of the Premises in extinguishment,
in whole or in part, of the indebtedness secured thereby, all right, title and
interest of Borrower in and to all policies of insurance on the Premises,
including any right to unearned premiums, are hereby assigned to and shall
inure to the benefit of Lender or the purchaser of the Premises.


                                   ARTICLE V

                   DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION; INSURANCE PROCEEDS

        Section 5.1.  Notice.  In case of casualty to the Premises resulting in
damage or destruction, Borrower shall promptly give written notice thereof to
Lender.

        Section 5.2.  Assignment of Insurance Proceeds; Authority to Settle
Claims.  Borrower hereby grants, transfers and assigns to Lender any insurance
proceeds which Borrower is otherwise entitled to receive in connection with any
damages to the Premises or part thereof and the same shall be paid to Lender. 
Borrower hereby authorizes and directs any affected insurance carrier to make
payment of such proceeds directly to Lender.  Provided no Default or Default
Condition exists under the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document,
Borrower and Lender shall both have the right to participate in the settlement,
adjustment or compromise of any claims for loss, damage or destruction under any
policy or policies of insurance, but in the event such Default or Default
Condition exists, only





                                       5
<PAGE>   9

Lender shall have the right to settle, adjust, and compromise insurance claims.
No interest shall be allowed to Borrower on any insurance proceeds paid to and
held by the Lender.

        Section 5.3.  Lender's Election Regarding Insurance Proceeds.  The
insurance proceeds shall be delivered to Lender and be applied (pursuant to the
provisions of this Article) to reduction or full pay off of the Secured
Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, unless Lender elects to make such
proceeds available for restoration purposes. Within thirty (30) days after
receipt of the written notice referred to in Section 5.1, Lender shall endeavor
to advise Borrower in writing as to whether Lender elects to apply the insurance
proceeds on the Secured Indebtedness or for restoration of the Premises.

        Section 5.4.  Destruction.  If at any time during the term of the
Mortgage all or any portion of the Premises is damaged or destroyed, and if
Lender elects to have all insurance proceeds applied to payment of the Secured
Indebtedness, as provided in Section 5.5, but such proceeds are not sufficient
to pay in full the then unpaid balance of said indebtedness, with accrued
interest thereon, Borrower shall, within SIX (6) MONTHS AFTER application of
such proceeds, pay such deficiency to Lender.

        Section 5.5.  Application of Proceeds.  If Lender elects to have the
insurance proceeds applied to pay off or reduce the unpaid balance of the
Secured Indebtedness, such proceeds shall, promptly after receipt by Lender, be
applied by the Lender, first, to pay the actual costs, fees and expenses, if
any, incurred in connection with the adjustment of the loss, and, second, to
reduction or pay off of the Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium,
with any excess held by it over the amount of the Secured Indebtedness to be
returned to Borrower or any party entitled thereto without interest.  IN THE
EVENT OF SUCH APPLICATION, BORROWER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REAMORTIZE THE PAYMENT
SCHEDULE OF THE NOTE.

        Section 5.6.  Restoration.  If the insurance proceeds are made available
for restoration by Lender in its sole discretion, Borrower shall, whether or not
the insurance proceeds, shall be sufficient for the purpose, restore, repair,
replace, and rebuild (hereinafter referred to as "Restoration") the Premises as
nearly as possible to its value, condition and character immediately prior to
such damage or destruction.  In such event, all insurance money paid to Lender
on account of such damage or destruction, less the actual costs, fees and
expenses, if any, incurred in connection with adjustment of the loss, shall be
released by Lender to be applied to payment (to the extent of actual restoration
performed) of the cost of the aforesaid Restoration, including the cost of
temporary repairs or Restoration. If the insurance proceeds are so made
available by Lender for Restoration, any surplus which may remain out of such
proceeds after payment of the cost of restoration shall, at the option of
Lender, be applied to the Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, or
be paid to any party entitled thereto and under the conditions that Lender may
require.  NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, HOWEVER, SO LONG AS THERE IS NO DEFAULT
AND SO LONG AS BORROWER IS PURSUING RESTORATION DILIGENTLY, BORROWER SHALL BE
ENTITLED TO RECEIVE ANY INSURANCE PROCEEDS PAID OUT UNDER A POLICY COVERING
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION. Insurance proceeds released for Restoration shall at
Lender's option be disbursed from time to time as such Restoration progresses or
at one time upon completion of such Restoration subject to the following
conditions:

         (a)     Borrower is not then in Default under and no Default Condition
then exists with respect to any of the terms, covenants and conditions under
the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, and Borrower
is not then in default under any Leases of the Premises; and

         (b)     if Lender has elected to disburse such proceeds at one time
upon completion of Restoration, Lender shall first be given satisfactory proof
that all portions of the Premises affected by the loss or damage have been
fully restored in accordance with plans and specifications acceptable to
Lender, free and clear of all liens, except for any liens to be satisfied from
such proceeds and except for the lien of the Mortgage; and

         (c)     if Lender has elected to disburse such proceeds from time to
time as Restoration progresses, Lender shall first be given satisfactory proof
that by the expenditure of such proceeds, the Premises will be fully restored,
free and clear of all liens, except as to the lien of the Mortgage, or, if such
proceeds are insufficient to restore or rebuild the Premises, Borrower shall
either (i) deposit promptly with Lender funds which, together with such
proceeds, shall be sufficient in Lender's sole determination to complete
Restoration, or (ii) provide other assurance satisfactory to Lender that
Restoration will be completed; and

         (d)     in the event Borrower shall fail either to pursue Restoration
diligently to completion or to complete Restoration within a reasonable time,
Lender, at its option, may complete Restoration for or on behalf of Borrower
and for such purpose may do all necessary acts.

         In the event any of the said conditions are not or cannot be
satisfied, then Lender may apply such proceeds to payment of the Secured
Indebtedness, as provided in Section 5.5.  Under no circumstances shall Lender
become personally liable for the fulfillment of the terms, covenants and
conditions contained in any of the Leases with respect to the matters referred
to in this paragraph nor obligated to take any action to restore the Premises.
Lender shall not be obligated to see to the proper application of any funds
released hereunder, nor shall any amount so released or used be deemed a
payment on the Secured Indebtedness.

         If any of the said conditions is not satisfied, and if Lender is
unwilling to waive that condition and thereby to make such proceeds so
available, Borrower shall have the right to prepay, without prepayment premium,
the balance of the Secured Indebtedness that remains unpaid after application
of the proceeds or awards thereto.

        Section 5.7.  Payment of Deposited Funds.  Upon (i) completion of all
the Restoration in a good workmanlike manner and substantially in accordance
with the plans and specifications therefor, if any, approved by Lender and (ii)
receipt by Lender of satisfactory evidence of the character required by
conditions (b) and (c) of Section 5.6 hereof, that the Restoration has been
completed and paid for in full (or, if any part of such Restoration has not been
paid for, adequate security for such payment shall exist in form satisfactory to
Lender) and that there are no liens of the character referred to in said
condition (b), any balance of the insurance proceeds at the time held by Lender
shall, at Lender's option, be applied to reduce the Secured Indebtedness,
without prepayment premium, or be paid to Borrower or its designee provided
Borrower is not then in Default under and no Default Condition then exists with
respect to any of the terms or provisions of the Note, the Mortgage, or any of
the Collateral Loan Documents.

        Section 5.8.  Application of Insurance Proceeds in Event of Default. If,
while any insurance proceeds are being held by Lender to reimburse Borrower for
the cost of rebuilding or Restoration of the Premises, Lender shall be or become
entitled to, and shall accelerate the Secured Indebtedness upon the terms and
conditions set forth in the Note, Lender shall be entitled to apply all such
proceeds then held by it in reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and any excess
held by it over the amount of the Secured Indebtedness shall be returned to
Borrower or any party entitled thereto without interest.





                                       6
<PAGE>   10


                                   ARTICLE VI
                      EMINENT DOMAIN; CONDEMNATION AWARDS

        Section 6.1.  Notice.  In the event that the Premises, or any part
thereof, shall be taken in condemnation proceedings or by exercise of any right
of eminent domain or by conveyance(s) in lieu of condemnation (hereinafter
called collectively, "condemnation proceedings"), or should Borrower receive any
notice or information regarding any such proceeding, Borrower shall give prompt
written notice thereof to Lender.  Borrower and Lender shall have the right to
participate in any such condemnation proceedings and the proceeds thereof shall
be deposited with Lender and be distributed in the manner set forth in this
Article VI.  Borrower agrees to execute any and all further documents that may
be required in order to facilitate collection of any award or awards and the
making of any such deposit.

        Section 6.2.  Assignment of Condemnation Awards.  Borrower hereby
grants, transfers and assigns to Lender the proceeds of any and all awards or
claims for damages, direct or consequential, which Borrower is otherwise
entitled to receive, in connection with any condemnation of or injury to the
Premises, or part thereof, or for conveyances in lieu of condemnation, and the
same shall be paid to Lender.  Borrower hereby authorizes and directs any such
condemning authority to make payment of such award(s) and claim(s) directly to
Lender.  No interest shall be allowed to Borrower on any such condemnation
awards paid to and held by Lender.

        Section 6.3.  Total Taking.  If at any time during which any Secured
Indebtedness remains unpaid, title to the whole or substantially all of the
Premises shall be taken in condemnation proceedings or by agreement between
Borrower, Lender and those authorized to exercise such right, Lender shall apply
such award or proceeds which it receives pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof first to
pay the actual costs, fees and expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
collection of the award, and second to full payment of all remaining Secured
Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, and any excess award funds then
remaining after payment of the Secured Indebtedness in full shall be paid to any
party entitled thereto.  In the event that the amount of the award or proceeds
received by Lender shall not be sufficient to pay in full the then unpaid
balance of the Secured Indebtedness, with the accrued interest thereon, Borrower
shall, within ten (10) days after the application of the award or proceeds as
aforesaid pay such deficiency to Lender.  For the purposes of this Section
"substantially all of the Premises" shall be deemed to have been taken if the
portion of the Premises not so taken cannot be so repaired or reconstructed as
to constitute a complete, rentable structure(s) capable of producing a fair and
reasonable net annual income sufficient, after the payment of all operating
expenses thereof, to retire the Obligations per the terms of the Note.

        Section 6.4.  Partial Taking - Lender's Election.  If at any time during
which any Secured Indebtedness remains unpaid, title to less than the whole or
substantially all of the Premises shall be taken as aforesaid, then Lender will
elect, within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such taking,
whether to have the proceeds of the award applied to reduction of the unpaid
balance of the Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, or to have such
proceeds made available to Borrower for the repair and recon struction necessary
to restore the Premises.  If Lender elects to have the award or proceeds applied
to reduce the unpaid balance, said proceeds shall, promptly after receipt by
Lender, be applied by Lender, first, to pay the actual costs, fees and expenses,
if any, incurred in connection with the collection of the award, and, second, to
reduction of the Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, in inverse
order of payments provided for in the Note, but if such proceeds are not
sufficient to pay in full the then unpaid balance of said indebtedness, with
accrued interest thereon, Borrower shall, within ten (10) days after application
of such proceeds, pay such deficiency to Lender.  If Lender elects to have the
proceeds of the award used for repair and Restoration, all of the award or
proceeds collected by Lender shall be applied first to pay the actual costs,
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the collection of the
award, and the balance shall be paid over toward the costs of demolition, repair
and Restoration, substantially in the same manner and subject to the same
conditions as those provided in Article V hereof with respect to insurance
proceeds and other monies.  Any balance of such award proceeds remaining in the
hands of Lender after payment of such costs of demolition, repair and
Restoration as aforementioned, shall be retained by Lender and applied in
reduction of the Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, in inverse
order of payments as set forth in the Note.  In the event that such costs shall
exceed the net award amount collected by Lender, Borrower shall pay the
deficiency, on demand.

        Section 6.5.  Abandonment; Failure of Borrower to Respond to Offer,
etc.  If the Premises are abandoned by Borrower or if after notice to Lender
and/or Borrower that the condemnor offers to make an award or settle a claim
for damages, Borrower fails to respond to the offer and fails to advise Lender
within thirty (30) days of the date of such notice, then Lender is authorized
to collect and apply the proceeds at the Lender's option either (a) to restore
and repair the Premises, as provided in Section 6.4, or (b) to the Secured
Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, in inverse order of payments as set
forth in the Note, with any excess held by it over the amount of the Secured
Indebtedness to be returned to Borrower or any party entitled thereto without
interest.

        Section 6.6.  Application of Proceeds.  In the event that the principal
balance secured by the Mortgage is reduced under the provisions of Sections 6.3,
6.4 or 6.5 hereof, BORROWER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REAMORTIZE THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
OF THE NOTE.

        Section 6.7.  Expenses.  In the case of any taking covered by the
provisions of this Article VI, Lender shall be entitled to reimbursement from
any awards or proceeds of all reasonable costs, attorneys' fees and expenses
incurred in the negotiation, settlement, determination and collection of any
such awards or proceeds.

        Section 6.8.  Application of Condemnation Awards in Event of Default.
If, while any condemnation awards or proceeds are being held by the Lender,
Lender shall be or become entitled to, and shall accelerate the Secured
Indebtedness upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Note, then Lender
shall be entitled to apply all such condemnation awards then held by it in
reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and any excess held by it over the amount
of the Secured Indebtedness shall be returned to Borrower or any party entitled
thereto without interest.



                                  ARTICLE VII
                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

        Section 7.1.  Environmental Indemnity Agreements.  Borrower shall cause
itself and any other parties required by Lender, as listed in Section 2.2(e), to
execute and deliver Environmental Indemnity Agreements in favor of Lender
relating to hazardous and toxic substances and environmental laws as the same
may affect Borrower or the Premises, such agreements to be in form and content
acceptable to Lender in its sole discretion.

        Section 7.2.  Entry Upon Premises.  SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS, SECTION A9.





                                       7
<PAGE>   11

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                             DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

        Section 8.1.  Events of Default.  The occurrence of any one or more of
the following events shall be considered a Default under this Loan Agreement:

                 (a)     Breach of Warranty.  The determination by Lender that
any representation or warranty made in this Loan Agreement was incorrect in any
material respect as of the date thereof;

                 (b)     Breach of Covenant.  The failure of Borrower
punctually and properly to perform any covenant or agreement contained in this
Loan Agreement; or

                 (c)     Other Documents.  The occurrence of a Default by
Borrower or any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness under the Note, the
Mortgage, or any other Collateral Loan Document.

          Section 8.2.  Remedies.  Upon the happening of any Default:

                 (a)     Acceleration.  Lender may, at its option and subject
to applicable law, declare the entire principal amount of all Obligations then
outstanding, including interest accrued thereon, to be immediately due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, or dishonor or
other notice of Default of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived.

                 (b)     Preservation of Financing.  Lender may, at its option,
take any action necessary to cure or prevent a default under any other lender's
commitment to provide financing with respect to any or all of the Premises.

                 (c)     Preservation of Collateral.  Lender may, at its
option, take any action necessary to cure or prevent any impairment of the
value or to remove any Encumbrance of the Collateral.

                 (d)     Appointment of Managing Agent.  Without limiting the
other remedies granted Lender hereunder, Lender may, at its option, require
that Borrower employ a managing agent (suitable to Lender) for the Premises at
Borrower's expense.

                 (e)     Exercise of Remedies.  Lender may, at its option,
exercise all other remedies afforded Lender under the Note, the Mortgage, and
the Collateral Loan Documents and all other rights afforded a creditor under
applicable law or principles of equity.

        Section 8.3.  Additional Amount Due After Acceleration.  Upon the
occurrence of any Default under the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan
Document and following the acceleration of maturity of the Secured Indebtedness,
as provided in the Mortgage, there shall be due and payable, in addition to all
other amounts due, the prepayment premium calculated as provided in the Note.

        Section 8.4.  Remedies Not Exclusive.  The rights and remedies of Lender
arising under the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents shall be
separate, distinct and cumulative and no such right or remedy shall be exclusive
of any other right or remedy under any of such documents or at law or equity.


                                   ARTICLE IX
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

        Section 9.1.  Right to Inspect; Right to Require Management Agent.
Lender, its officers, employees or agents, shall have the right to visit and
inspect the Premises at all reasonable times and as often as Lender may
reasonably desire AT LENDER'S EXPENSE UNLESS SUCH RIGHT IS EXERCISED DURING THE
PENDENCY OF AN UNCURED DEFAULT. Without limiting the foregoing, Lender and its
agents and consultants shall have the right to enter upon the Premises from time
to time to perform the inspections, audits, etc. referred to in Section 7.2, and
in addition to examine Borrower's books of record and accounts in regard to any
Collateral, to take copies and extracts from such books of record and accounts,
and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of Borrower with Borrower's
respective officers, accountants and auditors.  At any time DURING Default by
the Borrower in the performance of any of the terms, covenants or provisions of
the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, if the Lender
(in the exercise of reasonable business judgment) determines that the management
or maintenance of the Premises is unsatisfactory, then Lender shall have the
right at its sole option, to require that Borrower employ a managing agent for
the Premises, or replace the existing managing agent, as applicable.  Such
managing agent shall be selected by Borrower (with Lender's approval) and shall
be employed at Borrower's expense.  The exercise of the rights herein conferred
upon the Lender shall not be deemed an election of remedies or exclusive of any
other right or remedy available to the Lender on account of such Default, but
rather shall be in addition to all such other rights and remedies.  The rights
granted Lender in this Section may be enforced by injunctive relief.

        Section 9.2.  No Effect on Liability.  Without affecting the liability
of any other Person liable with respect to the Obligations and without affecting
the lien or charge of the Mortgage upon any portion of the Premises not then or
theretofore released as security for the Obligations, Lender may from time to
time and without notice (a) release any Person so liable, (b) extend the
maturity or alter any of the terms of any of the Obligations, (c) grant other
indulgences, (d) release or reconvey, or cause to be released or reconveyed, any
parcel, portion or all of the Premises, (e) take or release any other or
additional security for any Obligation, or (f) make compositions or other
arrangements with debtors in relation thereto.  No sale of the Premises shall in
any way affect the liability of any party to the Note, or any Person liable or
to become liable with respect to the Obligations.  The defenses of impairment of
Collateral and impairment of recourse and any requirement of diligence on
Lender's part in collecting the Obligations are hereby waived.

        Section 9.3.  Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement.  All provisions of
this Loan Agreement relating to Obligations shall apply with equal force and
effect to each and all promissory notes executed hereafter which in whole or in
part represent a renewal, extension for any period, increase, or rearrangement
of any part of the Obligations originally represented by any part of such other
Obligations.

        Section 9.4.  No Marshalling of Assets.  Lender may proceed against any
Collateral and against parties liable therefor in such order as it may elect,
and neither Borrower nor any surety or guarantor for Borrower nor any creditor
of Borrower shall be entitled to require Lender to marshal assets.  The benefit
of any rule of law or equity to the contrary is hereby expressly waived.

        Section 9.5.  Transfer of Loan.  Lender may, from time to time, in its
sole discretion, and without notice to Borrower, sell the Loan or participations
therein to such investors or financial institutions as it may elect. Lender may
from time to time disclose to any purchaser or prospective purchaser such
information as Lender may have regarding the financial condition, operations,
and prospects of Borrower and any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness.





                                       8
<PAGE>   12


        Section 9.6.  Notices.  Whenever Lender or Borrower desires to give or
serve any notice, demand, request or other communication with respect to the
Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document, each such notice, demand,
request or other communication shall be in writing and shall be effective only
if and when the same is (i) delivered by personal service; (ii) mailed by
certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, THE DELIVERY OF WHICH
SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE OCCURRED ON THE DAY ON WHICH SUCH MAILING IS RECEIVED OR
RECEIPT REFUSED; or (iii) delivered by nationwide overnight delivery service
(with charges prepaid).  All notices must be addressed to the following
addresses:


                 LENDER

                 The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
                 c/o Lincoln National Investment Management Company
                 200 East Berry Street
                 P.O. Box 2390
                 Fort Wayne, Indiana  46802
                 Attention:  Loan Servicing, Financial Services


                 BORROWER

                 RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.
                 27600 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY
                 SUITE 200
                 SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN  48034

         Any party may at any time change its address for such notices by
delivering or mailing to the other parties hereto, as aforesaid, a notice of
such change.  However, nothing in this section shall be construed to require
Lender to give any notice of Default or notice of intent to accelerate.


        Section 9.7.  Joint and Several Liability.  If Borrower consists of more
than one party, then such Borrowers shall be jointly and severally liable under
any and all Obligations, covenants and agreements of the Borrower.

        Section 9.8.  Severability.  In case any one or more of the covenants,
agreements, terms or provisions in the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral
Loan Document shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity of the remaining covenants, agreements, terms or provisions shall in no
way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby, and to this end the provisions
of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents are declared to be
severable.

        Section 9.9.  Binding Effect; No Assignment.  This Loan Agreement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, successors and
assigns of Borrower and Lender, except that Borrower shall not assign any rights
or delegate any obligations arising hereunder without the prior written consent
of Lender, which may be withheld in Lender's sole discretion.  Any attempted
assignment or delegation by Borrower without such required prior consent shall
be void.

        Section 9.10.  Entire Agreement.  The Note, the Mortgage, and the
Collateral Loan Documents represent the entire agreement between the parties
concerning the subject matter hereof, and all oral discussions and prior
agreements are merged herein and therein. Provided, if there is a conflict among
any documents executed contemporaneously herewith with respect to the
Obligations, the provision most favorable to Lender shall control.

        Section 9.11.  Counterparts.  This Loan Agreement may be executed by
counterpart signature pages, and it shall not be necessary that the signatures
of all parties be contained on any one counterpart.  Each counterpart shall be
deemed an original, but all of them together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

        Section 9.12.  Negotiated Document.  The Note, the Mortgage, and the
Collateral Loan Documents have been negotiated by the parties with full benefit
of counsel and should not be construed against either party as author.

        Section 9.13.  Not Partners; No Third Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing
contained herein or in any related document shall be deemed to render Lender a
partner of Borrower for any purpose.  This Loan Agreement has been executed for
the sole benefit of Lender, and no third party is authorized to rely upon
Lender's rights hereunder or to rely upon an assumption that Lender has or will
exercise its rights under this Loan Agreement or under any document referred to
herein.

        Section 9.14.  Governing Law.  The validity, construction and
enforcement of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents shall
be determined according to the laws of MICHIGAN, applicable to contracts
executed and performed entirely within that state.


        Section 9.15.  Modification Procedure.  None of the Note, the Mortgage,
or any Collateral Loan Document may be modified except by an instrument in
writing executed by the party against whom enforcement of the change is sought. 
No requirement of the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document may be
waived at any time except by a writing signed by both parties, nor shall any
waiver be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or Default of Borrower.

        Section 9.16.  No Waiver.  Failure to accelerate the maturity of the
Obligations, or any portion thereof, upon the occurrence of any Default, or
acceptance of any sum after the same is due, or acceptance of any sum less than
the amount then due, or failure to demand strict performance by Borrower of the
provisions of the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document or any
forbearance by Lender in exercising any right or remedy hereunder or otherwise
afforded by law shall not constitute a waiver by Lender of any provision of the
Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document nor nullify the effect of
any previous exercise of any such option to accelerate or other right or remedy.

        Section 9.17.  Captions.  The headings or captions of the Articles,
sections, paragraphs, and subdivisions of this Loan Agreement and of the Note,
the Mortgage, and the remainder of the Collateral Loan Documents are for
convenience of reference only, are not to be construed a part hereof or thereof,
and shall not be construed as affecting the content of any such Article,
section, paragraph or subdivision.

        Section 9.18.  Incorporation of Exhibits.  All Exhibits, if any,
referred to in this Loan Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference.





                                       9
<PAGE>   13


        Section 9.19.  Time of Essence.  Time is of the essence of this Loan
Agreement, the Note, the Mortgage, and the remainder of the Collateral Loan
Documents, and all dates and time periods specified herein or therein shall be
strictly observed.

        Section 9.20.  Gender and Number.  Words used in this Loan Agreement,
the Note, the Mortgage, or in the remainder of the Collateral Loan Documents
indicating gender or number shall be read as context may require.

        Section 9.21.  Maximum Interest Payable.  None of the provisions of the
Mortgage, the Note, or the Collateral Loan Documents shall have the effect of,
or be construed as, requiring or permitting Borrower to pay interest in excess
of the highest rate per annum allowed by the laws of the state in which the
Premises are located on any item or items of indebtedness referred to herein. If
under any circumstances Lender shall ever receive as interest an amount which
would exceed the highest lawful rate, such amount which would be excessive
interest shall, ipso facto, be applied to the reduction of the unpaid principal
balance due hereunder and not to the payment of interest.

        Section 9.22.  Payment by any Party.  Any payment made in accordance
with the terms of the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan
Documents by any Person at any time liable for the payment of the whole or any
part of the Secured Indebtedness, or by any subsequent owner of the Premises, or
by any other Person whose interest in the Premises might be prejudiced in the
event of a failure to make such payment, or by any stockholder, officer or
director of a corporation which at any time may be liable for such payment or
may own or have such an interest in the Premises, or by any partner, limited
partner, or an affiliate of any partnership which at any time may be liable for
such payment or may own or have such an interest in the Premises shall be
deemed, as between Lender and all Persons who at any time may be liable as
aforesaid or who may own the Premises, to have been made on behalf of all such
Persons.

        Section 9.23.  Fee for Services Rendered.  Lender further reserves the
right to assess Borrower (and the latter agrees to pay) fees for services
rendered by Lender and/or reasonable attorneys' fees in connection with the Loan
or the Premises including but not limited to modification of any documents,
matters undertaken by Lender at the request of Borrower, collection efforts
regarding mortgage payments, exercising assignments of rents or leases, and
foreclosure proceedings under the Mortgage or in pursuit of any remedies under
the Note or under any Collateral Loan Document.  Said sums shall, on notice to
Borrower, become immediately due and payable to Lender.  If Borrower fails to
make payment of fees pursuant to this Section, then such fees shall be added to
the outstanding principal balance and shall bear interest at the Default Rate.

        Section 9.24.  Indemnity; Lender's Expenses.  Borrower agrees to
indemnify, defend (with counsel satisfactory to Lender) and hold harmless Lender
against any loss, liability, claim or expense, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, that Lender may incur in any manner in connection with the Secured
Indebtedness or the Premises.  Without limiting the foregoing, if, in order to
(i) sustain the lien of the Mortgage or its priority, (ii) protect or enforce
any of its rights under the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan
Documents, (iii) recover amounts due under the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the
Collateral Loan Documents, (iv) recover any of the Obligations, or (v) appear in
connection with any action, suit, proceeding, hearing, motion or application
before any court or administrative body in which Lender may be or become a party
by reason of the Note, this Loan Agreement, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan
Document (through the appellate level), including but not limited to
condemnation, bankruptcy and administrative proceedings, as well as any of the
foregoing where a proof of claim is by law required to be filed, Lender shall
incur or expend any sums including but not limited to reasonable attorneys'
fees, costs of title search, continuation of abstract(s), and preparation of
survey; then all such sums shall on notice and demand be paid by Borrower,
together with interest thereon at the Default Rate and shall be a lien on the
Premises, and shall be deemed to be secured by the Mortgage.  This Section shall
remain in full effect regardless of the full payment of the Secured
Indebtedness, the purported termination of this Loan Agreement, the delivery of
the executed original of this Loan Agreement to Borrower, or the content or
accuracy of any representation made by Borrower to Lender; provided, however,
Lender may terminate this Section by executing and delivering to Borrower a
written instrument of termination specifically referring to this Section.

        Section 9.25.  JURISDICTION.  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW,
BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN MICHIGAN AND OF
THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN FOR THE
ENFORCEMENT OF BORROWER'S OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, UNDER THE NOTE, THE MORTGAGE,
AND THE COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENTS, AND WAIVES ANY AND ALL PERSONAL RIGHTS UNDER
THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE TO OBJECT TO JURISDICTION WITHIN MICHIGAN FOR THE
PURPOSES OF LITIGATION TO ENFORCE SUCH OBLIGATIONS.  FURTHERMORE, TO THE EXTENT
PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF THE
SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS OF THE PAPERS ISSUED THEREIN AND AGREES
THAT SERVICE MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL ADDRESSED TO THE
BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN.


        Section 9.26.  WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, IN ANY COURT IN WHICH AN ACTION
MAY BE COMMENCED, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE NOTE, THE MORTGAGE,
ANY COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.

        Section 9.27.  Additional Provisions.  The terms, conditions and
provisions of this Loan Agreement are subject, in all respects, to the
additional sections, if any, set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference.





                                       10
<PAGE>   14

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Instrument to
be executed and delivered under seal as of the day and year first above
written.

                                  THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGE A THOROUGH 
                                  UNDERSTANDING OF THE TERMS OF THIS LOAN
                                  AGREEMENT AND AGREE TO BE BOUND HEREBY.

                                  LENDER:

                                  THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, 
                                  an Indiana corporation

                                  By:  Lincoln National Investment Management 
                                       Company, an Illinois corporation, 
                                       Attorney-in-Fact


                                  By:             /s/ Olin Mills

                                  Title:          Vice President            



                                  BORROWER:

                                  RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P., a 
                                  Delaware limited partnership

                                  By:  Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                       a Massachusetts business trust
                                       (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust) 
                                       General Partner

                                  By:  /s/ Dennis Gershenson                  
                                      Dennis Gershenson
                                      President





                                       11
<PAGE>   15

                                   EXHIBIT A
                    Additional Provisions to Loan Agreement



         The following shall be included in the Loan Agreement, and to the
extent that there is any inconsistency between the text of the Loan Agreement
and the language hereof, the provisions set forth in this Exhibit shall
control:

         Section A1.  Additional Loan Documents.  The following additional
documents shall be included within the Collateral Loan Documents (as defined in
Article I):

         (a)     That certain Limited Guaranty, made by Ramco-Gershenson
Properties Trust("Guarantor(s)"), dated May 1, 1996;

         (b)     That certain Assignment of Leases, Rents and Profits, of even
date herewith, made by Borrower in favor of Lender; and

         (c)     That certain Assignment of Contract Documents, Permits,
         Licenses and Management Agreement and Security Agreement, of even date
         herewith, made by Borrower in favor of Lender.

         Section A2.  Borrower's Authority.  Borrower and the persons executing
this Loan Agreement on behalf of Borrower represent and warrant to Lender that
Borrower is a duly formed and validly existing limited partnership and has
qualified, to the extent necessary, in the state or states in which the Real
Property is located, and in all other jurisdictions in which Borrower owns
property or conducts business, and has full power and authority to borrow the
loan proceeds and to execute and deliver the Note, the Mortgage, and the
Collateral Loan Documents, and to perform all of the obligations of Borrower
under the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents.

         Section A3.  No Personal Liability for Debt.  Notwithstanding any
provision of this Loan Agreement, the Note, the Mortgage, or Collateral Loan
Documents to the contrary, the terms and provisions set forth in Section A1 of
Exhibit A to the Note are incorporated herein by this reference and shall
supersede any inconsistent provision in the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the
Collateral Loan Documents.

         Section A4.  Financial Statements.  In addition to the statements to
be delivered pursuant to Section 3.10:

         The Borrower shall cause Guarantor to furnish to the Lender copies of
all those quarterly and annual reports Guarantor is required to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to 10-K's and
10-Q's.  All such reports shall be certified to be true and correct by a
properly authorized officer, partner or other party of the Guarantor, and shall
be delivered to Lender within (30) days following the filing of such reports.

         Section A5.  Availability of Insurance and Condemnation Proceeds.
Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 4.4, 5.3, 5.6(b) and 6.4 of this Loan
Agreement to the contrary, Lender agrees to make available insurance proceeds
for Restoration, or condemnation proceeds for repair and reconstruction, as the
case may be, subject to the following conditions:

         (a)     That the Borrower is not then in Default and no Default
                 Condition then exists;

         (b)     None of the major leases in the Premises shall have been
                 terminated as a result of such destruction or condemnation,
                 and the Premises shall not have substantially changed in
                 character as a result of any leases which shall have been
                 terminated;

         (c)     Payout of such proceeds shall be pursuant to reasonable
                 construction payout arrangements established by Lender and at
                 the sole cost and expense of Borrower;

         (d)     Sufficient funds are available, from either such condemnation
                 or insurance proceeds or from funds provided by Borrower to
                 complete such Restoration or repair and reconstruction;

         (e)     In the case of insurance proceeds, the aggregate amount of the
                 estimated cost to complete such Restoration shall not exceed
                 90% of the then outstanding principal balance of the Loan; or
                 in the case of condemnation proceeds, the applicable taking
                 comprises less than 10% of the Premises;

         (f)     In Lender's judgment such Restoration or such repair and
                 reconstruction, as the case may be, can be completed on or
                 before a date which is 12 months prior to the maturity date of
                 the Loan; and


         (g)     Lender shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that
                 upon completing such Restoration or such repair and
                 reconstruction, as the case may be, the Premises will generate
                 sufficient cash flow to service the Loan at a ratio of 1.4 to
                 1.

         Section A6.  Installation of New Management.  Lender agrees not to
exercise its right under Section 8.2(d) or 9.1 to require new management until
forty-five (45) days have elapsed following the earlier to occur of (a) a
Default or (b) a Default Condition.

         Section A7.  Insurance Coverages.  The following is added to the end
of Section 4.4(a):

                 In satisfaction of the foregoing requirements, Lender will
accept (a) a Certificate of (blanket) Insurance relating to liability coverage,
and (b) evidence of blanket coverage insurance with appropriate endorsements,
as to all other coverage required hereunder.

         Section A8.  Entry Upon Premises.  In the event of either (a) a
Default, or (b) a breach of any provision of Section 3 of the Environmental
Indemnity Agreement, upon reasonable prior notice (except that prior notice
shall not be required in case of emergency), Lender, its agents and
constituents shall have the right to enter upon the Premises from time to time
to perform such environmental inspections, audits, tests and site assessments
as Lender deems necessary, and all costs incurred by Lender shall be reimbursed
according to the Environmental Indemnity Agreement.

         In all other cases, upon five (5) days' prior notice (except in the
case of emergency or if prior notice is not practicable), Lender and its agents
and consultants shall have the right to enter upon the Premises from time to
time to perform such environmental inspections, audits, tests and site
assessments as Lender deems necessary, provided that in such event, said
inspections, audits, tests and





                                       1
<PAGE>   16

site assessments shall be at Lender's expense, and said entry shall be
reasonably coordinated with Borrower and/or its agents so as to minimize
interference with the affairs of Borrower and its tenants.

         Section A10.    Non-Recourse as to Trustees.       All persons having
any claim hereunder against the Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust (the
"Trust"), or in connection with any matter that is the subject hereof shall
look solely to the trust assets of the Trust, and in no event shall such
obligations of the Trust be enforceable against any shareholder, trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust personally.

         This Exhibit shall not be binding and shall have no force and effect,
unless executed by both of the parties to the Loan Agreement below:

                            LENDER:

                            THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, 
                            an Indiana corporation

                            By:      Lincoln National Investment Management  
                                     Company, an Illinois
                                     corporation, Attorney-in-Fact

     
                            By:             /s/ Olin Mills
                               ---------------------------------------------

                            Title:          Vice President
                                  ------------------------------------------



                            BORROWER:

                            RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P. a Delaware 
                            limited partnership

                            By:      Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                     a Massachusetts business trust
                                     (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust) 
                                     General Partner


                            By:      /s/ Dennis Gershenson 
                               ---------------------------------------------
                                     Dennis Gershenson 
                                     President





                                       2

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.23

                                                                 Loan No: 157670
                                      NOTE


$77,585,524.73
May 1, 1996


                 FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, RAMCO-GERSHENSON
PROPERTIES, L.P., A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("Maker"), whose address is
27600 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY, SUITE 200, SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN  48034, promises to
pay to the order of THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, an Indiana
corporation ("Holder"), the principal sum of SEVENTY-SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED
EIGHTY-FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED TWNETY-FOUR DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-THREE CENTS
($77,585,524.73), with interest from date as hereinafter provided, both
principal and interest payable c/o Lincoln National Investment Management
Company, 200 East Berry Street, P.O. Box 2390, Fort Wayne, Indiana  46802,
Attention Loan Servicing, Financial Services, or at such other place as the
Holder of this Note may designate from time to time.

                 As used in this Note, the term "Maker" shall include the
successors and assigns of the person or entity executing this Note, and the
term "Holder" AND/OR "LENDER" shall include the successors and assigns of The
Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.

        All payments, both of interest and principal, shall be paid in lawful
money of the United States.

                 Until directed otherwise in writing by the Holder, all
payments under this Note shall be made by Electronic Fund Transfer debit
entries to the Maker's account at an Automated Clearing House ("ACH") member
bank.  Each payment shall be initiated by the Holder (or, at Holder's option,
by its loan servicing agent AT NO COST TO BORROWER) through the ACH Network for
settlement on the respective due dates.  Prior to each payment due date, the
Maker shall deposit and/or maintain sufficient funds in its account to cover
each debit entry.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure, for whatever
reason, of the Electronic Funds Transfer debit entry transaction to be timely
completed shall not relieve the Maker from its obligations to promptly and
timely make all payments called for under this Note when due and to comply with
Maker's other obligations hereunder.

                 This obligation shall bear interest from the date hereof at
the rate of EIGHT AND 8.28/100 percent (8.28%) per annum based on a 360-day
year (the "Interest Rate") until maturity.  PAYMENTS OF interest from the date
hereof through the next occurring TENTH (10TH) day of the month IN THE AMOUNT
OF FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY DOLLARS AND TWELVE
CENTS ($535,340.12) EACH SHALL BECOME DUE COMMENCING ON JUNE 10, 1996 AND
CONTINUING ON THE TENTH (10TH) DAY OF EACH SUCCESSIVE MONTH THEREAFTER THROUGH
DECEMBER 10, 1996. COMMENCING ON JANUARY 10, 1997, monthly installments of Six
Hundred Thirteen Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-Nine DOLLARS AND THIRTY-FIVE
CENTS ($613,279.35) each shall become due and a like sum on the TENTH (10TH)
day of each consecutive month thereafter (provided, however, in the event the
TENTH (10TH) day of the month is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday,
payment shall be due on the immediately preceding business day).  On JANUARY
10, 2006 (the "Original Maturity Date"), the entire principal balance and
accrued interest then owing shall become immediately due and payable; it is
acknowledged by Maker, however, that the foregoing payment will not fully
amortize the entire principal sum payable hereunder and that, accordingly, the
payment due on JANUARY 10, 2006, will be a "balloon" payment which is
substantially larger in amount than those preceding the same.  Each monthly
payment shall be credited first toward sums other than interest and principal
due Holder under this Note, the Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents (as
hereinafter defined), then toward all interest then due, and then, subject to
any provisions hereof prohibiting, restricting or conditioning prepayment of
principal, any amounts remaining shall be credited to reduce the amount of the
principal then outstanding.

                 This Note is secured by EIGHT  Mortgage and Security
AGREEMENTS (COLLECTIVELY the "Mortgage") of even date herewith, in favor of
Holder, encumbering, among other things, certain real estate and other property
more particularly described in Exhibit A attached thereto and made a part
thereof (the "Premises").  This Note shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of MICHIGAN.

                 At the option of the Holder of this Note, the entire principal
balance and accrued interest owing hereon shall at once become due and payable
without notice or demand upon the occurrence at any time of any of the
following events (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "Default") AND
CONTINUANCE OF SUCH DEFAULT BEYOND ANY PERIOD DURING WHICH CURE IS EXPRESSLY
PERMITTED IN THIS NOTE, THE MORTGAGE OR THE COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENTS (AS
HEREINAFTER DEFINED):

                 1.       Default in the payment of any installment of
principal or interest due hereunder on the date such payment shall be due and
payable under the terms of this Note or the failure to pay any other sum of
money due under this Note (time is of the essence of this Note), the Mortgage,
or any other agreement or instrument securing or pertaining to this Note or the
indebtedness evidenced hereby, including but not limited to that certain Loan
Agreement of even date herewith by and between Maker and Holder and the
Commitment and the Environmental Indemnity Agreements (as defined in the Loan
Agreement) (such other agreements and instruments being collectively referred
to herein as the "Collateral Loan Documents"), on the date such sum of money is
due and payable; or

                 2.       The occurrence of any Default, other than a Default
under Section 1 above, under this Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral
Loan Documents; or

                 3.       The filing by or against the Maker of this Note, or
any guarantor or surety of the payment of the indebtedness evidenced by this
Note, of a proceeding in bankruptcy or arrangement or reorganization pursuant
to the Federal Bankruptcy Code or any similar law, federal or state, including
but not limited to:

                          (a)     Maker or any guarantor or surety shall file a
voluntary petition in bankruptcy or shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or
insolvent, or shall file any petition or answer seeking or acquiescing in any
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation,
dissolution or similar relief for itself under any present or future federal,
state or other statute, law or regulation relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or
other relief for debtors, or shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the
appointment of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of Maker or any such
guarantor or surety of all or any part of the Premises or of all or any of the
royalties, revenues, rents, issues or profits thereof, or shall make any
general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall admit in
<PAGE>   2

writing its inability to pay or shall fail to pay its debts generally as they
become due; or

                          (b)     A court of competent jurisdiction shall enter
an order, judgment or decree approving a petition filed against Maker or any
guarantor or surety seeking any reorganization, dissolution or similar relief
under any present or future federal, state or other statute, law or regulation
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief for debtors, or Maker or any
guarantor or surety shall be the subject of an order for relief entered by such
a court, and such order, judgment or decree shall remain unvacated or unstayed
for an aggregate of sixty (60) days (whether or not consecutive) from the first
date of entry thereof, or any trustee, receiver, custodian or liquidator of
Maker or any guarantor or surety or of all or any part of the Premises or of
any or all of the royalties, revenues, rents, issues or profits thereof shall
be appointed without the consent or acquiescence of Maker or any such guarantor
or surety and such appointment shall remain unvacated and unstayed for an
aggregate of sixty (60) days (whether or not consecutive).

                 All installments of interest and the principal, or any portion
thereof, not paid when due, if permitted by applicable law, shall bear interest
at a rate equal to the lesser of four percent (4%) in excess of the Interest
Rate or the Highest Lawful Rate (as hereinafter defined) (the "Default Rate").
During the existence of any Default hereunder, under the Mortgage or under the
Collateral Loan Documents, the entire unpaid balance hereunder shall, at the
option of the Holder hereof, bear interest at the Default Rate.

                 Except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein, Maker
and all other parties now or hereafter liable for payment hereof, whether as
guarantor, surety or otherwise, severally waive demand, presentment, notice of
dishonor, notice of Default, notice of intent to accelerate, diligence in
collecting, grace, notice and protest, and consent to all extensions which from
time to time may be granted by the Holder hereof and to all partial payments
hereon, whether before or after maturity.

                 Without prejudice to any other provision herein, if permitted
by applicable law the Holder hereof may collect a late charge equal to four
percent (4%) of any installment to be paid under the terms of this Note and of
any payment to be made under the Mortgage or any of the Collateral Loan
Documents securing same if said installment or payment is not paid when due, to
cover the extra expense in handling delinquent payments; provided that such
late charge shall not, itself or together with other interest to be paid on the
indebtedness evidenced by this Note or indebtedness arising under the Mortgage
or under the Collateral Loan Documents, exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.  Late
charges shall not be payable on installments or payments which would have
fallen due after acceleration upon Default, unless the Holder hereof later
waives such acceleration and accepts payment of all principal then due with
accrued interest at the Default Rate.  Said fee or late charge shall be added
to and become a part of the next succeeding monthly payment as required
hereunder, or, at Holder's option, may be deducted from that portion of the
installment applicable to the reserve for future tax and insurance payments, if
such a reserve is maintained, or become part of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note.  SAID LATE CHARGE SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE PAYMENT DUE ON THE ORIGINAL
MATURITY DATE IF SUCH PAYMENT IS RECEIVED BY HOLDER NO LATER THAN JANUARY 17,
2006.

                 If this Note is not paid when due, whether at maturity or by
acceleration, or if it is collected through a bankruptcy, probate or other
court proceeding, or if this Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan
Document is otherwise placed in the hands of an attorney for collection or
enforcement, whether before or after maturity of this Note, or if Holder shall
be made a party to any litigation merely because of the existence of this Note,
the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document, Maker agrees to pay all costs
incurred by Holder in connection with this Note, the Mortgage, or the
Collateral Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys'
fees, and all other costs and expenses associated with court and/or
administrative proceedings through the appellate level, costs of title search,
environmental assessments and studies, continuation of abstract(s) and
preparation of survey, and costs incurred by reason of any action, suit,
proceeding, hearing, motion or application before any court or administrative
body in which the Holder may be or become a party by reason of this Note, the
Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document, including but not limited to
condemnation, bankruptcy, and administrative proceedings, as well as any other
of the foregoing where a proof of claim is by law required to be filed, or in
which it becomes necessary to defend or uphold the terms of this Note, the
Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Documents.

                 Regardless of any provision contained in this Note, the
Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents, the Holder hereof shall never be
entitled to receive, collect or apply as interest on this Note, any amount in
excess of the Highest Lawful Rate (as hereinafter defined) and, in the event
the Holder hereof ever receives, collects or applies as interest any such
excess, such amount which would be excessive interest shall be deemed a partial
prepayment of principal and treated under this Note as such, AND SUCH
PREPAYMENT SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY PREPAYMENT PREMIUM; and, if the
principal of this Note is paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be
paid to Maker.  In furtherance of the foregoing, Holder and Maker stipulate and
agree that none of the terms and provisions contained in this Note, the
Mortgage or any Collateral Loan Document shall ever be construed to create a
contract to pay interest at a rate in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate.  In
determining whether or not the interest paid or payable, under any specific
contingency, exceeds the Highest Lawful Rate, Maker and the Holder hereof
shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, (i) characterize
any nonprincipal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest,
(ii) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (iii) amortize,
prorate, allocate and spread, in equal parts, the total amount of interest
throughout the entire contemplated term of this Note so that the interest rate
is uniform throughout the entire term thereof; provided that if this Note is
paid and performed in full prior to the end of the full contemplated term
thereof, and if the interest received would exceed the Highest Lawful Rate,
then Holder shall refund to Maker the amount of such excess or credit the
amount of such excess against the principal of this Note, and, in such event,
the Holder shall not be subject to any penalties provided by law for
contracting for, charging or receiving interest in excess of the Highest Lawful
Rate.  "Highest Lawful Rate" shall mean the maximum rate of interest which
Holder hereof is allowed to contract for, charge, take, reserve or receive
under applicable law after taking into account, to the extent required by
applicable law, any and all relevant payments or charges under this Note.  The
term "applicable law" as used herein shall mean the laws of MICHIGAN or the
laws of the United States, whichever laws allow the greater rate of interest,
as such laws now exist or may be changed or amended or come into effect in the
future.

                 No prepayments of the indebtedness hereunder shall be
permitted, this Note being closed to prepayment, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH
IN EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, SECTION A3.

                 Upon the occurrence of any Default under this Note, the
Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents during any period when this Note is
closed to prepayment, and following the acceleration of maturity of the
indebtedness evidenced hereby as herein provided, if permitted by applicable
law, there shall be due and payable as a part of the indebtedness evidenced
hereby, an amount equal to the greater (all as calculated by the Holder) of (i)
the present value (discounted at the Treasury Rate, as hereinafter defined) of
the excess (if any) obtained by subtracting the effective annual compounded
yield (at the time of such acceleration) of United States Treasury Issues
(other than so-called "flower bonds") with maturity dates that match, as
closely as possible, the Original Maturity Date (the "Treasury Rate") from the
effective annual compounded yield of this Note, multiplied by the outstanding
principal balance (at the time





                                       2
<PAGE>   3

of acceleration), multiplied by the number of years (and any fraction thereof)
remaining between the date of acceleration and the Original Maturity Date; or
(ii) five percent (5%) of the outstanding principal balance (at the time of
acceleration) of this Note.  [Such amount will be computed as if the amount
determined in accordance with the preceding sentence were paid in equal monthly
installments after the date of such acceleration through the Original Maturity
Date.]

                 If there be more than one Maker of this Note, the obligations
of each Maker hereunder shall be joint and several.

                 TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MAKER HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN MICHIGAN AND OF THE UNITED
STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN FOR THE ENFORCEMENT
OF MAKER'S OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, UNDER THE MORTGAGE, AND THE COLLATERAL LOAN
DOCUMENTS (AS DEFINED IN THE MORTGAGE), AND WAIVES ANY AND ALL PERSONAL RIGHTS
UNDER THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE TO OBJECT TO JURISDICTION WITHIN MICHIGAN FOR
THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION TO ENFORCE SUCH OBLIGATIONS.  FURTHERMORE, TO THE
EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MAKER HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF THE
SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS OF THE PAPERS ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH
SUCH LITIGATION AND AGREES THAT SERVICE MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED
MAIL ADDRESSED TO THE MAKER AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN.

                 TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MAKER HEREBY WAIVES
ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND
OR NATURE, IN ANY COURT IN WHICH AN ACTION MAY BE COMMENCED, ARISING OUT OF OR
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS NOTE, THE MORTGAGE, ANY COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENT, OR
ANY OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

                 The terms, conditions and provisions of this Note are subject,
in all respects, to the additional provisions set forth on Exhibit A attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and
delivered under seal this Note as of the day and year first above written.

                                   "MAKER"

                                   RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P., 
                                   a Delaware limited partnership

                                   By:   Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                         a Massachusetts business trust
                                         (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust)
                                         General Partner


                                   By:   /s/ Dennis Gershenson
                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Dennis Gershenson
                                       President





                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                   EXHIBIT A
                         ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS TO NOTE



Section A1.  No Personal Liability for Debt.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Note, the Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents to the
contrary, except as provided in this Section A1, the execution of this Note
shall impose no personal liability on the Maker for payment of the indebtedness
evidenced hereby or secured by the Mortgage OR FOR THE OTHER TERMS OF THE
MORTGAGE AND THE COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENTS.  Holder shall look only to the
Premises and to the rents, issues and profits thereof, and other collateral
identified in the Mortgage and the Collateral Loan Documents, and in the event
of a Default hereunder will not seek any deficiency or personal judgment
against Maker except such judgment or decree as may be necessary to foreclose
and bar Maker's interests in the Premises; provided, however, that nothing
herein stated shall:

                 (a)      release, impair or otherwise affect this Note, the
                 Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents; nor

                 (b)      impair or otherwise affect the validity or the lien
                 of this Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan
                 Documents; nor

                 (c)      impair the right of Holder to accelerate the maturity
                 of this Note (or to avail itself of any of its other rights
                 and remedies) upon the occurrence of a Default; nor

                 (d)      relieve the Maker from personal liability for, nor
                 impair the right of the Holder to proceed against or recover
                 from the Maker for any or all of the following:

                          (i)     failure by Maker to return tenant security
                                  deposits and prepaid rents to tenants of the
                                  Premises as required by the terms of such
                                  tenants' leases or rental agreements or by
                                  Michigan law, or, in the event Holder takes
                                  possession of the Premises upon Default
                                  hereunder through foreclosure or prior to
                                  foreclosure pursuant to the rights and
                                  remedies set forth in the Mortgage, failure
                                  by Maker to deliver to Holder all tenant
                                  security deposits held pursuant to tenant
                                  leases;

                          (ii)    rents collected for more than one month in
                                  advance;

                          (iii)   failure by Maker upon Default to apply all
                                  rents, issues and profits from the Premises
                                  to the repayment of the indebtedness
                                  evidenced hereby or secured by the Mortgage
                                  or in accordance with Section 3.08 of the
                                  Mortgage;

                          (iv)    misappropriation or misapplication of
                                  insurance or condemnation proceeds;

                          (v)     fraud or material misrepresentation
                                  perpetrated by Maker against Holder or any 
                                  holder of this Note;

                          (vi)    waste with respect to the Premises (or any
                                  part thereof), as determined in accordance 
                                  with Michigan law;

                          (vii)   destruction of the Premises (or any part
                                  thereof) by or from an uninsured or
                                  underinsured casualty or event for which
                                  Maker is required under the Mortgage or any
                                  Collateral Loan Document to obtain insurance;

                          (viii)  to the extent not escrowed in a manner
                                  acceptable to Holder, or otherwise paid to or
                                  collected by Lender, taxes levied on the
                                  Premises, including ad valorem taxes and
                                  special improvement assessments, and
                                  insurance premiums for the Premises accruing
                                  prior to the date Holder takes title to the
                                  Premises by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu
                                  thereof;

                          (ix)    any and all costs, EXCEPTING THAT OF REMEDIAL
                                  ACTION FOR WHICH THE MAKER HAD NO OBLIGATION
                                  BY VIRTUE OF "GRANDFATHERED" STATUS, incurred
                                  in order to bring the Premises into
                                  compliance with the accessibility provisions
                                  of the Fair Housing Act of 1988 and the
                                  Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prior
                                  to the date Lender takes title to the
                                  Premises by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu
                                  thereof;

                          (x)     any expense, damage, loss or liability (1)
                                  arising from or with respect to the breach of
                                  the warranties contained in this Note, the
                                  Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents in
                                  connection with environmental matters, or (2)
                                  arising from or with respect to the indemnity
                                  contained in the Environmental Indemnity
                                  Agreements or with respect to any other
                                  indemnification relating to environmental
                                  matters;

                          (xi)    seizure or forfeiture of the Premises, any
                                  portion thereof, or Maker's interest therein,
                                  pursuant to any federal, state, or local law;


                          (xii)   ANY EXPENSE, DAMANGE, LOSS OR LIABILITY
                                  ARISING FROM MAKER'S REDEMPTION OF ONLY PART
                                  OF THE PREMISES (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN
                                  THE MORTGAGE) IN THE EVENT HOLDER EXERCISES
                                  ITS RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 6.07 OF THE MORTGAGE
                                  TO SELL THE PREMISES EN MASSE OR IN DISTINCT
                                  PARCELS; OR





                                       1
<PAGE>   6


                         (xiii)  ANY VIOLATION OF THE ERISA COVENANTS 
                                 CONTAINED IN SECTION 2.05(B) OF THE MORTGAGE.

              Furthermore, Maker shall remain personally liable for any costs
              incurred by Holder in connection with the foregoing items,
              including, but not limited to: (I) reasonable attorneys' fees,
              (II) all costs and expenses associated with court and/or
              administrative proceedings through the appellate level, (III)
              costs of environmental assessments and studies, AND (IV) costs
              incurred by reason of any action, suit, proceeding, hearing,
              motion or application before any court or administrative body in
              which the Holder may be or become a party by reason thereof,
              including, but not limited to, (Y) condemnation, bankruptcy, and
              administrative proceedings, as well as any other proceeding where
              a proof of claim is by law required to be filed, or (Z) in which
              it becomes necessary to defend or uphold the terms of this Note,
              the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Documents, as they relate to
              any of the foregoing items.  HOLDER MAY RECOVER FROM MAKER ONLY
              ONCE FOR ANY SINGLE LOSS, LIABILITY OR EXPENSE OCCASIONED BY ANY
              OF THE EVENTS DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (I) THROUGH (XIV) ABOVE AND
              SUCH RIGHT OF RECOVERY SHALL NOT CONVERT THE INDEBTEDNESS
              EVIDENCED HEREBY TO A RECOURSE OBLIGATION.


Section A2.  No Default if Malfunction.  Holder shall not declare a Default if
Holder does not receive Maker's monthly principal and interest payment on the
date the same is due if the nonpayment is due EITHER to a malfunction in the
Electronic Fund Transfer ("EFT") system OR FAILURE BY HOLDER TO INITIATE SUCH
EFT.  Notwithstanding the previous sentence the failure, for whatever reason,
of the EFT debit entry transaction to be timely completed shall not relieve
Maker from its obligation to make all payments when due under this Note or from
Maker's other obligations hereunder.

Section A3.  Prepayment.  Notwithstanding the prohibition of prepayment set
forth in this Note, the following shall apply:

                 Effective on FEBRUARY 10, 2001, the privilege is reserved to
make full prepayment of principal, interest and all other costs and expenses
payable under this Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents,
between the FIFTH (5TH) AND FIFTEENTH (15TH)  days of any month upon payment to
the Holder of a premium on the principal amount so prepaid, which prepayment
premium shall be equal to the greater (all as calculated by Holder) of:

        (a)      The present value (discounted at the Treasury Rate as
        hereinafter defined) of the excess (if any) obtained by subtracting the
        effective annual compounded yield (at the time of prepayment) of United
        States Treasury Issues (other than so-called "flower bonds") with
        maturity dates that match, as closely as possible, the Original
        Maturity Date, plus fifty (50) basis points (the "Treasury Rate") from
        the effective annual compounded yield of this Note, multiplied by the
        outstanding principal balance (at the time of prepayment) of this Note,
        multiplied by the number of years (and any fraction thereof) remaining
        between the date of prepayment and the Original Maturity Date (such
        amount shall be computed as if the amount determined in accordance with
        the provisions of this subsection were paid in equal monthly
        installments after the date of such prepayment through the Original
        Maturity Date); or

        (b)      One percent (1%) of the outstanding principal balance (at the 
                 time of prepayment) of this Note.

If the Maker so elects to make full prepayment of the indebtedness hereunder,
it shall give not less than sixty (60) days prior written notice to that effect
to the Holder by registered or certified mail, directed to this address:  c/o
Lincoln National Investment Management Company, 200 East Berry Street, P.O. Box
2390, Fort Wayne, Indiana  46802, Attention:  Loan Servicing, Financial
Services.  The foregoing premium shall also apply in the event of any
acceleration by Lender of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note when
otherwise open to prepayment, as provided above.

                 Commencing on SEPTEMBER 10, 2005, and continuing through the
Original Maturity Date, prepayment may be made without prepayment premium.

        Section A4.  Reamortization.  Upon (a) any prepayment of principal
permitted under Section B2 or B6 of the Mortgage; or (b) upon any application
of insurance proceeds OR eminent domain awards to repayment of principal as
provided in the Loan Agreement, Maker agrees to adjust the monthly payments due
hereunder at the Interest Rate based on THE MORTGAGE BALANCE EXISTING AFTER
PREPAYMENT, USING an amortization of TWENTY-FIVE (25) years minus the number of
years and/or portions of years that have elapsed under this Note AFTER JANUARY
1, 1997, BUT prior to such prepayment.

        Section A5.  Non-Recourse as to Trustee.  All persons having any claim
hereunder against the Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust (the "Trust"), general
partner of the Maker, or in connection with any matter that is the subject
hereof shall look solely to the trust assets of the Trust, and in no event
shall such obligations of the Trust be enforceable against any shareholder,
trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust personally.





                                       2
<PAGE>   7

        This Exhibit shall not be binding and shall have no force and effect,
unless executed by the Maker of this Note below.


                               "MAKER"

                               RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P., 
                               a Delaware limited partnership

                               By:   Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                     a Massachusetts business trust
                                     (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust)
                                     General Partner


                               By:        /s/ Dennis Gershenson
                                   ----------------------------------------
                                   Dennis Gershenson
                                   President





                                       3

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.24

                                 LOAN AGREEMENT




                                 BY AND BETWEEN


                       RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.


                                      AND

                  THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                                                 Loan No. 157774
<PAGE>   2


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          Page #

                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS
                                                                               1

                                   ARTICLE II
                                    THE LOAN
                                                                               2

Section 2.1.  Loan                                                             2
Section 2.2.  Loan Documents                                                   2

                                  ARTICLE III
             REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
                                                                               2

Section 3.1.  No Consent Required                                              2
Section 3.2.  No Conflicting Law or Agreement                                  2
Section 3.3.  Binding Obligations                                              3
Section 3.4.  Filing Fees                                                      3
Section 3.5.  Further Assurances                                               3
Section 3.6.  Name                                                             3
Section 3.7.  Chief Executive Office                                           3
Section 3.8.  Notice of Certain Events                                         3
Section 3.9.  Full and Faithful Disclosure                                     3
Section 3.10.  Financial Statements and Reports                                3
Section 3.11.  Impairment of Business or Property                              3
Section 3.12.  Maintenance of Premises                                         3
Section 3.13.  Utilities                                                       4
Section 3.14.  No Defaults                                                     4
Section 3.15.  Disclosure of                                                   4
Section 3.16.  Payment of igations                                             4
Section 3.17.  ons by Borrower                                                 4
Section 3.18.  Use of Lender's Name                                            4
Section 3.19.  Notice to Lender Upon Perceived Breach                          4
Section 3.20.  Prohibition Against Removal or Material Alteration              4

                                   ARTICLE IV
                              TAXES AND INSURANCE
                                                                               4

Section 4.1.  Taxes; Governmental Charges                                      4
Section 4.2.  Taxes and Other Encumbrances                                     4
Section 4.3.  Tax and Insurance Deposits                                       4
Section 4.4.  Insurance Coverages                                              5

                                   ARTICLE V
                   DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION; INSURANCE PROCEEDS
                                                                               5

Section 5.1.  Notice                                                           5
Section 5.2.  Assignment of Insurance Proceeds; Authority to Settle Claims     5
Section 5.3.  Lender's Election Regarding Insurance Proceeds                   6
Section 5.4.  Destruction                                                      6
Section 5.5.  Application of Proceeds                                          6
Section 5.6.  Restoration                                                      6
Section 5.7.  Payment of Deposited Funds                                       6
Section 5.8.  Application of Insurance Proceeds in Event of Default            6

                                  ARTICLE VI
                      EMINENT DOMAIN; CONDEMNATION AWARDS                      7

Section 6.1.  Notice                                                           7
Section 6.2.  Assignment of Condemnation Awards                                7
Section 6.3.  Total Taking                                                     7
Section 6.4.  Partial Taking - Lender's Election                               7
Section 6.5.  Abandonment; Failure of Borrower to Respond to Offer, etc        7
Section 6.6.  Application of Proceeds                                          7
Section 6.7.  Expenses                                                         7
Section 6.8.  Application of Condemnation Awards in Event of Default           7





                                       i
<PAGE>   3


                                  ARTICLE VII
                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
                                                                               7

Section 7.1.  Environmental Indemnity Agreements                               7
Section 7.2.  Entry Upon Premises                                              7

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                             DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
                                                                               8

Section 8.1.  Events of Default                                                8
Section 8.2.  Remedies                                                         8
Section 8.3.  Additional Amount Due After Acceleration                         8
Section 8.4.  Remedies Not Exclusive                                           8

                                   ARTICLE IX
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
                                                                               8


Section 9.1.  Right to Inspect; Right to Require Management Agent              8
Section 9.2.  No Effect on Liability                                           8
Section 9.3.  Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement                              8
Section 9.4.  No Marshalling of Assets                                         8
Section 9.5.  Transfer of Loan                                                 9
Section 9.6.  Notices                                                          9
Section 9.7.  Joint and Several Liability                                      9
Section 9.8.  Severability                                                     9
Section 9.9.  Binding Effect; No Assignment                                    9
Section 9.10.  Entire Agreement                                                9
Section 9.11.  Counterparts                                                    9
Section 9.12.  Negotiated Document                                             9
Section 9.13.  Not Partners; No Third Party Beneficiaries                      9
Section 9.14.  Governing Law                                                   9
Section 9.15.  Modification Procedure                                          9
Section 9.16.  No Waiver                                                       9
Section 9.17.  Captions                                                       10
Section 9.18.  Incorporation of Exhibits                                      10
Section 9.19.  Time of Essence                                                10
Section 9.20.  Gender and Number                                              10
Section 9.21.  Maximum Interest Payable                                       10
Section 9.22.  Payment by any Party                                           10
Section 9.23.  Fee for Services Rendered                                      10
Section 9.24.  Indemnity; Lender's Expenses                                   10
Section 9.25.  Jurisdiction                                                   10
Section 9.26.  Waiver of Trial by Jury                                        10
Section 9.27.  Additional Provisions                                          10





                                       ii
<PAGE>   4

                                                                 Loan No. 157774

                                 LOAN AGREEMENT


         THIS LOAN AGREEMENT ("Loan Agreement") is entered into as of the 1ST
day of May 1996, by and between RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.
("Borrower"), A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, and THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY ("Lender"), an Indiana corporation.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

 WHEREAS, Lender has agreed to extend credit to Borrower, on certain terms and
                                conditions; and

         WHEREAS, one condition to Lender's agreement to extend credit to
Borrower is that Lender and Borrower must enter into a comprehensive loan
agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of the extension of credit to
Borrower;

         NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement to cause Lender to extend credit to
Borrower, and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, Lender and Borrower agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

         As used in this Loan Agreement or in any Collateral Loan Document, the
following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings, unless the
context expressly requires otherwise:

         "Bankruptcy Code" means the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as it may
be amended from time to time.

         "Collateral" means any and all Property now or hereafter securing the
Obligations.

         "Collateral Loan Documents" means, collectively, the Commitment, this
Loan Agreement, the Environmental Indemnity Agreements and the other documents
(except for the Note and the Mortgage) listed in Section 2.2 hereof, and each
writing furnished Lender in connection with this Loan Agreement, whenever
delivered.  SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, SECTION 1.
         "Commitment" means that certain letter of application dated APRIL 12,
1995, submitted by Borrower with respect to the Loan and accepted by Lincoln
National Investment Management Company on behalf of Lender on APRIL 18, 1995,
AS FURTHER MODIFIED BY BORROWER'S LETTERS DATED JULY 14, 1995, AUGUST 14, 1995,
AUGUST 18, 1995 AND DECEMBER 4, 1995, AND LENDER'S LETTERS DATED AUGUST 4,
1995, AUGUST 18, 1995, AUGUST 25, 1995, SEPTEMBER 22, 1995, OCTOBER 17, 1995,
NOVEMBER 17, 1995, DECEMBER 1, 1995 AND DECEMBER 28, 1995.

         "Debt" means, with respect to any Person, all liabilities and
obligations, contingent or otherwise, of that Person including, but not limited
to, any nonrecourse obligations secured by Property of that Person.

         "Default" means the occurrence of any of the events specified in
Section 8.1 hereof, as to which any requirement for notice or lapse of time (or
both) has been satisfied.

         "Default Condition" means the occurrence of any of the events
specified in Section 8.1 hereof, in the Note, the Mortgage, or in any of the
Collateral Loan Documents which, with the giving of notice or passage of time
(or both) would constitute a Default hereunder.

         "Default Rate" means an interest rate equal to the lesser of four
percentage points (4%) in excess of the Interest Rate (as defined in the Note)
or the maximum rate of interest permissible under applicable law.

         "Encumbrance" means any interest in any Property in favor of one not
the owner thereof, whether voluntary or involuntary, including, but not limited
to, (i) the lien or security interest arising from deed of trust, mortgage,
pledge, security agreement, conditional sale, capital lease, consignment, or
bailment for security purposes, and (ii) reservations, exceptions,
encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions,
leases, and other title exceptions.

         "Environmental Indemnity Agreements" means, collectively, those
certain environmental indemnity agreements described in Sections 2.2 and 7.1
hereof.

         "Financial Statements" means all balance sheets, income statements,
and statements of cash flow for Borrower and any guarantors, delivered by
Borrower and any guarantors of the Secured Indebtedness or of Borrower's
obligations hereunder, to Lender prior to the date hereof or pursuant to the
requirements hereof or of any Collateral Loan Document.

         "Hazardous Substances" shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in
the Environmental Indemnity Agreements.

         "Improvements" means all structures, buildings and other improvements
now upon or which may hereafter be put upon the Real Property (as more
particularly defined in the Mortgage).

         "Lease" shall have the same meaning ascribed to that term in the
Assignment of Leases, Rents and Profits of even date herewith.

         "Lender" means The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, its
successors and assigns.





                                       1
<PAGE>   5


         "Loan" means the loan to be made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to the
Note and this Loan Agreement.

         "Mortgage" means that certain mortgage and security agreement
described in Section 2.2.

         "Note" means that certain note described in Section 2.2.

         "Obligations" means all present and future Debts of Borrower to
Lender, whether arising by contract, tort, guaranty, overdraft, or otherwise;
whether or not the advances or events creating such Debts are presently
foreseen; whether such Debt was originally payable to Lender or are acquired by
Lender from another Person; and regardless of the class of the Debts, be they
otherwise secured or unsecured.  Without limiting the foregoing, the
"Obligations" specifically include the obligation of Borrower under the Note,
the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents to perform the covenants and
agreements contained therein and in any modification, extension or amendment
thereof.

         "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, trust,
unincorporated organization, government, or any agency or political subdivision
thereof, or any other form of entity.

         "Personal Property" means all fixtures and articles of property now or
hereafter attached to or used or adopted for use in the operation of the Real
Property or the Improvements (as more particularly defined in the Mortgage).

         "Premises" means the Real Property and any Improvements, Personal
Property or Property located thereon.

         "Property" or "Properties" means any interest in any kind of property,
whether real, personal, or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

         "Real Property" means that certain real property described on Exhibit
A to the Mortgage and all present and future fixtures, leases, rents, and other
appurtenant rights.

         "Restoration" shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in Section
5.6 hereof.

         "Secured Indebtedness" means the indebtedness, now or hereafter
secured by the Mortgage (as more particularly defined in the Mortgage).


                                   ARTICLE II
                                    THE LOAN

        Section 2.1.  Loan.  Concurrently with the execution of this Loan
Agreement, Lender shall make the Loan to Borrower on the terms set forth in the
Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents.

        Section 2.2.  Loan Documents.  Concurrently with the execution hereof,
and as a condition to this Loan, Borrower shall deliver to Lender the following
documents, all fully executed by the appropriate parties and in form and
substance acceptable to Lender:

         (a)     This Loan Agreement.

         (b)     THAT CERTAIN NOTE OF EVEN DATE HEREWITH IN THE AMOUNT OF FOUR
MILLION THREE HUNDRED FORTY-SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY- EIGHT DOLLARS
AND SEVENTY-SIX CENTS ($4,346,778.76) (THE "NOTE"), payable to the order of
Lender.

         (c)     That certain Mortgage and Security Agreement conveying to a
mortgagee thereunder, the Premises described on Exhibit A thereto.

         (d)     All U.C.C. Financing Statements to be filed with the
appropriate governmental offices to perfect the security interests granted
under the Mortgage and the Collateral Loan Documents.

         (e)     One or more Environmental Indemnity Agreements executed by
Borrower and Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, dated  May 1, 1996,
respectively.

         (f)     Such other documents, assignments, certificates, agreements,
opinions, title insurance policies, environmental assessments, and indemnities
as are required by Lender pursuant to the Commitment or as Lender may
reasonably require, including without limitation, those documents, if any,
shown on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.


                                  ARTICLE III
             REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

         Borrower represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof, and
Borrower covenants and agrees that during the term of this Loan Agreement while
any portion of the Obligations remain unpaid or unsatisfied (and thereafter
where expressly stated herein):

        Section 3.1.  No Consent Required.  Borrower's execution, delivery, and
performance of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents do not
require the consent or approval of or the giving of notice to any Person which
approval has not been duly obtained or which notice has not been duly given.

        Section 3.2.  No Conflicting Law or Agreement.  Borrower's execution,
delivery and performance of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan
Documents do not constitute a breach of or default under, and will not violate
or conflict with, any provisions of the organizational or governing documents
of Borrower; any contract, financing agreement, Lease, or other agreement to
which Borrower is a party or by which its Properties may be affected; or any
law, regulation, order, injunction, judgment, decree, or writ to which Borrower
is subject or by which its Properties may be affected; nor will the same result
in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance upon any Properties of
Borrower, other than those contemplated by the Note, the Mortgage, and the
Collateral Loan





                                       2
<PAGE>   6

Documents.  Borrower shall not enter into any agreement which would be violated
or breached by the performance by Borrower of its Obligations.


        Section 3.3.  Binding Obligations.  This Loan Agreement is, and the
Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents, when executed and
delivered to Lender, will be, legal, valid and binding upon Borrower,
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

        Section 3.4.  Filing Fees.  Borrower shall pay all filing, registration
or recording fees, and all expenses incident to the execution and
acknowledgment of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents and
any extension, amendment or renewal thereof.

        Section 3.5.  Further Assurances.  Borrower shall promptly cure, and
ratify the cure of, any defects in the creation, issuance, and delivery of the
Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents.  Borrower at its expense
will execute (or cause to be executed) and deliver to Lender upon request all
such other and further documents, agreements, and instruments in compliance
with or accomplishment of the covenants and agreements of Borrower in the Note,
the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, or to evidence further
and to describe more fully any Collateral intended as security for the
Obligations, or to correct any omissions in the Note, the Mortgage, or any of
the Collateral Loan Documents, or to state more fully the Obligations and
agreements set out in the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan
Documents, or to perfect, protect, or preserve any Encumbrances created
pursuant to the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, or
to make any recordings, to file any notices, or to obtain any consents, all as
may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection therewith.

        Section 3.6.  Name.  Borrower has not existed, been known under or done
business under, nor shall Borrower exist, be known under or do business under
any name other than the name used by Borrower in executing this Loan Agreement.
Borrower has not registered or applied for registration nor shall Borrower
register under any fictitious name statute of any state.

        Section 3.7.  Chief Executive Office.  Borrower's chief executive
office is located at the address listed in Section 9.6 hereof and shall not be
transferred to any other location OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH IT IS
PRESENTLY LOCATED without Lender's prior written consent.

        Section 3.8.  Notice of Certain Events.  Borrower shall promptly notify
Lender if Borrower learns of the occurrence of (i) any event that constitutes a
Default or a Default Condition together with a detailed statement of the steps
being taken as a result thereof; (ii) any legal, judicial, or regulatory
proceedings affecting Borrower which, if adversely determined, would have a
material adverse effect on the business or the financial condition of Borrower;
(iii) any dispute between Borrower and any governmental or regulatory authority
or any other Person which, if adversely determined, might interfere with the
normal business operations of Borrower or otherwise have a material adverse
effect on Borrower, its business or Properties; (iv) any labor dispute to which
Borrower may become a party, any strikes or walkouts affecting its operations,
any demand for collective bargaining, and the expiration of any labor contract
by which it may be bound; (v) any material change in the management of
Borrower; (vi) any material adverse changes, either individually or in the
aggregate, in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, business,
operations, affairs, or circumstances of Borrower from those reflected in the
Financial Statements or from the facts warranted or represented in any of the
Collateral Loan Documents, or (vii) any material Default by Borrower under Debt
to any party other than Lender.
        
        Section 3.9.  Full and Faithful Disclosure.  Borrower has fully advised
Lender of all matters involving Borrower's financial condition, operations,
Properties or industry that would be reasonably expected to have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, operations, Properties or prospects
of Borrower.  No information, exhibit, or report furnished or to be furnished
by Borrower to Lender in connection with the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the
Collateral Loan Documents contains, as of the date thereof, any
misrepresentation of fact or fails to state any material fact, the omission of
which would render the statements therein materially false or misleading.

        Section 3.10.  Financial Statements and Reports.

                 (a)      The Financial Statements are complete and correct,
have been prepared in accordance with recognized financial accounting standards
which are consistently applied, and present fairly the financial condition and
results of operations of Borrower, and any guarantors, of the Secured
Indebtedness as of the date and for the period stated therein.  No material
adverse change in the financial condition of Borrower or any guarantors of the
Secured Indebtedness has occurred since the date of the Financial Statements.
Borrower acknowledges that Lender has advanced (or shall advance) the Loan in
reliance upon the Financial Statements.

                 (b)      Borrower shall furnish to the Lender or cause the
Lender to receive all of the following, all of which must be in form and
substance satisfactory to the Lender:

                        (i)       Annual Reports.  Within ONE HUNDRED TWENTY
(120) days after the end of each calendar year, Borrower shall furnish to
Lender an annual financial and operating statement covering the Premises in
such detail as may be required by Lender, such statements to be prepared by a
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT APPROVED BY LENDER (who need not be independent)
and certified as true and correct by the Chief Financial Officer of Guarantor,
including therein (i) current rent roll, (ii) gross income received, (iii)
operating expenses (taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, repairs and
maintenance, salaries and wages), and (iv) the net operating income and
depreciation for federal income tax purposes, AND STATED TO HAVE BEEN PREPARED
ON A BASIS CONSISTENT WITH PRIOR YEARS EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED.

                       (ii)       Other Reports.  From time to time, as may be
reasonably requested by Lender, Borrower shall, with reasonable promptness,
deliver to Lender interim rent rolls certified as true and correct by an
officer or other authorized party of the Borrower, together with other
pertinent information and data regarding Borrower, its business operations and
Properties and tenant sales reports within ten business days of receipt by
Borrower.  SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, SECTION A4.

        Section 3.11.  Impairment of Business or Property.  Neither the
business nor the Property of Borrower is impaired as a result of any fire,
explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, windstorm, accident, strike or other
labor disturbance, embargo, requisition or taking of property, cancellation of
contracts, permits, concessions by any domestic or foreign government or any
agency thereof, riot, activities of armed forces or acts of God or of any
public enemy.





                                       3
<PAGE>   7


        Section 3.12.  Maintenance of Premises.  Borrower shall maintain the
Premises in good and workable condition at all times and make all repairs,
replacements, additions, and improvements to the Premises reasonably necessary
and proper to ensure that the business carried on in connection with the
Premises may be conducted properly and efficiently at all times, including,
without limitation, repairing, restoring, replacing or rebuilding any part of
the Premises now or hereafter subject to the lien of the Mortgage which may be
damaged or destroyed by any casualty whatsoever or which may be affected by any
eminent domain or similar proceeding.  Borrower shall not in any manner commit
or suffer any waste of the Premises.  Borrower shall complete and pay, within a
reasonable time, for any structure at any time in the process of construction
on the Premises and shall not initiate, join in, or consent to any change in
any private restrictive covenant, zoning ordinance or other public or private
restrictions, limiting or defining the uses which may be made of the Premises
or any part thereof.

        Section 3.13.  Utilities.  Borrower agrees to pay, or cause to be paid,
when due all utility charges which are incurred for the benefit of the Premises
or which may become a charge or lien against the Premises for energy, fuel,
gas, electricity, water, or sewer services furnished to the Premises and all
other assessments or charges of a similar nature, whether public or private,
affecting the Premises or any portion thereof, whether or not such assessments
or charges are liens thereon.

        Section 3.14.  No Defaults.  Borrower is not in default in any respect
that affects its business, Properties, operations, or condition, financial or
otherwise, under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit agreement,
note, agreement, Lease, sale agreement or other instrument to which Borrower is
a party or by which its Properties are bound.  To the best of Borrower's
knowledge, information and belief, no other party to any contract with Borrower
is in default or breach thereof and no circumstances exist which, with the
giving of notice and/or the passing of time would constitute such default or
breach.  As of the date hereof, no Default or Default Condition exists under
the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents.

        Section 3.15.  Disclosure of Litigation.  There is no litigation OTHER
THAN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS, THE DEFENSE OF WHICH HAS BEEN ASSUMED BY
BORROWER'S LIABILITY INSURER AND WHICH CAN BE RESOLVED WITHIN APPLICABLE POLICY
LIMITS, arbitration, legal or administrative proceeding, tax audit,
investigation, or other action of any nature pending or, to the knowledge of
Borrower, threatened against, likely to be instituted against or affecting
Borrower, any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness or any of their respective
Properties except as disclosed in the proxy materials of the Guarantor. 
Neither Borrower nor any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness is subject to
any outstanding court or administrative order, writ or injunction.  To the best
of Borrower's knowledge, information and belief, no facts exist that give
claims to third parties against Borrower or any guarantor of the Secured
Indebtedness, except as disclosed in the Financial Statements.

        Section 3.16.  Payment of Obligations.  The Borrower shall pay, in
lawful money of the United States, all sums due the Lender at the time and in
the manner as set forth in the Note, the Mortgage, and in the Collateral Loan
Documents.

        Section 3.17.  Certifications by Borrower.  Borrower, within ten (10)
BUSINESS days of request, made either personally or by mail, shall certify, by
a writing duly acknowledged, to the Lender, or to any proposed assignee of this
Loan Agreement, (1) the balance of the Obligations, including a breakdown of
the principal and interest then owing on the Loan, (2) any offsets or defenses
to payment of the Obligations, (3) a then current list of lessees of the
Premises, if any, with beginning date and the term, minimum annual rent, amount
of square footage and status of each Lease, and (4) a copy of each current
Lease of the Premises.

        Section 3.18.  Use of Lender's Name.  Borrower shall not, without the
prior written consent of Lender, use the name of Lender or the name of any
affiliates of Lender in connection with any of Borrower's business or
activities, except in connection with internal business matters, as required in
making required securities law disclosure, in dealings with governmental
agencies and financial institutions and to trade creditors of Borrower solely
for credit reference purposes.

        Section 3.19.  Notice to Lender Upon Perceived Breach.  Borrower agrees
to give Lender prompt written notice of any action or inaction by Lender in
connection with this Loan Agreement or the Obligations that Borrower believes
may be actionable against Lender or a defense to payment of Obligations for any
reason, including, but not limited to, commission of a tort or violation of any
contractual duty or duty implied by law.

        Section 3.20.  Prohibition Against Removal or Material Alteration. No
Improvements or other Property now or hereafter covered by the lien of the
Mortgage or otherwise constituting the Premises shall be removed, demolished or
materially altered or enlarged, nor shall any new Improvements be constructed
thereon, without the prior written consent of Lender, except TO THE EXTENT
BORROWER'S TENANTS ARE ENTITLED TO DO SO UNDER THE TERMS OF THEIR LEASES, AND
EXCEPT that Borrower shall have the right, without such consent, to remove and
dispose of, free from the lien of the Mortgage, such Personal Property as from
time to time may become worn out or obsolete, provided that either
simultaneously with or prior to such removal any such Personal Property shall
be replaced with other Personal Property of a value at least equal to that of
the replaced Personal Property and free from any title retention or other
security agreement or other encumbrance and from any reservation of title, and
by such removal and replacement Borrower shall be deemed to have subjected such
new Personal Property to the lien of the Mortgage and to have granted a
security interest therein to Lender.* * Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower
shall have the right to make alterations to the Premises provided the aggregate
cost of any particular related improvements or alterations made by the Borrower
(hereinafter, a "Project") does not exceed $100,000.  For the purposes of this
Section 3.20, Borrower agrees to accept Lender's reasonable determination as to
which improvements or alterations are sufficiently related in scope or in time
so as to constitute a Project.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                              TAXES AND INSURANCE

        Section 4.1.  Taxes; Governmental Charges.  Borrower has filed or
caused to be filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed.  Borrower
has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of, all taxes that have or
may have become due pursuant to such returns or otherwise, or pursuant to any
assessment received by Borrower, except such taxes, if any, as are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate
reserves have been provided.  Borrower knows of no proposed material tax
assessment against it or any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness and no
extension of time for the assessment of federal, state or local taxes of
Borrower or any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness that is in effect or has
been requested, except as disclosed in the Financial Statements. Borrower has
made all required withholding deposits.





                                       4
<PAGE>   8

        Section 4.2.  Taxes and Other Encumbrances.  Borrower shall make due
and timely payment or deposit of all federal, state and local taxes (including
but not limited to FICA payments and withholding taxes), impositions,
assessments (general or special) or contributions required of it by law, or
levied on or assessed against the Premises, the Mortgage, the Note, the
Obligations, or any interest of the Lender therein and execute and deliver to
Lender, on demand, appropriate certificates attesting to the payment or deposit
thereof. It is understood that, to the extent Borrower makes deposits with
Lender for taxes and insurance, as provided in Section 4.3, Borrower shall be
in compliance with this Section with respect to the deposited sums.

         Borrower may, in good faith and with due diligence, contest the
validity or amount of such taxes or impositions; provided that (i) Borrower
either pays in full the amount under protest in the manner allowed by law, or
withholds payment thereof so long as such contest has the effect of preventing
the sale or foreclosure of the Premises or any portion thereof; OR (ii)
Borrower notifies Lender in writing at least forty-five (45) days prior to the
date such imposition will be increased by reason of penalties or interest of
its intent to contest the same; and Borrower furnishes Lender with A LETTER OF
CREDIT OR SUCH OTHER security, bond or indemnification as Lender may, in good
faith, require for the final payment and discharge thereof.  In the event of a
ruling adverse to Borrower, Borrower shall promptly pay such tax or imposition,
together with all interest and penalties.

        Section 4.3.  Tax and Insurance Deposits.  Borrower will pay to Lender,
on the installment payment dates of the Note, until the Note and all other sums
secured by the Mortgage are fully paid or until notification from Lender to the
contrary, an amount equal to one-twelfth of the estimated annual insurance
premiums, AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES AND ANY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS ("IMPOUND
PAYMENTS") due during the succeeding calendar year. Nothing contained herein
shall cause Lender to be deemed a trustee of said funds, and no interest shall
be allowed to Borrower on account of any deposit or deposits made hereunder and
said deposits need not be kept separate and apart from any other funds of
Lender. Borrower shall furnish to Lender at least thirty (30) days before the
date on which the same shall become due, insurance premium invoices and an
official statement of the amount of said taxes and assessments next due, and
Lender shall be entitled to rely on such invoices and statements, tax bills,
etc. without inquiry into their accuracy or validity, and Lender shall pay said
premium and charges but only if the amounts received from Borrower are
sufficient. An official receipt therefor shall be conclusive evidence of such
payment and of the validity of such charges.  IF SUCH AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM
BORROWER ARE DETERMINED IN GOOD FAITH BY LENDER TO EXCEED WHAT IS NECESSARY TO
FULLY PAY ESTIMATED IMPOUND PAYMENTS AS THEY BECOME DUE, UPON BORROWER'S
WRITTEN REQUEST BUT NOT MORE OFTEN THAN ANNUALLY, LENDER SHALL REDUCE THE
MONTHLY PAYMENTS REQUIRED HEREUNDER BY AN AMOUNT REASONABLY CALCULATED TO
REDUCE THE SURPLUS FUNDS ON HAND TO AN INSIGNIFICANT AMOUNT WITHIN THE ENSUING
TWELVE (12) MONTHS.  If such amounts received from Borrower are insufficient,
Lender shall notify Borrower of the shortage whereupon Borrower will deposit
(with Lender) such needed funds WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF SUCH
NOTICE.  IF BORROWER SHALL FAIL TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENT, Lender may elect to
advance any needed funds and any sums so advanced shall become immediately due
and payable to Lender, become part of the Secured Indebtedness, and bear
interest at the Default Rate from the date of such advance.  If Borrower is in
Default hereunder or under the Mortgage, the Note, or any of the Collateral
Loan Documents, Lender, at its option, may instead apply such amounts to the
Secured Indebtedness in such priority as it may determine, with any excess held
by it over the amount of the Secured Indebtedness to be returned to Borrower or
any party entitled thereto without interest.  The amount of the existing credit
hereunder at the time of any transfer of the Premises shall, without assignment
thereof, inure to the benefit of the successor-owner of the Premises, and shall
be applied under and subject to all of the provisions hereof.  Upon payment in
full of the Secured Indebtedness, the amount of any unused credit shall be paid
over to the then owner of record.

         In satisfaction of the foregoing, so long as no Default has occurred,
Lender shall accept either (i) an unconditional (not standby) letter of credit
from a financial institution reasonably satisfactory to the Lender or (ii)
written acknowledgment that a reserve of funds exists which is sufficient to
meet the obligations hereunder, whose form and arrangement shall be acceptable
to Lender in its sole discretion.

          Section 4.4.  Insurance Coverages.

         (a)     Borrower will keep the Improvements insured for the benefit of
the Lender and Borrower under 1) "All Risk" type Property Insurance to include
as a minimum the perils of fire and extended coverage, vandalism, water damage,
collapse, earthquake and Law and Ordinance (demolition and increased cost of
construction) coverage in an amount equal to 100% of the full insurable
replacement value of the Improvements (i.e., total cost less value of land and
nondestructibles such as foundations, underground utilities, etc.), which
replacement shall be subject to annual adjustment based on reconstruction
indices published by national appraisal organizations such as Marshall & Swift
or E.H. Boeckh; 2) Personal Property Insurance as required by Lender in an
amount equal to 100% of the full insurable replacement value of the Personal
Property; 3) Business Income Insurance in an amount equal to (i) annual net
income plus continuing normal operating expenses, or (ii) one year's rental
value including, but not limited to, rental income from all Leases or subleases
which are assigned to Lender (and in an amount to be adjusted annually to
reflect current rental values); 4) Flood Insurance in an amount equal to 100%
of the full insurable replacement value unless Lender is furnished a surveyor's
certificate indicating that the Premises are not located inside the special
flood hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or in Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Zones A,
AE, A1-A30, AH, AO, A99, VE, V1-V30 or M); 5) Boiler and Machinery Insurance in
an amount equal to 25% of the full insurable replacement value of the
Improvements or One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), whichever is greater, when
boilers or other pressure vessels or significant air conditioning equipment or
electrical switchgear are located on Premises; and 6) Premises Liability
Insurance including the Broad Form endorsement in the amount of One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) CSL (combined single limit for bodily injury and property
damage) per occurrence and no policy general aggregate, or for policies
containing aggregate limits, One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) each occurrence,
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) products/completed operations aggregate, Two
Million Dollars ($2,000,000) general aggregate per location, and One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) personal and advertising injury aggregate, or in such
amount as required in any collateralized Leases, whichever is greater, with
defense appearance cost coverage and naming Lender as an additional insured.
All insurance herein provided for shall be in form and content and be issued by
carriers approved by Lender (minimum Best's rating of A-, V).  Borrower shall
deliver to the Lender all policies of insurance which insure against any loss
or damage to the Premises, as collateral and further security for the payment
of the Secured Indebtedness, with (i) a Standard Mortgage Clause giving Lender
thirty (30) days' written notice prior to cancellation of any of said policies,
(ii) a replacement cost or restoration endorsement, (iii) a provision stating
that a waiver of subrogation rights by the insured does not void coverage, and
(iv) such special endorsements as may be required by the terms of any Leases
assigned as a source for repayment of the Loan.  If Borrower defaults in so
insuring the Premises or in so delivering the policies, Lender may at its
option (but without any obligation to do so) effect such insurance from year to
year, and pay the premiums therefor, and Borrower will reimburse Lender for any
premiums so paid, on demand, with interest at the Default Rate from the time of
payment and the same shall be deemed a part of the Secured Indebtedness.
Lender, upon receipt of any money for loss or damage pursuant to such
insurance, may, at its option, (a) retain and apply such monies toward payment
of the Secured Indebtedness, with any excess held by it over the amount of the
Secured Indebtedness to be returned to Borrower or any party entitled thereto
without interest, or (b) pay such monies in whole or in part to Borrower for
the repair or restoration of the Improvements or for the erection of





                                       5
<PAGE>   9

new Improvements in their place, or for any other purpose or object
satisfactory to Lender, but Lender shall not be obligated to see to the proper
application of any amount paid over to Borrower.  Not less than ten (10) days
prior to the expiration dates of each policy required of Borrower, Borrower
will deliver to Lender a paid renewal or replacement policy. Borrower shall not
take out separate insurance concurrent in form or contributing in the event of
loss separate from that insurance required to be maintained hereunder unless
Lender is included thereon under a standard mortgagee's clause acceptable to
Lender.  Borrower shall immediately notify Lender whenever any such separate
insurance is taken out and shall promptly deliver to Lender the policy or
policies of such insurance; and SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, SECTION
A7.
         (b)     In the event of a foreclosure of the Mortgage, or deed in lieu
of foreclosure, or other transfer of title of the Premises in extinguishment,
in whole or in part, of the indebtedness secured thereby, all right, title and
interest of Borrower in and to all policies of insurance on the Premises,
including any right to unearned premiums, are hereby assigned to and shall
inure to the benefit of Lender or the purchaser of the Premises.


                                   ARTICLE V

                   DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION; INSURANCE PROCEEDS

        Section 5.1.  Notice.  In case of casualty to the Premises resulting in
damage or destruction, Borrower shall promptly give written notice thereof to
Lender.

        Section 5.2.  Assignment of Insurance Proceeds; Authority to Settle
Claims.  Borrower hereby grants, transfers and assigns to Lender any insurance
proceeds which Borrower is otherwise entitled to receive in connection with any
damages to the Premises or part thereof and the same shall be paid to Lender. 
Borrower hereby authorizes and directs any affected insurance carrier to make
payment of such proceeds directly to Lender.  Provided no Default or Default
Condition exists under the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document,
Borrower and Lender shall both have the right to participate in the settlement,
adjustment or compromise of any claims for loss, damage or destruction under
any policy or policies of insurance, but in the event such Default or Default
Condition exists, only Lender shall have the right to settle, adjust, and
compromise insurance claims.  No interest shall be allowed to Borrower on any
insurance proceeds paid to and held by the Lender.

        Section 5.3.  Lender's Election Regarding Insurance Proceeds.  The
insurance proceeds shall be delivered to Lender and be applied (pursuant to the
provisions of this Article) to reduction or full pay off of the Secured
Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, unless Lender elects to make such
proceeds available for restoration purposes. Within thirty (30) days after
receipt of the written notice referred to in Section 5.1, Lender shall endeavor
to advise Borrower in writing as to whether Lender elects to apply the
insurance proceeds on the Secured Indebtedness or for restoration of the
Premises.

        Section 5.4.  Destruction.  If at any time during the term of the
Mortgage all or any portion of the Premises is damaged or destroyed, and if
Lender elects to have all insurance proceeds applied to payment of the Secured
Indebtedness, as provided in Section 5.5, but such proceeds are not sufficient
to pay in full the then unpaid balance of said indebtedness, with accrued
interest thereon, Borrower shall, within SIX (6) MONTHS after application of
such proceeds, pay such deficiency to Lender.

        Section 5.5.  Application of Proceeds.  If Lender elects to have the
insurance proceeds applied to pay off or reduce the unpaid balance of the
Secured Indebtedness, such proceeds shall, promptly after receipt by Lender, be
applied by the Lender, first, to pay the actual costs, fees and expenses, if
any, incurred in connection with the adjustment of the loss, and, second, to
reduction or pay off of the Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium,
with any excess held by it over the amount of the Secured Indebtedness to be
returned to Borrower or any party entitled thereto without interest.  IN THE
EVENT OF SUCH APPLICATION, BORROWER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REAMORTIZE THE PAYMENT
SCHEDULE OF THE NOTE.

        Section 5.6.  Restoration.  If the insurance proceeds are made
available for restoration by Lender in its sole discretion, Borrower shall,
whether or not the insurance proceeds, shall be sufficient for the purpose,
restore, repair, replace, and rebuild (hereinafter referred to as
"Restoration") the Premises as nearly as possible to its value, condition and
character immediately prior to such damage or destruction.  In such event, all
insurance money paid to Lender on account of such damage or destruction, less
the actual costs, fees and expenses, if any, incurred in connection with
adjustment of the loss, shall be released by Lender to be applied to payment
(to the extent of actual restoration performed) of the cost of the aforesaid
Restoration, including the cost of temporary repairs or Restoration. If the
insurance proceeds are so made available by Lender for Restoration, any surplus
which may remain out of such proceeds after payment of the cost of restoration
shall, at the option of Lender, be applied to the Secured Indebtedness, without
prepayment premium, or be paid to any party entitled thereto and under the
conditions that Lender may require.  NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, HOWEVER, SO
LONG AS THERE IS NO DEFAULT AND SO LONG AS BORROWER IS PURSUING RESTORATION
DILIGENTLY, BORROWER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE ANY INSURANCE PROCEEDS PAID
OUT UNDER A POLICY COVERING BUSINESS INTERRUPTION. Insurance proceeds released
for Restoration shall at Lender's option be disbursed from time to time as such
Restoration progresses or at one time upon completion of such Restoration
subject to the following conditions:

         (a)     Borrower is not then in Default under and no Default Condition
then exists with respect to any of the terms, covenants and conditions under
the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, and Borrower
is not then in default under any Leases of the Premises; and

         (b)     if Lender has elected to disburse such proceeds at one time
upon completion of Restoration, Lender shall first be given satisfactory proof
that all portions of the Premises affected by the loss or damage have been
fully restored in accordance with plans and specifications acceptable to
Lender, free and clear of all liens, except for any liens to be satisfied from
such proceeds and except for the lien of the Mortgage; and

         (c)     if Lender has elected to disburse such proceeds from time to
time as Restoration progresses, Lender shall first be given satisfactory proof
that by the expenditure of such proceeds, the Premises will be fully restored,
free and clear of all liens, except as to the lien of the Mortgage, or, if such
proceeds are insufficient to restore or rebuild the Premises, Borrower shall
either (i) deposit promptly with Lender funds which, together with such
proceeds, shall be sufficient in Lender's sole determination to complete
Restoration, or (ii) provide other assurance satisfactory to Lender that
Restoration will be completed; and

         (d)     in the event Borrower shall fail either to pursue Restoration
diligently to completion or to complete Restoration within a reasonable time,
Lender, at its option, may complete Restoration for or on behalf of Borrower
and for such purpose may do all necessary acts.





                                       6
<PAGE>   10

         In the event any of the said conditions are not or cannot be
satisfied, then Lender may apply such proceeds to payment of the Secured
Indebtedness, as provided in Section 5.5.  Under no circumstances shall Lender
become personally liable for the fulfillment of the terms, covenants and
conditions contained in any of the Leases with respect to the matters referred
to in this paragraph nor obligated to take any action to restore the Premises.
Lender shall not be obligated to see to the proper application of any funds
released hereunder, nor shall any amount so released or used be deemed a
payment on the Secured Indebtedness.

         If any of the said conditions is not satisfied, and if Lender is
unwilling to waive that condition and thereby to make such proceeds so
available, Borrower shall have the right to prepay, without prepayment premium,
the balance of the Secured Indebtedness that remains unpaid after application
of the proceeds or awards thereto.

        Section 5.7.  Payment of Deposited Funds.  Upon (i) completion of all
the Restoration in a good workmanlike manner and substantially in accordance
with the plans and specifications therefor, if any, approved by Lender and (ii)
receipt by Lender of satisfactory evidence of the character required by
conditions (b) and (c) of Section 5.6 hereof, that the Restoration has been
completed and paid for in full (or, if any part of such Restoration has not
been paid for, adequate security for such payment shall exist in form
satisfactory to Lender) and that there are no liens of the character referred
to in said condition (b), any balance of the insurance proceeds at the time
held by Lender shall, at Lender's option, be applied to reduce the Secured
Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, or be paid to Borrower or its
designee provided Borrower is not then in Default under and no Default
Condition then exists with respect to any of the terms or provisions of the
Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents.

        Section 5.8.  Application of Insurance Proceeds in Event of Default.
If, while any insurance proceeds are being held by Lender to reimburse Borrower
for the cost of rebuilding or Restoration of the Premises, Lender shall be or
become entitled to, and shall accelerate the Secured Indebtedness upon the
terms and conditions set forth in the Note, Lender shall be entitled to apply
all such proceeds then held by it in reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and
any excess held by it over the amount of the Secured Indebtedness shall be
returned to Borrower or any party entitled thereto without interest.


                                   ARTICLE VI
                      EMINENT DOMAIN; CONDEMNATION AWARDS

        Section 6.1.  Notice.  In the event that the Premises, or any part
thereof, shall be taken in condemnation proceedings or by exercise of any right
of eminent domain or by conveyance(s) in lieu of condemnation (hereinafter
called collectively, "condemnation proceedings"), or should Borrower receive
any notice or information regarding any such proceeding, Borrower shall give
prompt written notice thereof to Lender.  Borrower and Lender shall have the
right to participate in any such condemnation proceedings and the proceeds
thereof shall be deposited with Lender and be distributed in the manner set
forth in this Article VI.  Borrower agrees to execute any and all further
documents that may be required in order to facilitate collection of any award
or awards and the making of any such deposit.

        Section 6.2.  Assignment of Condemnation Awards.  Borrower hereby
grants, transfers and assigns to Lender the proceeds of any and all awards or
claims for damages, direct or consequential, which Borrower is otherwise
entitled to receive, in connection with any condemnation of or injury to the
Premises, or part thereof, or for conveyances in lieu of condemnation, and the
same shall be paid to Lender.  Borrower hereby authorizes and directs any such
condemning authority to make payment of such award(s) and claim(s) directly to
Lender.  No interest shall be allowed to Borrower on any such condemnation
awards paid to and held by Lender.

        Section 6.3.  Total Taking.  If at any time during which any Secured
Indebtedness remains unpaid, title to the whole or substantially all of the
Premises shall be taken in condemnation proceedings or by agreement between
Borrower, Lender and those authorized to exercise such right, Lender shall
apply such award or proceeds which it receives pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof
first to pay the actual costs, fees and expenses, if any, incurred in
connection with the collection of the award, and second to full payment of all
remaining Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, and any excess
award funds then remaining after payment of the Secured Indebtedness in full
shall be paid to any party entitled thereto.  In the event that the amount of
the award or proceeds received by Lender shall not be sufficient to pay in full
the then unpaid balance of the Secured Indebtedness, with the accrued interest
thereon, Borrower shall, within ten (10) days after the application of the
award or proceeds as aforesaid pay such deficiency to Lender.  For the purposes
of this Section "substantially all of the Premises" shall be deemed to have
been taken if the portion of the Premises not so taken cannot be so repaired or
reconstructed as to constitute a complete, rentable structure(s) capable of
producing a fair and reasonable net annual income sufficient, after the payment
of all operating expenses thereof, to retire the Obligations per the terms of
the Note.

        Section 6.4.  Partial Taking - Lender's Election.  If at any time
during which any Secured Indebtedness remains unpaid, title to less than the
whole or substantially all of the Premises shall be taken as aforesaid, then
Lender will elect, within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of
such taking, whether to have the proceeds of the award applied to reduction of
the unpaid balance of the Secured Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, or
to have such proceeds made available to Borrower for the repair and recon
struction necessary to restore the Premises.  If Lender elects to have the
award or proceeds applied to reduce the unpaid balance, said proceeds shall,
promptly after receipt by Lender, be applied by Lender, first, to pay the
actual costs, fees and expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
collection of the award, and, second, to reduction of the Secured Indebtedness,
without prepayment premium, in inverse order of payments provided for in the
Note, but if such proceeds are not sufficient to pay in full the then unpaid
balance of said indebtedness, with accrued interest thereon, Borrower shall,
within ten (10) days after application of such proceeds, pay such deficiency to
Lender.  If Lender elects to have the proceeds of the award used for repair and
Restoration, all of the award or proceeds collected by Lender shall be applied
first to pay the actual costs, fees and expenses, if any, incurred in
connection with the collection of the award, and the balance shall be paid over
toward the costs of demolition, repair and Restoration, substantially in the
same manner and subject to the same conditions as those provided in Article V
hereof with respect to insurance proceeds and other monies.  Any balance of
such award proceeds remaining in the hands of Lender after payment of such
costs of demolition, repair and Restoration as aforementioned, shall be
retained by Lender and applied in reduction of the Secured Indebtedness,
without prepayment premium, in inverse order of payments as set forth in the
Note.  In the event that such costs shall exceed the net award amount collected
by Lender, Borrower shall pay the deficiency, on demand.

        Section 6.5.  Abandonment; Failure of Borrower to Respond to Offer,
etc.  If the Premises are abandoned by Borrower or if after notice to Lender
and/or Borrower that the condemnor offers to make an award or settle a claim
for damages, Borrower fails to respond to the offer and fails to advise Lender
within thirty (30) days of the date of such notice, then Lender is authorized
to collect and apply the proceeds at the Lender's option either (a) to restore
and repair the Premises, as provided in Section 6.4, or (b) to the Secured
Indebtedness, without prepayment premium, in inverse order of payments as set
forth in the Note, with any excess held by it over the





                                       7
<PAGE>   11

amount of the Secured Indebtedness to be returned to Borrower or any party
entitled thereto without interest.

        Section 6.6.  Application of Proceeds.  In the event that the principal
balance secured by the Mortgage is reduced under the provisions of Sections
6.3, 6.4 or 6.5 hereof, BORROWER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REAMORTIZE THE PAYMENT
SCHEDULE OF THE NOTE.

        Section 6.7.  Expenses.  In the case of any taking covered by the
provisions of this Article VI, Lender shall be entitled to reimbursement from
any awards or proceeds of all reasonable costs, attorneys' fees and expenses
incurred in the negotiation, settlement, determination and collection of any
such awards or proceeds.

        Section 6.8.  Application of Condemnation Awards in Event of Default.
If, while any condemnation awards or proceeds are being held by the Lender,
Lender shall be or become entitled to, and shall accelerate the Secured
Indebtedness upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Note, then Lender
shall be entitled to apply all such condemnation awards then held by it in
reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and any excess held by it over the amount
of the Secured Indebtedness shall be returned to Borrower or any party entitled
thereto without interest.



                                  ARTICLE VII
                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

        Section 7.1.  Environmental Indemnity Agreements.  Borrower shall cause
itself and any other parties required by Lender, as listed in Section 2.2(e),
to execute and deliver Environmental Indemnity Agreements in favor of Lender
relating to hazardous and toxic substances and environmental laws as the same
may affect Borrower or the Premises, such agreements to be in form and content
acceptable to Lender in its sole discretion.

        Section 7.2.  Entry Upon Premises.  SEE EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS, SECTION A9.


                                  ARTICLE VIII
                             DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

        Section 8.1.  Events of Default.  The occurrence of any one or more of
the following events shall be considered a Default under this Loan Agreement:

                 (a)     Breach of Warranty.  The determination by Lender that
any representation or warranty made in this Loan Agreement was incorrect in any
material respect as of the date thereof;

                 (b)     Breach of Covenant.  The failure of Borrower
punctually and properly to perform any covenant or agreement contained in this
Loan Agreement; or

                 (c)     Other Documents.  The occurrence of a Default by
Borrower or any guarantor of the Secured Indebtedness under the Note, the
Mortgage, or any other Collateral Loan Document.

        Section 8.2.  Remedies.  Upon the happening of any Default:

                 (a)     Acceleration.  Lender may, at its option and subject
to applicable law, declare the entire principal amount of all Obligations then
outstanding, including interest accrued thereon, to be immediately due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, or dishonor or
other notice of Default of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived.

                 (b)     Preservation of Financing.  Lender may, at its option,
take any action necessary to cure or prevent a default under any other lender's
commitment to provide financing with respect to any or all of the Premises.

                 (c)     Preservation of Collateral.  Lender may, at its
option, take any action necessary to cure or prevent any impairment of the
value or to remove any Encumbrance of the Collateral.

                 (d)     Appointment of Managing Agent.  Without limiting the
other remedies granted Lender hereunder, Lender may, at its option, require
that Borrower employ a managing agent (suitable to Lender) for the Premises at
Borrower's expense.

                 (e)     Exercise of Remedies.  Lender may, at its option,
exercise all other remedies afforded Lender under the Note, the Mortgage, and
the Collateral Loan Documents and all other rights afforded a creditor under
applicable law or principles of equity.

        Section 8.3.  Additional Amount Due After Acceleration.  Upon the
occurrence of any Default under the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan
Document and following the acceleration of maturity of the Secured
Indebtedness, as provided in the Mortgage, there shall be due and payable, in
addition to all other amounts due, the prepayment premium calculated as
provided in the Note.

        Section 8.4.  Remedies Not Exclusive.  The rights and remedies of
Lender arising under the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents
shall be separate, distinct and cumulative and no such right or remedy shall be
exclusive of any other right or remedy under any of such documents or at law or
equity.


                                   ARTICLE IX
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

        Section 9.1.  Right to Inspect; Right to Require Management Agent.
Lender, its officers, employees or agents, shall have the right to visit and
inspect the Premises at all reasonable times and as often as Lender may
reasonably desire AT LENDER'S EXPENSE UNLESS SUCH RIGHT IS EXERCISED DURING THE
PENDENCY OF AN UNCURED DEFAULT. Without limiting the foregoing, Lender and its
agents and consultants shall have the right to enter upon the Premises from
time to time to perform the inspections, audits, etc. referred





                                       8
<PAGE>   12

to in Section 7.2, and in addition to examine Borrower's books of record and
accounts in regard to any Collateral, to take copies and extracts from such
books of record and accounts, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts
of Borrower with Borrower's respective officers, accountants and auditors.  At
any time DURING Default by the Borrower in the performance of any of the terms,
covenants or provisions of the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral
Loan Documents, if the Lender (in the exercise of reasonable business judgment)
determines that the management or maintenance of the Premises is
unsatisfactory, then Lender shall have the right at its sole option, to require
that Borrower employ a managing agent for the Premises, or replace the existing
managing agent, as applicable.  Such managing agent shall be selected by
Borrower (with Lender's approval) and shall be employed at Borrower's expense.
The exercise of the rights herein conferred upon the Lender shall not be deemed
an election of remedies or exclusive of any other right or remedy available to
the Lender on account of such Default, but rather shall be in addition to all
such other rights and remedies.  The rights granted Lender in this Section may
be enforced by injunctive relief.

        Section 9.2.  No Effect on Liability.  Without affecting the liability
of any other Person liable with respect to the Obligations and without
affecting the lien or charge of the Mortgage upon any portion of the Premises
not then or theretofore released as security for the Obligations, Lender may
from time to time and without notice (a) release any Person so liable, (b)
extend the maturity or alter any of the terms of any of the Obligations, (c)
grant other indulgences, (d) release or reconvey, or cause to be released or
reconveyed, any parcel, portion or all of the Premises, (e) take or release any
other or additional security for any Obligation, or (f) make compositions or
other arrangements with debtors in relation thereto.  No sale of the Premises
shall in any way affect the liability of any party to the Note, or any Person
liable or to become liable with respect to the Obligations.  The defenses of
impairment of Collateral and impairment of recourse and any requirement of
diligence on Lender's part in collecting the Obligations are hereby waived.

        Section 9.3.  Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement.  All provisions of
this Loan Agreement relating to Obligations shall apply with equal force and
effect to each and all promissory notes executed hereafter which in whole or in
part represent a renewal, extension for any period, increase, or rearrangement
of any part of the Obligations originally represented by any part of such other
Obligations.

        Section 9.4.  No Marshalling of Assets.  Lender may proceed against any
Collateral and against parties liable therefor in such order as it may elect,
and neither Borrower nor any surety or guarantor for Borrower nor any creditor
of Borrower shall be entitled to require Lender to marshal assets.  The benefit
of any rule of law or equity to the contrary is hereby expressly waived.

        Section 9.5.  Transfer of Loan.  Lender may, from time to time, in its
sole discretion, and without notice to Borrower, sell the Loan or
participations therein to such investors or financial institutions as it may
elect. Lender may from time to time disclose to any purchaser or prospective
purchaser such information as Lender may have regarding the financial
condition, operations, and prospects of Borrower and any guarantor of the
Secured Indebtedness.

        Section 9.6.  Notices.  Whenever Lender or Borrower desires to give or
serve any notice, demand, request or other communication with respect to the
Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document, each such notice, demand,
request or other communication shall be in writing and shall be effective only
if and when the same is (i) delivered by personal service; (ii) mailed by
certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, THE DELIVERY OF
WHICH SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE OCCURRED ON THE DAY ON WHICH SUCH MAILING IS
RECEIVED OR RECEIPT REFUSED; or (iii) delivered by nationwide overnight
delivery service (with charges prepaid).  All notices must be addressed to the
following addresses:


                 LENDER

                 The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
                 c/o Lincoln National Investment Management Company
                 200 East Berry Street
                 P.O. Box 2390
                 Fort Wayne, Indiana  46802
                 Attention:  Loan Servicing, Financial Services


                 BORROWER

                 RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P.
                 27600 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY
                 SUITE 200
                 SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN  48034

         Any party may at any time change its address for such notices by
delivering or mailing to the other parties hereto, as aforesaid, a notice of
such change.  However, nothing in this section shall be construed to require
Lender to give any notice of Default or notice of intent to accelerate.

        Section 9.7.  Joint and Several Liability.  If Borrower consists of
more than one party, then such Borrowers shall be jointly and severally liable
under any and all Obligations, covenants and agreements of the Borrower.

        Section 9.8.  Severability.  In case any one or more of the covenants,
agreements, terms or provisions in the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral
Loan Document shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity of the remaining covenants, agreements, terms or provisions shall in
no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby, and to this end the
provisions of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents are
declared to be severable.

        Section 9.9.  Binding Effect; No Assignment.  This Loan Agreement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, successors
and assigns of Borrower and Lender, except that Borrower shall not assign any
rights or delegate any obligations arising hereunder without the prior written
consent of Lender, which may be withheld in Lender's sole discretion.  Any
attempted assignment or delegation by Borrower without such required prior
consent shall be void.

        Section 9.10.  Entire Agreement.  The Note, the Mortgage, and the
Collateral Loan Documents represent the entire agreement between the parties
concerning the subject matter hereof, and all oral discussions and prior
agreements are merged herein and therein. Provided, if there is a conflict
among any documents executed contemporaneously herewith with respect to the
Obligations, the provision most favorable to Lender shall control.





                                       9
<PAGE>   13


        Section 9.11.  Counterparts.  This Loan Agreement may be executed by
counterpart signature pages, and it shall not be necessary that the signatures
of all parties be contained on any one counterpart.  Each counterpart shall be
deemed an original, but all of them together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

        Section 9.12.  Negotiated Document.  The Note, the Mortgage, and the
Collateral Loan Documents have been negotiated by the parties with full benefit
of counsel and should not be construed against either party as author.

        Section 9.13.  Not Partners; No Third Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing
contained herein or in any related document shall be deemed to render Lender a
partner of Borrower for any purpose.  This Loan Agreement has been executed for
the sole benefit of Lender, and no third party is authorized to rely upon
Lender's rights hereunder or to rely upon an assumption that Lender has or will
exercise its rights under this Loan Agreement or under any document referred to
herein.

        Section 9.14.  Governing Law.  The validity, construction and
enforcement of the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents shall
be determined according to the laws of MICHIGAN, applicable to contracts
executed and performed entirely within that state.

        Section 9.15.  Modification Procedure.  None of the Note, the Mortgage,
or any Collateral Loan Document may be modified except by an instrument in
writing executed by the party against whom enforcement of the change is sought. 
No requirement of the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document may
be waived at any time except by a writing signed by both parties, nor shall any
waiver be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or Default of Borrower.

        Section 9.16.  No Waiver.  Failure to accelerate the maturity of the
Obligations, or any portion thereof, upon the occurrence of any Default, or
acceptance of any sum after the same is due, or acceptance of any sum less than
the amount then due, or failure to demand strict performance by Borrower of the
provisions of the Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document or any
forbearance by Lender in exercising any right or remedy hereunder or otherwise
afforded by law shall not constitute a waiver by Lender of any provision of the
Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document nor nullify the effect of
any previous exercise of any such option to accelerate or other right or
remedy.

        Section 9.17.  Captions.  The headings or captions of the Articles,
sections, paragraphs, and subdivisions of this Loan Agreement and of the Note,
the Mortgage, and the remainder of the Collateral Loan Documents are for
convenience of reference only, are not to be construed a part hereof or
thereof, and shall not be construed as affecting the content of any such
Article, section, paragraph or subdivision.

        Section 9.18.  Incorporation of Exhibits.  All Exhibits, if any,
referred to in this Loan Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference.

        Section 9.19.  Time of Essence.  Time is of the essence of this Loan
Agreement, the Note, the Mortgage, and the remainder of the Collateral Loan
Documents, and all dates and time periods specified herein or therein shall be
strictly observed.

        Section 9.20.  Gender and Number.  Words used in this Loan Agreement,
the Note, the Mortgage, or in the remainder of the Collateral Loan Documents
indicating gender or number shall be read as context may require.

        Section 9.21.  Maximum Interest Payable.  None of the provisions of the
Mortgage, the Note, or the Collateral Loan Documents shall have the effect of,
or be construed as, requiring or permitting Borrower to pay interest in excess
of the highest rate per annum allowed by the laws of the state in which the
Premises are located on any item or items of indebtedness referred to herein.
If under any circumstances Lender shall ever receive as interest an amount
which would exceed the highest lawful rate, such amount which would be
excessive interest shall, ipso facto, be applied to the reduction of the unpaid
principal balance due hereunder and not to the payment of interest.

        Section 9.22.  Payment by any Party.  Any payment made in accordance    
with the terms of the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan
Documents by any Person at any time liable for the payment of the whole or any
part of the Secured Indebtedness, or by any subsequent owner of the Premises,
or by any other Person whose interest in the Premises might be prejudiced in
the event of a failure to make such payment, or by any stockholder, officer or
director of a corporation which at any time may be liable for such payment or
may own or have such an interest in the Premises, or by any partner, limited
partner, or an affiliate of any partnership which at any time may be liable for
such payment or may own or have such an interest in the Premises shall be
deemed, as between Lender and all Persons who at any time may be liable as
aforesaid or who may own the Premises, to have been made on behalf of all such
Persons.

        Section 9.23.  Fee for Services Rendered.  Lender further reserves the
right to assess Borrower (and the latter agrees to pay) fees for services
rendered by Lender and/or reasonable attorneys' fees in connection with the
Loan or the Premises including but not limited to modification of any
documents, matters undertaken by Lender at the request of Borrower, collection
efforts regarding mortgage payments, exercising assignments of rents or leases,
and foreclosure proceedings under the Mortgage or in pursuit of any remedies
under the Note or under any Collateral Loan Document.  Said sums shall, on
notice to Borrower, become immediately due and payable to Lender.  If Borrower
fails to make payment of fees pursuant to this Section, then such fees shall be
added to the outstanding principal balance and shall bear interest at the
Default Rate.

        Section 9.24.  Indemnity; Lender's Expenses.  Borrower agrees to
indemnify, defend (with counsel satisfactory to Lender) and hold harmless
Lender against any loss, liability, claim or expense, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, that Lender may incur in any manner in connection with the
Secured Indebtedness or the Premises.  Without limiting the foregoing, if, in
order to (i) sustain the lien of the Mortgage or its priority, (ii) protect or
enforce any of its rights under the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the
Collateral Loan Documents, (iii) recover amounts due under the Note, the
Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents, (iv) recover any of the
Obligations, or (v) appear in connection with any action, suit, proceeding,
hearing, motion or application before any court or administrative body in which
Lender may be or become a party by reason of the Note, this Loan Agreement, the
Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document (through the appellate level),
including but not limited to condemnation, bankruptcy and administrative
proceedings, as well as any of the foregoing where a proof of claim is by law
required to be filed, Lender shall incur or expend any sums including but not
limited to reasonable attorneys' fees, costs of title search, continuation of
abstract(s), and preparation of survey; then all such sums shall on notice and
demand be paid by Borrower, together with interest thereon at the Default Rate
and shall be a lien on the Premises, and shall be deemed to be secured by the
Mortgage.  This Section shall remain in full effect regardless of the full
payment of the Secured Indebtedness, the purported termination of this Loan
Agreement, the delivery of the executed original of this Loan





                                       10
<PAGE>   14

Agreement to Borrower, or the content or accuracy of any representation made by
Borrower to Lender; provided, however, Lender may terminate this Section by
executing and delivering to Borrower a written instrument of termination
specifically referring to this Section.

        Section 9.25.  JURISDICTION.  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN MICHIGAN
AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF BORROWER'S OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, UNDER THE NOTE, THE
MORTGAGE, AND THE COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENTS, AND WAIVES ANY AND ALL PERSONAL
RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE TO OBJECT TO JURISDICTION WITHIN
MICHIGAN FOR THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION TO ENFORCE SUCH OBLIGATIONS. 
FURTHERMORE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES
PERSONAL SERVICE OF THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS OF THE PAPERS
ISSUED THEREIN AND AGREES THAT SERVICE MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED
MAIL ADDRESSED TO THE BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN.


        Section 9.26.  WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY
IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, IN ANY COURT IN WHICH AN
ACTION MAY BE COMMENCED, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE NOTE, THE
MORTGAGE, ANY COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.

        Section 9.27.  Additional Provisions.  The terms, conditions and
provisions of this Loan Agreement are subject, in all respects, to the
additional sections, if any, set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference.





                                       11
<PAGE>   15

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Instrument to
be executed and delivered under seal as of the day and year first above
written.

                                 THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGE A THOROUGH 
                                 UNDERSTANDING OF THE TERMS OF THIS LOAN
                                 AGREEMENT AND AGREE TO BE BOUND HEREBY.

                                 LENDER:

                                 THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, 
                                 an Indiana corporation
 
                                 By:      Lincoln National Investment 
                                          Management Company, an Illinois
                                          corporation, Attorney-in-Fact


                                 By:             /s/ Olin Mills
                                     -----------------------------------------

                                 Title:          Vice President
                                       ---------------------------------------



                                 BORROWER:

                                 RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P., 
                                 a Delaware limited partnership

                                 By:      Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                          a Massachusetts business trust
                                          (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust) 
                                          General Partner


                                 By:      /s/ Dennis Gershenson
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                          Dennis Gershenson
                                          President





                                       12
<PAGE>   16

                                   EXHIBIT A
                    Additional Provisions to Loan Agreement



         The following shall be included in the Loan Agreement, and to the
extent that there is any inconsistency between the text of the Loan Agreement
and the language hereof, the provisions set forth in this Exhibit shall
control:

         Section A1.  Additional Loan Documents.  The following additional
documents shall be included within the Collateral Loan Documents (as defined in
Article I):

         (a)     That certain Limited Guaranty, made by Ramco-Gershenson
         Properties Trust ("Guarantor(s)"), dated May 1, 1996;

         (b)     That certain Assignment of Leases, Rents and Profits, of even
         date herewith, made by Borrower in favor of Lender; and

         (c)     That certain Assignment of Contract Documents, Permits,
         Licenses and Management Agreement and Security Agreement, of even date
         herewith, made by Borrower in favor of Lender.

         Section A2.  Borrower's Authority.  Borrower and the persons executing
this Loan Agreement on behalf of Borrower represent and warrant to Lender that
Borrower is a duly formed and validly existing limited partnership and has
qualified, to the extent necessary, in the state or states in which the Real
Property is located, and in all other jurisdictions in which Borrower owns
property or conducts business, and has full power and authority to borrow the
loan proceeds and to execute and deliver the Note, the Mortgage, and the
Collateral Loan Documents, and to perform all of the obligations of Borrower
under the Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents.

         Section A3.  No Personal Liability for Debt.  Notwithstanding any
provision of this Loan Agreement, the Note, the Mortgage, or Collateral Loan
Documents to the contrary, the terms and provisions set forth in Section A1 of
Exhibit A to the Note are incorporated herein by this reference and shall
supersede any inconsistent provision in the Note, the Mortgage, or any of the
Collateral Loan Documents.

         Section A4.  Financial Statements.  In addition to the statements to
be delivered pursuant to Section 3.10:

         The Borrower shall cause Guarantor to furnish to the Lender copies of
all those quarterly and annual reports Guarantor is required to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to 10-K's and
10-Q's.  All such reports shall be certified to be true and correct by a
properly authorized officer, partner or other party of the Guarantor, and shall
be delivered to Lender within thirty (30) days following the filing of such
reports.

         Section A5.  Availability of Insurance and Condemnation Proceeds.
Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 4.4, 5.3, 5.6(b) and 6.4 of this Loan
Agreement to the contrary, Lender agrees to make available insurance proceeds
for Restoration, or condemnation proceeds for repair and reconstruction, as the
case may be, subject to the following conditions:

         (a)     That the Borrower is not then in Default and no Default
                 Condition then exists;

         (b)     None of the major leases in the Premises shall have been
                 terminated as a result of such destruction or condemnation,
                 and the Premises shall not have substantially changed in
                 character as a result of any leases which shall have been
                 terminated;

         (c)     Payout of such proceeds shall be pursuant to reasonable
                 construction payout arrangements established by Lender and at
                 the sole cost and expense of Borrower;

         (d)     Sufficient funds are available, from either such condemnation
                 or insurance proceeds or from funds provided by Borrower to
                 complete such Restoration or repair and reconstruction;

         (e)     In the case of insurance proceeds, the aggregate amount of the
                 estimated cost to complete such Restoration shall not exceed
                 90% of the then outstanding principal balance of the Loan; or
                 in the case of condemnation proceeds, the applicable taking
                 comprises less than 10% of the Premises;

         (f)     In Lender's judgment such Restoration or such repair and
                 reconstruction, as the case may be, can be completed on or
                 before a date which is 12 months prior to the maturity date of
                 the Loan; and


         (g)     Lender shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that
                 upon completing such Restoration or such repair and
                 reconstruction, as the case may be, the Premises will generate
                 sufficient cash flow to service the Loan at a ratio of 1.4 to
                 1.

         Section A6.  Installation of New Management.  Lender agrees not to
exercise its right under Section 8.2(d) or 9.1 to require new management until
forty-five (45) days have elapsed following the earlier to occur of (a) a
Default or (b) a Default Condition.

         SECTION A7.  INSURANCE COVERAGES.  THE FOLLOWING IS ADDED TO THE END
OF SECTION 4.4(A):

                 IN SATISFACTION OF THE FOREGOING REQUIREMENTS, LENDER WILL
ACCEPT (A) A CERTIFICATE OF (BLANKET) INSURANCE RELATING TO LIABILITY COVERAGE,
AND (B) EVIDENCE OF BLANKET COVERAGE INSURANCE WITH APPROPRIATE ENDORSEMENTS,
AS TO ALL OTHER COVERAGE REQUIRED HEREUNDER.

         SECTION A8.  ENTRY UPON PREMISES.  IN THE EVENT OF EITHER (A) A
DEFAULT, OR (B) A BREACH OF ANY PROVISION OF SECTION 3 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, UPON REASONABLE PRIOR NOTICE (EXCEPT THAT





                                       1
<PAGE>   17

PRIOR NOTICE SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY), LENDER, ITS AGENTS
AND CONSTITUENTS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER UPON THE PREMISES FROM TIME TO
TIME TO PERFORM SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS, AUDITS, TESTS AND SITE
ASSESSMENTS AS LENDER DEEMS NECESSARY, AND ALL COSTS INCURRED BY LENDER SHALL
BE REIMBURSED ACCORDING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNITY AGREEMENT.

         IN ALL OTHER CASES, UPON FIVE (5) DAYS' PRIOR NOTICE (EXCEPT IN THE
CASE OF EMERGENCY OR IF PRIOR NOTICE IS NOT PRACTICABLE), LENDER AND ITS AGENTS
AND CONSULTANTS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER UPON THE PREMISES FROM TIME TO
TIME TO PERFORM SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS, AUDITS, TESTS AND SITE
ASSESSMENTS AS LENDER DEEMS NECESSARY, PROVIDED THAT IN SUCH EVENT, SAID
INSPECTIONS, AUDITS, TESTS AND SITE ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE AT LENDER'S EXPENSE,
AND SAID ENTRY SHALL BE REASONABLY COORDINATED WITH BORROWER AND/OR ITS AGENTS
SO AS TO MINIMIZE INTERFERENCE WITH THE AFFAIRS OF BORROWER AND ITS TENANTS.

         This Exhibit shall not be binding and shall have no force and effect,
unless executed by both of the parties to the Loan Agreement below:

                              LENDER:

                              THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, 
                              an Indiana corporation

                              By:      Lincoln National Investment Management 
                                       Company, an Illinois
                                       corporation, Attorney-in-Fact


                              By:             /s/ Olin Mills
                                  --------------------------------------------

                              Title:          Vice President
                                     -----------------------------------------


                              BORROWER:

                              RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P. 
                              a Delaware limited partnership

                              By:      Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                       a Massachusetts business trust
                                       (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust) 
                                       General Partner


                              By:             /s/ Dennis Gershenson
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                       Dennis Gershenson
                                       President









                                       2

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.25

                                                                 Loan No: 157774
                                      NOTE


$4,346,778.76
May 1, 1996


                 FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, RAMCO-GERSHENSON
PROPERTIES, L.P., A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("Maker"), whose address is
27600 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY, SUITE 200, SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN  48034, promises to
pay to the order of THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, an Indiana
corporation ("Holder"), the principal sum of FOUR MILLION THREE HUNDRED
FORTY-SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY- EIGHT DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-SIX CENTS
($4,346,778.76), with interest from date as hereinafter provided, both
principal and interest payable c/o Lincoln National Investment Management
Company, 200 East Berry Street, P.O. Box 2390, Fort Wayne, Indiana  46802,
Attention Loan Servicing, Financial Services, or at such other place as the
Holder of this Note may designate from time to time.

                 As used in this Note, the term "Maker" shall include the
successors and assigns of the person or entity executing this Note, and the
term "Holder" AND/OR "LENDER" shall include the successors and assigns of The
Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.

                 All payments, both of interest and principal, shall be paid 
in lawful money of the United States.

                 Until directed otherwise in writing by the Holder, all
payments under this Note shall be made by Electronic Fund Transfer debit
entries to the Maker's account at an Automated Clearing House ("ACH") member
bank.  Each payment shall be initiated by the Holder (or, at Holder's option,
by its loan servicing agent AT NO COST TO BORROWER) through the ACH Network for
settlement on the respective due dates.  Prior to each payment due date, the
Maker shall deposit and/or maintain sufficient funds in its account to cover
each debit entry.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure, for whatever
reason, of the Electronic Funds Transfer debit entry transaction to be timely
completed shall not relieve the Maker from its obligations to promptly and
timely make all payments called for under this Note when due and to comply with
Maker's other obligations hereunder.

                 This obligation shall bear interest from the date hereof at
the rate of SEVEN AND 77/100 percent (7.77%) per annum based on a 360-day year
(the "Interest Rate") until maturity.  PAYMENTS OF interest from the date
hereof through the next occurring TENTH (10TH) day of the month IN THE AMOUNT
OF TWENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND THIRTY-NINE CENTS
($28,145.39) EACH SHALL BECOME DUE COMMENCING ON JUNE 10, 1996 AND CONTINUING
ON THE TENTH (10TH) DAY OF EACH SUCCESSIVE MONTH THEREAFTER THROUGH DECEMBER
10, 1996. COMMENCING ON JANUARY 10, 1997, monthly installments of Thirty-Two
Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Nine DOLLARS AND FIFTY-SEVEN CENTS ($32,889.57)
each shall become due and a like sum on the TENTH (10TH) day of each
consecutive month thereafter (provided, however, in the event the TENTH (10TH)
day of the month is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, payment shall be
due on the immediately preceding business day).  On JANUARY 10, 2006 (the
"Original Maturity Date"), the entire principal balance and accrued interest
then owing shall become immediately due and payable; it is acknowledged by
Maker, however, that the foregoing payment will not fully amortize the entire
principal sum payable hereunder and that, accordingly, the payment due on
JANUARY 10, 2006, will be a "balloon" payment which is substantially larger in
amount than those preceding the same.  Each monthly payment shall be credited
first toward sums other than interest and principal due Holder under this Note,
the Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents (as hereinafter defined), then
toward all interest then due, and then, subject to any provisions hereof
prohibiting, restricting or conditioning prepayment of principal, any amounts
remaining shall be credited to reduce the amount of the principal then
outstanding.

                 This Note is secured by a Mortgage and Security Agreement (the
"Mortgage") of even date herewith, in favor of Holder, encumbering, among other
things, certain real estate and other property more particularly described in
Exhibit A attached thereto and made a part thereof (the "Premises").  This Note
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of MICHIGAN.

                 At the option of the Holder of this Note, the entire principal
balance and accrued interest owing hereon shall at once become due and payable
without notice or demand upon the occurrence at any time of any of the
following events (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "Default") AND
CONTINUANCE OF SUCH DEFAULT BEYOND ANY PERIOD DURING WHICH CURE IS EXPRESSLY
PERMITTED IN THIS NOTE, THE MORTGAGE OR THE COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENTS (AS
HEREINAFTER DEFINED):

                 1.       Default in the payment of any installment of
principal or interest due hereunder on the date such payment shall be due and
payable under the terms of this Note or the failure to pay any other sum of
money due under this Note (time is of the essence of this Note), the Mortgage,
or any other agreement or instrument securing or pertaining to this Note or the
indebtedness evidenced hereby, including but not limited to that certain Loan
Agreement of even date herewith by and between Maker and Holder and the
Commitment and the Environmental Indemnity Agreements (as defined in the Loan
Agreement) (such other agreements and instruments being collectively referred
to herein as the "Collateral Loan Documents"), on the date such sum of money is
due and payable; or

                 2.       The occurrence of any Default, other than a Default
under Section 1 above, under this Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral
Loan Documents; or

                 3.       The filing by or against the Maker of this Note, or
any guarantor or surety of the payment of the indebtedness evidenced by this
Note, of a proceeding in bankruptcy or arrangement or reorganization pursuant
to the Federal Bankruptcy Code or any similar law, federal or state, including
but not limited to:

                          (a)     Maker or any guarantor or surety shall file a
voluntary petition in bankruptcy or shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or
insolvent, or shall file any petition or answer seeking or acquiescing in any
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation,
dissolution or similar relief for itself under any present or future federal,
state or other statute, law or regulation relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or
other relief for debtors, or shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the
appointment of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of Maker or any such
guarantor or surety of all or any part of the Premises or of all or any of the
royalties, revenues, rents, issues or profits thereof, or shall make any
general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall admit in writing its
inability to pay or shall fail to pay its debts generally as they become due;
or
<PAGE>   2


                          (b)     A court of competent jurisdiction shall enter
an order, judgment or decree approving a petition filed against Maker or any
guarantor or surety seeking any reorganization, dissolution or similar relief
under any present or future federal, state or other statute, law or regulation
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief for debtors, or Maker or any
guarantor or surety shall be the subject of an order for relief entered by such
a court, and such order, judgment or decree shall remain unvacated or unstayed
for an aggregate of sixty (60) days (whether or not consecutive) from the first
date of entry thereof, or any trustee, receiver, custodian or liquidator of
Maker or any guarantor or surety or of all or any part of the Premises or of
any or all of the royalties, revenues, rents, issues or profits thereof shall
be appointed without the consent or acquiescence of Maker or any such guarantor
or surety and such appointment shall remain unvacated and unstayed for an
aggregate of sixty (60) days (whether or not consecutive).

                 All installments of interest and the principal, or any portion
thereof, not paid when due, if permitted by applicable law, shall bear interest
at a rate equal to the lesser of four percent (4%) in excess of the Interest
Rate or the Highest Lawful Rate (as hereinafter defined) (the "Default Rate").
During the existence of any Default hereunder, under the Mortgage or under the
Collateral Loan Documents, the entire unpaid balance hereunder shall, at the
option of the Holder hereof, bear interest at the Default Rate.

                 Except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein, Maker
and all other parties now or hereafter liable for payment hereof, whether as
guarantor, surety or otherwise, severally waive demand, presentment, notice of
dishonor, notice of Default, notice of intent to accelerate, diligence in
collecting, grace, notice and protest, and consent to all extensions which from
time to time may be granted by the Holder hereof and to all partial payments
hereon, whether before or after maturity.

                 Without prejudice to any other provision herein, if permitted
by applicable law the Holder hereof may collect a late charge equal to four
percent (4%) of any installment to be paid under the terms of this Note and of
any payment to be made under the Mortgage or any of the Collateral Loan
Documents securing same if said installment or payment is not paid when due, to
cover the extra expense in handling delinquent payments; provided that such
late charge shall not, itself or together with other interest to be paid on the
indebtedness evidenced by this Note or indebtedness arising under the Mortgage
or under the Collateral Loan Documents, exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.  Late
charges shall not be payable on installments or payments which would have
fallen due after acceleration upon Default, unless the Holder hereof later
waives such acceleration and accepts payment of all principal then due with
accrued interest at the Default Rate.  Said fee or late charge shall be added
to and become a part of the next succeeding monthly payment as required
hereunder, or, at Holder's option, may be deducted from that portion of the
installment applicable to the reserve for future tax and insurance payments, if
such a reserve is maintained, or become part of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note.  SAID LATE CHARGE SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE PAYMENT DUE ON THE ORIGINAL
MATURITY DATE IF SUCH PAYMENT IS RECEIVED BY HOLDER NO LATER THAN JANUARY 17,
2006.

                 If this Note is not paid when due, whether at maturity or by
acceleration, or if it is collected through a bankruptcy, probate or other
court proceeding, or if this Note, the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan
Document is otherwise placed in the hands of an attorney for collection or
enforcement, whether before or after maturity of this Note, or if Holder shall
be made a party to any litigation merely because of the existence of this Note,
the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document, Maker agrees to pay all costs
incurred by Holder in connection with this Note, the Mortgage, or the
Collateral Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys'
fees, and all other costs and expenses associated with court and/or
administrative proceedings through the appellate level, costs of title search,
environmental assessments and studies, continuation of abstract(s) and
preparation of survey, and costs incurred by reason of any action, suit,
proceeding, hearing, motion or application before any court or administrative
body in which the Holder may be or become a party by reason of this Note, the
Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Document, including but not limited to
condemnation, bankruptcy, and administrative proceedings, as well as any other
of the foregoing where a proof of claim is by law required to be filed, or in
which it becomes necessary to defend or uphold the terms of this Note, the
Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Documents.

                 Regardless of any provision contained in this Note, the
Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents, the Holder hereof shall never be
entitled to receive, collect or apply as interest on this Note, any amount in
excess of the Highest Lawful Rate (as hereinafter defined) and, in the event
the Holder hereof ever receives, collects or applies as interest any such
excess, such amount which would be excessive interest shall be deemed a partial
prepayment of principal and treated under this Note as such, AND SUCH
PREPAYMENT SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY PREPAYMENT PREMIUM; and, if the
principal of this Note is paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be
paid to Maker.  In furtherance of the foregoing, Holder and Maker stipulate and
agree that none of the terms and provisions contained in this Note, the
Mortgage or any Collateral Loan Document shall ever be construed to create a
contract to pay interest at a rate in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate.  In
determining whether or not the interest paid or payable, under any specific
contingency, exceeds the Highest Lawful Rate, Maker and the Holder hereof
shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, (i) characterize
any nonprincipal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest,
(ii) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (iii) amortize,
prorate, allocate and spread, in equal parts, the total amount of interest
throughout the entire contemplated term of this Note so that the interest rate
is uniform throughout the entire term thereof; provided that if this Note is
paid and performed in full prior to the end of the full contemplated term
thereof, and if the interest received would exceed the Highest Lawful Rate,
then Holder shall refund to Maker the amount of such excess or credit the
amount of such excess against the principal of this Note, and, in such event,
the Holder shall not be subject to any penalties provided by law for
contracting for, charging or receiving interest in excess of the Highest Lawful
Rate.  "Highest Lawful Rate" shall mean the maximum rate of interest which
Holder hereof is allowed to contract for, charge, take, reserve or receive
under applicable law after taking into account, to the extent required by
applicable law, any and all relevant payments or charges under this Note.  The
term "applicable law" as used herein shall mean the laws of MICHIGAN or the
laws of the United States, whichever laws allow the greater rate of interest,
as such laws now exist or may be changed or amended or come into effect in the
future.

                 No prepayments of the indebtedness hereunder shall be
permitted, this Note being closed to prepayment, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH
IN EXHIBIT A, ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, SECTION A3.

                 Upon the occurrence of any Default under this Note, the
Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents during any period when this Note is
closed to prepayment, and following the acceleration of maturity of the
indebtedness evidenced hereby as herein provided, if permitted by applicable
law, there shall be due and payable as a part of the indebtedness evidenced
hereby, an amount equal to the greater (all as calculated by the Holder) of (i)
the present value (discounted at the Treasury Rate, as hereinafter defined) of
the excess (if any) obtained by subtracting the effective annual compounded
yield (at the time of such acceleration) of United States Treasury Issues
(other than so-called "flower bonds") with maturity dates that match, as
closely as possible, the Original Maturity Date (the "Treasury Rate") from the
effective annual compounded yield of this Note, multiplied by the outstanding
principal balance (at the time of acceleration), multiplied by the number of
years (and any fraction thereof) remaining between the date of acceleration and
the Original Maturity Date; or (ii) five percent (5%) of the outstanding
principal balance (at the time of acceleration) of this Note.  [Such amount
<PAGE>   3

will be computed as if the amount determined in accordance with the preceding
sentence were paid in equal monthly installments after the date of such
acceleration through the Original Maturity Date.]

                 If there be more than one Maker of this Note, the obligations
of each Maker hereunder shall be joint and several.

                 TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MAKER HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN MICHIGAN AND OF THE UNITED
STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN FOR THE ENFORCEMENT
OF MAKER'S OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, UNDER THE MORTGAGE, AND THE COLLATERAL LOAN
DOCUMENTS (AS DEFINED IN THE MORTGAGE), AND WAIVES ANY AND ALL PERSONAL RIGHTS
UNDER THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE TO OBJECT TO JURISDICTION WITHIN MICHIGAN FOR
THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION TO ENFORCE SUCH OBLIGATIONS.  FURTHERMORE, TO THE
EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MAKER HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF THE
SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS OF THE PAPERS ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH
SUCH LITIGATION AND AGREES THAT SERVICE MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED
MAIL ADDRESSED TO THE MAKER AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN.

                 TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MAKER HEREBY WAIVES
ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND
OR NATURE, IN ANY COURT IN WHICH AN ACTION MAY BE COMMENCED, ARISING OUT OF OR
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS NOTE, THE MORTGAGE, ANY COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENT, OR
ANY OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

                 The terms, conditions and provisions of this Note are subject,
in all respects, to the additional provisions set forth on Exhibit A attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and
delivered under seal this Note as of the day and year first above written.

                               "MAKER"

                               RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P., 
                               a Delaware limited partnership

                               By:   Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                     a Massachusetts business trust
                                     (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust)
                                     General Partner


                               By:   /s/ Dennis Gershenson 
                                  -----------------------------------------
                                     Dennis Gershenson 
                                     President





                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                   EXHIBIT A
                         ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS TO NOTE



Section A1.  No Personal Liability for Debt.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Note, the Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents to the
contrary, except as provided in this Section A1, the execution of this Note
shall impose no personal liability on the Maker for payment of the indebtedness
evidenced hereby or secured by the Mortgage OR FOR THE OTHER TERMS OF THE
MORTGAGE AND THE COLLATERAL LOAN DOCUMENTS.  Holder shall look only to the
Premises and to the rents, issues and profits thereof, and other collateral
identified in the Mortgage and the Collateral Loan Documents, and in the event
of a Default hereunder will not seek any deficiency or personal judgment
against Maker except such judgment or decree as may be necessary to foreclose
and bar Maker's interests in the Premises; provided, however, that nothing
herein stated shall:

                 (a)      release, impair or otherwise affect this Note, the
                 Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan Documents; nor

                 (b)      impair or otherwise affect the validity or the lien
                 of this Note, the Mortgage, or any of the Collateral Loan
                 Documents; nor

                 (c)      impair the right of Holder to accelerate the maturity
                 of this Note (or to avail itself of any of its other rights
                 and remedies) upon the occurrence of a Default; nor

                 (d)      relieve the Maker from personal liability for, nor
                 impair the right of the Holder to proceed against or recover
                 from the Maker for any or all of the following:

                          (i)     failure by Maker to return tenant security
                                  deposits and prepaid rents to tenants of the
                                  Premises as required by the terms of such
                                  tenants' leases or rental agreements or by
                                  Michigan law, or, in the event Holder takes
                                  possession of the Premises upon Default
                                  hereunder through foreclosure or prior to
                                  foreclosure pursuant to the rights and
                                  remedies set forth in the Mortgage, failure
                                  by Maker to deliver to Holder all tenant
                                  security deposits held pursuant to tenant
                                  leases;

                          (ii)    rents collected for more than one month in
                                  advance;

                          (iii)   failure by Maker upon Default to apply all
                                  rents, issues and profits from the Premises
                                  to the repayment of the indebtedness
                                  evidenced hereby or secured by the Mortgage
                                  or in accordance with Section 3.08 of the
                                  Mortgage;

                          (iv)    misappropriation or misapplication of
                                  insurance or condemnation proceeds;

                          (v)     fraud or material misrepresentation
                                  perpetrated by Maker against Holder or any 
                                  holder of this Note;

                          (vi)    waste with respect to the Premises (or any
                                  part thereof), as determined in accordance 
                                  with Michigan law;

                          (vii)   destruction of the Premises (or any part
                                  thereof) by or from an uninsured or
                                  underinsured casualty or event for which
                                  Maker is required under the Mortgage or any
                                  Collateral Loan Document to obtain insurance;

                          (viii)  to the extent not escrowed in a manner
                                  acceptable to Holder, or otherwise paid to or
                                  collected by Lender, taxes levied on the
                                  Premises, including ad valorem taxes and
                                  special improvement assessments, and
                                  insurance premiums for the Premises accruing
                                  prior to the date Holder takes title to the
                                  Premises by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu
                                  thereof;

                          (ix)    any and all costs, EXCEPTING THAT OF REMEDIAL
                                  ACTION FOR WHICH THE MAKER HAD NO OBLIGATION
                                  BY VIRTUE OF "GRANDFATHERED" STATUS, incurred
                                  in order to bring the Premises into
                                  compliance with the accessibility provisions
                                  of the Fair Housing Act of 1988 and the
                                  Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prior
                                  to the date Lender takes title to the
                                  Premises by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu
                                  thereof;

                          (x)     any expense, damage, loss or liability (1)
                                  arising from or with respect to the breach of
                                  the warranties contained in this Note, the
                                  Mortgage, or the Collateral Loan Documents in
                                  connection with environmental matters, or (2)
                                  arising from or with respect to the indemnity
                                  contained in the Environmental Indemnity
                                  Agreements or with respect to any other
                                  indemnification relating to environmental
                                  matters;

                          (xi)    seizure or forfeiture of the Premises, any
                                  portion thereof, or Maker's interest therein,
                                  pursuant to any federal, state, or local law;

                          (xii)   any violation of the ERISA covenants 
                                  contained in Section 2.05(b) of the Mortgage.





                                       1
<PAGE>   6



              Furthermore, Maker shall remain personally liable for any costs
              incurred by Holder in connection with the foregoing items,
              including, but not limited to: (I) reasonable attorneys' fees,
              (II) all costs and expenses associated with court and/or
              administrative proceedings through the appellate level, (III)
              costs of environmental assessments and studies, AND (IV) costs
              incurred by reason of any action, suit, proceeding, hearing,
              motion or application before any court or administrative body in
              which the Holder may be or become a party by reason thereof,
              including, but not limited to, (Y) condemnation, bankruptcy, and
              administrative proceedings, as well as any other proceeding where
              a proof of claim is by law required to be filed, or (Z) in which
              it becomes necessary to defend or uphold the terms of this Note,
              the Mortgage, or any Collateral Loan Documents, as they relate to
              any of the foregoing items.  HOLDER MAY RECOVER FROM MAKER ONLY
              ONCE FOR ANY SINGLE LOSS, LIABILITY OR EXPENSE OCCASIONED BY ANY
              OF THE EVENTS DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (I) THROUGH (XII) ABOVE AND
              SUCH RIGHT OF RECOVERY SHALL NOT CONVERT THE INDEBTEDNESS
              EVIDENCED HEREBY TO A RECOURSE OBLIGATION.


Section A2.  No Default if Malfunction.  Holder shall not declare a Default if
Holder does not receive Maker's monthly principal and interest payment on the
date the same is due if the nonpayment is due EITHER to a malfunction in the
Electronic Fund Transfer ("EFT") system OR FAILURE BY HOLDER TO INITIATE SUCH
EFT.  Notwithstanding the previous sentence the failure, for whatever reason,
of the EFT debit entry transaction to be timely completed shall not relieve
Maker from its obligation to make all payments when due under this Note or from
Maker's other obligations hereunder.

Section A3.  Prepayment.  Notwithstanding the prohibition of prepayment set
forth in this Note, the following shall apply:

                 Effective on FEBRUARY 10, 2001, the privilege is reserved to
make full prepayment of principal, interest and all other costs and expenses
payable under this Note, the Mortgage, and the Collateral Loan Documents,
between the FIFTH (5TH) AND FIFTEENTH (15TH)  days of any month upon payment to
the Holder of a premium on the principal amount so prepaid, which prepayment
premium shall be equal to the greater (all as calculated by Holder) of:

        (a)      The present value (discounted at the Treasury Rate as
        hereinafter defined) of the excess (if any) obtained by subtracting the
        effective annual compounded yield (at the time of prepayment) of United
        States Treasury Issues (other than so-called "flower bonds") with
        maturity dates that match, as closely as possible, the Original
        Maturity Date, plus fifty (50) basis points (the "Treasury Rate") from
        the effective annual compounded yield of this Note, multiplied by the
        outstanding principal balance (at the time of prepayment) of this Note,
        multiplied by the number of years (and any fraction thereof) remaining
        between the date of prepayment and the Original Maturity Date (such
        amount shall be computed as if the amount determined in accordance with
        the provisions of this subsection were paid in equal monthly
        installments after the date of such prepayment through the Original
        Maturity Date); or

        (b)      One percent (1%) of the outstanding principal balance (at the
        time of prepayment) of this Note.

If the Maker so elects to make full prepayment of the indebtedness hereunder,
it shall give not less than sixty (60) days prior written notice to that effect
to the Holder by registered or certified mail, directed to this address:  c/o
Lincoln National Investment Management Company, 200 East Berry Street, P.O. Box
2390, Fort Wayne, Indiana  46802, Attention:  Loan Servicing, Financial
Services.  The foregoing premium shall also apply in the event of any
acceleration by Lender of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note when
otherwise open to prepayment, as provided above.

                 Commencing on SEPTEMBER 10, 2005, and continuing through the
Original Maturity Date, prepayment may be made without prepayment premium.

        Section A4.  Reamortization.  Upon (a) any prepayment of principal
permitted under Section B2 or B6 of the Mortgage; or (b) upon any application
of insurance proceeds OR eminent domain awards to repayment of principal as
provided in the Loan Agreement, Maker agrees to adjust the monthly payments due
hereunder at the Interest Rate based on THE MORTGAGE BALANCE EXISTING AFTER
PREPAYMENT, USING an amortization of TWENTY-FIVE (25) years minus the number of
years and/or portions of years that have elapsed under this Note AFTER JANUARY
1, 1997, BUT prior to such prepayment.

        This Exhibit shall not be binding and shall have no force and effect,
unless executed by the Maker of this Note below.


                               "MAKER"

                               RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES, L.P., 
                               a Delaware limited partnership

                               By:   Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, 
                                     a Massachusetts business trust
                                     (formerly known as RPS Realty Trust)
                                     General Partner


                               By:  /s/ Dennis Gershenson 
                                   ---------------------------------------
                                    Dennis Gershenson 
                                    President








                                       2

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1
 
                                  SUBSIDIARIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            NAME                                JURISDICTION
                            ----                                ------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Ramco-Gershenson, Inc.......................................      Michigan
Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. ..........................      Delaware
S-12 Associates.............................................      Michigan
28th Street Kentwood Associates.............................      Michigan
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           3,541
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    3,901
<ALLOWANCES>                                       417
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                         307,752
<DEPRECIATION>                                   4,567
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 322,854
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           14,873
<BONDS>                                        143,410
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     119,865
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   322,854
<SALES>                                         37,598
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                40,513
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   12,873
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   791
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,725
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,667
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       292
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .04
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .04
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission