CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES INC
424B2, 1998-06-23
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>

                                            FILED PURSUANT TO RULE NO. 424(b)(2)
                                            REGISTRATION NO. 333-47041
 
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 23, 1998)
 
                               2,500,000 SHARES
                       CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.
              9.0% SERIES A CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
[LOGO OF           (LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE $25.00 PER SHARE)
   CBL]
                                --------------
 
  CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
is a self-managed, self-administered, fully integrated real estate investment
trust ("REIT"), which is engaged in the ownership, operation, marketing,
management, leasing, expansion, development, redevelopment, acquisition and
financing of regional malls and community and neighborhood shopping centers.
The Company is hereby offering 2,500,000 shares of 9.0% Series A Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Series A Preferred
Stock"). Dividends on each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be
cumulative from the date of original issue and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on or about the 30th day of March, June, September and December of
each year, commencing September 30, 1998, at the rate of 9.0% per annum of the
$25.00 liquidation preference (equivalent to $2.25 per annum per share). See
"Description of Series A Preferred Stock--Dividends."
 
  Except in certain circumstances relating to the preservation of the
Company's qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, the shares
of Series A Preferred Stock are not redeemable prior to July 1, 2003. On and
after July 1, 2003, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed for cash at
the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of
$25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, thereon to the
redemption date. The Series A Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will
not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and will not be
convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the
Company. See "Description of Series A Preferred Stock--Redemption."
 
  Application will be made to list the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on
the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "CBLPrA." Trading of
the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE is expected to commence
within a 30-day period after the initial delivery of the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock. While the Underwriters have advised the Company that they
intend to make a market in the Series A Preferred Stock prior to commencement
of trading on the NYSE, they are under no obligation to do so and no assurance
can be given that a market for the Series A Preferred Stock will exist prior
to commencement of trading. See "Underwriting."
 
  The Company is offering 1,877,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock through
the Underwriters named below and 622,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
directly to an institutional investor. See "Prospectus Supplement Summary--
Concurrent Offering."
 
  The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are subject to certain restrictions
on ownership and transfer designed to preserve the Company's status as a REIT
for federal income tax purposes. See "Description of Capital Stock--
Description of Common Stock--Restrictions on Transfer" in the accompanying
Prospectus.
 
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE S-11 OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND
COMMENCING ON PAGE 6 OF THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF
CERTAIN MATERIAL FACTORS WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN
INVESTMENT IN THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.
                                --------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES  HAVE NOT  BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS  THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
      PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT
       OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS.
           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  UNDERWRITING
                                      PRICE TO   DISCOUNTS AND    PROCEEDS TO
                                      PUBLIC(1)  COMMISSIONS(2) COMPANY(1)(2)(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>            <C>
Per Share..........................    $25.00        $.7875         $24.2125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(4)...........................  $62,500,000   $1,478,531     $61,021,469
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Plus accrued dividends, if any, from June 30, 1998.
(2) The Underwriters will receive no discounts or commissions on the sale of
    shares of Series A Preferred Stock in the Concurrent Offering (as
    defined). The Company and the Operating Partnership (as defined) have
    agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities,
    including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See
    "Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated to be $250,000.
(4) The Company has granted (i) to the Underwriters a 30-day over-allotment
    option to purchase up to 281,625 additional shares of Series A Preferred
    Stock on the same terms and conditions as set forth above and (ii) to the
    institutional investor purchasing shares of Series A Preferred Stock in
    the Concurrent Offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional
    93,375 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. If all such additional shares
    are purchased by the Underwriters and such institutional investor, the
    total Price to Public will be $71,875,000, the total Underwriting
    Discounts and Commissions will be $1,700,311 and the total Proceeds to
    Company will be $70,174,689. See "Underwriting" and "Prospectus Supplement
    Summary--Concurrent Offering."
 
                                --------------
 
  The Series A Preferred Stock is offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters,
subject to approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters
and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to
withdraw, cancel or modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in
part. It is expected that delivery of the certificates evidencing the Series A
Preferred Stock will be made on or about June 30, 1998.
 
A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
                J.C. BRADFORD & CO.
                                J.J.B. HILLIARD, W.L. LYONS, INC.
                                        STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY INCORPORATED
 
           THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS JUNE 22, 1998.
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SHARES OF
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK, INCLUDING PURCHASES OF THE SHARES OF SERIES A
PREFERRED STOCK TO STABILIZE THE MARKET PRICE THEREOF, PURCHASES OF THE SHARES
OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK TO COVER SOME OR ALL OF A SHORT POSITION IN THE
SHARES OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK MAINTAINED BY THE UNDERWRITERS AND THE
IMPOSITION OF PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE
"UNDERWRITING."
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
 
                         PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement or the
accompanying Prospectus or incorporated herein or therein by reference. Certain
terms used but not defined herein are defined in the accompanying Prospectus.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the "Company" are
to CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
subsidiaries (including CBL & Associates Limited Partnership, a Delaware
limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership")) and predecessors. This
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus include or incorporate by
reference certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus that address activities, events or developments that the Company
expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including
such matters as future capital expenditures, distributions and acquisitions
(including the amount and nature thereof), the use of proceeds of the Offering
and the Concurrent Offering, expansion and other development trends of the real
estate industry, business strategies, expansion and growth of the Company's
operations and other such matters are forward-looking statements. Such
statements are based on assumptions and expectations which may not be realized
and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be
predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated.
Prospective investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees
of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ
materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. See "Risk
Factors" commencing on page S-11 of this Prospectus Supplement and on page 6 of
the accompanying Prospectus for a discussion of certain matters that might
cause such a difference. Except as otherwise specified herein, the information
in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus assumes no
exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option and the option granted to
the institutional investor in the Concurrent Offering.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a self-managed, self-administered, fully integrated real
estate company which is engaged in the ownership, operation, marketing,
management, leasing, expansion, development, redevelopment, acquisition and
financing of regional malls and community and neighborhood shopping centers.
The Company was incorporated on July 13, 1993 under the laws of the State of
Delaware to acquire an interest in substantially all of the real estate
properties owned by CBL & Associates, Inc. and its affiliates ("CBL") and to
provide a public vehicle for the expansion of CBL's shopping center business.
The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes
commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1993.
 
  The Company owns interests in a portfolio of properties, consisting of 23
enclosed regional malls (the "Malls"), 12 associated centers (the "Associated
Centers"), each of which is part of a regional shopping mall complex, and 81
independent community and neighborhood shopping centers (the "Community
Centers"). Except for six Malls, one Associated Center and two Community
Centers which were acquired from third parties, each of these properties was
developed by CBL or the Company.
 
  Additionally, the Company owns one regional mall, one associated center, one
power center and three neighborhood shopping centers currently under
construction (the "Construction Properties"). The Company also owns options to
acquire certain shopping center development sites (the "Development
Properties").
 
  The Company also holds mortgages (the "Mortgages") on community and
neighborhood shopping centers owned by non-CBL affiliates. The Mortgages were
granted in connection with sales by CBL of certain properties previously
developed by CBL. The Company also owns an interest in a three-story office
building in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a portion of which serves as the Company's
headquarters (the "Office Building"). The Malls, Associated Centers, Community
Centers, Construction Properties, Development Properties, Mortgages and Office
Buildings are collectively referred to herein as the "Properties" and
individually as a "Property." See "The Company."
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
 
 
  Charles B. Lebovitz, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, and John N. Foy, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, have been
involved in the acquisition, leasing, management and development of shopping
centers for approximately 37 and 29 years, respectively. The Company has
assembled a management team that together possesses the skill and
sophistication necessary to execute its strategy. New senior management
appointments include experienced professionals in development, finance, human
resources, leasing, legal and marketing. The Company believes that its team
approach to property management and its ability to develop high quality and
innovative shopping centers on a cost effective basis combined with its
established relationships with national and regional tenants and its extensive
experience in understanding the needs of local tenants provide the Company with
strategic advantages over other operators and developers in the Company's
market areas.
 
  This Prospectus Supplement relates to the offering by the Company of
1,877,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock through the Underwriters (the
"Offering") and the concurrent offering of 622,500 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock directly to Wells Fargo & Company (the "Concurrent Offering"). See 
"--Concurrent Offering." The Company's common stock, $.01 par value per share
(the "Common Stock"), is listed on the NYSE under the Symbol "CBL."
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Securities Offered..........  2,500,000 shares of 9.0% Series A Cumulative
                              Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
                              share.
 
Ranking.....................  With respect to the payment of dividends and
                              amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-
                              up of the Company, the Series A Preferred Stock
                              will rank senior to the Company's Common Stock,
                              which are the only shares of capital stock of the
                              Company currently outstanding. See "Description
                              of Series A Preferred Stock--Dividends" and
                              "--Liquidation Preference."
 
Use of Proceeds.............  The Company intends to use the net proceeds of
                              the Offering and the Concurrent Offering to repay
                              indebtedness under an existing line of credit
                              incurred in connection with the Company's
                              acquisition and development programs. See "Use of
                              Proceeds."
 
Dividends...................  Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will be
                              cumulative from the date of original issue and
                              will be payable quarterly in arrears on or about
                              the 30th day of March, June, September and
                              December of each year, commencing on September
                              30, 1998, at the rate of 9.0% per annum of the
                              $25.00 liquidation preference (equivalent to
                              $2.25 per annum per share). Dividends on the
                              Series A Preferred Stock will accrue whether or
                              not the Company has earnings, whether there are
                              funds legally available for the payment of such
                              dividends and whether or not such dividends are
                              declared. See "Description of Series A Preferred
                              Stock--Dividends."
 
Liquidation Rights..........  Equivalent to $25.00 per share of Series A
                              Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to accrued
                              and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared).
                              See "Description of Series A Preferred Stock--
                              Liquidation Preference."
 
Redemption..................  Except in certain circumstances relating to the
                              preservation of the Company's qualification as a
                              REIT for federal income tax purposes (see
                              "Description of Capital Stock--Description of
                              Common Stock--Restrictions on Transfer" in the
                              accompanying Prospectus), shares of Series A
                              Preferred Stock are not redeemable prior to July
                              1, 2003. On or after July 1, 2003, the Company
                              may redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole
                              or in part, at any time or from time to time, for
                              cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share,
                              plus dividends accrued and unpaid, if any
                              (whether or not declared), to the redemption
                              date. See "Description of Series A Preferred
                              Stock--Redemption."
 
Voting Rights...............  Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will
                              generally have no voting rights except as
                              required by law. However, when dividends on any
                              shares of Series A Preferred Stock are in arrears
                              for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not
                              consecutive), the holders of such shares of
                              Series A Preferred Stock (voting separately as a
                              class with all other series of Preferred Stock
                              upon which like voting rights have
 
                                      S-5
<PAGE>
 
                              been conferred and are exercisable) will be
                              entitled to vote for the election of two
                              additional directors of the Company until all
                              dividends accumulated on such Series A Preferred
                              Stock have been fully paid in cash or declared
                              and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof in
                              cash set aside for payment. In addition, certain
                              changes to the terms of the Series A Preferred
                              Stock that would be materially adverse to the
                              rights of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock
                              cannot be made without the affirmative vote of
                              holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares
                              of Series A Preferred Stock. See "Description of
                              Series A Preferred Stock--Voting Rights."
 
Conversion..................  The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not
                              convertible into or exchangeable for any other
                              property or securities of the Company.
 
Ownership Limits............  The shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be
                              subject to certain restrictions on ownership
                              intended to preserve the Company's status as a
                              REIT for federal income tax purposes. See
                              "Description of Capital Stock--Description of
                              Common Stock--Restrictions on Transfer" in the
                              accompanying Prospectus.
 
Maturity....................  The Series A Preferred Stock has no stated
                              maturity and will not be subject to any sinking
                              fund or mandatory redemption.
 
Trading.....................  Application will be made to list the Series A
                              Preferred Stock on the NYSE under the symbol
                              "CBLPrA." Trading of the Series A Preferred Stock
                              on the NYSE is expected to commence within a 30-
                              day period after the initial delivery of the
                              Series A Preferred Stock. See "Underwriting."
 
                              CONCURRENT OFFERING
 
  In addition to the 1,877,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered
through the Underwriters, the Company is concurrently offering 622,500 shares
of Series A Preferred Stock directly to Wells Fargo & Company in the Concurrent
Offering. The Company will issue and sell such shares directly to such
investor. The Company also has granted to Wells Fargo & Company an option,
expiring on the 30th day subsequent to the date of this Prospectus Supplement,
to purchase up to an additional 93,375 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at
the public offering price. The Underwriters will receive no discount or
commission on the sale of these shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Wells
Fargo & Company.
 
 
                                      S-6
<PAGE>
 
                       SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
  The following table sets forth certain summary operating, balance sheet and
other data of the Company and should be read in conjunction with "Selected
Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the financial statements of the Company and
related notes thereto incorporated by reference in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                              MARCH 31,                                                    PRO FORMA
                             (UNAUDITED)                    DECEMBER 31,                   YEAR ENDED
                          -------------------  -----------------------------------------  DECEMBER 31,
                            1998       1997      1997       1996       1995      1994       1993(1)
                          ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Total revenues..........  $  55,056  $ 41,242  $ 177,604  $ 146,805  $131,727  $ 108,094    $99,066
Total expenses..........     42,743    31,669    135,200    111,012   104,128     84,091     78,811
                          ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------    -------
Income from operations..     12,313     9,573     42,404     35,793    27,599     24,003     20,255
Gain on sales of real
 estate assets..........      1,931     3,019      6,040     13,614     2,213      2,135      3,120
Equity in earnings of
 unconsolidated
 affiliates.............        737       620      1,916      1,831     1,450      1,469      1,194
Minority interest in
 earnings:
 Operating Partnership..     (4,173)   (3,594)   (13,819)   (15,468)  (10,527)    (9,836)    (9,193)
 Shopping center
  properties............       (209)     (142)      (508)      (527)     (386)      (312)      (822)
                          ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------    -------
Income before
 extraordinary item.....     10,599     9,476     36,033     35,243    20,349     17,459     14,554
Extraordinary loss on
 extinguishment of debt.        --       (496)    (1,092)      (820)     (326)       --         --
                          ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------    -------
Net income..............  $  10,599  $  8,980  $  34,941  $  34,423  $ 20,023  $  17,459    $14,554
                          =========  ========  =========  =========  ========  =========    =======
Basic earnings per
 common share:
 Income before
  extraordinary item....  $    0.44  $   0.40  $    1.51  $    1.69  $   1.14  $    1.05    $  0.94
                          ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------    -------
 Net income.............  $    0.44  $   0.38  $    1.46  $    1.65  $   1.12  $    1.05    $  0.94
                          =========  ========  =========  =========  ========  =========    =======
 Weighted average shares
  outstanding...........     24,070    23,507     23,895     20,890    17,827     16,625     15,442
                          =========  ========  =========  =========  ========  =========    =======
Diluted earnings per
 common share:
 Income before
  extraordinary item....  $    0.44  $   0.40  $    1.49  $    1.68  $   1.14  $    1.05    $  0.94
                          ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------    -------
 Net income.............  $    0.44  $   0.38  $    1.45  $    1.64  $   1.12  $    1.05    $  0.94
                          =========  ========  =========  =========  ========  =========    =======
 Weighted average shares
  and dilutive
  equivalent shares
  outstanding...........     24,304    23,784     24,151     21,022    17,856     16,625     15,442
                          =========  ========  =========  =========  ========  =========    =======
OTHER DATA:
 Funds from operations--
  Operating
  Partnership(2)........  $  22,013  $ 17,895  $7776,514  $6663,059  $ 52,212  $  44,534
 Funds from operations
  allocable to
  the Company...........  $  15,795  $ 12,780  $  52,795  $  43,511  $ 36,026  $  28,484
 Funds from operations
  per share.............  $    0.65  $   0.54  $    2.19  $    2.07  $   2.02  $    1.71
 Cash flows provided by
  (used in):
 Operating activities...  $  15,986  $  7,041  $  60,852  $  54,789  $ 28,977  $  29,432
 Investing activities...  $(107,639) $(39,755) $(245,884) $(218,016) $(99,690) $(112,608)
 Financing activities...  $  97,537  $ 31,711  $ 183,858  $ 164,496  $ 71,689  $  72,863
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         MARCH 31,                    DECEMBER 31,
                         ---------- ------------------------------------------------
                            1998       1997       1996      1995     1994     1993
                         ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Net investment in real
 estate assets.......... $1,306,763 $1,142,324 $  987,260 $758,938 $679,725 $578,319
Total assets............  1,352,405  1,245,025  1,025,925  814,168  728,209  629,545
Total debt..............    849,845    741,413    590,295  392,754  373,300  276,928
Minority interest.......    128,123    123,897    114,425  113,692  108,036  109,796
Shareholders' equity....    341,719    330,853    272,804  270,892  209,338  216,808
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-7
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(1) Pro forma financial information for the year ended December 31, 1993
    represents the combination of the historical results of operations of the
    Company and its predecessor after giving effect to adjustments necessary to
    reflect the initial public offering and related acquisitions of property
    interests as if such events occurred at January 1, 1993. Pro forma data is
    not necessarily indicative of what actual results of operations of the
    Company would have been assuming such transactions had been completed at
    January 1, 1993, nor do they purport to represent the results of operations
    of future years. Pro forma financial data is included for the purpose of
    providing supplemental information to assist in the assessment of the
    Company's financial performance. On November 3, 1993, the Company completed
    its initial public offering of Common Stock.
 
(2) Funds from operations ("FFO") is defined by the Company as net income
    (loss) before depreciation of real estate assets, other non-cash items
    (including the write-off of development projects not being pursued), gains
    or losses on sales of real estate and gains or losses on investments in
    marketable securities. FFO also includes the Company's share of FFO in
    unconsolidated properties and excludes minority interests' share of FFO in
    consolidated properties. The Company computes FFO in accordance with the
    recommendation of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts
    (NAREIT) concerning finance costs and non-real estate depreciation. FFO
    from prior periods has been restated to include the effect of straight line
    rents in accordance with the Company's 1998 FFO reporting.
 
  The use of FFO as an indicator of financial performance is influenced not
   only by the operations of the Properties, but also by the capital structure
   of the Operating Partnership and the Company. Accordingly, management
   expects that FFO will be one of the significant factors considered by the
   Board of Directors in determining the amount of cash distributions the
   Operating Partnership will make to its partners (including the Company). FFO
   does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by GAAP and is not
   necessarily indicative of cash available to fund all cash flow needs and
   should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) for purposes
   of evaluating the Company's operating performance or to cash flow as a
   measure of liquidity.
 
                                      S-8
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company on an historical basis as of March 31, 1998, as adjusted to give
effect to the issuance of 2,500,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds." The
information set forth in the table should be read in conjunction with the
summary selected financial information presented elsewhere in this Prospectus
Supplement and the financial statements of the Company and related notes
thereto incorporated by reference in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            MARCH 31, 1998
                                                      ---------------------------
                                                      OUTSTANDING  AS ADJUSTED(2)
                                                      -----------  --------------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
LIABILITIES:(1)
Mortgage and other notes payable....................  $  849,845     $  789,074
                                                      ----------     ----------
Minority interest...................................     128,123        128,123
                                                      ----------     ----------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares
 authorized, no shares issued and outstanding, and
 2,500,000 shares issued and outstanding as
 adjusted...........................................         --              25
Common stock, $.01 par value, 95,000,000 shares
 authorized, 24,074,732 shares issued and
 outstanding........................................         241            241
Excess stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares au-
 thorized, no shares issued and outstanding.........         --             --
Additional paid-in capital..........................     359,796        420,542
Accumulated deficit.................................     (17,834)       (17,834)
Deferred compensation...............................        (484)          (484)
                                                      ----------     ----------
  Total shareholders' equity........................     341,719        402,490
                                                      ----------     ----------
  Total capitalization..............................  $1,319,687     $1,319,687
                                                      ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See the Balance Sheet of the Company included in the Company's Quarterly
    Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 for information
    pertaining to debt of the Company.
(2) Assumes no exercise of (i) the Underwriters' over-allotment option of up
    to 281,625 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or (ii) the institutional
    investor's option to purchase up to 93,375 shares of Series A Preferred
    Stock.
 
                                      S-9
<PAGE>
 
  RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
 
  The following table sets forth the consolidated ratios of earnings to
combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the Company for the
three months ended March 31, 1998, the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
1995 and 1994 and for the period from November 3, 1993 to December 31, 1993,
and for CBL for the period from January 1, 1993 to November 2, 1993.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            CBL
                                      CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.                  COMBINED
                          ------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       ----------------------------------
                                                                           PERIOD FROM  PERIOD FROM
                          THREE MONTHS                                     NOVEMBER 3,  JANUARY 1,
                             ENDED                                           1993 TO      1993 TO
                           MARCH 31,                                       DECEMBER 31, NOVEMBER 2,
                              1998      1997     1996     1995     1994        1993        1993
                          ------------ -------  -------  -------  -------  ------------ -----------
<S>                       <C>          <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>
AVAILABLE EARNINGS
 Net income..............   $10,599    $34,941  $34,423  $20,023  $17,459     $  851      $ 3,710
ADJUSTMENTS:
 Minority interest.......     4,427     14,488   15,995   10,913   10,148        633          199
 Extraordinary item......       --       1,092      820      326      --       3,820          --
 Equity in (income)
   losses of
   unconsolidated
   affiliates............      (737)    (1,916)  (1,831)  (1,450)  (1,468)      (480)         117
 Proportionate share of
   earnings (losses) of
   fifty percent-owned
   affiliates(1).........       326      1,031      816      676     (106)       (15)      (1,332)
 Distributions from
   unconsolidated
   affiliates............     1,334      2,192      798      847    2,084        --           999
 Interest expense(2).....    14,531     40,890   34,195   34,806   23,539      3,512       31,543
                            -------    -------  -------  -------  -------     ------      -------
 Available Earnings......   $30,480    $92,718  $85,216  $66,141  $51,656     $8,321      $35,236
                            =======    =======  =======  =======  =======     ======      =======
FIXED CHARGES(3)
 Interest expense(2).....   $13,965    $38,614  $31,895  $32,360  $23,172     $3,450      $26,456
 Proportionate share of
   interest of fifty
   percent-owned
   affiliates(1).........       566      2,276    2,300    2,448      357         62        5,087
 Capitalized interest....     4,702      6,335    6,978    4,290    2,784        370          227
                            -------    -------  -------  -------  -------     ------      -------
 Total fixed charges.....   $19,223    $47,225  $41,173  $39,098  $26,313     $3,882      $31,770
                            =======    =======  =======  =======  =======     ======      =======
Ratio of earnings to
 combined fixed charges
 and preferred stock
 dividends(4)..............    1.59x      1.96x    2.07x    1.69x    1.96x      2.14x        1.11x
                            =======    =======  =======  =======  =======     ======      =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents the proportionate interest in earnings and fixed charges of the
    fifty percent-owned affiliates.
(2) Interest expense includes amortization of debt expense.
(3) The interest portion of rental expense is not calculated because the
    rental expense of the Company is not significant.
(4) The ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
    dividends were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges and
    preferred stock dividends. For this purpose, earnings consist of pre-tax
    income before extraordinary items and fixed charges (excluding capitalized
    interest), adjusted, as applicable, for the Company's proportionate share
    of earnings of fifty percent-owned affiliates and distributions from less
    than fifty percent-owned affiliates. Combined fixed charges consist of
    interest expense (including interest cost capitalized), amortization of
    debt costs and the portion of rent expense representing an interest factor
    (which has been excluded because rental expense is not significant). Prior
    to the Offering and the Concurrent Offering, there were no outstanding
    shares of Preferred Stock; therefore, the ratios of earnings to combined
    fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are unchanged from the ratios
    of earnings to fixed charges presented in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
                                     S-10
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective investors should consider carefully the following factors, in
addition to other information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the
accompanying Prospectus or incorporated herein and therein by reference, in
connection with an investment in the Series A Preferred Stock offered hereby.
 
RISKS OF EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
 
  The Company intends to pursue development and expansion activities as
opportunities arise. In connection with any development or expansion, the
Company will incur various risks including the risk that development or
expansion opportunities explored by the Company and the Operating Partnership
may be abandoned; the risk that construction costs of a project may exceed
original estimates, possibly making the project not profitable; the risk that
the Company may not be able to refinance construction loans which are
generally with full recourse to the Company; the risk that occupancy rates and
rents at a completed project will not meet projections, and will therefore be
insufficient to make the project profitable; and the need for anchor, mortgage
lender and property partner approvals for certain expansion activities. In the
event of an unsuccessful development project, the Company's loss could exceed
its investment in the project.
 
  The Company has in the past elected not to proceed with certain development
projects and anticipates that it will do so again from time to time in the
future. If the Company elects not to proceed with a development opportunity,
the development costs associated therewith ordinarily will be charged against
income for the then-current period. Any such charge could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations for the period in which
the charge is taken.
 
RISKS OF EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS
 
  General Factors Affecting Investments in Shopping Center Properties; Effect
of Economic and Real Estate Conditions
 
  A shopping center's revenues and value may be adversely affected by a number
of factors, including: the national and regional economic climates; local real
estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail space); perceptions by
retailers or shoppers of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the
shopping center; and the willingness and ability of the shopping center's
owner to provide capable management and maintenance services. In addition,
other factors may adversely affect a shopping center's value without affecting
its current revenues, including: changes in governmental regulations, zoning
or tax laws; potential environmental or other legal liabilities; availability
of financing; and changes in interest rate levels. There are numerous shopping
facilities that compete with the Properties in attracting retailers to lease
space. In addition, retailers at the Properties face continued competition
from discount shopping centers, outlet malls, wholesale clubs, direct mail,
telemarketing, television shopping networks and, most recently, shopping via
the Internet. Competition could adversely affect the Operating Partnership's
revenues and funds available for distribution to partners, which in turn will
affect the Company's revenues and funds available for distribution to
stockholders.
 
  Geographic Concentration
 
  The Properties are located principally in the southeastern United States in
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Sixteen Malls, 11 Associated Centers, 61
Community Centers and the Office Building are located in these states. The
Company's results of operations and funds available for distribution to
stockholders therefore will be subject generally to economic conditions in the
southeastern United States. As of March 31, 1998, the Properties located in
the southeastern United States accounted for 67% of the Company's total
assets, and such properties provided 71% of the Company's total revenues for
the three-month period ended March 31, 1998.
 
 
                                     S-11
<PAGE>
 
  Third-Party Interests in Certain Properties
 
  The Company owns partial interests in six Malls, five Associated Centers,
one Community Center and the Office Building. The Operating Partnership or an
affiliate of the Company is the managing general partner of the Property
Partnerships that own such Properties, except for Governor's Square Mall and
its Associated Center, Governor's Plaza, in which affiliates of the Operating
Partnership are non-managing general partners.
 
  Where the Operating Partnership serves as managing general partner of
Property Partnerships, it may have certain fiduciary responsibilities to the
other partners in those partnerships. In certain cases, the approval or
consent of the other partners is required before the Operating Partnership may
sell, finance, expand or make other significant changes in the operations of
such Properties. To the extent such approvals or consents are required, the
Operating Partnership may experience difficulty in, or may be prevented from,
implementing its plans with respect to expansion, development, financing or
other similar transactions with respect to such Properties.
 
  With respect to Governor's Square and Governor's Plaza, the Operating
Partnership does not have day-to-day operational control or control over
certain major decisions, including the timing and amount of distributions and
decisions relating to sales, expansions and financings, which could result in
decisions by the managing general partner that do not fully reflect the
interests of the Company, including decisions relating to the requirements
that the Company must satisfy in order to maintain its status as a real estate
investment trust for tax purposes.
 
  Dependence on Significant Properties
 
  Hamilton Place and CoolSprings Galleria accounted for approximately 7.0% and
6.7%, respectively, of total revenues of the Company for the three-month
period ended March 31, 1998. The Company's financial position and results of
operations will therefore be disproportionately affected by the results
experienced at these Properties.
 
  Dependence on Key Tenants
 
  The Limited Stores Inc. (including Intimate Brands) maintains 99 Mall Stores
and in the three-month period ended March 31, 1998 accounted for approximately
8.0% of total revenues of the Company.
 
  Food Lion serves as an anchor tenant in 37 of the Community Centers and in
one Associated Center. In the three-month period ended March 31, 1998, Food
Lion accounted for approximately 3.6% of total revenues of the Company. Food
Lion is a publicly traded North Carolina-based operator of supermarkets.
 
  The loss or bankruptcy of any of these or other key tenants could negatively
affect the Company's financial position and results from operations.
 
  Dependence on Management
 
  Certain of the Operating Partnership's lines of credit are conditioned upon
the Operating Partnership continuing to be managed by certain members of its
current senior management and by such members of senior management continuing
to own a significant direct or indirect equity interest in the Operating
Partnership (including any ownership interests such members of senior
management may hold in the Company).
 
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
 
  Retained Property Interests
 
  Members of the Company's senior management own interests in certain real
estate properties which were retained by them at the time of the Company's
initial public offering, consisting primarily of (i) outparcels at certain of
the Properties, which are being offered for sale through the Management
Company, and (ii) one anchor store at an Associated Center, which the Company
has a fixed-price option to acquire.
 
                                     S-12
<PAGE>
 
  Tax Consequences of Sales of Properties
 
  Since certain of the Properties had unrealized gain attributable to the
difference between the fair market value and adjusted tax basis in such
Properties immediately prior to their contribution to the Operating
Partnership, the sale of any such Properties will cause adverse tax
consequences to the members of the Company's senior management who owned
interests in the Company's predecessor entities. In addition, a significant
reduction in the Properties' debt could cause adverse tax consequences to such
members of senior management. As a result, members of the Company's senior
management might not favor a sale of a Property or a significant reduction in
debt even though such a sale or reduction could be beneficial to the Company
and the Operating Partnership. The Company's Bylaws (as defined below) provide
that any decision relating to the potential sale of any Property that would
result in a disproportionately higher taxable income for members of the
Company's senior management than for the Company and its stockholders or that
would result in a significant reduction in such Property's debt must be made
by a majority of the independent directors of the Board of Directors. The
Operating Partnership is required, in the case of such a sale, to distribute
to its partners, at a minimum, all of the net cash proceeds from such sale up
to an amount reasonably believed necessary to enable members of the Company's
senior management to pay any income tax liability arising from such sale.
 
  Policies of Board of Directors
 
  Certain entities owned in whole or in part by members of the Company's
senior management, including the construction company (in which members of the
Company's senior management own a significant minority interest) which built
most of the Properties, may continue to perform services for, or transact
business with, the Company and the Operating Partnership. In addition, certain
Property tenants are affiliated with members of the Company's senior
management. The Bylaws provide that any contract or transaction between the
Company or the Operating Partnership and one or more directors or officers of
the Company, or between the Company or the Operating Partnership and any other
entity in which one or more of the Company's directors or officers are
directors or officers, or have a financial interest, must be approved by the
Company's disinterested directors or stockholders after the material facts as
to the relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are
disclosed or are known to them.
 
FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  REIT Classification
 
  The Company intends to continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Although the
Company believes that it is organized and operates in such a manner, no
assurance can be given that the Company has qualified or will continue to
qualify as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly
technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited
judicial or administrative interpretations. The determination of various
factual matters and circumstances not entirely within the Company's control
may affect its ability to qualify as a REIT. In addition, no assurance can be
given that legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or
court decisions will not significantly change the tax laws with respect to
qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of such
qualification. The Company is relying on the opinion of Willkie Farr &
Gallagher, counsel to the REIT, regarding various issues affecting the
Company's ability to qualify as a REIT. Such legal opinion, however, is not
binding on the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
 
  If in any taxable year the Company were to fail to qualify as a REIT, the
Company would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in
computing its taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax on its
taxable income at regular corporate rates. Unless entitled to relief under
certain statutory provisions, the Company also would be disqualified from
treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which
qualification was lost. As a result, the funds available for distribution to
the Company's stockholders would be reduced for each of the years involved.
Although the Company currently intends to operate in a manner designed to
qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or
other considerations may cause the Company's Board of Directors, with the
consent of a majority of the Company's stockholders, to revoke the REIT
election. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
 
                                     S-13
<PAGE>
 
  Limits on Ownership Necessary to Maintain REIT Qualification
 
  To maintain the Company's status as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50%
in value of the outstanding capital stock of the Company may be owned,
directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code
to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. The
Company's Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below) generally prohibits
ownership of more than 6% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company by any single stockholder determined by vote, value or number of
shares (other than Charles Lebovitz, James Wolford and their affiliates under
the Code's attribution rules). See "Description of Capital Stock--Description
of Common Stock--Restrictions on Transfer" in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
  Effect of Distribution Requirements
 
  To maintain its status as a REIT under the Code, the Company generally will
be required each year to distribute to its stockholders at least 95% of its
taxable income after certain adjustments. In addition, the Company will be
subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which
certain distributions paid by it during each calendar year are less than the
sum of 85% of its ordinary income for such calendar year, 95% of its capital
gain net income for the calendar year and any amount of such income that was
not distributed in prior years. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--
Requirements for Qualification--Annual Distribution Requirements" in the
accompanying Prospectus.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a
current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the
costs of removal or remediation of petroleum, certain hazardous or toxic
substances on, under or in such real estate. Such laws typically impose such
liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was
responsible for, the presence of such substances. The costs of remediation or
removal of such substances may be substantial, and the presence of such
substances, or the failure to promptly remediate such substances, may
adversely affect the owner's or operator's ability to sell such real estate or
to borrow using such real estate as collateral. Persons who arrange for the
disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also be liable for
the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at the disposal or
treatment facility, regardless of whether such facility is owned or operated
by such person. Certain laws also impose requirements on conditions and
activities that may affect the environment or the impact of the environment on
human health. Failure to comply with such requirements could result in the
imposition of monetary penalties (in addition to the costs to achieve
compliance) and potential liabilities to third parties. Among other things,
certain laws require abatement or removal of friable and certain non-friable
asbestos-containing materials ("ACMs") in the event of demolition or certain
renovations or remodeling. Certain laws regarding ACMs require building owners
and lessees, among other things, to notify and train certain employees working
in areas known or presumed to contain ACMs. Certain laws also impose liability
for release of ACMs into the air and third parties may seek recovery from
owners or operators of real properties for personal injury or property damage
associated with ACMs. In connection with its ownership and operation of the
Properties, the Company, the Operating Partnership or the relevant Property
Partnership, as the case may be, may be potentially liable for such costs or
claims.
 
  All of the Properties (but not properties for which the Company holds an
option to purchase but does not yet own) have been subject to Phase I
environmental assessments or updates of existing Phase I environmental
assessments within approximately the last six years. Such assessments
generally consisted of a visual inspection of the Properties, review of
federal and state environmental databases and certain information regarding
historic uses of the Property and adjacent areas and the preparation and
issuance of written reports. Some of the Properties contain, or contained,
underground storage tanks used for storing petroleum products or wastes
typically associated with automobile service or other operations conducted at
the Properties. Certain Properties contain, or contained, dry-cleaning
establishments utilizing solvents. Where believed to be warranted, samplings
of building materials or subsurface investigations were, or, with respect to
one Property, will be, undertaken. At certain Properties, where warranted by
the conditions, the Company has developed and implemented an
 
                                     S-14
<PAGE>
 
operations and maintenance program that establishes operating procedures with
respect to ACMs. The costs associated with the development and implementation
for such programs were not material.
 
  Although there can be no assurances that such environmental liability does
not exist, none of the environmental assessments have identified and the
Company is not aware of any environmental liability with respect to the
properties in which the Company or the Operating Partnership has or had an
interest (whether as an owner or operator) that the Company believes would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results
of operations or cash flows. Nevertheless, it is possible that the
environmental assessments available to the Company do not reveal all potential
environmental liabilities, that subsequent investigations will identify
material contamination, that adverse environmental conditions have arisen
subsequent to the performance of the environmental assessments, or that there
are material environmental liabilities of which management is unaware.
Moreover, no assurances can be given that (i) future laws, ordinances or
regulations will not impose any material environmental liability or (ii) the
current environmental condition of the Properties has not been or will not be
affected by tenants and occupants of the Properties, by the condition of
properties in the vicinity of the Properties or by third parties unrelated to
the Company, the Operating Partnership or the relevant Property Partnership.
The existence of any such environmental liability could have an adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations, cash flow and the funds available to
the Company to pay dividends.
 
                                     S-15
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a self-managed, self-administered, fully integrated real
estate company which is engaged in the ownership, operation, marketing,
management, leasing, expansion, development, redevelopment, acquisition and
financing of regional malls and community and neighborhood shopping centers.
The Company was incorporated on July 13, 1993 under the laws of the State of
Delaware to acquire an interest in substantially all of the real estate
properties owned by CBL and to provide a public vehicle for the expansion of
CBL's shopping center business. The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT
for federal income tax purposes commencing with its taxable year ended
December 31, 1993.
 
  The Company operates through its two wholly owned subsidiaries, CBL Holdings
I, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CBL Holdings I"), and CBL Holdings II, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation ("CBL Holdings II"). By transfers dated April 1, 1997,
the Company assigned its interests in the Operating Partnership to CBL
Holdings I and CBL Holdings II, which resulted in CBL Holdings I becoming the
2.8% sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and CBL Holdings II
becoming a 69% limited partner of the Operating Partnership. The Company
conducts substantially all of its business through the Operating Partnership.
To comply with certain technical requirements of the Code applicable to REITs,
the Operating Partnership carries out the Company's property management and
development activities through CBL & Associates Management, Inc. (the
"Management Company").
 
  The Company owns interests in a portfolio of properties, consisting of 23
enclosed regional malls, 12 associated centers, each of which is part of a
regional shopping mall complex, and 81 independent community and neighborhood
shopping centers. Except for six Malls, one Associated Center and two
Community Centers which were acquired from third parties, each of these
properties was developed by CBL or the Company.
 
  Additionally, the Company owns one regional mall, one associated center, one
power center and three neighborhood shopping centers currently under
construction. The Company also owns options to acquire the Development
Properties.
 
  The Company also holds Mortgages on community and neighborhood shopping
centers owned by non-CBL affiliates. The Mortgages were granted in connection
with sales by CBL of certain properties previously developed by CBL. The
Company also owns an interest in a three-story office building in Chattanooga,
Tennessee, a portion of which serves as the Company's headquarters.
 
  The Company has also entered into standby purchase agreements with third-
party developers for the construction, development and potential ownership of
three community and neighborhood centers in Georgia and Texas (the "Co-
Development Projects"). The developers have utilized these standby purchase
agreements as additional security for their lenders to fund the construction
of the Co-Development Projects. The standby purchase agreements for each of
the Co-Development Projects require the Company to purchase the related Co-
Development Project upon such Co-Development Project meeting certain
completion requirements and rental levels. In return for its commitment to
purchase a Co-Development Project pursuant to a standby purchase agreement,
the Company receives a fee as well as a participation interest in each Co-
Development Project. In addition to the standby purchase agreements, the
Company has extended secured credit to one of these developers to cover pre-
development costs.
 
  The Company and the Operating Partnership generally own a 100% interest in
the Properties. With two exceptions, where the Company and the Operating
Partnership own less than a 100% interest in a Property, the Operating
Partnership is the sole general partner, managing general partner or managing
member of the property partnership or limited liability company which owns
such Property (each, a "Property Partnership"). For one Mall and its
Associated Center, affiliates of the Operating Partnership are non-managing
general partners in the two Property Partnerships owning those Properties.
 
                                     S-16
<PAGE>
 
  The Operating Partnership holds 100% of the preferred stock and 5% of the
common stock in the Management Company. The remaining 95% of the common stock
is held by Charles Lebovitz, his family and associates. The Management Company
manages all the Properties (except for Governor's Square and Governor's Plaza)
pursuant to a management agreement that may be terminated at any time by the
Operating Partnership upon 30 days' written notice. Through its ownership of
the Management Company's preferred stock, the Operating Partnership enjoys
substantially all of the economic benefits of the Management Company's
business.
 
  Charles B. Lebovitz, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, and John N. Foy, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, have been
involved in the acquisition, leasing, management and development of shopping
centers for approximately 37 and 29 years, respectively. The Company has
assembled a management team that together possesses the skill and
sophistication necessary to execute its strategy. New senior management
appointments include experienced professionals in development, finance, human
resources, leasing, legal and marketing. The Company believes that its team
approach to property management and its ability to develop high quality and
innovative shopping centers on a cost effective basis combined with its
established relationships with national and regional tenants and its extensive
experience in understanding the needs of local tenants provide the Company
with strategic advantages over other operators and developers in the Company's
market areas.
 
  The Company's principal executive offices are located at Suite 300, 6148 Lee
Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37421-2931. The Company's telephone number at
its principal executive offices is (423) 855-0001.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The net proceeds of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered hereby
are expected to be $60.8 million ($69.9 million if the Underwriters' over-
allotment option and the option granted to the institutional investor in the
Concurrent Offering are exercised in full). These net proceeds will be
contributed by the Company to the Operating Partnership on terms which will
require the Operating Partnership to make payments to the Company which mirror
the payments under the Series A Preferred Stock (including the payments of
dividends and the liquidation preference amount) prior to any distribution of
cash or assets to the holders of units or to the holders of any other equity
interests in the Operating Partnership (except for future contributions having
equal ranking as to payments or distributions required to enable the Company
to maintain its qualification as a REIT under the Code). The Company will have
the right to convert this contribution into preferred units of the Operating
Partnership, on terms which will mirror the rights, preferences and other
privileges of the Series A Preferred Stock offered hereby. The Operating
Partnership intends to use the net proceeds to repay indebtedness under an
existing line of credit incurred in connection with the Company's acquisition
and development programs. As of May 31, 1998, the indebtedness to be repaid
with the net proceeds of the Offering and the Concurrent Offering bore
interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 1% per annum. The indebtedness to be repaid
with the net proceeds of the Offering and the Concurrent Offering matures in
June 1999. The Partnership expects to incur additional indebtedness in the
future under this line of credit to fund the Company's continuing development
and acquisition programs and for working capital purposes.
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The following summary of the material terms and provisions of the Series A
Preferred Stock does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), and the
certificate of designation creating the Series A Preferred Stock (the
"Certificate of Designation"), each of which is incorporated by reference
herein. The following description of the particular terms of the Series A
Preferred Stock supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith
replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of the Preferred
Stock set forth in the accompanying Prospectus, to which description reference
is hereby made.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to issue
up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company's preferred stock, par value $.01 per
share ("Preferred Stock"). No Preferred Stock is outstanding as of the date of
this Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                     S-17
<PAGE>
 
  Subject to the limitations prescribed by the Certificate of Incorporation,
the Board of Directors is authorized to establish the number of shares
constituting each series of Preferred Stock and to fix the designations,
powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, all without any further
vote or action by the Company's stockholders. The Series A Preferred Stock is
a series of Preferred Stock. When issued, the shares of Series A Preferred
Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
 
  Application will be made to list the Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE
under the symbol "CBLPrA." Trading of the Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE
is expected to commence within a 30-day period after the initial delivery of
the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
RANK
 
  The Series A Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights and
rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, rank (a)
senior to the Common Stock and to all equity securities ranking junior to such
Series A Preferred Stock; (b) on a parity with all equity securities issued by
the Company the terms of which specifically provide that such equity
securities rank on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock; and (c) junior
to all equity securities issued by the Company (in accordance with the
Certificate of Designation) the terms of which specifically provide that such
equity securities rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock. The term
"equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities for this
purpose.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  Holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as
and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of assets of the Company
legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash
dividends at the rate of 9.0% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference
(equivalent to $2.25 per share). Such dividends shall be cumulative from the
date of the original issue and shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the
30th day of March, June, September and December of each year or, if not a
business day, the next succeeding business day (each, a "Dividend Payment
Date"). The first dividend will be paid on September 30, 1998. Such first
dividend and any dividend payable on the Series A Preferred Stock for any
partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of
record as they appear in the stockholder records of the Company at the close
of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the 15th day of the
calendar month in which the applicable Dividend Payment Date falls or on such
other date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment
of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to such
Dividend Payment Date (each, a "Dividend Record Date").
 
  No dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared by the Board
of Directors of the Company or paid or set apart for payment by the Company at
such time as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Company,
including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such
declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such
declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach
thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration or payment shall be
restricted or prohibited by law.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock
will accrue whether or not the Company has earnings, whether or not there are
funds legally available for the payment of such dividends, and whether or not
such dividends are declared. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A
Preferred Stock will accumulate as of the Dividend Payment Date on which they
first become payable. Except as set forth in the next sentence, no dividends
will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any shares of Common
Stock of the Company or shares of any other series of Preferred Stock ranking,
as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the Series A Preferred Stock
(other than a dividend paid in shares of Common Stock or in shares of any
other class of capital stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as
to dividends and upon liquidation) for any period unless full cumulative
dividends for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period
have been or contemporaneously are (i) declared and paid in cash or (ii)
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof in cash is set apart for
such payment on the Series A Preferred Stock. When dividends are not
 
                                     S-18
<PAGE>
 
paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart)
upon the Series A Preferred Stock and the shares of any other series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Series A
Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon the Series A Preferred Stock and
any other series of Preferred Shares ranking on a parity as to dividends with
the Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of
dividends declared per share of Series A Preferred Stock and such other series
of Preferred Stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that
accrued dividends per share on the Series A Preferred Stock and such other
series of Preferred Stock (which shall not include any accrual in respect of
unpaid dividends on such other series of Preferred Stock for prior dividend
periods if such other series of Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of
interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on
the Series A Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.
 
  Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless full
cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid in cash or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof in cash is set apart for payment for all
past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, no dividends
(other than in Common Stock or other capital stock ranking junior to the
Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be
declared or paid or set aside for payment or other dividend shall be declared
or made upon the Common Stock or any other capital stock of the Company
ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to
dividends or amounts upon liquidation nor shall any shares of Common Stock, or
any other shares of capital stock of the Company ranking junior to or on a
parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation,
be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any
moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of
any such shares) by the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for
other shares of capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the Series A
Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation and except for the
acquisition of shares that have been designated as "Shares-in-Trust"). See
"Description of Capital Stock--Description of Common Stock--Restrictions on
Transfer" in the accompanying Prospectus. Holders of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in
cash, property or shares of capital stock, in excess of full cumulative
dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock as provided above. Any dividend
payment made on the Series A Preferred Stock shall first be credited against
the earliest accrued but unpaid dividends due with respect to such shares
which remains payable.
 
  If, for any taxable year, the Company elects to designate as "capital gain
dividends" (as defined in Section 857 of the Code) any portion (the "Capital
Gains Amount") of the dividends (within the meaning of the Code) paid or made
available for the year to holders of all classes of shares of beneficial
interest in the Company (the "Total Dividends"), then the portion of the
Capital Gains Amount that will be allocable to the holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock will be the Capital Gains Amount multiplied by a fraction, the
numerator of which will be the total dividends (within the meaning of the
Code) paid or made available to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock
for the year and the denominator of which shall be the Total Dividends.
 
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
 
  Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of
the affairs of the Company, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
are entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for
distribution to its stockholders a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share,
plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of
payment (whether or not declared), before any distribution or payment shall be
made to holders of shares of Common Stock or any other class or series of
capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as
to liquidation rights. In the event that, upon such voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the available assets of the Company
are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of capital stock of the
Company ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock in the
distribution of assets, then the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and
all other such classes or series of shares of capital stock shall share
ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively
entitled. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to written
notice of any such liquidation. After payment of the full amount of the
liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the
 
                                     S-19
<PAGE>
 
holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of the
remaining assets of the Company. The consolidation or merger of the Company
with or into any other corporation, trust or other entity, or the sale, lease
or conveyance of all or substantially all of the property or business of the
Company shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of the Company.
 
REDEMPTION
 
  Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not redeemable prior to July 1, 2003.
However, in order to ensure that the Company remains a qualified REIT for
federal income tax purposes, Series A Preferred Stock will be subject to
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, pursuant to which Series A
Preferred Stock owned by a stockholder in excess of the Ownership Limit (as
defined in the accompanying Prospectus) will automatically be designated
"Shares-in-Trust" and transferred to a trust for the exclusive benefit of a
charitable beneficiary to be designated by the Company and may thereafter be
purchased by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of
Incorporation. See "Description of Capital Stock--Description of Common
Stock--Restrictions on Transfer" in the accompanying Prospectus. On or after
July 1, 2003, the Company, at its option upon not less than 30 nor more than
60 days' written notice, may redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or
in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of
$25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date
fixed for redemption (except as provided below), without interest. If fewer
than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be
redeemed, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be
redeemed pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional
shares) or by lot or by any other equitable method determined by the Company.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall surrender such Series
A Preferred Stock at the place designated in such notice and shall be entitled
to the redemption price and any accrued and unpaid dividends payable upon such
redemption following such surrender. If notice of redemption of any Series A
Preferred Stock has been given and if the funds necessary for such redemption
have been set aside by the Company in trust for the benefit of the holders of
any shares of Series A Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then from and
after the redemption date dividends will cease to accrue on such Series A
Preferred Stock, such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be
deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will
terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price plus any accrued
and unpaid dividends payable upon such redemption.
 
  Unless full cumulative dividends on all Series A Preferred Stock shall have
been or contemporaneously are declared and paid in cash or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof in cash set apart for payment for all past
dividend periods and the then current dividend period, no Series A Preferred
Stock shall be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock are simultaneously redeemed and the Company shall not purchase or
otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series A Preferred
Stock (except by exchange for shares of capital stock of the Company ranking
junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and amounts upon
liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the
purchase by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of
Incorporation of shares of the Company designated as "Shares-in-Trust" or
acquisition of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange
offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series A
Preferred Stock.
 
  Notice of redemption will be given by publication in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of New York, such publication to be made once a week
for two successive weeks commencing not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
prior to the redemption date. A similar notice will be mailed by the Company,
postage prepaid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the
redemption date, addressed to the respective holders of record of the shares
of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed at their respective addresses as
they appear on the share transfer records of the Company. No failure to give
such notice or any defect thereto or in the mailing thereof shall affect the
validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any Series A Preferred Stock
except as to a holder to whom notice was defective or not given. Each notice
shall state (i) the redemption date; (ii) the redemption price; (iii) the
number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (iv) the place or
places where certificates for shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be
surrendered for payment of the redemption price; and (v) that dividends on the
Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such
 
                                     S-20
<PAGE>
 
redemption date. If fewer than all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock
held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall
also specify the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such
holder to be redeemed.
 
  Immediately prior to any redemption of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company
shall pay, in cash, any accumulated and unpaid dividends through the
redemption date, unless a redemption date falls after a Dividend Record Date
and prior to the corresponding Dividend Payment Date, in which case each
holder of Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business of such Dividend
Record Date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the
corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the redemption of such
shares before such Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided above, the
Company will make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not
in arrears, on Series A Preferred Stock for which a notice of redemption has
been given.
 
  The Series A Preferred Stock will have no stated maturity and will not be
subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. However, in order to
ensure that the Company remains a qualified REIT for federal income tax
purposes, Series A Preferred Stock owned by a stockholder in excess of the
Ownership Limit will be designated as "Shares-in-Trust" and will automatically
be transferred to a trust for the exclusive benefit of a charitable
beneficiary to be designated by the Company and may thereafter be purchased by
the Company in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation.
See "Description of Capital Stock--Description of Common Stock--Restrictions
on Transfer" in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights,
except as provided by applicable law and as set forth below.
 
  Whenever dividends on any shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be in
arrears for six or more consecutive or non-consecutive quarterly periods (a
"Preferred Dividend Default"), the holders of such Series A Preferred Stock
(voting separately as a class with all other series of Preferred Stock upon
which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable ("Parity
Preferred")) will be entitled to vote for the election of a total of two
additional directors of the Company (the "Preferred Directors") at the next
annual meeting of stockholders and at each subsequent meeting until all
dividends accumulated on such Series A Preferred Stock and Parity Preferred
for the past dividend periods and the then current dividend period shall have
been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set
aside for payment. In such case, the entire Board of Directors of the Company
will be increased by two directors. If and when all accumulated dividends and
the accrued dividend for the then current dividend period have been paid on
such Series A Preferred Stock and all series of Parity Preferred upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the term of office
of each Preferred Director so elected shall terminate. So long as a Preferred
Dividend Default shall continue, any vacancy in the office of a Preferred
Director may be filled by written consent of the Preferred Director remaining
in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of
a majority of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock when they have the
voting rights described above (voting separately as a class with all series of
Parity Preferred). Each of the Preferred Directors shall be entitled to one
vote on any matter.
 
  So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the
Company will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of
two-thirds of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding at the time,
given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such series
voting separately as a class): (i) authorize or create, or increase the
authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of shares of capital stock
ranking prior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to payment of
dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of the Company or reclassify any authorized shares of capital stock
of the Company into such capital stock, or create, authorize or issue any
obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase
any such capital stock; or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designation, whether by
merger, consolidation or otherwise (an
 
                                     S-21
<PAGE>
 
"Event"), so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference,
privilege or voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock or the holders
thereof; provided, however, with respect to the occurrence of any of the
Events set forth in (ii) above, so long as the Series A Preferred Stock
remains outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into
account that, upon the occurrence of an Event, the Company may not be the
surviving entity, the occurrence of such Event shall not be deemed to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of holders of Series A Preferred Stock and provided further that (A) any
increase in amount of the authorized Preferred Stock or the creation or
issuance of any other series of Preferred Stock or (B) any increase in the
number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock or any other series of
Preferred Stock in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series
A Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution
of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, shall not be deemed to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or
voting powers.
 
  The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time
when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall
be effected, all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have
been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient
funds, in cash, shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
 
CONVERSION
 
  The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not convertible into or
exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Company.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER
 
  As discussed under "Description of Capital Stock--Description of Common
Stock--Restrictions on Transfer" in the accompanying Prospectus, for the
Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code, transfer of the Series A
Preferred Stock is restricted and not more than 50% in value of its
outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or constructively, by five or
fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during
the last half of any taxable year.
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Series A
Preferred Stock will be BankBoston, N.A.
 
                                     S-22
<PAGE>
 
                       FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The following summary of certain federal income tax considerations relating
to the Company is based on current law, is for general information only, and
is not tax advice. This discussion does not attempt to address all aspects of
federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to holders of Series A
Preferred Stock in light of their personal investment or tax circumstances, or
to certain types of stockholders (including insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, financial institutions or broker-dealers, foreign corporations
and persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States), except to
the extent discussed herein. No assurance can be given that legislative,
judicial or administrative changes will not affect the accuracy of any
statement in this Prospectus Supplement with respect to transactions entered
into or contemplated prior to the effective date of such changes.
 
  This summary supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the
discussion under "Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the accompanying
Prospectus. U.S. Stockholders should in particular consult the description
under "--Taxation of U.S. Stockholders," and Non-U.S. Stockholders should in
particular consult the description under "--Special Tax Considerations for
Foreign Stockholders."
 
  EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK IS ADVISED TO
CONSULT HIS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH
PURCHASER OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
AND OF THE COMPANY'S ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REIT, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL,
STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP,
SALE AND ELECTION AND OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS. IN
PARTICULAR, FOREIGN INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING
THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY, INCLUDING THE
POSSIBILITY OF UNITED STATES INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING ON COMPANY DISTRIBUTIONS.
 
TAXATION OF THE COMPANY AS A REIT
 
  In the opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, commencing with the Company's
taxable year ending December 31, 1993, the Company was organized and has been
operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT, and
its proposed method of operation will enable it to continue to meet the
requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. Willkie
Farr & Gallagher's opinion is based on certain factual representations and
assumptions and modes of future operation which are beyond its control and
which it will not monitor on an ongoing basis. In particular, this opinion is
based upon the factual representations of the Company concerning its business
and properties and of Shumacker & Thompson, P.C. as to certain factual
representations and legal conclusions. Moreover, such qualification and
taxation as a REIT depend upon the Company's ability to meet, through actual
annual operating results, certain distribution levels, a specified diversity
of stock ownership, and the various other qualification tests imposed under
the Code as discussed in the accompanying Prospectus. The annual operating
result will not be reviewed by Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Accordingly, no
assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company's operation for
any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. Further, the
anticipated income tax treatment described in this Prospectus Supplement may
be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial
action at any time. For a discussion of the taxation of the Company as a REIT,
see "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of the Company as a REIT,"
"--Requirements for Qualifications," and "--Failure to Qualify" in the
accompanying Prospectus.
 
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  For any taxable year, the Company may elect to designate as "capital gain
dividends" (as defined in Section 857 of the Code) any portion (the "Capital
Gains Amount") of the total dividends (as determined for federal income tax
purposes) paid or made available for the year to holders of all classes of
capital stock (the "Total
 
                                     S-23
<PAGE>
 
Dividends"). In such event, the portion of the Capital Gains Amount that is
allocable to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be in the same
proportion that the total dividends paid or made available to the holders of
the Series A Preferred Stock for the year bears to the Total Dividends.
 
  For a discussion regarding the taxation of dividends and other
distributions, see "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of U.S.
Stockholders," "--Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders," and "--Special Tax
Considerations for Foreign Stockholders" in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
SALE OR EXCHANGE OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
  For a discussion of sales or exchanges of Series A Preferred Stock, see
"Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of U.S. Stockholders," 
"--Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders," and "--Special Tax Considerations for
Foreign Stockholders" in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
REDEMPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The treatment to be accorded to any redemption by the Company of Series A
Preferred Stock can be determined only on the basis of particular facts as to
each holder of Series A Preferred Stock at the time of redemption. In general,
a holder of Series A Preferred Stock will recognize capital gain or loss
measured by the difference between the amount realized by the holder upon the
redemption and such holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred
Stock redeemed (provided the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are held as a
capital asset) if such redemption (i) results in a termination of the holder's
interest in all classes of shares of the Company, (ii) is "substantially
disproportionate" with respect to the holder's interest in the Company (which
generally will not be the case if only Series A Preferred Stock is redeemed,
or (iii) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the
holder of Series A Preferred Stock. In determining whether any of these tests
have been met, shares considered to be owned by the holder by reason of
certain constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code, as well as shares
actually owned, must generally be taken into account. Because the
determination as to whether any of the alternative tests of Section 302(b) of
the Code will be satisfied with respect to any particular holder of Series A
Preferred Stock depends on facts and circumstances at the time when the
determination must be made, prospective investors are advised to consult their
own tax advisors to determine such tax treatment.
 
  If a redemption of Series A Preferred Stock is treated as a distribution
taxable as a dividend, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the
amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received by such
stockholders. The stockholder's adjusted basis in the redeemed Series A
Preferred Stock for tax purposes will be transferred to such stockholder's
remaining shares of the Company. If the stockholder owns no other shares of
the Company, such basis may be lost entirely.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
 
  Pursuant to an IRS Notice, the effective date of the recently released Final
Treasury Regulations (not yet in effect), which provide alternative methods of
satisfying certain certification requirements, has been extended to payments
made after December 31, 1999. For a discussion regarding information reporting
requirements and backup withholding, see "Federal Income Tax Considerations--
Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding Tax" in the
accompanying Prospectus.
 
                                     S-24
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the underwriting agreement
and the related pricing agreement (collectively, the "Underwriting
Agreement"), the Company has agreed to sell to each of the underwriters named
below (the "Underwriters") for whom A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., J.C. Bradford &
Co., J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company
Incorporated are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"), and each
of the Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the
number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock set forth below opposite its
respective name:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         NUMBER OF SHARES OF
        UNDERWRITER                                    SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
        -----------                                    ------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ............................          677,500
J.C. Bradford & Co. ..................................          400,000
J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. ....................          400,000
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Incorporated...............          400,000
                                                              ---------
  Total...............................................        1,877,500
                                                              =========
</TABLE>
 
  Under the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the
Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares offered by
the Underwriters hereby, if any are taken.
 
  The Company has been advised by the Underwriters, through A.G. Edwards &
Sons, Inc., that the Underwriters propose to offer the Series A Preferred
Stock to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus Supplement and to certain dealers at such price less a concession
not in excess of $.50 per share and that the Underwriters and such dealers may
reallow a discount of not in excess of $.25 per share to other dealers. The
public offering price and the concession and discount to dealers may be
changed by the Representatives after the Offering.
 
  In addition to the 1,877,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered by
the Underwriters hereby, the Company is selling 622,500 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock directly to Wells Fargo & Company in the Concurrent Offering.
The Underwriters will not participate in, or receive any commission or
discount on, the sale of these shares.
 
  The Company and the Operating Partnership, jointly and severally, have
agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments
that the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
  Application will be made to list the Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE
under the symbol "CBLPrA." Trading of the Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE
is expected to commence within 30 days of initial delivery of the Series A
Preferred Stock. Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for
the Series A Preferred Stock. While the Underwriters have advised the Company
that they intend to make a market in the Series A Preferred Stock prior to
commencement of trading on the NYSE, they are under no obligation to do so and
may discontinue market-making at any time without notice. No assurance can be
given that a market for the Series A Preferred Stock will exist prior to
commencement of trading or at any other time.
 
  The Representatives have advised the Company that they do not intend to
confirm sales to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority.
 
  The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, expiring at the close of
business on the 30th day subsequent to the date of the Underwriting Agreement,
to purchase up to 281,625 additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the
public offering price, less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus Supplement. The Underwriters may exercise such option
solely to cover over-allotments, if any, in the sale of the shares. To the
extent the Underwriters exercise such option, each of the Underwriters will
have a firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage of the option shares as the number of shares
set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the
1,877,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered by the Underwriters, and
the Company will be obligated to sell such shares to the Underwriters.
 
                                     S-25
<PAGE>
 
  In addition, the Company has granted to Wells Fargo & Company an option,
expiring on the 30th day subsequent to the date of this Prospectus Supplement,
to purchase up to an additional 93,375 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at
the public offering price. The Underwriters will not participate in, or
receive any commission or discount on, the sale of any shares pursuant to this
option.
 
  The Company has agreed not to offer, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell,
pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise sell or dispose (or announce
any offer, sale, offer of sale, contract of sale, pledge, grant of any option
to purchase or other sale or disposition) of any Series A Preferred Stock or
any securities convertible or exercisable or exchangeable for any Series A
Preferred Stock or other securities of the Company which are substantially
similar to the Series A Preferred Stock, for a period of 90 days from the date
of this Prospectus Supplement, in each case without the prior written consent
of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., on behalf of the Underwriters, subject to
certain limited exceptions. A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. may, at any time and
without notice, release all or any portion of the Series A Preferred Stock
subject to the foregoing lock-up agreement.
 
  In connection with the Offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Series A
Preferred Stock. Such transactions may include stabilization transactions
effected in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation M promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to which such persons may bid for
or purchase Series A Preferred Stock for the purpose of stabilizing its market
price. The Underwriters also may create a short position for the account of
the Underwriters by selling more Series A Preferred Stock in connection with
the Offering than they are committed to purchase from the Company, and in such
case may purchase Series A Preferred Stock in the open market following
completion of the Offering to cover all or a portion of such short position.
The Underwriters may also cover all or a portion of such short position, up to
281,625 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, by exercising the Underwriters'
over-allotment option referred to above. In addition, A.G. Edwards & Sons,
Inc., on behalf of the Underwriters, may impose "penalty bids" under
contractual arrangements with the Underwriters whereby it may reclaim from an
Underwriter (or any selling group member participating in the Offering) for
the account of the other Underwriters, the selling concession with respect to
shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are distributed in the Offering but
subsequently purchased for the account of the Underwriters in the open market.
Any of the transactions described in this paragraph may result in the
maintenance of the price of the Series A Preferred Stock at a level above that
which might otherwise prevail in the open market. None of the transactions
described in this paragraph are required and, if they are undertaken, they may
be discontinued at any time.
 
  Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude or any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the Series A Preferred
Stock. In addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the Representatives will engage in such transactions or
that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.
 
  Certain of the Underwriters and their affiliates have from time to time
performed, and may continue to perform in the future, investment banking
services for the Company, for which customary compensation has been received.
 
                                     S-26
<PAGE>
 
                     VALIDITY OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The legality of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered hereby will
be passed upon for the Company by Willkie Farr & Gallagher, New York, New
York, and certain other matters will be passed on for the Company by Shumacker
& Thompson, P.C., Chattanooga, Tennessee. The validity of the shares of Series
A Preferred Stock offered pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement will be
passed upon for the Underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The audited financial statements and schedules thereto incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus Supplement or elsewhere in the accompanying
Prospectus have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
incorporated herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said reports.
 
                                     S-27
<PAGE>
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                       CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.
 
                                 $350,000,000
 
                               PREFERRED STOCK,
                    COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
 
  CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (the "Company") may from time to time
offer in one or more series (i) shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per
share (the "Preferred Stock"), (ii) shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share (the "Common Stock"), and (iii) warrants to purchase shares of Common
Stock (the "Common Stock Warrants"), with an aggregate public offering price
of up to $350,000,000 in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at
the time or times of offering. The Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Common
Stock Warrants (collectively, the "Offered Securities") may be offered,
separately or together, in separate classes or series, in amounts, at prices
and on terms to be set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus (a "Prospectus
Supplement").
 
  The specific terms of the Offered Securities in respect of which this
Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement and will include, where applicable, (i) in the case of Preferred
Stock, the specific series designation, number of shares, title and stated
value, any dividend, liquidation, optional or mandatory redemption,
conversion, voting and other rights, and any initial public offering price;
(ii) in the case of Common Stock, any initial public offering price; and (iii)
in the case of Common Stock Warrants, the number, duration, offering price,
exercise price and detachability. In addition, such specific terms may include
limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on transfer of
the Offered Securities, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve the
status of the Company as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for federal
income tax purposes.
 
  The applicable Prospectus Supplement will also contain information, where
applicable, about certain United States federal income tax considerations
relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the Offered
Securities covered by such Prospectus Supplement. The Common Stock is listed
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CBL." Any Common Stock
offered pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will be listed on such exchange,
subject to official notice of issuance.
 
  The Offered Securities may be offered directly, through agents designated
from time to time by the Company, or to or through underwriters or dealers. If
any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the Offered
Securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or
discount arrangement with, between or among them, will be set forth, or will
be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
  No Offered Securities may be sold without delivery of the applicable
Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such
Offered Securities.
 
                               ----------------
 
 THESE  SECURITIES HAVE NOT  BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY THE  SECURITIES
   AND  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR  HAS THE
     SECURITIES   AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION   OR  ANY  STATE   SECURITIES
       COMMISSION  PASSED  UPON  THE   ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS
         PROSPECTUS.   ANY  REPRESENTATION  TO  THE  CONTRARY   IS  A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                               ----------------
 
                 The date of this Prospectus is March 23, 1998
<PAGE>
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING AND SHORT-COVERING
TRANSACTIONS IN SUCH SECURITIES, AND THE IMPOSITION OF A PENALTY BID, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement," which term shall include all amendments, exhibits, annexes and
schedules thereto) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
covering the Offered Securities being offered hereby. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain
parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract, agreement or other document referred to in the Registration
Statement are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such contract,
agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement,
reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter
involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by
such reference.
 
  The Company is subject to the periodic reporting and other informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").
Periodic reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed
by the Company with the Commission may be inspected at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at its regional offices located
at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a website
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The
address of the Commission's website is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the
Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and similar
information concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the offices
of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The documents listed below have been filed by the Company under the Exchange
Act with the Commission and are incorporated herein by reference: (i) Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996; (ii) Current
Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 1997, February 5, 1997, May 1, 1997,
July 30, 1997, October 29, 1997, January 16, 1998, February 4, 1998, February
13, 1998 and February 18, 1998; (iii) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the
periods ended on March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997; and
(iv) the description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the Company's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated October 25, 1993.
 
  Each document filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to
termination of the offering of the Offered Securities shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into the Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of each such document (provided, however, that the information
referred to in item 402(a)(8) of Regulation S-K of the Commission shall not be
deemed specifically incorporated by reference herein).
 
  Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
contained herein (or in the applicable Prospectus Supplement) or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person,
including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is
delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any
or all documents incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits
thereto, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into
such documents). Such requests should be addressed to the Secretary of the
Company, Suite 300, 6148 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421-2931
(telephone number (423) 855-0001).
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a self-managed, self-administered, fully integrated real
estate company which is engaged in the ownership, operation, marketing,
management, leasing, expansion, development, redevelopment, acquisition and
financing of regional malls and community and neighborhood centers. The
Company was incorporated on July 13, 1993 under the laws of the State of
Delaware to acquire an interest in substantially all of the real estate
properties owned by CBL & Associates, Inc. and its affiliates ("CBL") and to
provide a public vehicle for the expansion of CBL's shopping center business.
The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes
commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1993.
 
  The Company operates through its two wholly owned subsidiaries, CBL Holdings
I, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CBL Holdings I"), and CBL Holdings II, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation ("CBL Holdings II"). By transfers dated April 1, 1997,
the Company assigned its interests in CBL & Associates Limited Partnership, a
Delaware limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership"), to CBL Holdings I
and CBL Holdings II, which resulted in CBL Holdings I becoming the 2.8% sole
general partner of the Operating Partnership and CBL Holdings II becoming a
69% limited partner of the Operating Partnership. The Company conducts
substantially all of its business through the Operating Partnership. To comply
with certain technical requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") applicable to REITs, the Operating Partnership carries
out the Company's property management and development activities through CBL &
Associates Management, Inc. (the "Management Company").
 
  The Company owns interests in a portfolio of properties, consisting of 22
enclosed regional malls (the "Malls"), 12 associated centers (the "Associated
Centers"), each of which is part of a regional shopping mall complex, and 81
independent community and neighborhood shopping centers (the "Community
Centers"). Except for five Malls, one Associated Center and two Community
Centers which were acquired from third parties, each of these properties was
developed by CBL or the Company.
 
  Additionally, the Company owns one regional mall, one associated center, one
power center and two neighborhood shopping centers currently under
construction (the "Construction Properties"). The Company also owns options to
acquire certain shopping center development sites (the "Development
Properties").
 
  The Company also holds mortgages (the "Mortgages") on community and
neighborhood shopping centers owned by non-CBL affiliates. The Mortgages were
granted in connection with sales by CBL of certain properties previously
developed by CBL. The Company also owns an interest in a three-story office
building in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a portion of which serves as the Company's
headquarters (the "Office Building"). The Malls, Associated Centers, Community
Centers, Construction Properties, Development Properties, Mortgages and Office
Building are collectively referred to herein as the "Properties" and
individually as a "Property."
 
  The Company has also entered into standby purchase agreements with third-
party developers for the construction, development and potential ownership of
three community and neighborhood centers in Georgia and Texas (the "Co-
Development Projects"). The developers have utilized these standby purchase
agreements as additional security for their lenders to fund the construction
of the Co-Development Projects. The standby purchase agreements for each of
the Co-Development Projects require the Company to purchase the related Co-
Development Project upon such Co-Development Project meeting certain
completion requirements and rental levels. In return for its commitment to
purchase a Co-Development Project pursuant to a standby purchase agreement,
the Company receives a fee as well as a participation interest in each Co-
Development Project. In addition to the standby purchase agreements, the
Company has extended secured credit to two of these developers to cover pre-
development costs.
 
  The Company and the Operating Partnership generally own a 100% interest in
the Properties. With two exceptions, where the Company and the Operating
Partnership own less than a 100% interest in a Property, the Operating
Partnership is the sole general partner, managing general partner or managing
member of the property partnership or limited liability company which owns
such Property (each, a "Property Partnership"). For one
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Mall and its Associated Center, affiliates of the Operating Partnership are
non-managing general partners in the two Property Partnerships owning those
Properties.
 
  The Company's principal executive offices are located at Suite 300, 6148 Lee
Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37421-2931. The Company's telephone number at
its principal executive offices is (423) 855-0001.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Offered
Securities for general purposes, which may include the acquisition of malls or
community and neighborhood shopping centers as suitable opportunities arise,
the expansion and improvement of certain properties in the Company's
portfolio, payment of development and construction costs for new centers and
the repayment of certain indebtedness outstanding at such time.
 
                      RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
  The Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the period from
November 2, 1993 (the date of the Company's initial public offering) to
December 31, 1993, the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the
nine-month period ended September 30, 1997 was 2.14, 1.96, 1.69, 2.07 and
1.94, respectively. Prior to the completion of the Company's initial public
offering, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of the Company's predecessors
for the period from January 1, 1993 to November 2, 1993 was 1.11.
 
  The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings
by fixed charges. For this purpose, earnings consist of pre-tax income before
extraordinary items and fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest),
adjusted, as applicable, for the Company's proportionate share of earnings of
fifty percent-owned affiliates and distributions from less than fifty percent-
owned affiliates. Fixed charges consist of interest expense (including
interest cost capitalized), amortization of debt costs and the portion of rent
expense representing an interest factor. To date, the Company has not issued
any shares of Preferred Stock; therefore, the ratios of earnings to combined
fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are unchanged from the ratios
presented in this section.
 
  Prior to completion of the Company's initial public offering, certain of the
predecessor entities to the Company operated in a highly leveraged manner. As
a result, the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for such
periods indicates that earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by
approximately $1.6, $6.6 and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31,
1992, 1991 and 1990, respectively.
 
  The Company's initial public offering and the other transactions undertaken
concurrently therewith as well as the Company's follow-on offerings have
permitted the Company to significantly deleverage properties, resulting in a
significantly improved ratio of earnings to fixed charges for periods
subsequent to November 3, 1993.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  When used in this Prospectus, an applicable Prospectus Supplement and in any
document incorporated by reference herein or therein, the words "believes,"
"anticipates," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. Statements looking forward in time are included in
such documents pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ
materially, including, but not limited to, those set forth below. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation
to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
 
  Prospective investors should carefully consider the following information in
conjunction with the other information contained in this Prospectus, an
applicable Prospectus Supplement and in any document incorporated by reference
herein or therein, before purchasing Offered Securities.
 
RISKS OF EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
 
  The Company, through the Operating Partnership, intends to pursue
development and expansion activities as opportunities arise. In connection
with any development or expansion, the Company and the Operating Partnership
will incur various risks including the risk that development or expansion
opportunities explored by the Company and the Operating Partnership may be
abandoned; the risk that construction costs of a project may exceed original
estimates, possibly making the project not profitable; the risk that the
Company and the Operating Partnership may not be able to refinance
construction loans which are generally with full recourse to the Company and
the Operating Partnership; the risk that occupancy rates and rents at a
completed project will not meet projections, and will therefore be
insufficient to make the project profitable; and the need for anchor, mortgage
lender and property partner approvals for certain expansion activities. In the
event of an unsuccessful development project, the Company's and the Operating
Partnership's loss could exceed its investment in the project.
 
  The Company has in the past elected not to proceed with certain development
projects and anticipates that it will do so again from time to time in the
future. If the Company elects not to proceed with a development opportunity,
the development costs associated therewith ordinarily will be charged against
income for the then-current period. Any such charge could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations for the period in which
the charge is taken.
 
RISKS OF EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS
 
   General Factors Affecting Investments in Shopping Center Properties; Effect
   of Economic and Real Estate Conditions
 
  A shopping center's revenues and value may be adversely affected by a number
of factors, including: the national and regional economic climates; local real
estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail space); perceptions by
retailers or shoppers of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the
shopping center; and the willingness and ability of the shopping center's
owner to provide capable management and maintenance services. In addition,
other factors may adversely affect a shopping center's value without affecting
its current revenues, including: changes in governmental regulations, zoning
or tax laws; potential environmental or other legal liabilities; availability
of financing; and changes in interest rate levels. There are numerous shopping
facilities that compete with the Properties in attracting retailers to lease
space. In addition, retailers at the Properties face continued competition
from discount shopping centers, outlet malls, wholesale clubs, direct mail,
telemarketing, television shopping networks and, most recently, shopping via
the Internet. Competition could adversely affect the Operating Partnership's
revenues and funds available for distribution to partners, which in turn will
affect the Company's revenues and funds available for distribution to
stockholders.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  Geographic Concentration
 
  The Properties are located principally in the southeastern United States in
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. 15 Malls, 11 Associated Centers, 58
Community Centers and the Office Building are located in these states. The
Company's results of operations and funds available for distribution to
stockholders therefore will be subject generally to economic conditions in the
southeastern United States. As of September 30, 1997, the Properties located
in the southeastern United States accounted for 52% of the Company's total
assets, and provided 71% of the Company's total revenues for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997.
 
  Third-Party Interests in Certain Properties
 
  The Operating Partnership owns partial interests in six Malls, five
Associated Centers, one Community Center and the Office Building. The
Operating Partnership or an affiliate of the Company is the managing general
partner of the Property Partnerships that own such Properties, except for the
Governor's Square Mall and its Associated Center, Governor's Plaza, in which
affiliates of the Operating Partnership are non-managing general partners.
 
  Where the Operating Partnership serves as managing general partner of
Property Partnerships, it may have certain fiduciary responsibilities to the
other partners in those partnerships. In certain cases, the approval or
consent of the other partners is required before the Operating Partnership may
sell, finance, expand or make other significant changes in the operations of
such Properties. To the extent such approvals or consents are required, the
Operating Partnership may experience difficulty in, or may be prevented from
implementing its plans with respect to expansion, development, financing or
other similar transactions with respect to such Properties.
 
  With respect to the Governor's Square and Governor's Plaza, the Operating
Partnership does not have day-to-day operational control or control over
certain major decisions, including the timing and amount of distributions and
decisions relating to sales, expansions and financings, which could result in
decisions by the managing general partner that do not fully reflect the
interests of the Company, including decisions relating to the standards that
the Company is required to satisfy in order to maintain its status as a real
estate investment trust for tax purposes.
 
  Dependence on Significant Properties
 
  Hamilton Place and CoolSprings Galleria accounted for approximately 8.6% and
8.0%, respectively, of total revenues of the Company for the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1997. The Company's financial position and results of
operations will therefore be disproportionately affected by the results
experienced at these Properties.
 
  Dependence on Key Tenants
 
  The Limited Stores Inc. (including Intimate Brands) maintains 77 Mall Stores
and in the nine-month period ended September 30, 1997 accounted for
approximately 10.6% of total revenues of the Company.
 
  Food Lion serves as an anchor tenant in 37 of the Community Centers and in
one Associated Center. In the nine-month period ended September 30, 1997, Food
Lion accounted for approximately 6.3% of total revenues of the Company. Food
Lion is a publicly traded North Carolina-based operator of supermarkets.
 
  The loss or bankruptcy of any of these or other key tenants could negatively
affect the Company's financial position and results from operations.
 
  Dependence on Management
 
  Certain of the Operating Partnership's lines of credit are conditioned upon
the Operating Partnership continuing to be managed by certain members of its
current senior management and by such members of senior management continuing
to own a significant direct or indirect equity interest in the Operating
Partnership (including any ownership interests such members of senior
management may hold in the Company).
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
 
  Retained Property Interests
 
  Members of the Company's senior management own interests in certain real
estate properties which were retained by them at the time of the Company's
initial public offering, consisting primarily of (i) outparcels at certain of
the Properties, which are being offered for sale through the Management
Company, and (ii) one anchor store at an Associated Center, which the Company
has fixed-price options to acquire.
 
  Tax Consequences of Sales of Properties
 
  Since certain of the Properties had unrealized gain attributable to the
difference between the fair market value and adjusted tax basis in such
Properties prior to their contribution to the Operating Partnership, the sale
of any such Properties will cause adverse tax consequences to the members of
the Company's senior management who owned interests in the Company's
predecessor entities. In addition, a significant reduction in the Properties'
debt could cause adverse tax consequences to such members of senior
management. As a result, members of the Company's senior management might not
favor a sale of a Property or a significant reduction in debt even though such
a sale or reduction could be beneficial to the Company and the Operating
Partnership. The Company's Bylaws (as defined below) provide that any decision
relating to the potential sale of any Property that would result in a
disproportionately higher taxable income for members of the Company's senior
management than for the Company and its stockholders or that would result in a
significant reduction in such Property's debt must be made by a majority of
the independent directors of the Board of Directors. The Operating Partnership
is required, in the case of such a sale, to distribute to its partners, at a
minimum, all of the net cash proceeds from such sale up to an amount
reasonably believed necessary to enable members of the Company's senior
management to pay any income tax liability arising from such sale. See
"Federal Income Tax Considerations--Tax Aspects of the Operating Partnership"
below.
 
  Policies of Board of Directors
 
  Certain entities owned in whole or in part by members of the Company's
senior management, including the construction company (in which members of the
Company's senior management own a significant minority interest) which built
most of the Properties, may continue to perform services for, or transact
business with, the Company and the Operating Partnership. In addition, certain
Property tenants are affiliated with members of the Company's senior
management. The Bylaws provide that any contract or transaction between the
Company or the Operating Partnership and one or more directors or officers of
the Company, or between the Company or the Operating Partnership and any other
entity in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or
officers, or have a financial interest, must be approved by the Company's
disinterested directors or stockholders after the material facts as to the
relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed
or are known to them.
 
FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  REIT Classification
 
  The Company intends to continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under
the Code. Although the Company believes that it is organized and operates in
such a manner, no assurance can be given that the Company has qualified or
will continue to qualify as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the
application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there
are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations. The determination
of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within the Company's
control may affect its ability to qualify as a REIT. In addition, no assurance
can be given that legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations
or court decisions will not significantly change the tax laws with respect to
qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of such
qualification. The Company is relying on the opinion of Willkie Farr &
Gallagher, counsel to the REIT, regarding various issues affecting the
Company's ability to qualify as a REIT. Such legal opinion, however, is not
binding on the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  If in any taxable year the Company were to fail to qualify as a REIT, the
Company would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in
computing its taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax on its
taxable income at regular corporate rates. Unless entitled to relief under
certain statutory provisions, the Company also would be disqualified from
treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which
qualification was lost. As a result, the funds available for distribution to
the Company's stockholders would be reduced for each of the years involved.
Although the Company currently intends to operate in a manner designed to
qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or
other considerations may cause the Company's Board of Directors, with the
consent of a majority of the Company's stockholders, to revoke the REIT
election. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
 
  Limits on Ownership Necessary to Maintain REIT Qualification
 
  To maintain the Company's status as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50%
in value of the outstanding capital stock of the Company may be owned,
directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code
to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. The
Company's Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below) generally prohibits
ownership of more than 6% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company by any single stockholder determined by vote, value or number of
shares (other than Charles Lebovitz, James Wolford and their affiliates under
the Code's attribution rules). See "Description of Capital Stock--Description
of Common Stock--Restrictions on Transfer."
 
  Effect of Distribution Requirements
 
  To maintain its status as a REIT under the Code, the Company generally will
be required each year to distribute to its stockholders at least 95% of its
taxable income after certain adjustments. In addition, the Company will be
subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which
certain distributions paid by it during each calendar year are less than the
sum of 85% of its ordinary income for such calendar year, 95% of its capital
gain net income for the calendar year and any amount of such income that was
not distributed in prior years. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--
Requirements for Qualification--Annual Distribution Requirements."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a
current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the
costs of removal or remediation of petroleum, certain hazardous or toxic
substances on, under or in such real estate. Such laws typically impose such
liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was
responsible for, the presence of such substances. The costs of remediation or
removal of such substances may be substantial, and the presence of such
substances, or the failure to promptly remediate such substances, may
adversely affect the owner's or operator's ability to sell such real estate or
to borrow using such real estate as collateral. Persons who arrange for the
disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also be liable for
the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at the disposal or
treatment facility, regardless of whether such facility is owned or operated
by such person. Certain laws also impose requirements on conditions and
activities that may affect the environment or the impact of the environment on
human health. Failure to comply with such requirements could result in the
imposition of monetary penalties (in addition to the costs to achieve
compliance) and potential liabilities to third parties. Among other things,
certain laws require abatement or removal of friable and certain non-friable
asbestos-containing materials ("ACMs") in the event of demolition or certain
renovations or remodeling. Certain laws regarding ACMs require building owners
and lessees, among other things, to notify and train certain employees working
in areas known or presumed to contain ACMs. Certain laws also impose liability
for release of ACMs into the air and third parties may seek recovery from
owners or operators of real properties for personal injury or property damage
associated with ACMs. In connection with its ownership and operation of the
Properties, the Company, the Operating Partnership or the relevant Property
Partnership, as the case may be, may be potentially liable for such costs or
claims.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  All of the Properties (but not properties for which the Company holds an
option to purchase but does not yet own) have been subject to Phase I
environmental assessments or updates of existing Phase I environmental
assessments within approximately the last six years. Such assessments
generally consisted of a visual inspection of the Properties, review of
federal and state environmental databases and certain information regarding
historic uses of the Property and adjacent areas and the preparation and
issuance of written reports. Some of the Properties contain, or contained,
underground storage tanks used for storing petroleum products or wastes
typically associated with automobile service or other operations conducted at
the Properties. Certain Properties contain, or contained, dry-cleaning
establishments utilizing solvents. Where believed to be warranted, samplings
of building materials or subsurface investigations were, or, with respect to
one Property, will be, undertaken. At certain Properties, where warranted by
the conditions, the Company has developed and implemented an operations and
maintenance program that establishes operating procedures with respect to
ACMs. The costs associated with the development and implementation for such
programs were not material.
 
  Although there can be no assurances that such environmental liability does
not exist, none of the environmental assessments have identified and the
Company is not aware of any environmental liability with respect to the
properties in which the Company or the Operating Partnership has or had an
interest (whether as an owner or operator) that the Company believes would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results
of operations or cash flows. Nevertheless, it is possible that the
environmental assessments available to the Company do not reveal all potential
environmental liabilities, that subsequent investigations will identify
material contamination, that adverse environmental conditions have arisen
subsequent to the performance of the environmental assessments, or that there
are material environmental liabilities of which management is unaware.
Moreover, no assurances can be given that (i) future laws, ordinances or
regulations will not impose any material environmental liability or (ii) the
current environmental condition of the Properties has not been or will not be
affected by tenants and occupants of the Properties, by the condition of
properties in the vicinity of the Properties or by third parties unrelated to
the Company, the Operating Partnership or the relevant Property Partnership.
The existence of any such environmental liability could have an adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations, cash flow and the funds available to
the Company to pay dividends.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  Under the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company,
as amended on May 8, 1996 (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), the total
number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Company has
authority to issue is 100,000,000, consisting of 95,000,000 shares of Common
Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. As of February 25, 1998, the
Company had outstanding 24,070,802 shares of Common Stock. No shares of
Preferred Stock were outstanding as of such date. The Company's Common Stock
is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CBL."
 
  Pursuant to rights granted to CBL and the other limited partners in the
partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership, each of the limited
partners may, subject to certain conditions, exchange its limited partnership
interests in the Operating Partnership for shares of Common Stock. Assuming
the exchange of all limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership
for Common Stock, at February 25, 1998 there would have been outstanding
approximately 33,546,657 shares of Common Stock.
 
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
  General
 
  The following summary description of the Preferred Stock sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock to which any Prospectus
Supplement may relate. The statements below describing the Preferred Stock do
not purport to be complete and are in all respects subject to and qualified in
their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the "Bylaws")
and any applicable certificate of designations (each, a "Preferred Stock
Designation") and may be modified, supplemented or varied in the Prospectus
Supplement.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  Terms
 
  Subject to the limitations prescribed by the Certificate of Incorporation,
the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares constituting
each series of Preferred Stock and to fix the designations, powers,
preferences and the rights of each series and the qualifications, limitations
and restrictions thereof. In particular, the Board of Directors may determine
the number of shares of each series, the dividend rate, if any, the date, if
any, on which dividends will accumulate, the dates, if any, on which dividends
will be payable, the redemption rights, if any, of such series, any sinking
fund provisions, liquidation rights and preferences, any conversion rights and
voting rights. The Preferred Stock will, when issued, be fully paid and
nonassessable and, unless otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock
Designations, will have no preemptive rights. Under Delaware law, holders of
Preferred Stock generally are not responsible for the Company's debts or
obligations.
 
  Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the shares of
Preferred Stock offered thereby for specific terms, including: (i) the title
and stated value of such Preferred Stock; (ii) the number of shares of such
Preferred Stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering
price of such Preferred Stock; (iii) the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or
payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to such
Preferred Stock; (iv) the date from which dividends on such Preferred Stock
shall accumulate, if applicable; (v) the procedures for any auction and
remarketing, if any, for such Preferred Stock; (vi) the provision for a
sinking fund, if any, for such Preferred Stock; (vii) the provision for
redemption, if applicable, of such Preferred Stock; (viii) any listing of such
Preferred Stock on any securities exchange; (ix) the terms and conditions, if
applicable, upon which such Preferred Stock will be convertible into Common
Stock of the Company, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation
thereof); (x) any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or
restrictions of such Preferred Stock; (xi) a discussion of federal income tax
considerations applicable to such Preferred Stock; (xii) the relative ranking
and preferences of such Preferred Stock as to dividend rights and rights upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company; (xiii)
any limitations on issuance of any series of Preferred Stock ranking senior to
or on a parity with such series of Preferred Stock as to dividend rights and
rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the
Company; and (xiv) any limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and
restriction on transfer, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve the
status of the Company as a REIT.
 
  Rank
 
  Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred Stock
will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Company, rank (i) senior to all classes or series of
Common Stock and to all other equity securities ranking junior to such
Preferred Stock, (ii) on a parity with all equity securities issued by the
Company, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities
rank on a parity with the Preferred Stock, and (iii) junior to all equity
securities issued by the Company, the terms of which specifically provide that
such equity securities rank senior to the Preferred Stock. The term "equity
securities" does not include convertible debt securities.
 
  Dividends
 
  Holders of Preferred Stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, out of assets of
the Company legally available for payment, cash dividends at such rates and on
such dates as will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Each
such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on the
share transfer books of the Company on such record dates as shall be fixed by
the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
  Dividends on any series of Preferred Stock may be cumulative or
noncumulative, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Dividends,
if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the Board of Directors of the Company
fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series
of Preferred Stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the holders of
such series of Preferred Stock will have no right to receive a dividend in
respect of the
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
dividend period ending on such dividend payment date, and the Company will
have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not
dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment
date.
 
  If Preferred Stock of any series is outstanding, no dividends will be
declared or paid or set apart for payment on the Preferred Stock of the
Company of any other series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or
junior to the Preferred Stock of such series for any period unless (i) if such
series of Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends
have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Preferred
Stock of such series for all past dividend periods and the then current
dividend period or (ii) if such series of Preferred Stock does not have a
cumulative dividend, full dividends for the then current dividend period have
been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Preferred
Stock of such series. When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient
for such full payment is not so set apart) upon Preferred Stock of any series
and the shares of any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as
to dividends with the Preferred Stock of such series, all dividends declared
upon Preferred Stock of such series and any other series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity as to dividends with such Preferred Stock shall be
declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share of such
series of Preferred Stock and such other series of Preferred Stock shall in
all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share
on the shares of Preferred Stock of such series (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such
Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative dividend) and such other series of
Preferred Stock bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of
interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on
Preferred Stock of such series which may be in arrears.
 
  Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless (i) if
such series of Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative
dividends on the Preferred Stock of such series have been or contemporaneously
are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof
set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current
dividend period and (ii) if such series of Preferred Stock does not have a
cumulative dividend, full dividends on the Preferred Stock of such series have
been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current
dividend period, no dividends (other than in Common Stock or other capital
stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends and
upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other
distribution shall be declared or made upon the Common Stock, or any other
capital stock of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the
Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor shall
any Common Stock, or any other capital stock of the Company ranking junior to
or on a parity with the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends or upon
liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration
(or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the
redemption of any such shares) by the Company (except by conversion into or
exchange for capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred
Stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation).
 
  Any dividend payment made on shares of a series of Preferred Stock shall
first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with
respect to shares of such series which remains payable.
 
  Redemption
 
  If so provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred Stock
will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at the option of the
Company, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and
at the redemption prices set forth in such Prospectus Supplement.
 
  The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred Stock that is
subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such
Preferred Stock that shall be redeemed by the Company in each year commencing
after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified,
together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon
(which shall not, if such shares of Preferred Stock do not have
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
a cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends
for prior dividend periods) to the date of redemption. The redemption price
may be payable in cash or other property, as specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless (i) if such series of Preferred Stock
has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on all shares of any
series of Preferred Stock shall have been or contemporaneously are declared
and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart
for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period
and (ii) if such series of Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative
dividend, full dividends on the Preferred Stock of any series have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for
the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend
period, no shares of any series of Preferred Stock shall be redeemed unless
all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of such series are simultaneously
redeemed; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase
or acquisition of shares of Preferred Stock of such series to preserve the
REIT status of the Company or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on
the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of such
series, and, unless (x) if such series of Preferred Stock has a cumulative
dividend, full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of any series of
Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment
for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period and (y) if
such series of Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative dividend, full
dividends on the Preferred Stock of any series have been or contemporaneously
are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof
set apart for payment for the then current dividend period, the Company shall
not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of
Preferred Stock of such series (except by conversion into or exchange for
capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Stock of such
series as to dividends and upon liquidation); provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of shares of Preferred
Stock of such series to preserve the REIT status of the Company or pursuant to
a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of such series.
 
  If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of any series
are to be redeemed, the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed
will be determined by the Company and such shares may be redeemed pro rata
from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such
shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of
fractional shares) or any other equitable method determined by the Company
that will not result in the issuance of any Shares-in-Trust (as defined in the
Certificate of Incorporation).
 
  Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of record of Preferred Stock of
any series to be redeemed at the address shown on the share transfer books of
the Company. Each notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number
of shares and series of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (iii) the
redemption price; (iv) the place or places where certificates for such
Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v)
that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such
redemption date; and (vi) the date upon which the holder's conversion rights,
if any, as to such shares will terminate. If fewer than all outstanding shares
of the Preferred Stock of any series are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to
each such holder thereof shall also specify the number of shares of Preferred
Stock to be redeemed from each such holder. If notice of redemption of any
shares of Preferred Stock has been given and if the funds necessary for such
redemption have been set aside by the Company in trust for the benefit of the
holders of any shares of Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then from
and after the redemption date dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of
Preferred Stock, and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate,
except the right to receive the redemption price.
 
  Liquidation Preference
 
  Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the affairs of the Company, then, before any distribution or payment shall be
made to the holders of any shares of Common Stock, any
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Shares-in-Trust or any other class or series of capital stock of the Company
ranking junior to the Preferred Stock in the distribution of assets upon any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of shares
of each series of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of assets
of the Company legally available for distribution to stockholders liquidating
distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement), plus an amount equal to all
dividends accrued and unpaid thereon (which shall not include any accumulation
in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such shares of
Preferred Stock do not have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full
amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the
holders of shares of Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of the
remaining assets of the Company. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the available assets of
the Company are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating
distributions on all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock and the
corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of
capital stock of the Company ranking on a parity with such shares of Preferred
Stock in the distribution of assets upon such liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, then the holders of such shares of Preferred Stock and all other
such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to
which they would otherwise be respectively entitled. If liquidating
distributions shall have been made in full to all holders of Preferred Stock,
the remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed among the holders of
any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the Preferred
Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their
respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their
respective number of shares. For such purposes, the consolidation or merger of
the Company with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale,
lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the property or business of
the Company, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company.
 
  Voting Rights
 
  Holders of shares of Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except
as set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law or as
indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
  Whenever dividends on any shares of Preferred Stock shall be in arrears for
six consecutive quarterly periods, the holders of such shares of Preferred
Stock (voting separately as a class with all other series of Preferred Stock
upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be
entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors of the Company
at the next annual meeting of stockholders and at each subsequent meeting
until (i) if such series of Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend, all
dividends accumulated on such series of Preferred Stock for the past dividend
periods and the then current dividend period shall have been fully paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment or
(ii) if such series of Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative dividend,
four consecutive quarterly dividends shall have been fully paid or declared
and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In such
case, the entire Board of Directors of the Company will be increased by two
directors.
 
  Unless provided otherwise for any series of Preferred Stock, so long as any
shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Company will not, without
the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of two-thirds of the shares of
each series of Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by
proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such series voting separately as a
class), (i) authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of capital stock ranking prior to such series of
Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution
of assets upon, liquidation, dissolution or winding up or reclassify any
authorized capital stock of the Company into any such shares, or create,
authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing
the right to purchase any such shares or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or Preferred Stock Designation
for such series of Preferred Stock, whether by merger, consolidation or
otherwise (an "Event"), so as to materially and adversely affect any right,
preference, privilege or voting power of such series of Preferred Stock or the
holders thereof; provided, however, with respect to the occurrence of any of
the Events set forth in (ii) above, so long as the Preferred Stock remains
outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into account
that upon the occurrence of an
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
Event, the Company may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of such
Event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights,
preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of Preferred Stock and
provided further that (A) any increase in amount of the authorized Preferred
Stock or the creation or issuance of any other series of Preferred Stock or
(B) any increase in the number of authorized shares of such series or any
other series of Preferred Stock in each case ranking on a parity with or
junior to the Preferred Stock of such series with respect to the payment of
dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
 
  The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time
when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall
be effected, all outstanding shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall
have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds shall have
been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
 
  Conversion Rights
 
  The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of Preferred Stock
is convertible into Common Stock will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of
shares of Common Stock into which the Preferred Stock is convertible, the
conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period,
provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of
the Preferred Stock or the Company, the events requiring an adjustment of the
conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the
redemption of such Preferred Stock.
 
  Restrictions on Transfer
 
  As discussed below under "Description of Common Stock--Restrictions on
Transfer," for the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more than
50% in value of its outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or
constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to
include certain entities) during the last half of any taxable year. Each
series of Preferred Stock will be subject to the Ownership Limit Provision of
the Certificate of Incorporation described below in "Description of Common
Stock."
 
  Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
  The transfer agent for each series of Preferred Stock will be described in
the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
  Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
 
  See "Description of Common Stock--Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute" below.
 
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
  The following summary description of the Common Stock sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the Common Stock to which any Prospectus
Supplement may relate. The statements below describing the Common Stock do not
purport to be complete and are in all respects subject to and qualified in
their entirety by reference to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws.
 
  The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters voted on by stockholders, including elections of directors, and,
except as otherwise required by law or as provided in the Certificate of
Incorporation, the holders of such shares exclusively possess all voting
power. The Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting
in the election of directors.
 
  Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding series of Preferred
Stock, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to such distributions as may
be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors from funds
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
legally available therefor, and upon liquidation are entitled to receive pro
rata all assets of the Company available for distribution to such holders.
Holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to any preemptive rights. Under
Delaware law, holders of Common Stock generally are not responsible for the
Company's debts or obligations.
 
  Restrictions on Transfer
 
  For the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% in
value of its outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly,
by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain
entities) during the last half of any taxable year. In addition, the capital
stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335
days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a
shorter taxable year and certain percentages of the Company's gross income
must be from particular activities.
 
  To ensure that the Company remains a qualified REIT, the Certificate of
Incorporation contains provisions restricting the acquisition of shares of the
Company's capital stock (the "Ownership Limit Provision"). The affirmative
vote of 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock is required to amend this
provision.
 
  The Ownership Limit Provision provides that, subject to certain exceptions
specified in the Certificate of Incorporation, no person (other than Charles
Lebovitz, James Wolford and their respective affiliates under the applicable
attribution rules of the Code) may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the
attribution provisions of the Code, more than 6% of the value of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company. The Ownership Limit Provision
further provides that, subject to certain restrictions, Charles Lebovitz and
his respective affiliates and James Wolford and his respective affiliates (in
each case, as defined under the applicable attribution rules of the Code) may
own beneficially or constructively in the aggregate up to 23% and 8%,
respectively, of the value of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company. The percentage limitation on ownership applicable to any given person
pursuant to the Ownership Limit Provision is herein referred to as the
"Ownership Limit."
 
  The Board of Directors may, subject to certain conditions, waive the
applicable Ownership Limit upon receipt of a ruling from the IRS or an opinion
of counsel to the effect that such ownership will not jeopardize the Company's
status as a REIT. The Ownership Limit Provision will not apply if the Board of
Directors and the stockholders of the Company determine that the Company will
not attempt to continue to qualify as a REIT.
 
  If shares of capital stock in excess of the applicable Ownership Limit, or
shares of capital stock which would cause the Company to be beneficially owned
by fewer than 100 persons, are issued or transferred to any person, such
issuance or transfer shall be null and void and the intended transferee will
acquire no rights to the stock. Any acquisition of capital stock of the
Company and continued holding or ownership of capital stock of the Company
constitutes, under the Certificate of Incorporation, a continuous
representation of compliance with the applicable Ownership Limit.
 
  In the event of a purported transfer or other event (the "Prohibited
Transfer") that would, if effective, result in the ownership of shares of
capital stock in violation of the Ownership Limit Provision, such transfer
with respect to that number of shares that would be owned by the transferee in
excess of the Ownership Limit Provision (the "Prohibited Owner") would be
deemed void ab initio and such shares would automatically be transferred to a
trust, the trustee of which would be designated by the Company, but not
affiliated with the Company or the Prohibited Owner (the "Trustee"). The trust
would be for the exclusive benefit of a charitable beneficiary (the
"Beneficiary") to be designated by the Company.
 
  The shares held in such trust will be issued and outstanding shares of the
Company's capital stock, entitled to the same rights and privileges as all
other issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the same class and
series. All dividends and other distributions paid by the Company with respect
to the shares held in trust will be held by the Trustee for the benefit of the
Beneficiary. The Trustee will be deemed to have the power to vote all shares
held in trust from and after the date the shares are deemed to be transferred
into trust. The Prohibited Owner will be required to repay any dividends or
other distributions received by it which are attributable to the shares held
in trust and the record date for such dividends or distributions was on or
after the date such shares
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
were transferred to the trust. The Company can take all measures it deems
necessary in order to recover such amounts.
 
  The Trustee will have the exclusive right to designate a person to acquire
the shares held in trust without violating the applicable ownership
restrictions (a "Permitted Transferee") for an amount equal to the fair market
value (determined at the time of transfer to the Permitted Transferee) of such
shares. The Trustee will pay to the Prohibited Owner the lesser of: (a) the
value of the shares at the time they were transferred to the trust and (b) the
price received by the Trustee from the sale of such shares to the Permitted
Transferee. The excess of (x) the sale proceeds from the transfer to the
Permitted Transferee over (y) the amount paid to the Prohibited Owners, if
any, will be distributed to the Beneficiary.
 
  The Company or its designee will have the right to purchase any Shares-in-
Trust, within a limited period of time, at a price per share equal to the
lesser of (i) the price per share in the transaction that created such Shares-
in-Trust and (ii) the market price per share on the date the Company, or its
designee, exercises such right to purchase such Shares-in-Trust.
 
  The Ownership Limit Provision will not be automatically removed even if the
real estate investment trust provisions of the Code are changed so as to no
longer contain any ownership concentration limitation or if the ownership
concentration limitation is increased. Except as otherwise described above,
any change in the Ownership Limit would require an amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation, and such an amendment would require a 66 2/3%
vote of the outstanding voting stock. In addition to preserving the Company's
status as a REIT, the Ownership Limit may have the effect of precluding an
acquisition of control of the Company without the approval of the Board of
Directors.
 
  All certificates representing shares of any class of stock will bear a
legend referring to the restrictions described above.
 
  All persons who own, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of
the Code, more than 5% (or such other percentage as may be required by the
Treasury Regulations) of the value of the outstanding shares of capital stock
must file an affidavit with the Company containing the information specified
in the Certificate of Incorporation before January 30 of each year. In
addition, each stockholder shall upon demand be required to disclose to the
Company in writing such information with respect to the direct, indirect and
constructive ownership of shares of capital stock as the Board of Directors
deems necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code applicable to a REIT
or to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental
agency.
 
  Limitation of Liability of Directors
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that a director will not be
personally liable for monetary damages to the Company or its stockholders for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
  While the Certificate of Incorporation provides directors with protection
from awards for monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, it does
not eliminate such duty. Accordingly, the Certificate of Incorporation will
have no effect on the availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction
or rescission based on a director's breach of his or her duty of care. The
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation described above apply to an
officer of the Company only if he or she is a director of the Company and is
acting in his or her capacity as director, and do not apply to officers of the
Company who are not directors.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
  Indemnification Agreements
 
  The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of the
Company's officers and directors. The indemnification agreements require,
among other things, that the Company indemnify its officers and directors to
the fullest extent permitted by law, and advance to the officers and directors
all related expenses, subject to reimbursement if it is subsequently
determined that indemnification is not permitted. The Company must also
indemnify and advance all expenses incurred by officers and directors seeking
to enforce their rights under the indemnification agreements, and cover
officers and directors under the Company's directors' and officers' liability
insurance, provided that such insurance is commercially available at
reasonable expense. Although the form of indemnification agreement offers
substantially the same scope of coverage afforded by provisions in the
Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, it provides greater assurance to
directors and officers that indemnification will be available, because, as a
contract, it cannot be modified unilaterally in the future by the Board of
Directors or by the stockholders to eliminate the rights it provides.
 
  Other Provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include a number of provisions
that may have the effect of encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender
offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with the Board of
Directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These
provisions include:
 
  Classified Board of Directors. The Certificate of Incorporation provides for
a Board of Directors divided into three classes, with one class to be elected
each year to serve for a three-year term. As a result, at least two annual
meetings of stockholders may be required for the stockholders to change a
majority of the Board of Directors. In addition, the stockholders of the
Company can only remove directors for cause and only by a vote of 75% of the
outstanding voting stock. The classification of directors and the inability of
stockholders to remove directors without cause make it more difficult to
change the composition of the Board of Directors. The provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation relating to the classification of the Board of
Directors may only be amended by a 66 2/3% vote of the outstanding voting
stock and the provision relating to the removal for cause may only be amended
by a 75% vote of the outstanding voting stock.
 
  Advance Notice Requirements. The Bylaws establish advance notice procedures
with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates
for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of
stockholders of the Company. These procedures provide that notice of such
stockholder proposals must be timely given in writing to the Secretary of the
Company prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken. Generally, to
be timely, notice must be received at the principal executive offices of the
Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting. The
notice must contain certain information specified in the Bylaws.
 
  Written Consent of Stockholders. The Certificate of Incorporation requires
all stockholder actions to be taken by a vote of the stockholders at an annual
or special meeting and does not permit action by stockholder consent. These
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation may be amended only by a vote
of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.
 
  Bylaw Amendments. A vote of 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock is
necessary to amend the Bylaws.
 
  Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
 
  The Company is a Delaware corporation and is subject to Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prevents an
"interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of
the Company's outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a "business
combination" (as defined in Section 203) with the Company for three years
following the date that person becomes an interested stockholder unless (a)
before that person became an interested holder, the Company's Board of
Directors approved the transaction in which the interested holder became an
interested stockholder or approved the business
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
combination, (b) upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the
interested stockholder's becoming an interested stockholder, the interested
stockholder owns 85% of the Company's voting stock outstanding at the time the
transaction commenced (excluding stock held by directors who are also officers
of the Company and by employee stock plans that do not provide employees with
the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan
will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer), or (c) following the
transaction in which that person became an interested stockholder, the
business combination is approved by the Company's Board of Directors and
authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least two-thirds of the Company's outstanding voting stock not owned by
the interested stockholder.
 
  Under Section 203, these restrictions also do not apply to certain business
combinations proposed by an interested stockholder following the announcement
or notification of certain extraordinary transactions involving the Company
and a person who was not an interested stockholder during the previous three
years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval of a majority
of the Company's directors, if that extraordinary transaction is approved or
not opposed by a majority of the directors who were directors before any
person became an interested stockholder in the previous three years or who
were recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a
majority of directors then in office.
 
                     DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
 
  The Company may issue Common Stock Warrants for the purchase of Common
Stock. Common Stock Warrants may be issued independently or together with any
other Offered Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be
attached to or separate from such Offered Securities. Each series of Common
Stock Warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement (each, a
"Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a warrant
agent specified in the Prospectus Supplement (the "Warrant Agent"). The
Warrant Agent will act solely as an agent of the Company in connection with
the Common Stock Warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or
relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners
of Common Stock Warrants. The following sets forth certain general terms and
provisions of the Common Stock Warrants offered hereby. Further terms of the
Common Stock Warrants and the applicable Warrant Agreements will be set forth
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
  The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of the Common
Stock Warrants in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered,
including, where applicable, the following: (i) the title of such Common Stock
Warrants; (ii) the aggregate number of such Common Stock Warrants; (iii) the
price or prices at which such Common Stock Warrants will be issued; (iv) the
number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of such Common
Stock Warrants; (v) the designation and terms of the other Offered Securities
with which such Common Stock Warrants are issued and the number of such Common
Stock Warrants issued with each such Offered Security; (vi) the date, if any,
on and after which such Common Stock Warrants and related shares of Common
Stock will be separately transferable; (vii) the price at which each share of
Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of such Common Stock Warrants may be
purchased; (viii) the date on which the right to exercise such Common Stock
Warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire; (ix)
the minimum or maximum amount of such Common Stock Warrants which may be
exercised at any one time; (x) information with respect to book-entry
procedures, if any; (xi) a discussion of certain federal income tax
considerations; and (xii) any other terms of such Common Stock Warrants,
including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and
exercise of such Common Stock Warrants.
 
  Reference is made to the section captioned "Description of Capital Stock--
Description of Common Stock" for a general description of the shares of Common
Stock to be acquired upon the exercise of the Common Stock Warrants, including
a description of certain restrictions on the ownership of Common Stock.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                       FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The following summary of certain federal income tax considerations relating
to the Company is based on current law, is for general information only, and
is not tax advice. The tax treatment of a holder of any of the Offered
Securities will vary depending upon the terms of the specific Offered
Securities acquired by such holder, as well as the holder's particular
situation, and this discussion does not attempt to address all aspects of
federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to holders of the
Offered Securities in light of their personal investment or tax circumstances,
or to certain types of stockholders (including insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, financial institutions or broker-dealers, foreign corporations
and persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States), except to
the extent discussed herein. Certain federal income tax considerations
relevant to holders of the Offered Securities will be provided in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. No assurance can be given
that legislative, judicial or administrative changes will not affect the
accuracy of any statement in this Prospectus with respect to transactions
entered into or contemplated prior to the effective date of such changes.
 
  EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES IS ADVISED TO CONSULT
THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, AS WELL AS HIS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING
THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH PURCHASER OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND
SALE OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES AND OF THE COMPANY'S ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A
REIT, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES
OF SUCH PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, SALE AND ELECTION AND OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN
APPLICABLE TAX LAWS. IN PARTICULAR, FOREIGN INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN
TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY,
INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF UNITED STATES INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING ON COMPANY
DISTRIBUTIONS.
 
TAXATION OF THE COMPANY AS A REIT
 
  The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860
of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations, which set forth the
requirements for qualifying as a REIT (the "REIT Requirements" or "REIT
Provisions"), commencing with its taxable year ending December 31, 1993. The
Company believes that, commencing with its taxable year ending December 31,
1993, it has been organized and is operating in such a manner so as to qualify
for taxation as a REIT under the Code. The Company intends to continue to
operate in such a manner, but no assurance can be given that it has operated
or that it will operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified.
 
  The sections of the Code relating to qualification and operation as a REIT
are highly technical and complex. The following sets forth the material
aspects of the Code sections that govern the federal income tax treatment of a
REIT. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code
provisions and Treasury Regulations, and administrative and judicial
interpretations thereof. Willkie Farr & Gallagher has acted as special tax
counsel to the Company in connection with the Company's election to be taxed
as a REIT.
 
  In the opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, commencing with the Company's
taxable year ending December 31, 1993, the Company was organized and has been
operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT, and
its proposed method of operation will enable it to continue to meet the
requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. Willkie
Farr & Gallagher's opinion is based on certain factual representations and
assumptions and methods of operations which are beyond its control and which
it will not monitor on an ongoing basis. Such factual assumptions and
representations are set forth below in this discussion of "Federal Income Tax
Considerations." In particular, this opinion is based upon the factual
representations of the Company concerning its business and properties and of
Shumacker & Thompson, P.C. as to certain factual representations and legal
conclusions. Moreover, such qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon
the Company's ability to meet, through actual annual operating results,
certain distribution levels, a specified diversity of stock ownership, and the
various other qualification tests imposed under the Code as discussed below.
The annual operating results will not be reviewed by Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Accordingly,
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company's operation
for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. Further, the
anticipated income tax treatment described in this Prospectus may be changed,
perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial action at
any time. For a discussion of the tax consequences of failure to qualify as a
REIT, see "Federal Income Tax Considerations to the Company-- Failure to
Qualify" below.
 
  For as long as the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it generally
will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on its income that is
currently distributed to stockholders. The REIT Provisions generally allow a
REIT to deduct dividends paid to its stockholders. This treatment
substantially eliminates the "double taxation" (once at the corporate level
and again at the shareholder level) that generally results from investment in
a corporation.
 
  Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to
federal income tax as follows:
 
    First, the Company will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any
  undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital
  gains.
 
    Second, under certain circumstances, the Company may be subject to the
  "alternative minimum tax" on its items of tax preference, if any.
 
    Third, if the Company has (i) net income from the sale or other
  disposition of "foreclosure property" (generally, property acquired by
  reason of a default on a lease or an indebtedness held by a REIT) that is
  held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or
  (ii) other nonqualifying net income from foreclosure property, it will be
  subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on such income.
 
    Fourth, if the Company has net income from "prohibited transactions"
  (which are, in general, certain sales or other dispositions of property,
  held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business
  other than sales of foreclosure property and sales that qualify for a
  statutory safe harbor), such income will be subject to a 100% tax.
 
    Fifth, if the Company should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or
  the 95% gross income test (as discussed below), and has nonetheless
  maintained its qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements
  have been met, it will be subject to a 100% tax on net income attributable
  to the greater of the amount by which the Company fails the 75% or 95%
  test, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect the Company's
  profitability.
 
    Sixth, if the Company should fail to distribute with respect to each
  calendar year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for
  such year, (ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for such year, and
  (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, the Company will
  be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution
  over the amounts actually distributed.
 
    Seventh, if the Company acquires in the future any asset from a "C"
  corporation (i.e., generally a corporation subject to full corporate-level
  tax) in a carryover basis transaction (or if the Company held assets
  beginning on the first day of the first taxable year for which it qualified
  as a REIT) and the Company subsequently recognizes gain on the disposition
  of such asset during the 10-year period (the "Recognition Period")
  beginning on the date on which the asset was acquired by the Company (or
  the Company first qualified as a REIT), then the excess of (a) the fair
  market value of the asset as of the beginning of the applicable Recognition
  Period, over (b) the Company's adjusted basis in such asset as of the
  beginning of such Recognition Period will be subject to tax at the highest
  regular corporate rate, pursuant to guidance issued by the IRS (the "Built-
  in Gain Rules") and assuming that the Company makes an election pursuant to
  Notice 88-19 as it currently intends to do.
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION
 
  Organizational Requirements
 
  In order to remain qualified as a REIT, the Company must continue to meet
certain requirements, discussed below, relating to its organization, sources
of income, nature of assets, and distributions of income to stockholders.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association (1) that is
managed by one or more trustees or directors, (2) the beneficial ownership of
which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of
beneficial interest, (3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but
for the REIT Requirements, (4) that is neither a financial institution nor an
insurance company subject certain provisions of the Code, (5) the beneficial
ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons, (6) during the last half of
each taxable year not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which
is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, and (7) that
meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income
and assets. The REIT Provisions state that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive,
must be met during the entire taxable year, and that condition (5) must be met
during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a
proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. For purposes of
condition (6), certain tax-exempt entities are generally treated as
individuals. However, a pension trust generally will not be considered an
individual for purposes of condition (6). Instead, beneficiaries of the
pension trust will be treated as holding stock of a REIT in proportion to
their actuarial interests in the trust.
 
  The Company has satisfied the requirements of conditions (1) through (4) and
(7), and the Company believes that the requirements of conditions (5) and (6)
have been and are currently satisfied. In addition, the Certificate of
Incorporation provides for restrictions regarding transfer of its shares in
order to assist the Company in continuing to satisfy the share ownership
requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. Such transfer
restrictions are described herein under the captions "Description of Capital
Stock--Description of Preferred Stock--Restrictions on Transfer" and 
"--Description of Common Stock--Restrictions on Transfer."
 
  The Company currently has three "qualified REIT subsidiaries," CBL Holdings
I, CBL Holdings II and CBL/North Haven, Inc., and may have additional such
subsidiaries in the future. Code Section 856(i) provides that a corporation
that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary" (defined in the Code as a corporation
wholly owned by a REIT) shall not be treated as a separate corporation, and
all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a
qualified REIT subsidiary shall be treated as assets, liabilities, and such
items (as the case may be) of the REIT. Thus, in applying the requirements
described herein, the Company's "qualified REIT subsidiaries" will be ignored,
and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of
such subsidiaries will be treated as assets, liabilities and items of the
Company.
 
  In the case of a REIT that is a direct or indirect partner in a partnership,
Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its
proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to be
entitled to the income of the partnership attributable to such share. In
addition, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership
shall remain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of the
REIT Requirements, including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset
tests, described below. Thus, the Company's proportionate share of the assets,
liabilities and items of income of the Operating Partnership and the Property
Partnerships will be treated as assets, liabilities and items of income of the
Company for purposes of applying the requirements described herein, provided
that the Operating Partnership and Property Partnerships are treated as
partnerships for federal income tax purposes.
 
  Finally, a corporation may not elect to become a REIT unless its taxable
year is the calendar year. The Company's taxable year is the calendar year.
 
  Income Tests
 
  For the Company to maintain its qualification as a REIT, there are two gross
income requirements (the "gross income tests") that must be satisfied
annually. First, at least 75% of the Company's gross income (excluding gross
income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must consist of
defined types of income derived directly or indirectly from investments
relating to real property or mortgages on real property (including "rents from
real property," as described below, and, in certain circumstances, interest)
or from certain types of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of the
Company's gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions)
for each taxable year must be derived from such real property investments,
dividends, other types of interest, gain from the sale or disposition of stock
or securities that do not constitute
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
dealer property, or from any combination of the foregoing. Dividends that the
Company receives on its indirect ownership interest in the Management Company,
as well as interest that it receives on its loan to the Management Company and
other interest income that is not secured by real estate, generally will be
includable under the 95% test but not under the 75% test.
 
  Rents received or deemed to be received by the Company will qualify as
"rents from real property" for purposes of the gross income tests only if
several conditions are met:
 
    First, the amount of rent must not be based, in whole or in part, on the
  income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued
  generally will not be excluded from the term "rents from real property"
  solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of
  receipts or sales.
 
    Second, the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not
  qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income tests
  if the REIT, or a direct or indirect owner of 10% or more of the REIT,
  owns, directly or constructively, 10% or more of such tenant (a "Related
  Party Tenant").
 
    Third, if rent attributable to personal property leased in connection
  with a lease of real property is greater than 15% of the total rent
  received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to such
  personal property will not qualify as "rents from real property."
 
    Fourth, a REIT may provide services to its tenants and the income will
  qualify as "rents from real property" if the services are of a type that a
  tax exempt organization can provide to its tenants without causing its
  rental income to be unrelated business taxable income under the Code.
  Services that would give rise to unrelated business taxable income if
  provided by a tax exempt organization ("Prohibited UBTI Service Income")
  must be provided by an "independent contractor" who is adequately
  compensated and from whom the REIT does not derive any income; otherwise,
  all of the rent received from the tenant for whom such services are
  provided will fail to qualify as "rents from real property" if the services
  income exceeds a de minimis amount. Note, however, that receipts for
  services furnished (whether or not rendered by an independent contractor)
  which are not customarily provided to tenants in properties of a similar
  class in the geographic market in which the Company's property is located
  will in no event qualify as "rents from real property."
 
  Substantially all of the Company's income is derived from its partnership
interest in the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership's real estate
investments, including those held through the Property Partnerships, give rise
to income that enables the Company to satisfy all of the income tests
described above. The Operating Partnership's income is largely derived from
its interests, both direct and indirect, in the Properties, which income, for
the most part, qualifies as "rents from real property" for purposes of the 75%
and the 95% gross income tests. The Operating Partnership also derives income
from its interest in the Management Company.
 
  Neither the Company or the Operating Partnership nor any of the Property
Partnerships currently pursuant to existing leases (nor will any of them in
the future in connection with new leases) (i) charges rent for any property
that is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person
(except by reason of being based on a percentage of receipts or sales, as
described above) other than relatively minor amounts which do not affect
compliance with the above tests; (ii) rents any property to a Related Party
Tenant (other than pursuant to leases with CBL, certain affiliates and
officers of the Company and certain affiliates of those persons which produce
a relatively minor amount of non-qualifying income and which the Company
believes will not, either singly or when combined with other non-qualifying
income, exceed the limits on non-qualifying income); (iii) derives rent
attributable to personal property leased in connection with property that
exceeds 15% of the total rents other than relatively minor amounts which do
not affect compliance with the above tests; or (iv) directly performs any
services that would give rise to income derived from services that give rise
to "unrelated business taxable income" as defined in Section 512(a) of the
Code, and none of them will in the future enter into new leases that would,
either singly or in the aggregate, result in disqualification of the Company
as a REIT under the Code.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  As a result of the Operating Partnership's ownership interest in the
Management Company, the Management Company does not qualify as an independent
contractor from which the Company derives no income. The Company believes,
however, that the Company's income will either qualify as "rents from real
property" under the REIT Provisions or that amounts excluded in any taxable
year will not include amounts that could otherwise qualify through the use of
an independent contractor. Accordingly, the Company believes that it is not
necessary for the Management Company to qualify as an independent contractor.
The Operating Partnership will hire independent contractors to the extent
necessary to qualify rental income as "rents from real property" under the
REIT Provisions.
 
  The Company has obtained from the IRS a ruling that direct performance of
the services and the undertaking of the activities described above by the
Management Company with respect to the properties owned by the Company and by
the Property Partnerships in which the Company has a direct or indirect
interest, and the Management Company's other services to third parties, will
not cause the amounts received directly or through the Property Partnerships
by the Company from the rental of properties of the Company and of the
Property Partnerships to be treated as something other than rents from real
property for purposes of the Code.
 
  The Management Company receives fees in exchange for the performance of
certain management and administrative services. Such fees will not accrue to
the Company, but the Company will derive dividends and interest, which qualify
under the 95% test. The Company believes that the aggregate amount of any
nonqualifying income in any taxable year will not exceed the limits on
nonqualifying income under the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
 
  For purposes of the gross income tests, the term "interest" generally does
not include any amount received or accrued (directly or indirectly) if the
determination of such amount depends in whole or in part on the income or
profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will
not be excluded from the term "interest" solely by reason of being based on a
fixed percentage or percentage of receipts or sales. Although the Operating
Partnership or the Property owners may advance money from time to time to
tenants for the purpose of financing tenant improvements, the Company and the
Operating Partnership do not intend to charge interest in any transaction that
will depend in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person or to
make loans that are not secured by mortgages or real estate in amounts that
could jeopardize its compliance with the 5% asset test described below.
 
  Any net income derived from a prohibited transaction is subject to a 100%
tax. The Company believes that no asset owned by the Operating Partnership,
the Property Partnerships or the Company is held for sale to customers and
that the sale of any Property and associated property will not be in the
ordinary course of business of the Operating Partnership, the relevant
Property Partnership or the Company. Whether property is held "primarily for
sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" and,
therefore, is subject to the 100% tax, depends on the facts and circumstances
in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular property.
The Company and the Operating Partnership will attempt to comply with the
terms of safe-harbor provisions in the Code prescribing when asset sales will
not be characterized as prohibited transactions. Complete assurance cannot be
given, however, that the Company can comply with the safe-harbor provisions of
the Code or avoid owning property that may be characterized as property held
"primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business."
 
  If the Company fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income
tests for any taxable year, it may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such
year if it is entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. These
relief provisions generally will be available if the Company's failure to meet
such tests is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, the Company
attaches a schedule of its sources of income to its return, and any incorrect
information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It
is not possible to state whether in all circumstances the Company would be
entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. As discussed above in 
"--Taxation of the Company as a REIT," even if these relief provisions apply, a
tax would be imposed with respect to the excess net income.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
  Asset Tests
 
  For the Company to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company, at the
close of each quarter of its taxable year, must also satisfy three tests
relating to the nature of its assets. First, at least 75% of the value of the
Company's total assets must be represented by real estate assets (including
(i) its allocable share of real estate assets held by partnerships in which
the Company owns an interest or held by qualified REIT subsidiaries and (ii)
stock or debt instruments held for not more than one year purchased with the
proceeds of a stock offering or long-term (at least five years) debt offering
of the Company), cash items and government securities. Second, not more than
25% of the Company's total assets may be represented by securities other than
those in the 75% asset class. Third, of the investments included in the 25%
asset class, the value of any one issuer's securities owned by the Company may
not exceed 5% of the value of the Company's total assets, and the Company may
not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding voting securities. The
5% value limitation must be satisfied not only on the date that the Company
(directly or through the Operating Partnership) acquires securities of the
Management Company, but also at the end of any quarter in which the Company so
increases its interest in the Management Company. In this respect, if any
partner of the Operating Partnership exercises its option to exchange
interests in the Operating Partnership for shares of Common Stock, the Company
will thereby increase its proportionate (indirect) ownership interest in the
Management Company, thus requiring the Company to recalculate its ability to
meet the 5% test in any quarter in which such exchange option is exercised.
Although the Company plans to take steps to ensure that it satisfies the 5%
value test for any quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there
can be no assurance that such steps will always be successful or will not
require a reduction in the Operating Partnership's overall interest in the
Management Company.
 
  As set forth above, the ownership of more than 10% of the voting securities
of any one issuer by the Company is prohibited by the asset tests. However, as
described in "--Requirements for Qualification-- Organizational Requirements,"
if the Company's subsidiary is a qualified REIT subsidiary it will not be
treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. Thus, the
Company's ownership of the stock of a "qualified REIT subsidiary" will not
cause the Company to fail the asset tests.
 
  The Company believes that it is in compliance with the asset tests.
Substantially all of the Company's investments are in the Properties, which
represent qualifying real estate assets. The Company's proportionate share of
the Operating Partnership's ownership of 100% of the Management Company's
nonvoting preferred stock and 5% of the Management Company's voting common
stock is also within the permissible range. That interest does not exceed a
10% voting interest, and the Company believes that the value of those shares
is substantially less than the permitted 5%. No independent appraisals will be
obtained to support the Company's estimate of value, however, and Willkie Farr
& Gallagher, in issuing its opinion on the Company's qualification as a REIT,
is relying on the Company's representation as to the limited value of the
stock interest in the Management Company.
 
  After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, the
Company will not lose its status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset
tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset
values. If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition
of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by
disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close
of that quarter. The Company intends to maintain adequate records of the value
of its assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests and to take such other
actions within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to
cure any noncompliance.
 
  Annual Distribution Requirements
 
  The Company, in order to remain qualified as a REIT, is required to
distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to its stockholders
in an amount at least equal to (A) the sum of (i) 95% of its "real estate
investment trust taxable income" (computed without regard to the dividends
paid deduction and the Company's net capital gain) and (ii) 95% of the net
income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum of
certain items of noncash income. In addition, if the Company disposes of any
asset during its Recognition
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
Period, the Company will be required, pursuant to guidance issued by the IRS,
to distribute at least 95% of the Built-in Gain (after tax), if any,
recognized on the disposition of such asset. Such distributions must be paid
in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if
declared before the Company timely files its tax return for such year and if
paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration.
 
  To the extent that the Company does not distribute all of its net capital
gain or distributes at least 95%, but less than 100% of its "real estate
investment trust taxable income," as adjusted, it will be subject to tax on
the undistributed amount at ordinary and capital gains corporate tax rates.
 
  Pursuant to recently enacted legislation and if the Company so elects, the
Company may retain, rather than distribute, its net long-term capital gains
and pay the tax on such gains. In such a case, the stockholders would include
their proportionate share of the undistributed long-term capital gains in
income. However, the stockholders would then be deemed to have paid their
share of the tax, which would be credited or refunded to them. In addition,
the stockholders would be able to increase the basis of their shares in the
Company by the amount of the undistributed long-term capital gains (less the
amount of capital gains tax paid by the Company) included in the stockholder's
long-term capital gains.
 
  Furthermore, if the Company should fail to distribute during each calendar
year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year,
(ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain income for such year, and (iii) any
undistributed taxable income from prior periods, the Company would be subject
to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the
amounts actually distributed. The Company intends to make timely distributions
sufficient to satisfy all annual distribution requirements.
 
  The Company's taxable income consists substantially of the Company's
distributive share of the income of the Operating Partnership. It is expected
that the Company's taxable income will be less than the cash flow it receives
from the Operating Partnership, due to the allowance of depreciation and other
non-cash charges in computing REIT taxable income. Accordingly, the Company
anticipates that it will generally have sufficient cash or liquid assets to
enable it to satisfy the 95% distribution requirement.
 
  It is possible that, from time to time, the Company may experience timing
differences between (i) the actual receipt of income and actual payment of
deductible expenses and (ii) the inclusion of such income and deduction of
such expenses in arriving at the Company's taxable income. Further, it is
possible that, from time to time, the Company may be allocated a share of net
capital gain attributable to the sale of depreciated property which exceeds
its allocable share of cash attributable to that sale. In such case, the
Company may have less cash available for distribution than is necessary to
meet its annual 95% distribution requirement. To meet the 95% distribution
requirement, the Company may find it appropriate to arrange for short-term (or
possibly long-term) borrowings or to pay distributions in the form of taxable
stock dividends. Any such borrowings for the purpose of making distributions
to stockholders are required to be arranged through the Operating Partnership.
 
  Under certain circumstances, the Company may be able to rectify a failure to
meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying "deficiency dividends"
to stockholders in a later year, which may be included in the Company's
deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, the Company may be
able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends;
however, the Company will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon
the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
 
  Pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations, the Company must maintain
certain records and request certain information from its stockholders designed
to disclose the actual ownership of its stock. The Company has complied with
such requirements.
 
FAILURE TO QUALIFY
 
  If the Company fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year
and the relief provisions do not apply, the Company will be subject to tax
(including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year
in which the Company fails to qualify will not be deductible by the Company
nor will they be required to be made. In such event, to the extent of current
and accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to stockholders will
be taxable as ordinary income, and, subject to certain limitations of the
Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, the
Company will also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable
years following the year in which qualification was lost. It is not possible
to state whether in all circumstances the Company would be entitled to such
statutory relief.
 
TAXATION OF U.S. STOCKHOLDERS
 
  As used herein, the term "U.S. Stockholder" means a holder of Offered
Securities that (for United States federal income tax purposes) is (i) a
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership, or
other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or
of any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is
subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or
(iv) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary
supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States
persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
For any taxable year for which the Company qualifies for taxation as a real
estate investment trust, amounts distributed to taxable U.S. Stockholders will
be taxed as follows.
 
  Distributions Generally
 
  Distributions to U.S. Stockholders, other than capital gain dividends
discussed below, will constitute dividends to such holders up to the amount of
the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits and are taxable to
such stockholders as ordinary income. Such distributions are not eligible for
the dividends-received deduction for corporations. To the extent that the
Company makes distributions in excess of its current or accumulated earnings
and profits, such distributions will first be treated as a tax-free return of
capital, reducing the tax basis in the U.S. Stockholder's shares, and
distributions in excess of the U.S. Stockholder's tax basis in its Offered
Securities are taxable as gain realized from the sale of such Shares.
Dividends declared by the Company in October, November or December of any year
payable to a U.S. Stockholder of record on a specified date in any such month
shall be treated as both paid by the Company and received by the U.S.
Stockholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is
actually paid by the Company during January of the following calendar year.
U.S. Stockholders may not include on their own income tax returns any tax
losses of the Company.
 
  The Company will be treated as having sufficient earnings and profits to
treat as a dividend any distribution by the Company up to the amount required
to be distributed in order to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax discussed
in "--Taxation of the Company as a REIT" above. As a result, stockholders may
be required to treat certain distributions that would otherwise result in a
tax-free return of capital as taxable dividends. Moreover, any "deficiency
dividend" will be treated as a "dividend" (an ordinary dividend or a capital
gain dividend, as the case may be), regardless of the Company's earnings and
profits.
 
  Capital Gain Dividends
 
  Dividends to U.S. Stockholders that are properly designated by the Company
as capital gain dividends will be treated as long-term capital gain (to the
extent they do not exceed the Company's actual net capital gain) for the
taxable year without regard to the period for which the shareholder has held
his stock. Capital gain dividends are not eligible for the dividends-received
deduction for corporations; however, corporate stockholders may be required to
treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income.
Individuals are generally subject to differing rates of tax on various
transactions giving rise to capital gains or losses. In general, the long-term
capital gains rate is 28% on gains from the sale or exchange of capital assets
held for more than one year but not more than 18 months. The rate on capital
gains is reduced to 20% on capital gain from the sale or exchange of assets
held for more than 18 months. However, the rate is 25% on capital gain from
the sale or exchange of certain depreciable real estate eligible for the 20%
rate up to the amount of depreciation deductions taken with
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
respect to the real estate. Subject to certain limitations concerning the
classification of the Company's long-term capital gains, the Company may
designate a capital gain dividend as a 28% rate distribution, a 25% rate
distribution or a 20% rate distribution. If the Company elects to retain
capital gains rather than distribute them, a U.S. Stockholder will be deemed
to receive a capital gain dividend equal to the amount of such retained
capital gains. Such gains are subject to apportionment among the three rate
groups set forth above. In such a case, a U.S. Stockholder will receive
certain tax credits and basis adjustments reflecting the deemed distribution
and deemed payment of taxes by the U.S. Stockholder.
 
  Passive Activity Loss and Investment Interest Limitations
 
  Distributions from the Company and gain from the disposition of Offered
Securities will not be treated as passive activity income and, therefore, U.S.
Stockholders may not be able to apply any "passive losses" against such
income. Dividends from the Company (to the extent they do not constitute a
return of capital) will generally be treated as investment income for purposes
of the investment income limitation. Net capital gain from the disposition of
Offered Securities and capital gains generally will be eliminated from
investment income unless the taxpayer elects to have the gain taxed at
ordinary income rates.
 
  Certain Dispositions of Offered Securities
 
  A U.S. Stockholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or exchange of
Offered Securities to the extent of the difference between the amount realized
on such sale or exchange and the holder's tax basis in such securities. Such
gain or loss generally will constitute long-term capital gain or loss if the
holder held such securities for more than one year. In the case of an
individual U.S. Stockholder, long-term capital gains will be subject to a
maximum tax rate of 28%. If held for more than 18 months, the maximum rate is
20%. Losses incurred on the sale or exchange of Offered Securities held for
six months or less will be deemed long-term capital loss to the extent of any
capital gain dividends received by the U.S. Stockholder with respect to such
securities.
 
TREATMENT OF TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The IRS has ruled that amounts distributed by the Company to a tax-exempt
employees' pension trust do not constitute "unrelated business taxable income"
("UBTI"). Based upon this ruling and the analysis therein, distributions by
the Company to a shareholder that is a tax-exempt entity generally should not
constitute UBTI, provided that the tax-exempt entity has not financed the
acquisition of its Offered Securities with "acquisition indebtedness" within
the meaning of the Code and that the Offered Securities are not otherwise used
in an unrelated trade or business of the tax-exempt entity. Revenue rulings,
however, are interpretive in nature and subject to revocation or modification
by the IRS. In addition, certain pension trusts owning more than 10% of a REIT
may be required to report a portion of any dividends they receive from the
Company as unrelated business taxable income.
 
SPECIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR FOREIGN STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The rules governing United States income taxation of non-resident alien
individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships and foreign trusts and
estates (collectively, "Non-U.S. Stockholders") are complex, and the following
discussion is intended only as a summary of such rules. Prospective Non-U.S.
Stockholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the
impact of federal, state and local income tax laws on an investment in the
Company, including any reporting requirements.
 
  In general, a Non-U.S. Stockholder will be subject to regular United States
income tax with respect to its investment in the Company if such investment is
"effectively connected" with the Non-U.S. Stockholder's conduct of a trade or
business in the United States. A corporate Non-U.S. Stockholder that receives
income that is (or is treated as) effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business may also be subject to the branch profits tax under Section 884 of
the Code, which is payable in addition to regular United States corporate
income tax.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
The following discussion will apply to Non-U.S. Stockholders whose investment
in the Company is not effectively connected, as discussed above.
 
  A distribution by the Company that is not attributable to gain from the sale
or exchange by the Company of a United States real property interest and that
is not designated by the Company as a capital gain dividend will be treated as
an ordinary income dividend to the extent that it is made out of current or
accumulated earnings and profits. Generally, unless the dividend is
effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Stockholder's conduct of a United
States trade or business, such a dividend will be subject to a United States
withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the dividend unless such
withholding is reduced by an applicable tax treaty. A distribution of cash in
excess of the Company's earnings and profits will be treated first as a
nontaxable return of capital that will reduce a Non-U.S. Stockholder's basis
in its shares (but not below zero) and then as gain from the disposition of
such shares, the tax treatment of which is described under the rules discussed
below with respect to disposition of shares. A distribution in excess of the
Company's earnings and profits will be subject to 30% dividend withholding if
at the time of the distribution it cannot be determined whether the
distribution will be in an amount in excess of the Company's current and
accumulated earnings and profits. If it is subsequently determined that such
distribution is, in fact, in excess of current and accumulated earnings and
profits, the Non-U.S. Stockholder may seek a refund from the IRS. The Company
expects to withhold United States income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross
amount of any such distributions made to a Non-U.S. Stockholder unless (i) a
lower tax treaty rate applies and the required form evidencing eligibility for
that reduced rate is filed with the Company or (ii) the Non-U.S. Stockholder
files IRS Form 4224 with the Company claiming that the distribution is
"effectively connected" income.
 
  For any year in which the Company qualifies as a real estate investment
trust, distributions by the Company that are attributable to gain from the
sale or exchange of a United States real property interest will be taxed to a
Non-U.S. Stockholder in accordance with the Foreign Investment in Real
Property Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA"). Under FIRPTA, such distributions are
taxed to a non-U.S. Stockholder as if such distributions were gains
"effectively connected" with a United States trade or business. Accordingly, a
Non-U.S. Stockholder will be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable
to a U.S. Stockholder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a
special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals).
Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits
tax in the hands of a foreign corporate shareholder that is not entitled to
treaty exemption. The Company will be required to withhold from distributions
to Non-U.S. Stockholders, and remit to the IRS, 35% of the amount of any
distribution that could be designated as capital gain dividends. This amount
is creditable against the Non-U.S. Stockholder's tax liability. It should be
noted that the 35% withholding tax rate on capital gain dividends is higher
than the maximum rate (which may be 20%, 25% or 28% on capital gains of
individuals depending on all the facts and circumstances) on long-term capital
gains of individuals. Capital gain dividends not attributable to gain on the
sale or exchange of United States real property interests are not subject to
United States taxation if there is no requirement of withholding.
 
  Tax treaties may reduce the Company's withholding obligations. If the amount
of tax withheld by the Company with respect to a distribution to a Non-U.S.
Stockholder exceeds the shareholder's United States liability with respect to
such distribution, the Non-U.S. Stockholder may file for a refund of such
excess from the IRS. It should be noted that the 35% withholding tax rate on
capital gain dividends corresponds to the current maximum income tax rate
applicable to corporations but is higher than the 28% maximum rate on capital
gains of individuals.
 
  If the Offered Securities fail to constitute a "United States real property
interest" within the meaning of FIRPTA, a sale of the Offered Securities by a
Non-U.S. Stockholder generally will not be subject to United States taxation
unless (i) investment in the Offered Securities is effectively connected with
the Non-U.S. Stockholder's United States trade or business, in which case, as
discussed above, the Non-U.S. Stockholder would be subject to the same
treatment as U.S. Stockholders on such gain or (ii) the Non-U.S. Stockholder
is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183
days or more during the taxable year and who has a "tax home" in the United
States, in which case the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a
30% tax on the individual's capital gains. The Offered Securities will not
constitute a United States real property interest if the Company is a
"domestically controlled REIT." A domestically controlled REIT is a real
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
estate investment trust in which at all times during a specified testing
period less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by
Non-U.S. Stockholders. It is currently anticipated that the Company will be a
domestically controlled REIT, and therefore that the sale of Offered
Securities will not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. However, because the
Offered Securities will be publicly traded, no assurance can be given that the
Company will continue to be a domestically controlled REIT.
 
  If the Company did not constitute a domestically controlled REIT, whether a
Non-U.S. Stockholder's sale of Offered Securities would be subject to tax
under FIRPTA as sale of a United States real property interest would depend on
whether the Offered Securities were "regularly traded" (as defined by
applicable Treasury Regulations) on an established securities market (e.g.,
the New York Stock Exchange, on which the Offered Securities will be listed)
and on the size of the selling shareholder's interest in the Company. If the
gain on the sale of the Company's Offered Securities were subject to taxation
under FIRPTA, the Non-U.S. Stockholder would be subject to the same treatment
as a U.S. Stockholder with respect to such gain (subject to applicable
alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of
nonresident alien individuals). In any event, a purchaser of Offered
Securities from a Non-U.S. Stockholder will not be required under FIRPTA to
withhold on the purchase price if the purchased Offered Securities are
"regularly traded" on an established securities market or if the Company is a
domestically controlled REIT. Otherwise, under FIRPTA, the purchaser of
Offered Securities may be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and
remit such amount to the IRS.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
 
  U.S. Stockholders
 
  Under certain circumstances, U.S. Stockholders may be subject to backup
withholding at a rate of 31% on payments made with respect to, or on cash
proceeds of a sale or exchange of, Offered Securities. Backup withholding will
apply only if the holder (i) fails to furnish its taxpayer identification
number ("TIN") (which, for an individual, would be his Social Security
number), (ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN, (iii) is notified by the IRS that it
has failed to report properly payments of interest and dividends or (iv) under
certain circumstances, fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that it has
furnished a correct TIN and has not been notified by the IRS that it is
subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest and dividend
payments. Backup withholding will not apply with respect to payments made to
certain exempt recipients, such as corporations and tax-exempt organizations.
U.S. Stockholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their
qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining such an exemption.
 
  Non-U.S. Stockholders
 
  If the proceeds of a disposition of Offered Securities are paid by or
through a United States office of a broker, the payment is subject to
information reporting and to backup withholding unless the disposing Non-U.S.
Shareholder certifies as to its name, address and non-United States status or
otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, United States information
reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition
proceeds if the disposition is effected outside the United States through a
non-United States office of a non-United States broker. United States
information reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) will apply,
however, to a payment of proceeds of a disposition effected outside the United
States if (i) the disposition is effected through an office outside the United
States of a broker that is either (a) a United States person, (b) a foreign
person that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from
the conduct of a trade or business in the United States or (c) a "controlled
foreign corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes, and (ii)
the broker fails to maintain documentary evidence that the shareholder is a
Non-U.S. Shareholder and that certain conditions are met or that the Non-U.S.
Shareholder otherwise is entitled to an exemption.
 
  Recently released Final Treasury Regulations (not yet in effect) would
provide alternative methods for satisfying certain certification requirements.
These regulations generally will be effective with respect to payments made
after December 31, 1998 and Non-U.S. Stockholders are urged to consult with
their own tax advisors with respect to the application of these regulations.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
  Refunds
 
  Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any
backup withholding with respect to a payment to a shareholder will be allowed
as a credit against any United States federal income tax liability of such
shareholder. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may
be obtained, provided that the required information is furnished to the United
States.
 
STATE AND LOCAL TAXATION
 
  The Company and its stockholders may be subject to state or local taxation
in various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which it or they
transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment of the Company
and its stockholders may not conform to the federal income tax consequences
discussed above. Consequently, prospective stockholders should consult their
own tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an
investment in the Company.
 
TAX ASPECTS OF THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
 
  The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax
considerations applicable solely to the Company's investment in the Operating
Partnership (through CBL Holdings I and CBL Holdings II) and represents the
view of Willkie Farr & Gallagher. The discussion does not cover state or local
tax laws or any federal tax laws other than income tax laws.
 
  Classification as a Partnership
 
  The Company will be entitled to include in its income its indirect
distributive share of the Operating Partnership's income and to deduct its
indirect distributive share of the Operating Partnership's losses (including
the Operating Partnership's share of income or losses of the Property
Partnerships) only if the Operating Partnership and the Property Partnerships
are classified for federal income tax purposes as partnerships rather than as
associations taxable as corporations.
 
  Neither the Operating Partnership nor any Property Partnership has
requested, nor do they intend to request, a ruling from the IRS that any of
them will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Instead, Willkie Farr & Gallagher has delivered its opinion that, based on the
provisions of the Partnership Agreement, certain factual assumptions, and
certain representations described in the opinion, the Operating Partnership
and, additionally, each Property Partnership will be treated as partnerships
for federal income tax purposes and not as "publicly traded partnerships."
Unlike a tax ruling, an opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS, and no
assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the status of the
Operating Partnership or of a Property Partnership as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes. If such challenge were sustained by a court, the
Operating Partnership or the relevant Property Partnership would be treated as
a corporation for federal income tax purposes, as described below. In
addition, the opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher is based on existing law,
which is to a great extent the result of administrative and judicial
interpretation. No assurance can be given that administrative or judicial
changes would not modify the conclusions expressed in the opinion.
 
  If for any reason the Operating Partnership were taxable as a corporation
rather than as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, the Company
would not be able to satisfy the income and asset requirements for real estate
investment trust status. If a Property Partnership were taxable as a
corporation, the Company would not be able to satisfy the asset requirements
for real estate investment trust status and might not satisfy the income
requirements. See "--Requirements for Qualification--Income Tests" and 
"--Requirements for Qualification--Asset Tests." In addition, any change in the
Operating Partnership's status or that of a Property Partnership for tax
purposes might be treated as a taxable event, in which case the Company might
incur a tax liability without any related cash distribution. See 
"--Requirements for Qualification--Annual Distribution Requirements." Further,
if the Operating Partnership or a Property Partnership were treated as a
corporation for tax purposes, items of income and deduction of the Operating
Partnership or those of an affected Property Partnership would not pass through
to its partners, and its partners would be treated as stockholders for tax
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
purposes. The Operating Partnership or the affected Property Partnership would
be required to pay income tax at corporate tax rates on its net income, and
distributions to its partners would constitute dividends that would not be
deductible in computing the Operating Partnership's taxable income.
 
  Income Taxation of the Operating Partnership and Its Partners
 
  Partners, Not the Operating Partnership, Subject to Tax. A partnership is
not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. Rather, the Company will
be required to take into account its allocable share of the Operating
Partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any taxable
year of the Operating Partnership ending within or with the taxable year of
the Company, without regard to whether the Company has received or will
receive any direct or indirect distribution from the Operating Partnership.
 
  Operating Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement will
generally determine the allocation of income and losses among partners, such
allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes under Section 704(b) of the
Code if they do not comply with the provisions of that Section and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
  If an allocation is not recognized for federal income tax purposes, the item
subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners'
interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into account
all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the
partners with respect to such item. The Operating Partnership's allocations of
taxable income and loss, and those of the Property Partnerships, are intended
to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
  Tax Allocations With Respect to Contributed Properties. Pursuant to Section
704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to
appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in
exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated for federal
income tax purposes in a manner such that the contributor is charged with, or
benefits from, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss that is generally equal
to the difference between the fair market value of the contributed property at
the time of contribution and the adjusted tax basis of such property at that
time. The Partnership Agreement requires allocations of income, gain, loss and
deduction attributable to contributed property to be made by the Operating
Partnership in a manner that is consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code.
The allocation methods proposed to be applied by the Operating Partnership are
described below.
 
  Basis in Operating Partnership Interest. The Company's adjusted tax basis in
its indirect partnership interest in the Operating Partnership generally (i)
will be equal to the amount of cash and the basis of any other property
contributed to the Operating Partnership by the Company, (ii) will be
increased by (a) its allocable share of the Operating Partnership's income and
(b) its allocable share of certain indebtedness of the Operating Partnership
and of the Property Partnerships and (iii) will be reduced, but not below zero
by the Company's allocable share of (a) the Operating Partnership's loss and
(b) the amount of cash distributed directly or indirectly to the Company, and
by constructive distributions resulting from a reduction in the Company's
share of certain indebtedness of the Operating Partnership and of the Property
Partnerships. With respect to increases in the Company's adjusted tax basis in
its indirect partnership interest in the Operating Partnership resulting from
certain indebtedness of the Operating Partnership, Section 752 of the Code and
the regulations promulgated thereunder provide that a partner may include its
share of partnership liabilities in its adjusted tax basis of its interest in
the partnership to the extent said partner bears the "economic risk of loss"
with respect to the liability. Generally, a partnership's non-recourse debt is
shared pro rata by the partners. However, if a partner guarantees partnership
debt or is personally liable for all or any portion of such debt, such partner
will be deemed to bear the economic risk of loss for the amount of such debt
for which it is personally liable. Thus, such partner may include such amount
in its adjusted tax basis of its interest in the partnership.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
  The Company, by virtue of its status as the sole stockholder of CBL Holdings
I, the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, will be deemed to
bear the economic risk of loss with respect to indebtedness of the Operating
Partnership that is not nonrecourse debt as defined in the Code. As a result,
the Company's adjusted tax basis in its indirect partnership interest in the
Operating Partnership may exceed its pro rata share of the total indebtedness
of the Operating Partnership.
 
  If the allocation of the Company's distributive share of the Operating
Partnership's loss would reduce the adjusted tax basis of the Company's
partnership interest in the Operating Partnership below zero, the recognition
of such loss will be deferred until such time as the recognition of such loss
would not reduce the Company's adjusted tax basis below zero. To the extent
that the Operating Partnership's distributions, or any decrease in the
Company's share of the nonrecourse indebtedness of the Operating Partnership
or of a Property Partnership (each such decrease being considered a
constructive cash distribution to the partners), would reduce the Company's
adjusted tax basis below zero, such distributions and constructive
distributions will normally be characterized as capital gain, and if the
Company's partnership interest in the Operating Partnership has been held for
longer than the long-term capital gain holding period (currently, one year),
the distributions and constructive distributions will constitute long-term
capital gains subject to tax (in the case of individuals) at a maximum 28%
rate. If held for more than 18 months, the maximum rate would be 20%.
 
  Depreciation Deductions Available to the Operating Partnership. The
Operating Partnership was formed in 1993 principally by way of contributions
of certain of the Properties or appreciated interests in Property Partnerships
owning such Properties. Accordingly, the Operating Partnership's depreciation
deductions attributable to the Properties will be based on the contributing
partners' depreciation schedules and in some cases on new schedules pursuant
to which such Property will be depreciated on depreciation schedules of up to
40 years, using, initially, the adjusted basis of the contributed assets in
the hands of the contributing partners. The Operating Partnership has
estimated that the aggregate, adjusted basis of its assets was approximately
$430 million as of the date of the Formation.
 
  Section 704(c) Allocations. Section 704(c) of the Code requires that
depreciation as well as gain and loss be allocated in a manner so as to take
into account the variation between the fair market value and tax basis of the
property contributed by a partner to a partnership. See "--Operating
Partnership Allocations." Applicable Treasury Regulations provide a choice of
several methods of taking such differences between value and tax basis into
account. The Operating Partnership will apply the "traditional method,"
without special or curative allocations, giving effect to the ceiling rule.
 
  Sale of the Operating Partnership's Property
 
  Generally, any gain realized by the Operating Partnership on the sale of
property held by the Operating Partnership or a Property Partnership or on the
sale of a partnership interest in a Property Partnership will be capital gain,
except for any portion of such gain that is treated as depreciation or cost
recovery recapture. Any unrealized gain attributable to the excess of the fair
market value of the Properties over their adjusted tax bases at the time of
contribution to the Operating Partnership ("Pre-Contribution Gain") must, when
recognized by the Operating Partnership, generally be allocated to the limited
partners (including CBL) under Section 704(c) of the Code and Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
  In the event of the disposition of any of the Properties which have Pre-
Contribution Gain, all income attributable to such undepreciated Pre-
Contribution Gain will be allocated to the limited partners of the Operating
Partnership (including CBL), and the Company generally will be allocated only
its share of capital gains attributable to depreciation deductions it enjoyed
and appreciation, if any, occurring since the acquisition of its interest in
the Operating Partnership. Any decision relating to the potential sale of any
Property that would result in recognition of Pre-Contribution Gain will be
made by the independent directors of the Board of Directors. The Operating
Partnership will be required in such case to distribute to its partners all of
the net cash proceeds from such sale up to an amount reasonably believed
necessary to enable the limited partners (including CBL) to pay any income tax
liability arising from such sale.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's share of any gain realized by the Operating Partnership on the
sale of any property held by the Operating Partnership or Property Partnership
as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of the Operating Partnership's or Property Partnership's trade
or business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is
subject to a 100% penalty tax. See "--Requirements for Qualification--Income
Tests" above. Such prohibited transaction income will also have an adverse
effect upon the Company's ability to satisfy the gross income tests for real
estate investment trust status. See "--Requirements for Qualification--Income
Tests" above. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business
is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances with
respect to the particular transaction. The Operating Partnership and the
Property Partnerships intend to hold the Properties for investment with a view
to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing,
owning and operating the Properties (and other shopping centers) and to make
such occasional sales of the Properties, including peripheral land, as are
consistent with the Operating Partnership's and the Property Partnerships'
investment objectives.
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  The Company may sell the Offered Securities through underwriters or dealers,
directly to one or more purchasers, through agents or through a combination of
any such methods of sale. Any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer
and sale of the Offered Securities will be named in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
 
  The distribution of the Offered Securities may be effected from time to time
in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed,
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices.
 
  In connection with the sale of the Offered Securities, underwriters or
agents may receive compensation from the Company or from purchasers of the
Offered Securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the Offered Securities to or
through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions
from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and
agents that participate in the distribution of the Offered Securities may be
deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts or
commissions they receive from the Company and any profit on the sale of the
Offered Securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.
 
  Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each series
of Offered Securities will be a new issue with no established trading market,
other than the Common Stock which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Any Common Stock sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will be listed on
such exchange, subject to official notice of issuance. The Company may elect
to list any series of Preferred Stock or Common Stock Warrants on an exchange,
but is not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters
may make a market in a series of Offered Securities, but will not be obligated
to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice.
Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market
for the Offered Securities.
 
  Under agreements into which the Company may enter, underwriters, dealers and
agents who participate in the distribution of the Offered Securities may be
entitled to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
  Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform
services for, or be tenants of, the Company or the Operating Partnership in
the ordinary course of business.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if
applicable, the Offered Securities will be sold in such jurisdictions only
through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain
states the Offered Securities may not be sold unless they have been registered
or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the
registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The audited financial statements and schedule thereto incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus or elsewhere in the Registration Statement have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are incorporated herein
in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters with respect to the Offered Securities will be passed
upon for the Company by Willkie Farr & Gallagher, New York, New York, and the
validity of the Offered Securities will be passed upon for any underwriters,
dealers or agents by Sullivan & Cromwell, New York, New York. Certain other
matters will be passed upon for the Company by Shumacker & Thompson, P.C.,
Chattanooga, Tennessee. Certain members of Shumacker & Thompson, P.C. are
assistant secretaries of the Company.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>

 
 
 
 
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 NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRE-
SENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESEN-
TATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL,
OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURI-
TIES TO WHICH EACH RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OF-
FER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICI-
TATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
OR THEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
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                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
                          PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Prospectus Supplement Summary.............................................  S-3
Summary of Selected Financial Data........................................  S-7
Capitalization............................................................  S-9
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Divi-
 dends.................................................................... S-10
Risk Factors.............................................................. S-11
The Company............................................................... S-16
Use of Proceeds........................................................... S-17
Description of Series A Preferred Stock................................... S-17
Federal Income Tax Considerations......................................... S-23
Underwriting.............................................................. S-25
Validity of Series A Preferred Stock...................................... S-27
Experts................................................................... S-27
                                PROSPECTUS
Available Information.....................................................    2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference...........................    2
The Company...............................................................    4
Use of Proceeds...........................................................    5
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................................    5
Risk Factors..............................................................    6
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   10
Description of Common Stock Warrants......................................   19
Federal Income Tax Considerations.........................................   20
Plan of Distribution......................................................   34
Experts...................................................................   35
Legal Matters.............................................................   35
</TABLE>
 
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                               2,500,000 SHARES
 
 
                                     LOGO
                                   [OF CBL]
 
 
                       CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.
 
                           9.0% SERIES A CUMULATIVE
                          REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
                   (LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE $25.00 PER SHARE)
 
                                 -------------
                                  PROSPECTUS
                                  SUPPLEMENT
                                 -------------
 
 
                           A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
 
                              J.C. BRADFORD & CO.
 
                       J.J.B. HILLIARD, W.L. LYONS, INC.
 
                  STIFEL,  NICOLAUS  &  COMPANY  INCORPORATED
 
 
                                 JUNE 22, 1998
 
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