MACERICH CO
S-3/A, 1997-12-08
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>
   
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 1997
                                                    Registration No. 333-21157


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C. 20549
                          ________________________

                             AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                   TO
                                FORM S-3
                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                 UNDER
                        THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                         ________________________
    
                          THE MACERICH COMPANY
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
                         ________________________
                Maryland                            99-4448705
       (State or other jurisdiction of          (I.R.S. Employer    
        incorporation or organization)       Identification Number)

                     233 Wilshire Boulevard, No. 700
                      Santa Monica, California 90401
                             (310) 394-6911
      (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
        area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
                        ________________________

                            Arthur M. Coppola
                               President
                          The Macerich Company
                     233 Wilshire Boulevard, No. 700
                      Santa Monica, California 90401
                            (310) 394-6911
                       ________________________

                               Copy to:
   
                        Thomas J. Leary, Esq.
                        O'Melveny & Myers LLP
                        400 South Hope Street
                    Los Angeles, California 90071-2899
                           (213) 669-6000
                      ________________________
    
     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From 
time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as 
determined by market conditions.

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

     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered 
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under Securities Act of 
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or 
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  /x/
   
     If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering 
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following 
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier 
effective registration statement for the same offering.  / /

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

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

                   CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Title of each class of                    Proposed maximum             Amount of
securities to be registered               aggregate offering price     registration fee
- --------------------------------------    ------------------------     ----------------
<S>                                       <C>                          <C>
Common Stock ($.01 par value per share)          (1)(2)(3)                  N/A
Securities Warrants                              (1)(2)(4)                  N/A
Rights                                           (1)(2)(5)                  N/A
    Total                                      $500,000,000               $147,148(6)
                                               ------------               -----------
                                               ------------               -----------
</TABLE>

(Footnotes on next page)

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR 
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT 
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION 
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING 
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
    
<PAGE>

(Footnotes from preceding page)

(1) In no event will the aggregate maximum offering price of all securities 
    issued pursuant to this Registration Statement exceed $500,000,000 (or its 
    equivalent in foreign currency).  Any securities registered hereunder may 
    be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder.
   
(2) The proposed maximum offering price per security will be determined, from 
    time to time, by the Registrant in connection with the issuance by the 
    Registrant of the securities registered hereunder.
    
(3) Subject to Footnote (1), there is being registered hereunder an 
    indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock as may be sold, from time to 
    time, by the Registrant.

(4) Subject to Footnote (1), there is being registered hereunder an 
    indeterminate number of Common Stock Warrants representing rights to 
    purchase Common Stock registered pursuant to this Registration Statement.

(5) Subject to Footnote (1), there is being registered hereunder an 
    indeterminate number of Rights representing rights to purchase Common Stock 
    registered pursuant to this Registration Statement.
   
(6) The registration fee has previously been paid by the Registrant. The 
    registration fee has been calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) of 
    the rules and regulations under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and 
    includes $14,412,500 aggregate amount of securities which were previously 
    registered under the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 
    33-93584).  The registration statement fee specified in the table has been 
    computed on the basis of $485,587,500 aggregate amount of securities 
    registered hereby, prior to including the previously registered and unsold 
    securities referred to above.

    This Registration Statement includes $14,412,500 aggregate amount of 
securities which were previously registered under the Registrant's 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-93584) and remain unsold as of the 
date hereof.  As permitted by Rule 429, the Prospectus with respect to this 
Registration Statement also relates to the previously unsold Securities 
covered hereby.
    
<PAGE>
   
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT.  A 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.  THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY 
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT 
BECOMES EFFECTIVE.  THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR 
THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE 
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE 
UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF 
ANY SUCH STATE.


                SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997

                        [LOGO OF THE MACERICH COMPANY]


Prospectus                     $500,000,000

                           THE MACERICH COMPANY


                                 Securities



    The Macerich Company, a Maryland corporation ("Macerich" or the "Issuer") 
may offer from time to time, in one or more series, shares of its Common 
Stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), warrants to purchase 
Common Stock (the "Securities Warrants") and rights to purchase shares of 
Common Stock (the "Rights").  The Common Stock, the Securities Warrants and 
the Rights are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities."  
Securities will have a maximum aggregate offering price of $500,000,000 and 
will be offered on terms to be determined at the time of the offering.
    
    In the case of Common Stock, the specific number of shares and issuance 
price per share will be set forth in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement.  
In the case of Securities Warrants, the duration, offering price, exercise 
price and detachability, if applicable, will be set forth in the accompanying 
Prospectus Supplement.  In the case of the Rights, the duration, exercise 
price and transferability, if applicable, will be set forth in the 
accompanying Prospectus Supplement.  In addition, such specific terms of the 
Securities may include limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and 
restrictions on transfer of the 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 Prospectus Supplement 
will also disclose whether the Securities will be listed on a national 
securities exchange and if they are not to be listed, the possible effects 
thereof on their marketability.
   
    Securities may be sold by the Issuer from time to time directly, through 
agents or through underwriters and/or dealers.  If any agent of the Issuer or 
any underwriter is involved in the sale of the Securities, the name of such 
agent or underwriter and any applicable commission or discount will be set 
forth in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement.  No Securities may be sold 
without delivery of the applicable Prospectus Supplement describing the 
method and terms of the offering of such Securities.  See "Plan of 
Distribution."  The applicable Prospectus Supplement will also contain 
information, when applicable, about certain United States federal income tax 
considerations relating to the Securities covered by such Prospectus 
Supplement.

SEE "RISK FACTORS" AT PAGE 3 OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR CERTAIN FACTORS THAT 
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN 
THE SECURITIES.

                     _______________________________

 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
      EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
        COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE 
         ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION
                   TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                     _______________________________

        THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED
            ON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING.  ANY
               REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.

December __, 1997
    
                                   1

<PAGE>

                       AVAILABLE INFORMATION
   
    The Issuer has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), Washington, D.C., a registration statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the
Securities.  This Prospectus, which is part of the Registration
Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto.  For further information with respect to the
Issuer and the Securities, reference is hereby made to the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto, which may be inspected without charge at the
public reference facilities maintained at the principal office of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington D.C. 20549 and at the
Commission's regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.  Copies of
such materials may be obtained upon written request from the public reference
section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates.  The Commission also maintains a Website (http://www.sec.gov)
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission.  Statements
contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other
document referred to herein are not necessarily complete and in each instance
reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed (or
incorporated by reference) as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each
such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
    

    The Issuer is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission.  Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the
Issuer may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained
by the Commission at the addresses shown above.  Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at the address
shown above at prescribed rates or through the Commission's Website.  In
addition, reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Issuer
can be inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.,
20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, on which the Common Stock is listed.

                    _______________________________

            INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

   
    There are incorporated herein by reference the following documents of the 
Issuer filed with the Commission:  (1) the Issuer's Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996; (2) the Issuer's Quarterly 
Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and 
September 30, 1997; (3) the Proxy Statement for the Issuer's 1997 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders held on May 28, 1997; (4) the Issuer's Current Report 
on Form 8-K, event date November 30, 1996, as amended by Form 8-K/A, filed 
February 4, 1997; (5) the Issuer's Current Report on Form 8-K, event date 
December 30, 1996, as amended by Form 8-K/A, filed February 27, 1997; (6) the 
Issuer's Current Report on Form 8-K, event date June 20, 1997; (7) the 
Issuer's Current Report on Form 8-K, event date August 6, 1997, as amended by 
Form 8-K/A, filed October 16, 1997; (8) the description of the Issuer's 
Common Stock contained in the Issuer's registration statement filed under the 
Exchange Act and any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating 
such description; and (9) all documents filed by the Issuer pursuant to 
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date 
of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the 
Securities.
    

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

   
    The Issuer will provide without charge to each person, including any 
beneficial holder, to whom a copy of this Prospectus or any Prospectus 
Supplement is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, 
a copy of any and all the foregoing documents incorporated by reference 
herein, including exhibits specifically incorporated by reference in such 
documents but excluding all other exhibits to such documents.  Requests 
should be made to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 233 Wilshire 
Boulevard, No. 700, Santa Monica, California 90401, telephone number (310) 
394-6911. Copies of all documents filed by the Issuer with the
Commission can be reviewed on or obtained from the Commission's Website at
http://www.sec.gov.
    
                                       2

<PAGE>

   
    UNLESS THE CONTEXT INDICATES OTHERWISE, ALL REFERENCES TO THE "COMPANY" IN
THIS PROSPECTUS INCLUDE THE ISSUER AND THOSE ENTITIES OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE
ISSUER, WHICH ENTITIES INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
AND THE PROPERTY PARTNERSHIPS, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY PARTNERSHIPS WHICH OWN
THE JOINT VENTURE CENTERS.
    

                                THE COMPANY

   
    The Issuer was formed in 1993 to continue and expand the business of The 
Macerich Group, which since 1972 has focused on the acquisition, ownership, 
redevelopment, management and leasing of regional shopping centers and 
community shopping centers located throughout the United States.  The Company 
currently owns or has ownership interests in 26 regional shopping centers and 
three community shopping centers located in twelve states, containing 
approximately 21.4 million square feet of gross leaseable area ("GLA") (the 
29 regional and community shopping centers described above and any shopping 
centers acquired after the date of this Prospectus are referred to 
hereinafter as the "Centers").

    The Issuer was organized as a Maryland corporation in September 1993 to
continue and expand the business of The Macerich Group, which has been engaged
in the shopping center business since 1965.  The Macerich Group consists of Mace
Siegel, Arthur M. Coppola, Dana K. Anderson and Edward C. Coppola (the
"Principals") and certain business associates and members of management of the
Company.  The Principals are directors and executive officers of the Issuer and
have a combined total of over 100 years of experience in the shopping center
business.

    The Issuer operates through The Macerich Partnership L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership").  The Issuer has a majority
ownership interest in the Operating Partnership and, as the sole general
partner, has exclusive power to manage and conduct the business of the Operating
Partnership, subject to certain limited exceptions.  The Issuer conducts all of
its operations through the Operating Partnership, two management companies,
Macerich Property Management Company and Macerich Management Company, both
California corporations (the "Management Companies"), and certain single purpose
entities (the "Property Partnerships") jointly owned by the Issuer and the
Operating Partnership and, in the case of the entities which own the Centers
which are not wholly-owned by the Company (the "Joint Venture Centers"),
third-party joint venture partners.  The Operating Partnership owns all of the
non-voting preferred stock (generally entitled to dividends equal to 95% of cash
flow) of each of the Management Companies.  All of the outstanding voting common
stock of each of the Management Companies is owned by the Principals.

    The Company's primary objective is to enhance stockholder value by
increasing its Funds from Operations ("FFO") per share, primarily by focusing on
the acquisition of potentially dominant franchise regional malls that have
internal growth characteristics.  The Company's strategy is to increase the net
operating income of each acquired property by rolling below-market rents up to
market levels as leases expire, expanding the Centers, adding department stores,
changing the tenant mix and increasing occupancy levels.  In addition to its
acquisition strategy, the Company also seeks to improve the financial
performance of the Centers that it already owns by rolling below-market rents up
to market levels as leases expire, increasing occupancy levels, and
redeveloping, expanding and renovating the properties.

    The Company's principal executive offices are located at 233 Wilshire
Boulevard, No. 700, Santa Monica, California 90401 and its telephone number is
(310) 394-6911.
    

                                 RISK FACTORS

    Prospective investors should carefully consider, among other factors, the 
matters described below before purchasing any Securities offered hereby.  Any 
additional risk factors regarding an investment in the Securities will be set 
forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  See also "Description of 
Securities Warrants -- Certain Risk Considerations."

RISKS OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

   
    GENERAL FACTORS AFFECTING INVESTMENTS IN SHOPPING CENTERS; COMPETITION

    Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk that may 
affect the ability of the Centers to generate sufficient revenues to meet 
operating and other expenses, including debt service, lease payments, capital 
expenditures and tenant improvements, and to make distributions to their 
owners and the Issuer's stockholders.  Income from shopping center properties 
may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including:  the national 
economic climate; the regional and local economy (which may be adversely 
impacted by plant closings, industry slowdowns, adverse weather conditions, 
natural disasters and other factors); local real estate conditions (such as 
an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, retail space); perceptions by 
retailers or shoppers of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the 
shopping center; and increased costs of maintenance, insurance and operations 
(including real estate taxes).  In addition, investments in shopping centers 
and other real estate are relatively illiquid.  If the Centers were 
liquidated in the current real estate market, the proceeds to the Company 
might be less than the Company's total investment in the Centers.  There are 
numerous shopping facilities that compete with the Centers in attracting 
tenants to lease space, and an increasing number of new retail formats other 
than retail shopping centers that compete with the Centers for retail sales.  
Increased competition could adversely affect the Company's revenues. Income 
from shopping center properties and shopping center values are also affected 
by such factors as applicable laws and regulations, including tax and zoning 
laws, interest rate levels and the availability of financing.
    

   
    DEPENDENCE ON TENANTS

    The Company's revenues and funds available for distribution would be 
adversely affected if a significant number of the Company's lessees were 
unable (due to poor operating results, bankruptcy or other reasons) to meet 
their obligations, if the Company were unable to lease a significant amount 
of space in the Centers on economically favorable terms, or if for any other 
reason, the Company were unable to collect a significant amount of rental 
payments.  A decision by a department store or other large retail store 
tenant (an "Anchor"), or other significant tenant, to cease operations at a 
Center could also have an adverse effect on the Company.  The closing of an 
Anchor could, under certain circumstances, allow certain other Anchors, or 
other tenants, to terminate their leases or cease operating their stores at 
the Center.  In addition, mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, dispositions 
or bankruptcies in the retail industry could result in the loss of tenants at 
one or more Centers.  The bankruptcy and subsequent closure of retail stores 
could reduce occupancy levels and rental income, or otherwise adversely 
affect the Company's performance.  Furthermore, if the store sales of 
retailers operating in the Centers were to decline sufficiently, tenants 
might be unable to pay their minimum rents or expense recovery charges.  In 
the event of a default by a lessee, the Center may experience delays and 
costs in enforcing its rights as lessor.  See "-- Bankruptcy of Retail Stores."
    

                                     3
<PAGE>

    RISKS OF MANAGEMENT AND LEASING BUSINESS

    Each of the Management Companies is subject to the risks associated with 
the property management and leasing business.  These risks include the risks 
that management and leasing contracts with third-party owners will be lost to 
competitors, that contracts will not be renewed on terms consistent with 
current terms, and that leasing activity generally may decline.  Most of the 
third-party management contracts can be terminated on 30 to 60 days notice by 
third parties.  Additionally, the compensation of the Management Companies is 
tied to various revenues under virtually all of the property management 
agreements with third-party owners.

    ACQUISITION AND REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

   
    The Company's historical growth in revenues, net income and Funds From 
Operations have been closely tied to the acquisition and redevelopment of 
shopping centers.  Many factors, including the availability and cost of 
capital, overall debt to market capitalization ratio, interest rates and the 
availability of attractive acquisition targets, among others, will affect the 
Company's ability to acquire and redevelop additional properties in the 
future.
    

   
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

    MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

    The management, leasing and redevelopment business of the Company is 
carried on through the Management Companies. The Principals own 100% 
of the outstanding shares of voting common stock of each of the Management 
Companies, and the Operating Partnership owns 100% of the outstanding shares of 
non-voting preferred stock of each of such entities.  As the holder of 100% of 
the preferred stock, the Operating Partnership has the right to receive 95% of 
the net cash flow of each of the Management Companies.  However, since each of 
the Management Companies is an operating company and not a passive entity, the 
Company's investment in the Management Companies, through non-voting preferred 
stock, is subject to the risk that the Principals might have interests that are 
inconsistent with the interests of the Company.
    

   
    The Management Companies have entered into management agreements 
("Management Agreements") with the Operating Partnership and each of the 
Property Partnerships (other than the Property Partnership that owns West 
Acres Center) Centers providing for the day-to-day property management of 
the Centers.  The Operating Partnership or the applicable Property Partnership 
will have the right to terminate any Management Agreement at any time.  The 
terms of certain of the Management Agreements have not been negotiated on an 
arm's-length basis.  However, the Company believes the terms of the Management 
Agreements are fair to the Company and are similar to the terms of Management 
Agreements that the Management Companies have recently entered into with 
unaffiliated owners of shopping centers.  The Principals have a conflict of 
interest with respect to their obligations as executive officers and directors 
of the Company, which through the Operating Partnership will be required to 
enforce the terms of the Management Agreements with the Management Companies.  
The failure to enforce the material terms of those agreements could have an 
adverse effect on the Company.
    

   
    The Management Companies also provide management, leasing, construction and 
redevelopment services for shopping centers owned by third parties who are 
unaffiliated with the Company.  In addition, the Management Companies may from 
time to time agree to manage additional shopping centers that might compete 
with the Centers. These arrangements may also create conflicts of interest 
for the Principals.
    

                                       4
<PAGE>

   
    TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SALE OF CERTAIN CENTERS

    The sale of certain of the Centers will cause adverse tax consequences to 
the Principals.  As a result, the Principals might not favor a sale of these 
Centers even though such a sale could be beneficial to other stockholders of 
the Issuer.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations - Tax Aspects of the 
Company's Investments in Partnerships."
    


   
    REQUIRED CONSENT OF LIMITED PARTNERS OF OPERATING PARTNERSHIP FOR CERTAIN 
    TRANSACTIONS

    The partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership (the "Partnership 
Agreement") provides that a decision to merge the Operating Partnership, sell 
all or substantially all of its assets or liquidate must be approved by the 
holders of 75% of the limited partnership interests in the Operating 
Partnership ("OP Units").  Since the Issuer currently owns only approximately 
68% of the OP Units, the concurrence of at least some of the other holders of 
OP Units (the "Participants") would be required to approve any such 
transaction.
    

   
    PRINCIPAL GUARANTEES

    The Principals have guaranteed mortgage loans encumbering the Centers.  As 
of the date of this Prospectus, the aggregate principal amount of such loans 
is $23.8 million, and the aggregate principal amount guaranteed by the 
Principals is approximately $15.0 million.  The existence of such guarantees 
could result in the Principals having interests that are inconsistent with 
the interests of the Company.
    

NO LIMITATION ON DEBT

   
    Since the Issuer's initial public offering of Common Stock in March 1994, 
the Company has had a debt level of less than 50% of the Company's Total 
Market Capitalization. "Total Market Capitalization" means the sum of (i) the 
aggregate market value of the outstanding equity shares, assuming full 
redemption of OP Units for shares of Common Stock, plus (ii) the total debt 
of the Operating Partnership including a pro rata share of the debt of the 
Joint Venture Centers. The organizational documents of the Company, however, 
do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that it may incur.  
Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the "Board of Directors") 
could alter or eliminate this current practice with respect to borrowing.  If 
this practice were changed, the Company could become more highly leveraged, 
resulting in an increased risk of default on its obligations and an increase 
in debt service requirements, either of which could adversely affect the 
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
    

ABILITY TO CHANGE POLICIES OF THE COMPANY
   
    The investment and financing policies of the Company and its policies with 
respect to certain other activities, including its growth, debt capitalization, 
distributions, REIT status and operating policies, are determined by the Board 
of Directors.  The Board of Directors has no present intention to amend or 
revise these policies.  However, the Board of Directors may do so at any time 
without a vote of the Issuer's stockholders.  A change in these policies could 
adversely affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations.  
See "-- No Limitation on Debt."
    
INABILITY TO QUALIFY AS A REIT
   
    The Company believes that it has operated so as to qualify the Issuer as 
a REIT under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the 
"Code") and intends to operate so that the Issuer may remain so qualified.  No 
assurance, however, can be given that the Issuer has qualified or will be 
able to remain qualified 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 complexity 
of these provisions and of the applicable income tax regulations that have 
been promulgated under the Code (the "Treasury Regulations") is greater in 
the case of a REIT that holds its assets in partnership form.  The 
determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely 
within the Company's control may affect the Issuer's ability to qualify as a 
REIT.  See "-- Outside Partners in Joint Venture Centers."  In addition, no 
assurance can be given that legislation, new regulations, administrative 
interpretations or court decisions will not significantly change the tax laws 
with respect to the Issuer's qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax 
consequences of such qualification.  See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
    
                                       5
<PAGE>

   
     If in any taxable year the Issuer were to fail to qualify as a 
REIT, the Issuer 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 Issuer would be 
disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following 
the year during which qualification was lost.  As a result, net income and 
the funds available for distribution to the Issuer's stockholders would be 
reduced for each of the years involved.  Although the Company currently 
intends to operate in a manner designed to qualify the Issuer as a REIT, it 
is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations 
may cause the Board of Directors to revoke the REIT election.  See "Federal 
Income Tax Considerations." 
    
   
RISKS OF DEBT FINANCING

    The Company is subject to the risks associated with debt financing, 
including the risk that the Company's cash flow will be insufficient to meet 
required payments of principal and interest.  Other than the Issuer's 7-1/4% 
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2002 (the "Debentures"), the 
Company's outstanding indebtedness represents obligations of the Operating 
Partnership and certain Property Partnerships that hold the Centers and most 
of which is nonrecourse to the applicable obligor.  A majority of the Centers 
are mortgaged to secure payment of this indebtedness, and if the mortgage 
payments cannot be made, a loss could be sustained as a result of foreclosure 
by the mortgagee.  Any outstanding indebtedness under the Company's working 
capital credit facility is the obligation of the Operating Partnership and 
certain Property Partnerships.

    The Company's current indebtedness bears interest at both fixed rates 
and floating rates.  For future financings, the Company intends to seek the 
most attractive financing arrangements available at the time, which may 
involve either fixed or floating interest rates.  With respect to floating 
rate indebtedness, increases in interest rates could adversely affect the 
Company's Funds from Operations, funds available for distribution and its 
ability to meet its debt service obligations.  In connection with $65.1 
million of the Company's floating rate indebtedness, as of the date of this 
Prospectus, the Company has entered into interest rate protection agreements 
that limit the Company's exposure to increases in interest rates.  
Consideration will be given to acquiring interest rate caps or entering into 
other interest rate protection agreements if appropriate with respect to 
future floating rate indebtedness to reduce exposure to interest rate 
increases on such debt.

    The Company is obligated to make balloon payments of principal under 
mortgages on certain of the Centers.  Although the Company anticipates that 
it will be able to refinance such indebtedness by the time the balloon 
payments become due, or otherwise obtain funds by selling assets or by 
raising equity, there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so.  In 
addition, interest rates on, and other terms of, any debt issued to refinance 
such mortgage debt may be less favorable than the terms of the current 
mortgage debt.

    To qualify as a REIT under the Code, the Issuer generally is required 
each year to distribute to its stockholders at least 95% of its net taxable 
income determined without regard to net capital gains and the dividends paid 
deduction. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of the Company." 
The Company could be required to borrow funds on a short-term basis or 
liquidate investments to meet the distribution requirements that are 
necessary to qualify the Issuer as a REIT, even if management believed that 
then prevailing market conditions did not favor such actions.
    

OUTSIDE PARTNERS IN JOINT VENTURE CENTERS

   
    The Company owns partial interests in Property Partnerships which own 
the five Joint Venture Centers.  The Company owns a 50% managing general 
partnership interest in Property Partnerships that own three of the Joint 
Venture Centers (Panorama Mall, North Valley Plaza and Broadway Plaza) a 19% 
non-managing general partnership interest in the Property Partnership that 
holds one of the Joint Venture Centers (West Acres Center) and a managing 
member interest of 10% in the limited liability company which holds the 
remaining Joint Venture Center (Manhattan Village Shopping Center). Such 
investments involve risks not otherwise present with respect to wholly-owned 
Centers.
    
   
    The Company may have certain fiduciary responsibilities to its partners 
which it will need to consider when making decisions that affect the Joint 
Venture Centers.  The Company does not have sole control of certain major 
decisions relating to the Joint Venture Centers, including certain decisions 
with respect to sales, refinancings and the timing and amount of additional 
capital contributions thereto.  Under certain circumstances, such as the 
Operating Partnership's failure to contribute its share of additional capital 
needed by the Property Partnerships, or defaults by the Operating Partnership 
under a partnership agreement for a Property Partnership or other agreements 
relating to the Property Partnerships or the Joint Venture Centers, the 
Company may lose its management rights relating to the Joint Venture Centers. 
In addition, with respect to one Joint Venture Center (West Acres Center), 
the Company does not have day-to-day operational control, nor is it able to 
control cash distributions therefrom that may jeopardize the Issuer's ability 
to maintain its qualification as a REIT.  These limitations may result in 
decisions by third parties with respect to such Joint Venture Centers that do 
not fully reflect the interests of the Company at such time, including 
decisions relating to the standards that the Company is required to satisfy 
in order to maintain the Issuer's status as a REIT under the Code.
    
   
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE

    Because the Issuer conducts its operations through the Operating 
Partnership, the Issuer's ability to service its debt obligations and its 
ability to pay dividends on the Common Stock are strictly dependent upon the 
earnings and cash flows of the Operating Partnership and the ability of the 
Operating Partnership to make funds available to the Issuer for such purpose 
in the form of intercompany distributions.  Under the Delaware Revised 
Uniform Limited Partnership Act, the Operating Partnership would be 
prohibited from making any distribution to the Issuer to the extent that at 
the time of the distribution, after giving effect to the distribution, all 
liabilities of the Operating Partnership (other than certain nonrecourse 
liabilities and certain liabilities to the partners) exceed the fair value of 
the assets of the Operating Partnership.
    

BANKRUPTCY OF RETAIL STORES
   
    Over the past seven years, three department store companies operating a 
total of twenty of the current Anchors at the Centers have filed for 
bankruptcy under the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended.  As 
of the date of this Prospectus, seventeen of these stores are still operating 
and are meeting their current economic obligations to the Centers, one store 
has been acquired by another department store, one store has been acquired by 
the Company which is negotiating with potential replacement tenants and one 
store is being demolished to make space available for a theater complex and 
adjacent restaurants and shops. The bankruptcy of an Anchor, if followed by 
its closing or by its sale to a less desirable retailer, could adversely 
affect customer traffic in a Center and thereby reduce the income generated 
by that Center.  Furthermore, the closing of an Anchor could, under certain 
circumstances, allow certain other Anchors to terminate their leases or cease 
operating their stores at the Center or otherwise adversely affect occupancy 
at the Center.  Retail stores at the 
    
                                        6
<PAGE>

   
Centers other than Anchors may also seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, 
which could result in the termination of such tenants' leases and thus cause a 
reduction in the cash flow generated by the Centers.
    
POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

   
    Under various federal, state, and local environmental laws, ordinances 
and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may 
be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic 
substances on, under or in such property.  Such laws often impose liability 
whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the 
presence of such hazardous or toxic substances.  In addition, the presence of 
hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to properly remedy 
environmental hazards, may adversely affect the owner's or operator's ability 
to sell such property or to borrow using such property 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, whether or not such 
facility is owned or operated by such person.  Certain laws impose liability 
for release of asbestos-containing materials into the air and third parties 
may seek recovery from owners or operators of real property for personal 
injury associated with exposure to such materials.  In connection with its 
ownership and operation of the Centers, the Company may be potentially liable 
under such laws and may incur costs in responding to such liabilities.  See 
"Item 1. Business--Environmental Matters" and Note 10 to the Financial 
Statements contained in the Issuer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 for a description of known environmental 
liabilities.
    
OWNERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY AND THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP

   
    Under the Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership, the 
Issuer, as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, is 
responsible for the management of the Operating Partnership's business and 
affairs.  Moreover, each of the Principals serves as an executive officer of 
the Issuer and as a member of the Issuer's Board of Directors on a staggered 
basis.  Accordingly, the Principals have substantial influence over the 
management of the Issuer and the Operating Partnership.  See also 
"--Conflicts of Interest."

    The Partnership Agreement provides that a decision to merge the 
Operating Partnership, sell all or substantially all of its assets or 
liquidate the Operating Partnership must be approved by the holders of at 
least 75% of the limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership 
(the "OP Units"). The Issuer owns less than 75% of the OP Units.  
Accordingly, the concurrence of at least some of the other holders of OP 
Units would be required to approve any such transaction.
    
OWNERSHIP LIMIT; CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS

   
In order for the Issuer to maintain its qualification as a REIT, not 
more than 50% in value of its outstanding capital stock may (after taking 
into account options to acquire capital stock) be owned, directly or 
indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include 
certain entities). The Issuer's Articles of Amendment and Restatement, as 
amended by the articles supplementary filed with the Maryland State 
Department of Assessments and Taxation on May 30, 1995 (collectively, the 
"Articles") restrict ownership of more than 5% (the "Ownership Limit") of 
the capital stock by any single stockholder (with limited exceptions for 
certain Participants (and their respective families and affiliated entities), 
including all four Principals).  In addition to preserving the Issuer's 
status as a REIT, the Ownership Limit may (i) have the effect of precluding 
an acquisition of control of the Issuer without the approval of the Board of 
Directors even if a change in control were in the interest of stockholders 
and (ii) limit the opportunity for stockholders to receive a premium for 
their Common Stock that might otherwise exist if an investor were attempting 
to assemble a block of Common Stock in excess of the Ownership Limit or 
otherwise effect a change in control of the Issuer.  The Board of Directors, 
in its sole discretion, may waive or (subject to certain limitations) modify 
the Ownership Limit with respect to other stockholders if it is satisfied 
that ownership in excess of this limit will not jeopardize the Issuer's 
status as a REIT. See "Description of Common Stock -- Restrictions on 
Transfer" for additional information regarding the Ownership Limit.
    

   
     Certain other provisions of the Issuer's Articles and bylaws may have 
the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal 
for the Issuer and may thereby inhibit a change in control of the Issuer that 
some, or a majority, of the holders of Common Stock might believe to be in 
their best interest or that could give the stockholders the opportunity to 
realize a premium over the then-prevailing market prices.  The provisions 
include a staggered board of directors, advance notice requirements for 
stockholder nominations of directors and stockholder proposals, the authority 
of the directors to consider a variety of factors (other than maximizing 
stockholder value) with respect to a proposed business combination or other 
transaction, 
    
                                      7
<PAGE>

the authority of the directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock 
and the authority to create and issue rights entitling the holders thereof to 
purchase from the Company shares of stock or other securities or property.

UNINSURED LOSS

   
    The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage and 
rental loss insurance covering all of the Centers (except West Acres Center 
and Manhattan Village Shopping Center), with policy specifications and 
insured limits customarily carried for similar properties.  There are, 
however, certain types of losses (such as from wars) that are not generally 
insured because they are either uninsurable or not economically insurable.  
In addition, while the Company carries earthquake insurance on the Centers 
located in California, such policies are subject to a deductible equal to 5% 
of the total insured value of each Center, a $500,000 per occurrence minimum 
and a combined annual aggregate loss limit of $100 million on these Centers.  
Furthermore, the Company has elected to carry title insurance on many of the 
Centers for less than their full value.  Should an uninsured loss or a loss 
in excess of insured limits occur, the Operating Partnership or the Property 
Partnership, as the case may be, which owns the Center could lose its capital 
invested in the Center, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the 
Center, while remaining obligated for any mortgage indebtedness or other 
financial obligations related to the Center.  Any such loss would adversely 
affect the Company.  Moreover, as the general partner of the Operating 
Partnership and each of the Property Partnerships, the Issuer will generally 
be liable for any of their unsatisfied obligations other than non-recourse 
obligations.  The Company's management believes that the Centers are 
adequately insured in accordance with industry standards.
    
                          USE OF PROCEEDS

    The Company is required by the terms of the Partnership Agreement to 
invest, contribute or otherwise transfer the net proceeds of any sale of 
Securities to the Operating Partnership in exchange for securities of the 
Operating Partnership equivalent to the Securities offered hereby.  Except as 
otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Operating 
Partnership intends to use any such net proceeds for working capital and 
general business purposes, which may include the reduction of outstanding 
indebtedness, future acquisitions and the improvement of certain properties 
in the Operating Partnership's portfolio.  Pending the use thereof, the 
Operating Partnership intends to invest any net proceeds in short-term, 
interest-bearing securities.

                                       8
<PAGE>

                         DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
   
    The following summary of the terms of the Common Stock does not purport 
to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference 
to the Articles and the Issuer's Bylaws, copies of which are exhibits to the 
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.  See "Additional 
Information."

GENERAL

    The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Issuer has 
authority to issue is 220,000,000, initially consisting of 10,000,000 shares 
of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share ("Preferred Stock"), 100,000,000 
shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 110,000,000 shares of 
excess stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Excess Shares").  The Articles 
provide that the Board of Directors of the Issuer (as used herein the term 
"Board of Directors of the Issuer" includes any duly authorized committee 
thereof) may classify or reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock by 
setting or changing in any one or more respects the preferences, conversion 
or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, 
qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of such shares of capital 
stock.  The terms of any capital stock classified or reclassified by the 
Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles shall be set forth in Articles 
Supplementary filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of 
Maryland prior to the issuance of any such capital stock.

RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK

    Subject to the provisions of the Articles regarding Excess Shares (as 
defined below), the holders of the outstanding shares of Common Stock have 
full voting rights, one vote for each share held of record.  Subject to the 
provisions of the Articles regarding Excess Shares and the rights of holders 
of preferred stock of the Issuer, holders of Common Stock are entitled to 
receive such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of 
funds legally available therefor.  Upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding 
up of the Issuer (but subject to the provisions of the Articles and the 
rights of holders of preferred stock of the Issuer), the assets legally 
available for distribution to holders of Common Stock shall be distributed 
ratably among such holders.  Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive or 
other subscription or conversion rights, and no liability for further calls 
upon shares.  The Common Stock is not subject to assessment.

    The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock is First Chicago
Trust Company of New York.

    Pursuant to the Articles and the Issuer's By-laws, shareholders of the
Issuer are entitled to receive advance notice of annual and special meetings of
shareholders of the Issuer.  Notice is given to a shareholder when it is
personally delivered to him, left at his residence or usual place of business,
or mailed to him at his address as it appears on the Issuer's records.

    Under the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL"), a Maryland 
corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or 
substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in 
similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless approved 
by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two thirds of the 
shares entitled to vote on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not 
less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) 
is set forth in the corporation's charter.  The Articles do not provide for 
a lesser percentage in such situations.

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

    For the Issuer to qualify as a REIT under the Code, (i) not more than 50% 
in value of its outstanding capital stock (after taking into account options 
to acquire 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 a taxable year, (ii) 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 (iii) 
certain percentages of the Issuer's gross income must be from particular 
activities (see "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of the Company" 
and "--Requirements for Qualification").  Because the Board of Directors 
believes it is essential for the Issuer to continue to qualify as a REIT, the 
Articles restrict the ownership and transfer of shares of the Issuer's 
capital stock.

<PAGE>

    Subject to certain exceptions specified in the Articles, no stockholder 
may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the 
Code, more than 5% of the number or value of the issued and outstanding 
capital stock of the Issuer.  The attribution of ownership provisions are 
complex and may cause capital stock owned directly or indirectly by a group 
of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be owned by one individual 
or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 5% in value or in number 
of capital stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity which owns 
capital stock) by an individual or entity could cause that individual or 
entity (or another individual or entity) to be deemed to own in excess of 5% 
in value or in number of the outstanding capital stock of the Issuer, and 
thus subject such capital stock to the Ownership Limit.  The Board of 
Directors, in its sole discretion, may waive or, subject to certain 
limitations, modify the Ownership Limit with respect to stockholders, but is 
under no obligation to do so.  As a condition of such waiver, the Board of 
Directors may require opinions of counsel satisfactory to it or an 
undertaking from the applicant with respect to preserving the REIT status of 
the Issuer.  The Articles exclude from the Ownership Limit certain persons 
and their respective families and affiliates ("Excluded Participants") but 
provide that no Excluded Participant may own (directly or indirectly) more 
than a specified percentage of Common Stock as determined in accordance with 
the Articles (such Excluded Participant's "Percentage Limitation").

    The Articles provide that any purported transfer or issuance of shares, 
or other event, that would (i) result in a person owning capital stock in 
excess of the Ownership Limit or the Percentage Limitation, as appropriate, 
(ii) result in the shares of Common Stock and preferred stock being owned by 
fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of 
attribution), (iii) cause the Issuer to become "closely held" under Section 
856(h) of the Code (determined without regard to Code Section 856(h)(2) and 
by deleting the words "the last half of" in the first sentence of Code 
Section 542(a)(2) in applying Code Section 856(h)) or (iv) result in the 
disqualification of the Issuer as a REIT (collectively, the "Prohibited 
Events"), that is not otherwise permitted as provided above, will be null and 
void AB INITIO as to the intended transferee or purported owner and the 
intended transferee or purported owner will acquire or retain no rights to, 
or economic interest in, those shares of capital stock.

ISSUANCE OF EXCESS SHARES

    The Articles provide that in the event of a purported transfer of capital
stock or other event that would, if effective, result in a Prohibited Event,
such capital stock will automatically be exchanged for Excess Shares, to the
extent necessary to ensure that the purported transfer or other event does not
result in the Prohibited Event.  Outstanding Excess Shares will be held in
trust.  The trustee of such trust shall be appointed by the Issuer and shall be
independent of the Issuer, any purported record or beneficial transferee and any
beneficiary of such trust (the "Beneficiary").  The Beneficiary shall be one or
more charitable organizations selected by the trustee.

    The Articles further provide that Excess Shares shall be entitled to the
same dividends as the shares of capital stock exchanged for Excess Shares (the
"Original Shares").  The trustee, as record holder of the Excess Shares, shall
be entitled to receive all dividends and distributions in respect of such Excess
Shares as may be authorized and declared by the Board of Directors and shall
hold such dividends or distributions in trust for the benefit of the
Beneficiary.  The trustee shall also be entitled to cast all votes that holders
of the Excess Shares are entitled to cast.  Excess Shares in the hands of the
trustee shall have the same voting rights as Original Shares.  Upon the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Issuer, each Excess Share shall be
entitled to receive ratably with each other share of capital stock of the same
class or series as the Original Shares, the assets of the Issuer distributed to
the holders of such class or series of capital stock.  The trustee shall
distribute to the purported transferee the amounts received upon such
liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Issuer, but only up to the amount
paid by such purported transferee, or the market price for the Original Shares
on the date of the purported transfer, if no consideration was paid by such
transferee, and subject to additional limitations and offsets set forth in the
Articles.

<PAGE>

    If, after the purported transfer or other event resulting in an exchange of
capital stock for Excess Shares, dividends or distributions are paid with
respect to the Original Shares, then such dividends or distributions are to be
repaid to the trustee for the benefit of the Beneficiary.  While Excess Shares
are held in trust, Excess Shares may be transferred by the trustee only to a
person whose ownership of the Original Shares will not result in a Prohibited
Event.  At the time of any permitted transfer, the Excess Shares will be
automatically exchanged for the same number of shares of the same type and class
as the Original Shares.  The Articles contain provisions that prohibit the
purported transferee of the Excess Shares from receiving in return for such
transfer an amount that reflects any appreciation in the Original Shares during
the period that such Excess Shares were outstanding.  The Articles require any
amount received by a purported transferee in excess of the amount permitted to
be received to be paid to the Beneficiary.

    The Articles further provide that the Issuer may purchase, for a period 
of 90 days during the time the Excess Shares are held in trust, all or any 
portion of the Excess Shares at the lesser of the price paid for the capital 
stock by the purported transferee (or if no consideration was paid, fair 
market value at the time of such transaction) or the market price of such 
shares as determined in accordance with the Articles.  The 90-day period 
begins on the date of the prohibited transfer if the purported transferee 
gives notice to the Board of Directors of the transfer or, if no such notice 
is given, the date the Board of Directors determines that a prohibited 
transfer has been made.

    The aforementioned provisions of the Articles will not be automatically
removed even if the REIT provisions of the Code are changed so as to no longer
contain any ownership concentration limitation or if the ownership concentration
limitation is increased.  Amendments to the Articles require the affirmative
vote of at least 66-2/3% of the shares entitled to vote.  In addition to
preserving the Issuer's status as a REIT, the Ownership Limit may have the
effect of precluding an acquisition of control of the Issuer without the
approval of the Board of Directors.

    All certificates representing shares of Common Stock 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% of the outstanding capital stock must file an 
affidavit with the Issuer containing the information specified in the 
Articles within 30 days after January 1 of each year. In addition, certain 
significant stockholders shall upon demand be required to disclose to the 
Issuer in writing such information with respect to the direct, indirect and 
constructive ownership of shares 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 or to 
determine any such compliance.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS

    The Articles include provisions which limit the liability of directors 
and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the Maryland General 
Corporation Law.  In addition, the Issuer has entered into indemnification 
agreements with each of the Issuer's officers and directors.
    
                                    9
<PAGE>

POWER TO RECLASSIFY AND ISSUE ADDITIONAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED 
STOCK
   
    The Issuer believes that the power of the Board of Directors to issue 
additional authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock 
and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of Common or Preferred Stock 
and thereafter to cause the Issuer to issue such classified or reclassified 
shares of stock will provide the Issuer with increased flexibility in 
structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other 
needs which might arise.  The additional classes or series, as well as the 
Common Stock, will be available for issuance without further action by the 
Issuer's stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or 
the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the 
Issuer's securities may be listed or traded.  Although the Board of Directors 
has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could authorize the 
Issuer to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of 
such class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in 
control of the Issuer that might involve a premium price for holders of 
Common Stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
    
                     DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
   
    The Issuer may issue Securities Warrants for the purchase of Common 
Stock.  Securities Warrants may be issued independently or together with 
Common Stock offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or 
separate from such Common Stock.  Each series of Securities Warrants will be 
issued under a separate warrant agreement (a "Securities Warrant Agreement") 
to be entered into between the Issuer and a bank or trust company, as 
Securities Warrant agent, all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement 
relating to the particular issue of offered Securities Warrants.  The 
Securities Warrant agent will act solely as an agent of the Issuer in 
connection with the Securities Warrant certificates relating to the 
Securities Warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of 
agency or trust for or with any holders of Securities Warrant certificates or 
beneficial owners of Securities Warrants.  The following summaries of certain 
provisions of the Securities Warrant Agreements and Securities Warrants do 
not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their 
entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Securities Warrant 
Agreement and the Securities Warrant certificates relating to each series of 
Security Warrants which will be filed with the Commission and incorporated by 
reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this 
Prospectus is a part at or prior to the time of the issuance of such series 
of Security Warrants.
    

GENERAL
   
    The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of such 
Securities Warrants, including as applicable: (i) the offering price; (ii) 
the aggregate number of shares purchasable upon exercise of such Securities 
Warrants and the exercise price; (iii) the number of such Securities Warrants 
being offered; (iv) the date, if any, on and after which such Securities 
Warrants and the Common Stock will be transferable separately; (v) the date 
on which the right to exercise such Securities Warrants shall commence and 
the date on which such right shall expire (the "Expiration Date"); (vi) any 
material United States federal income tax consequences; (vii) the terms, if 
any, on which the Issuer may accelerate the date by which the Securities 
Warrants must be exercised; (viii) the number of Securities Warrants issued; 
and (ix) any other terms of such Securities Warrants, including terms, 
procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such 
Securities Warrants.  Securities Warrants for the purchase of Common Stock 
will be offered and exercisable for United States dollars only and will be in 
registered form only.
    

    Securities Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new Securities 
Warrant certificates of different denominations, may be presented for 
registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate trust office 
of the Securities Warrant agent or any other office indicated in the 
applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Prior to the exercise of any Securities 
Warrants, holders of such Securities Warrants will not have any rights of 
holders of such Common Stock, including the right to receive payments of 
dividends, if any, on such Common Stock, or to exercise any applicable right 
to vote.

CERTAIN RISK CONSIDERATIONS

   
    Any Securities Warrants issued by the Issuer will involve a certain 
degree of risk, including risks arising from fluctuations in the price of the 
underlying securities and general risks applicable to the securities market 
(or markets) on which the underlying securities are traded.
    
                                  10
<PAGE>

    Prospective purchasers of the Securities Warrants should recognize that 
the Securities Warrants may expire worthless and, thus, purchasers should be 
prepared to sustain a total loss of the purchase price of their Securities 
Warrants.  This risk reflects the nature of a Securities Warrant as an asset 
which, other factors held constant, tends to decline in value over time and 
which may, depending on the price of the underlying Securities, become 
worthless when it expires.  The trading price of a Securities Warrant at any 
time is expected to increase if the price of or, if applicable, dividend rate 
on the underlying Securities, increases.  Conversely, the trading price of a 
Securities Warrant is expected to decrease as the time remaining to 
expiration of the Securities Warrant decreases and as the price of or, if 
applicable, dividend rate on the underlying Securities, decreases.  Assuming 
all other factors are held constant, the more a Securities Warrant is 
"out-of-the-money" (i.e., the more the exercise price exceeds the price of 
the underlying Securities and the shorter its remaining term to expiration), 
the greater the risk that a purchaser of the Securities Warrant will lose all 
or part of his or her investment.  If the price of the underlying Securities 
does not rise before the Securities Warrant expires to an extent sufficient 
to cover a purchaser's cost of the Securities Warrant, the purchaser will 
lose all or part of his or her investment in such Securities Warrant upon 
expiration.

    In addition, prospective purchasers of the Securities Warrants should be 
experienced with respect to options and option transactions and understand 
the risks associated with options and should reach an investment decision 
only after careful consideration, with their financial advisers, of the 
suitability of the Securities Warrants in light of their particular financial 
circumstances and the information discussed herein and, if applicable, the 
Prospectus Supplement.  Before purchasing, exercising or selling any 
Securities Warrants, prospective purchasers and holders of Securities 
Warrants should carefully consider, among other things, (i) the trading price 
of the Securities Warrants, (ii) the price of the underlying Securities at 
such time, (iii) the time remaining to expiration and (iv) any related 
transaction costs.  Some of the factors referred to above are in turn 
influenced by various political, economic and other factors that can affect 
the trading price of the underlying Securities and should be carefully 
considered prior to making any investment decisions.
   
    Purchasers of the Securities Warrants should further consider that the 
initial offering price of the Securities Warrants may be in excess of the price 
that a purchaser of options might pay for a comparable option in a private, 
less liquid transaction.  In addition, it is not possible to predict the price 
at which the Securities Warrants will trade in the secondary market or whether 
any such market will be liquid.  The Issuer may, but is not obligated to, file 
an application to list any Securities Warrants issued on a United States 
national securities exchange.  To the extent that any Securities Warrants are 
exercised, the number of Securities Warrants outstanding will decrease, which 
may result in a lessening of the liquidity of the Securities Warrants.  
Finally, the Securities Warrants will constitute direct, unconditional and 
unsecured obligations of the Issuer and as such will be subject to any changes 
in the perceived creditworthiness of the Issuer.
    
EXERCISE OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
   
    Each Securities Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such 
number of shares of Common Stock, as the case may be, at such exercise price as 
shall in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the Prospectus 
Supplement relating to the offered Securities Warrants.  After the close of 
business on the Expiration Date (or such later date to which such Expiration 
Date may be extended by the Issuer), unexercised Securities Warrants will 
become void.
    
   
    Securities Warrants may be exercised by delivering to the Securities 
Warrant agent payment as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement of 
the amount required to purchase the Common Stock purchasable upon such exercise 
together with certain information set forth on the reverse side of the 
Securities Warrant certificate.  Securities Warrants will be deemed to have 
been exercised upon receipt of payment of the exercise price, subject to the 
receipt within five business days, of the Securities Warrant certificate 
evidencing such Securities Warrants.  Upon receipt of such payment and the 
Securities Warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the 
corporate trust office of the Securities Warrant agent or any other office 
indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Issuer will, as soon as 
practicable, issue and deliver the Common Stock, as the case may be, 
purchasable upon such exercise.  If fewer than all of the Securities Warrants 
represented by such Securities Warrant certificate are exercised, a new 
Securities Warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of 
Securities Warrants.
    
                                     11
<PAGE>

AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO SECURITIES WARRANT AGREEMENTS

    The Securities Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the
consent of the holders of the Securities Warrants issued thereunder to effect 
changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Securities 
Warrants and that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the 
Securities Warrants.

COMMON STOCK WARRANT ADJUSTMENTS

    Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the 
exercise price of, and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by, a 
Common Stock Warrant are subject to adjustment in certain events, including 
(i) payment of a dividend on the Common Stock payable in stock and stock 
splits, combinations or reclassifications of the Common Stock, (ii) issuance to 
all holders of Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase 
shares of Common Stock at less than their current market price (as defined in 
the Securities Warrant Agreement for such series of Common Stock Warrants), and 
(iii) certain distributions of evidences of indebtedness or assets (including 
securities but excluding cash dividends or distributions paid out of 
consolidated earnings or retained earnings or dividends payable in Common 
Stock) or of subscription rights and warrants (excluding those referred to 
above).

    No adjustment will be required unless such adjustment would require a 
change of at least 1% in the exercise price then in effect.  Except as stated 
above, the exercise price of, and the number of shares of Common Stock covered 
by, a Common Stock Warrant will not be adjusted for the issuance of Common 
Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or 
carrying the right or option to purchase or otherwise acquire the foregoing, in 
exchange for cash, other property or services.
   
    Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, in the 
event of any (i) consolidation or merger of the Issuer with or into any entity 
(other than a consolidation or a merger that does not result in any 
reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of 
Common Stock), (ii) sale, transfer, lease or conveyance of the assets of the 
Issuer substantially as an entirety or (iii) reclassification, capital 
reorganization or change of the Common Stock, then any holder of a Securities 
Warrant will be entitled, on or after the occurrence of any such event, to 
receive on exercise of such Securities Warrant the kind and amount of shares of 
stock or other securities, cash or other property (or any combination thereof) 
that the holder would have received had such holder exercised such holder's 
Securities Warrant immediately prior to the occurrence of such event.  If the 
consideration to be received upon exercise of the Securities Warrant following 
any such event consists of common stock of the surviving entity, then from and 
after the occurrence of such event, the exercise price of such Securities 
Warrant will be subject to the same anti-dilution and other adjustments 
described in the second preceding paragraph, applied as if such common stock 
were Common Stock.
    

                         DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS
   
    The Issuer may issue Rights to its stockholders for the purchase of Common 
Stock.  Each series of Rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement 
(a "Rights Agreement") to be entered into between the Issuer and a bank or 
trust company, as Rights agent, all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement 
relating to the particular issue of Rights.  The Rights agent will act solely 
as an agent of the Issuer in connection with the certificates relating to the 
Rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust 
for or with any holders of Rights certificates or beneficial owners of Rights. 
The Rights Agreement and the Rights certificates relating to each series of 
Rights will be filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference as an 
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part at or
to the time of the issuance of such series of Rights.
    
    The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of the Rights 
to be issued, including as applicable: (i) the date for determining the 
stockholders entitled to the Rights distribution; (ii) the aggregate number of 
shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of such Rights and the 
exercise price; (iii) the aggregate number of Rights being issued; (iv) the 
date, if any, on and after which such Rights may be transferable separately; 
(v) the date on which the right to exercise such Rights shall commence and the 
date on which such right shall expire; (vi) any material United States federal 
income tax consequences; (vii) the number of Rights issued; and (viii) any 
other terms of such Rights, including terms, procedures and limitations 
relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of such Rights.  Rights 
will be exercisable for United States dollars only and will be in registered 
form only.

                                    12
<PAGE>
   
    
                        PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
   
    The Issuer may sell the Securities to one or more underwriters for public 
offering and sale by them or may sell the Securities to investors directly or 
through agents.  Any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale 
of Securities will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  The 
Issuer has reserved the right to sell Securities directly to investors on its 
own behalf in those jurisdictions where and in such manner as it is authorized 
to do so.
    
   
    Underwriters may offer and sell Securities 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.  The 
Issuer also may offer and sell Securities in exchange for one or more of its 
outstanding issues of the Securities or other securities.  The Issuer also 
may, from time to time, authorize dealers, acting as the Issuer's agents, to 
offer and sell Securities upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the 
applicable Prospectus Supplement.  In connection with the sale of Securities, 
underwriters may receive compensation from the Issuer in the form of 
underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from 
purchasers of the Securities for whom they may act as agent.  Underwriters may 
sell 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 
agent.
    
                                      13
<PAGE>
   
    Any underwriting compensation paid by the Issuer to underwriters or agents 
in connection with the offering of Securities, and any discounts, concessions 
or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set 
forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Dealers and agents 
participating in the distribution of Securities may be deemed to be 
underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit 
realized by them on resale of the Securities may be deemed to be underwriting 
discounts and commissions.  Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, 
under agreements entered into with the Issuer, to indemnification against and 
contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
    
   
    Securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the Prospectus 
Supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance 
with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or 
more firms ("remarketing firms"), acting as principals for their own accounts 
or as agents for the Issuer.  Any remarketing firm will be identified and the 
terms of its agreement, if any, with the Issuer and its compensation will be 
described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Remarketing firms may be 
deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities remarketed thereby. 
Remarketing firms may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into 
with the Issuer to indemnification by the Issuer against and contribution 
toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities 
Act of 1933, as amended, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with 
or perform services for the Issuer in the ordinary course of business.
    
   
    If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Issuer will authorize 
dealers acting as the Issuer's agents to solicit offers by certain 
institutions to purchase the Securities from the Issuer at the public offering 
price set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement pursuant to delayed 
delivery contracts ("Contracts") providing for payment and delivery on the date 
or dates stated in such Prospectus Supplement.  Each Contract will be for an 
amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount of the Securities sold 
pursuant to Contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts 
stated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Institutions with whom 
Contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, 
insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and 
charitable institutions, and other institutions but will in all cases be 
subject to the approval of the Company.  Contracts will not be subject to any 
conditions except (i) the purchase by an institution of the Securities covered 
by its Contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws 
of any jurisdiction in the United States to which such institution is subject, 
and (ii) if the Securities are being sold to underwriters, the Issuer shall 
have sold to such underwriters the total principal amount of such Securities 
less the principal amount thereof covered by Contracts.
    
   
    Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may be customers of, 
engage in transactions with and perform services for, the Issuer in the 
ordinary course of business.
    

                   FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
   
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS BASED
ON CURRENT LAW AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO DEAL WITH ALL ASPECTS OF TAXATION THAT 
MAY BE RELEVANT TO PARTICULAR HOLDERS OF SECURITIES IN LIGHT OF THEIR 
PERSONAL INVESTMENT OR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES, OR TO CERTAIN TYPES OF SECURITIES 
HOLDERS (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) SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TREATMENT 
UNDER THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS.  CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS 
RELEVANT TO HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE APPLICABLE 
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT RELATING THERETO.
    
   
    EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER IS ADVISED TO CONSULT THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS 
SUPPLEMENT, AS WELL AS ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX 
CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF SECURITIES IN AN 
ENTITY ELECTING TO BE TAXED AS A REIT, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, 
FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND SALE AND 
OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
    
                                    14
<PAGE>
   
GENERAL
    
   
    The Issuer has made an election to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 
through 860 of the Code, commencing with its taxable year ending December 31, 
1994. The Company believes that it is organized and has operated in such a 
manner as to qualify the Issuer for taxation as a REIT under the Code and its 
proposed future method of operation will enable the Issuer to continue to so 
qualify.  No assurances, however, can be given that the Company has operated 
in a manner so as to qualify the Issuer as a REIT or that the Company will 
continue to operate in such a manner in the future.  Qualification and 
taxation as a REIT depends on the Issuer's ability to meet on a continuing 
basis, through actual annual operating results, distribution levels and 
diversity of stock ownership, the various qualification tests imposed under 
the Code on REITs, some of which are summarized below.  While the Company 
intends to operate so that Issuer qualifies as a REIT, given the highly 
complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of 
factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in 
circumstances of the Company, no assurance can be given that the Company or 
the Issuer satisfies the REIT tests or will continue to do so.  See "Failure 
to Qualify" below.
    
    The sections of the Code relating to qualification and operation as a REIT, 
and the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its securityholders, are 
highly technical and complex.  The following discussion sets forth only the 
material aspects of those sections.  This summary is qualified in its entirety 
by the applicable Code provisions, rules and regulations promulgated 
thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof.
   
TAXATION OF THE COMPANY
    
   
    In any year in which the Issuer qualifies as a REIT, in general, it will 
not be subject to federal income tax on that portion of its taxable income or 
capital gain which is distributed to stockholders.  The Issuer will, however, 
be subject to tax at normal corporate rates upon any taxable income or capital 
gain not distributed.
    
   
    Notwithstanding its qualification as a REIT, the Issuer may also be 
subject to taxation in certain other circumstances.  If the Issuer should fail 
to satisfy the 75% or the 95% gross income test (as discussed below), and 
nonetheless maintains its qualification as a REIT because certain other 
requirements are met, it will be subject to a 100% tax on the greater of the 
amount by which the Issuer fails either the 75% or the 95% test, multiplied by 
a fraction intended to reflect the Issuer's profitability.  The Issuer will 
also be subject to a tax of 100% on 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 
foreclosure property) and, if the Issuer has (i) net income from the sale or 
other disposition of "foreclosure property" (generally, property acquired by 
reason of a default on indebtedness or a lease) which is held primarily for 
sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or (ii) other 
non-qualifying income from foreclosure property, it will be subject to tax on 
such income from foreclosure property at the highest corporate rate.  In 
addition, if the Issuer 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 net income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed 
taxable income from prior years, the Issuer would be subject to a 4% excise 
tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually 
distributed.  The Issuer may also be subject to the corporate "alternative 
minimum tax," on its items of tax preference, as well as tax in certain 
situations not presently contemplated.  Each of the Management Companies is 
taxed on its income at regular corporate rates.  The Company uses the calendar 
year for federal income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes.
    
   
REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION
    
   
    To qualify as a REIT, the Issuer must elect to be so treated and must meet 
the requirements, discussed below, relating to the Company's organization, 
sources of income, nature of assets, and distributions of income to 
stockholders.
    
   
    ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.  The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, 
trust or association (1) which is managed by one or more trustees or directors; 
(2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or 
by transferable certificates of beneficial interest; (3) which would be taxable 
as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 860 of the Code; (4) 
which is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to 
certain provisions of the Code; (5) the beneficial ownership of which is held 
by 100 or more persons; (6) during the last half of each taxable year not more 
than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or 
    
                                      15
<PAGE>
   
indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code); and (7) 
which meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its 
income and assets. The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), 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 taxable 
years of the Issuer beginning on or after January 1, 1998, the Issuer will be 
treated as having satisfied condition (6) if it complies with the regulatory 
requirements to request information from its shareholders regarding their 
actual ownership of the Issuer's stock, and does not know, or exercising 
reasonable diligence would not have known, that it failed to satisfy such 
condition.  If the Issuer fails to comply with these regulatory requirements 
for any such taxable year it will be subject to a penalty of $25,000, or 
$50,000 if such failure was intentional.  However, if the Issuer's failure to 
comply was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, no penalties will 
be imposed.  The Articles provide for restrictions regarding transfer of the 
Issuer's capital stock, in order to assist the Issuer in continuing to 
satisfy the share ownership requirements described in (5) and (6) above.  
Such transfer restrictions are described in "Description of Common Stock -- 
Restrictions on Transfer."
    
   
    GROSS INCOME TESTS.  In order for the Issuer to maintain its qualification 
as a REIT, there are three requirements relating to the Issuer's gross income 
that must be satisfied annually. First, at least 75% of the Issuer'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" and, in certain circumstances, interest) 
or temporary investment income.  Second, at least 95% of the Issuer's gross 
income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable 
year must be derived from such real property and from dividends, other types of 
interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities or from 
any combination of the foregoing. Third, short-term gain from the sale or other 
disposition of stock or securities, gain from prohibited transactions and gain 
on the sale or other disposition of real property held for less than four years 
(apart from involuntary conversions and sales of foreclosure property) must 
represent less than 30% of the Issuer's gross income (including gross income 
from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year.
    
   
    In the case of a REIT which is a partner in a partnership, Treasury 
Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share 
of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to be entitled to the 
income of the partnership attributable to such share.  In addition, the 
character of the assets and gross income of the partnership will retain the 
same character in the hands of the REIT for federal income tax purposes.  Thus, 
the Issuer'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 Issuer for purposes 
of applying the REIT requirements described herein.
    
   
    Rents received by the Issuer will qualify as "rents from real property" in 
satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if 
several conditions are met.  First, the amount of rent must not be based in 
whole or in part on the income or profits of any person.  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 an owner of 10% or more of the REIT, directly or 
constructively, owns 10% or more of such tenant.  Third, if rent attributable 
to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is 
greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion 
of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify as "rents from 
real property."  Finally, for rents received to qualify as "rents from real 
property," the REIT generally must not operate or manage the property or 
furnish or render services to the tenants of such property, other than through 
an independent contractor from whom the REIT derives no revenue, except that 
the Company may directly perform certain services other than services which are 
not "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental space for 
occupancy only and are considered "rendered to the occupant" of the property.
For taxable years of the Issuer beginning on or after January 1, 1998, a de
minimus amount of up to 1% of the gross income received by the Company from each
property is permitted to be from the provision of non-customary services without
disqualifying all other amounts received form such property as "rents from real
property."  However, such de minimus amount itself will not qualify as "rents
from real property" for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
    
   
    The Management Companies (which will not satisfy the independent contractor 
standard) as manager for the Operating Partnership and Property Partnerships, 
will provide certain services with respect to the Centers (other than West 
Acres Center) and any newly-acquired property of the Operating Partnership or a 
Property Partnership.  The Company believes that all services provided by the 
Management Companies to the Operating Partnership or Property Partnerships will 
be of the type usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental of 
space for occupancy only, and therefore, that the provision of such services 
will not cause the rents received with respect to the Centers or newly-acquired 
centers to fail to qualify as rents from real property for purposes of the 75% 
and 95% gross income tests.  If the Operating Partnership or a Property 
Partnership contemplates providing services in the future that reasonably might 
be expected not to meet the "usual or customary" standard, it will arrange to 
have such services provided by an independent contractor from which neither the 
Operating Partnership nor the Property Partnership receives any income.
    

   
    Any gross income derived from a prohibited transaction is taken into 
account in applying the 30% income test necessary to qualify as a REIT (and the 
net income from that transaction is subject to a 100% tax). The term 

                                   16
<PAGE>

"prohibited transaction" generally includes a sale or other disposition of 
property (other than foreclosure property) that is held primarily for sale to 
customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. The Operating 
Partnership and the Issuer believe that no asset owned by the Operating 
Partnership, the Property Partnerships or the Issuer is held for sale to 
customers and that sale of any Center and associated property will not be in 
the ordinary course of business of the Operating Partnership, the relevant 
Property Partnership or the Issuer.  Whether property is held "primarily for 
sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends, 
however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including 
those related to a particular property.  Nevertheless, the Issuer 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."
    

   
    It is anticipated that, for purposes of the gross income tests, the 
Issuer's investment in the Centers through the Operating Partnership and 
Property Partnerships will in major part give rise to qualifying income in the 
form of rents and gains on the sales of Centers.  Moreover, substantially all 
income derived by the Issuer from the Management Companies will be in the 
form of dividends on the stock of such entities owned by the Operating 
Partnership.  Although such dividends will satisfy the 95%, but not the 75% 
gross income test (as discussed above), the Issuer anticipates that 
non-qualifying income on its investments (including such dividend income) will 
not result in the Issuer's failing any of the three gross income tests.
    

   
    Even if the Issuer fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross 
income tests for any taxable year, it may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for 
such year if it is entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code.  
These relief provisions will be generally available if the Issuer's failure to 
meet such tests is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, the 
Issuer attaches a schedule of the sources of its 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, however, to state whether in all circumstances the 
Company would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions.  As 
discussed above in "Federal Income Tax Consideration--Taxation of the 
Company," even if these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed with 
respect to the excess of 75% or 95% of the Issuer's gross income over the 
Issuer's qualifying income in the relevant category, whichever is greater, 
reduced by approximated expenses.  There is no comparable relief provision 
which could mitigate the consequences of a failure to satisfy the 30% gross 
income limitation.
    

   
    ASSET TESTS.  The Issuer, 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 Issuer'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 Issuer owns an interest 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 Issuer), cash, cash items and government securities.  Second, 
not more than 25% of the Issuer'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 Issuer may not exceed 5% of the value of the Issuer's total assets and 
the Issuer may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding voting 
securities.  The Issuer's investment in the Centers through its interests in 
the Operating Partnership and Property Partnerships will constitute qualified 
assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.
    

   
    The Operating Partnership owns 100% of the non-voting preferred stock of 
each of the Management Companies.  By virtue of its partnership interest in the 
Operating Partnership, the Issuer will be deemed to own its pro rata share of 
the assets of the Operating Partnership, including the securities of such 
entities.
    
   
    Because the Operating Partnership will not own any of the voting securities 
of the entities that constitute the Management Companies, the 10% limitation on 
holdings of the voting securities of any one issuer will not be violated.  In 
addition, based upon a comparison of the total estimated value of the 
securities of such entities to be owned by the Operating Partnership to the 
estimated value of the total assets to be owned by the Operating Partnership 
and the Issuer, the Issuer has represented that the Issuer's pro rata share 
of the value of the securities of each such entity has not exceeded, and is not 
expected to exceed in the future, 5% by value of the total assets owned by the 
Issuer.  This 5% limitation must be satisfied not only on the date that the 
Issuer (directly or through the Operating Partnership) acquires securities of 
such entities, but also at the end of any quarter in which the Issuer so 
    
                                    17
<PAGE>
   
increases its interest in such entities or so acquires other property.  In this 
respect, if any limited partner of the Operating Partnership exercises its 
rights to redeem OP Units and the Issuer satisfies the Operating Partnership's 
obligation upon such exercise with shares of Common Stock, the Issuer will 
thereby increase its proportionate (indirect) ownership interest in such 
entities, thus requiring the Issuer to meet the 5% test in any quarter in 
which such rights are exercised.  Although the Issuer 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 Companies.


    ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS.  The Issuer, in order to qualify as a 
REIT, is required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) 
to its stockholders in an amount at least equal to (A) the sum of (i) 95% of 
the Issuer's REIT 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.  Such distributions must be paid in the 
taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if 
declared before the Issuer 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 Issuer does not distribute all of its net capital gain 
or distributes at least 95%, but less than 100%, of its REIT taxable income, 
as adjusted, it will be subject to tax on the undistributed amount at regular 
ordinary and capital gains corporate tax rates, as applicable. For taxable 
years of the Issuer beginning on or after January 1, 1998, the Issuer may 
designate all or a portion of its undistributed net capital gains as being 
includable in the income of its stockholders as gain from the sale or 
exchange of a capital asset, which stockholders would receive an increase in 
the basis of their stock in the Issuer in the amount of such income 
recognized.  Such stockholders would also be treated as having paid their 
proportionate share of the capital gains tax imposed on the Issuer on such 
undistributed amounts and would receive a corresponding decrease in the basis 
of their stock in the Issuer. Furthermore, if the Issuer 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 net income 
for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, 
the Issuer would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required 
distribution over the amounts actually distributed.  The Issuer has made and 
intends to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy all annual 
distribution requirements.

    It is possible that, from time to time, the Issuer may experience timing 
differences between (i) the actual receipt of income and actual payment of 
deductible expenses and (ii) the inclusion of that income and deduction of 
such expenses in arriving at the Issuer's taxable income.  Further, it is 
possible that, from time to time, the Issuer 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.  Additionally, the 
Company may incur cash expenditures that are not currently deductible for tax 
purposes.  As such, the Issuer may have less cash available for distribution 
than is necessary to meet its annual 95% distribution requirement or to avoid 
tax with respect to capital gain or the excise tax imposed on certain 
undistributed income.  To meet the 95% distribution requirement necessary to 
qualify as a REIT or to avoid tax with respect to capital gain or the excise 
tax imposed on certain undistributed income, the Issuer 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 relating to any IRS audit adjustments that 
increase income, the Issuer 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 Issuer's deduction 
for dividends paid for the earlier year.  Thus, the Issuer may be able to 
avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends; however, 
the Issuer will be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any 
deduction taken for deficiency dividends.

    Pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations, in order to be able to elect 
to be taxed as a REIT, the Issuer must maintain certain records and request 
certain information from its stockholders designed to disclose the actual 
ownership of its stock.  The Issuer has complied and intends to continue to 
comply with such requirements.

FAILURE TO QUALIFY

    If the Issuer fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, 
and the relief provisions do not apply, the Issuer will be subject to tax 
(including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at 
regular corporate rates.  Distributions to stockholders in any year in which 
the Issuer fails to qualify will not be deductible by the Issuer 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 Issuer will 
also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years 
following the year during which the Issuer ceased to qualify as a REIT.  It is 
not possible to state whether in all circumstances the Issuer would be 
entitled to such statutory relief.
    
                                  18
<PAGE>
   
TAXATION OF STOCKHOLDERS

    TAXATION OF TAXABLE DOMESTIC STOCKHOLDERS.  As long as the Issuer 
qualifies as a REIT, distributions made to the Issuer's taxable U.S. 
stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not 
designated as capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by such U.S. 
stockholders as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends 
received deduction for corporations.  Distributions that are designated as 
capital gain dividends will be taxed as long-term capital gains (to the extent 
they do not exceed the Issuer's actual net capital gain for the taxable year) 
without regard to the period for which the stockholder has held its stock.  
However, corporate stockholders may be required to treat up to 20% of certain 
capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Distributions in excess of current 
and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a stockholder to 
the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder's 
shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares.  To the 
extent that distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and 
profits exceed the adjusted basis of a stockholder's shares, such distributions 
will be included in income as long-term capital gain (or short-term capital 
gain if the shares have been held for one year or less) assuming the shares are 
a capital asset in the hands of the stockholder.  In addition, any distribution 
declared by the Issuer in October, November or December of any year payable to 
a stockholder of record on a specified date in any such month shall be treated 
as both paid by the Issuer and received by the stockholder on December 31 of 
such year, provided that the distribution is actually paid by the Issuer 
during January of the following calendar year.  Stockholders may not include in 
their individual income tax returns any net operating losses or capital losses 
of the Issuer.

    In general, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares by a stockholder 
who has held such shares for six months or less (after applying certain 
holding period rules), will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the 
extent of distributions from the Issuer required to be treated by such 
stockholder as long-term capital gain.

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

    TREATMENT OF TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS.  Distributions from the Issuer to a 
tax-exempt employee pension trust or other domestic tax-exempt stockholder 
generally will not constitute "unrelated business taxable income" ("UBTI") 
unless the stockholder has borrowed to acquire or carry the Common Stock.  For 
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993, however, qualified trusts that 
hold more than 10% (by value) of certain REITs may be required to treat a 
certain percentage of such a REIT's distributions as UBTI.  This requirement 
will apply only if (i) the REIT would not qualify for federal income tax 
purposes but for the application of a "look-through" exception to the "five or 
fewer" requirement applicable to shares held by qualified trusts and (ii) the 
REIT is "predominantly held" by qualified trusts.  A REIT is predominantly held 
if either (i) a single qualified trust holds more than 25% by value of the REIT 
interests or (ii) one or more qualified trusts, each owning more than 10% by 
value of the REIT interests, hold in the aggregate more than 50% of the REIT 
interests.  The percentage of any REIT dividend treated as UBTI is equal to the 
ratio of (a) the UBTI earned by the REIT (treating the REIT as if it were a 
qualified trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI) to (b) the total gross 
income (less certain associated expenses) of the REIT.  A de minimis exception 
applies where the ratio set forth in the preceding sentence is less than 5% for 
any year.  For those purposes, a qualified trust is any trust described in 
section 401(a) of the Code and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the 
Code.  The provisions requiring qualified trusts to treat a portion of REIT 
distributions as UBTI will not apply if the REIT is able to satisfy the "five 
or fewer" requirement without relying upon the "look-through" exception.  The 
restrictions on ownership of the Common Stock in the Articles will prevent 
application of the provisions treating a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI 
to tax-exempt entities purchasing the Common Stock, absent approval by the 
Board of Directors.
    
                                    19
<PAGE>
   
    TAXATION OF FOREIGN STOCKHOLDERS.  The rules governing United States 
federal income taxation of nonresident alien individuals, foreign 
corporations, foreign partnerships and other foreign stockholders 
(collectively, "Non-U.S. Stockholders") are complex and no attempt will be 
made herein to provide more than 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 with regard to an 
investment in shares, including any reporting requirements.
    
   
    Distributions that are not attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by 
the Company of United States real property interests and not designated by the 
Company as capital gains dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary 
income to the extent that they are made out of current or accumulated earnings 
and profits of the Company.  Such distributions will ordinarily be subject to a 
withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless a 
applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax.  However, if income from 
the investment in the shares is treated as effectively connected with the 
Non-U.S. Stockholder's conduct of a United States trade or business, the 
Non-U.S. Stockholder generally will be subject to a tax at graduated rates, in 
the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to such 
distributions (and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the 
case of a stockholder that is a foreign corporation).  The Issuer 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 treaty 
rate applies or (ii) the Non-U.S. Stockholder files an IRS Form 4224 with the 
Issuer claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income.  
Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits of the 
Issuer will not be taxable to a stockholder to the extent that such 
distributions do not exceed the adjusted basis of a stockholder's shares, but 
rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares.  To the extent that 
distributions in excess of current accumulated earnings and profits exceed the 
adjusted basis of a Non-U.S. Stockholder's shares, such distributions will give 
rise to tax liability if the Non-U.S. Stockholder would otherwise be subject to 
tax on any gain from the sale or disposition of his shares in the Issuer, as 
described below.  If it cannot be determined at the time a distribution is made 
whether or not such distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated 
earnings and profits, the distributions will be subject to withholding at the 
same rate as dividends. However, amounts thus withheld are refundable if it is 
subsequently determined that such distribution was, in fact, in excess of 
current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Issuer.
    
   
    For any year in which the Issuer qualifies as a REIT, distributions that 
are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by the Company of United 
States real property interests will be taxed to a Non-U.S. Stockholder under 
the provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 
("FIRPTA"). Under FIRPTA, distributions attributable to gain from sales of 
United States real property interests are taxed to a Non-U.S. Stockholder as if 
such gain were effectively connected with a United States business.  Non-U.S. 
Stockholders would thus be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable to 
U.S. stockholders (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special 
alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals).  Also, 
distributions subject to FIRPTA may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in 
the hands of a foreign corporate stockholder not entitled to treaty exemption. 
The Issuer is required by applicable Treasury Regulations to withhold 35% of 
any distribution that could be designated by the Issuer as a capital gains 
dividend.  This amount is creditable against the Non-U.S. Stockholder FIRPTA 
tax liability.
    
   
    Gain recognized by a Non-U.S. Stockholder upon a sale of shares generally 
will not be taxed under FIRPTA if the Issuer is a "domestically controlled 
REIT" defined generally as a REIT in which at all times during a specified 
testing period less than 50% in value of the stock was held directly or 
indirectly by foreign persons.  It is currently anticipated that the Issuer 
will be a "domestically controlled REIT," although there can be no 
assurance that it will retain its status as such.  If the Issuer is not 
"domestically controlled," gain recognized by a Non-U.S. Stockholder will 
continue to be exempt under FIRPTA if such person at no time owned more than 
five percent of the Common Stock of the Issuer.  However, gain not subject to 
FIRPTA will be taxable to a Non-U.S. Stockholder if (i) investment in the 
shares is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Stockholder's United States 
trade or business, in which case the Non-U.S. Stockholder will be subject to 
the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain, or (ii) 
the Non-U.S. Stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in 
the United States for more than 182 days during the taxable year and has a 
"tax home" in the United States, in which case the nonresident alien 
individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gains. If 
the gain on the sale of shares were to be subject to taxation under FIRPTA 
the Non-U.S. Stockholder will be subject to the same treatment a U.S 
stockholders with respect to such gain (subject to applicable alternative 
minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident 
alien individuals).
    
    If the proceeds of a sale of shares are paid by or through a U.S. office of 
a broker, the payment is subject to information reporting and to backup 
withholding unless the disposing Non-U.S. Stockholder certifies as to his name, 

                                      20
<PAGE>

address and non-U.S. status or otherwise establishes an exemption.  Generally, 
U.S. information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment 
of disposition proceeds if the payment is made outside the U.S. through a 
non-U.S. office of a non-US. broker. U.S. information reporting requirements 
(but not backup withholding) will apply, however, to a payment of disposition 
proceeds outside the U.S. if: (i) the payment is made through an office outside 
the U.S. of a broker that is: (a) a U.S. 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 U.S.; or (c) a "controlled foreign corporation" for 
U.S. federal income tax purposes; and (ii) the broker fails to initiate 
documentary evidence that the shareholder is a Non-U.S. Stockholder and that 
certain conditions are met or that the Non-U.S. Stockholder otherwise is 
entitled to a exemption.
   
TAX ASPECTS OF THE ISSUER'S INVESTMENTS IN PARTNERSHIPS
    
   
    GENERAL.  The Issuer holds direct or indirect interests in the Operating 
Partnership and the Property Partnerships (each individually a "Partnership" 
and, collectively, the "Partnerships").  In general, partnerships are 
"pass-through" entities which are not subject to federal income tax.  Rather, 
partners are allocated their proportionate shares of the items of income, gain, 
loss, deduction and credit of a partnership, and are potentially subject to tax 
thereon, without regard to whether the partners receive a distribution from the 
partnership.  The Issuer will include its proportionate share of the foregoing 
items of the Partnerships for purposes of the various REIT income tests and in 
the computation of its REIT taxable income.  See "Federal Income Tax 
Consideration -- Requirements for Qualification -- Gross Income Tests."  Any 
resultant increase in the Issuer's REIT taxable income will increase its 
distribution requirements (see "Federal Income Tax Consideration -- Requirements
or Qualification -- Annual Distribution Requirements"), but will not be subject 
to federal income tax in the hands of the Issuer provided that such income is 
distributed by the Issuer to its stockholders.  Moreover, for purposes of the 
REIT asset tests (see "Federal Income Tax Consideration -- Requirements for 
Qualification -- Asset Tests"), the Issuer will include its proportionate share 
of assets held by the Partnerships.
    

   
    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 in a manner such 
that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, respectively, 
the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time 
of the contribution.  The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss is 
generally equal to the difference between the fair market value of contributed 
property at the time of contribution, and the adjusted tax basis of such 
property at the time of contribution (a "Book-Tax Difference").  Such 
allocations are solely for federal income tax purposes and do not affect the 
book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the 
partners.  The Operating Partnership was formed principally by way of 
contributions of appreciated property.  Consequently, the Partnership Agreement 
requires such allocation to be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) 
of the Code.
    
    In general, the limited partners of the Operating Partnership will be 
allocated lower amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes and 
increased taxable income and gain on sale by the Partnerships of the 
contributed assets.  This will tend to eliminate the Book-Tax Difference over 
the life of the Partnerships.  However, the special allocation rules of Section 
704(c) do not always rectify the Book-Tax Difference on an annual basis or with 
respect to a specific taxable transaction such as a sale.  Under the applicable 

                                      21
<PAGE>
   
Treasury Regulations, such special allocations of income and gain and 
depreciation deductions must be made on a property-by-property basis. 
Depreciation deductions resulting from the carryover basis of a contributed 
property are used to eliminate the Book-Tax Difference by allocating such 
deductions to the non-contributing partners (i.e., the REIT and the other 
non-contributing partners) up to the amount of their share of book 
depreciation.  Any remaining tax depreciation for the contributed property 
would be allocated to the partners that contributed the property.  The 
Operating Partnership intends to elect the traditional method of rectifying 
the Book-Tax Difference under the applicable Treasury Regulations, pursuant 
to which, if depreciation deductions are less than the non-contributing 
partners' share of book depreciation, then the non-contributing partners lose 
the benefit of these deductions ("ceiling rule").  When the property is sold, 
the resulting tax gain is used to the extent possible to eliminate the 
Book-Tax Difference (reduced by any previous book depreciation).  Because of 
the application of the ceiling rule it is anticipated that tax depreciation 
will be allocated substantially in accordance with the percentages of OP 
Units held by the Issuer and the limited partners of the Operating 
Partnership, notwithstanding Section 704(c) of the Code.  Thus, the carryover 
basis of the contributed assets in the hands of the Partnerships will cause 
the Issuer to be allocated lower depreciation and other deductions, and 
possibly greater amounts of taxable income in the event of a sale of such 
contributed assets in excess of the economic or book depreciation allocated 
to it, and possibly the economic and book income or gain allocated to it as a 
result of such sale.  This may cause the Issuer to recognize taxable income 
in excess of cash proceeds, which might adversely affect the Issuer's ability 
to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See "Federal Income Tax 
Consideration -- Requirements for Qualification -- Annual Distribution 
Requirements."

OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS

    THE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES.  A portion of the cash to be used by the 
Operating Partnership to fund distributions to partners, including the Issuer, 
is expected to come from the Management Companies through dividends on the 
stock that will be held by the Operating Partnership.  The Management Companies 
will receive income from the Operating Partnership, the Property Partnerships 
and unrelated third parties. Because the Issuer, the Operating Partnership and 
the Management Companies are related through stock ownership, income of the 
Management Companies from services performed for the Issuer and the Operating 
Partnership may be subject to certain rules under which additional income may 
be allocated to the Management Companies.  The Management Companies will pay 
federal and state income tax at the full applicable corporate rates on its 
income prior to payment of any dividends.  The Management Companies will 
attempt to minimize the amount of such taxes, but there can be no assurance 
whether or the extent to which measures taken to minimize taxes will be 
successful.  To the extent that the Management Companies are required to pay 
federal, state, or local taxes, the cash available for distribution by the 
Issuer to stockholders will be reduced accordingly.

    POSSIBLE LEGISLATIVE OR OTHER ACTIONS AFFECTING TAX CONSEQUENCES.  
Prospective holders of Securities should recognize that the present federal 
income tax treatment of investment in the Issuer may be modified by 
legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time and that any such 
action may affect investments and commitments previously made.  The rules 
dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons 
involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the Treasury Department, 
resulting in revisions of regulations and revised interpretations of 
established concepts as well as statutory changes.  Revisions in federal tax 
laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect the tax consequences of 
investment in the Issuer.

    STATE AND LOCAL TAXES.  The Company and its holders of Securities may be 
subject to state or local taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in 
which it or they transact business or reside.  The state and local tax 
treatment of the Company and its holders of Securities may not conform to the 
federal income tax consequences discussed above.  Consequently, prospective 
holders of Securities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the 
effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in any Securities.


                            LEGAL MATTERS

    The validity of the Securities and certain tax matters will be 
passed upon for the Company by O'Melveny & Myers LLP.  O'Melveny & Myers LLP 
will rely as to certain matters of Maryland law on the opinion of Ballard, 
Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll.
    
                                 22
<PAGE>

   
                              EXPERTS

    The financial statements and financial statement schedule of the Issuer 
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Issuer's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, and the combined 
statement of certain revenues and certain expenses of Vintage Faire 
Associates and Billings Associates for the year ended December 31, 1995, 
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Issuer's Current Report 
on Form 8-K/A (event date November 30, 1996), have been audited by Coopers & 
Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, as indicated in each of its reports 
thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. 

    The combined statement of certain revenues and certain expenses of 
Buenaventura Mall, Fresno Fashion Fair and Huntington Beach Mall for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, incorporated in this Prospectus by 
reference to the Issuer's Current Report on Form 8-K/A (event date December 30, 
1996), has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent 
accountants, as indicated in its report thereon included therein and 
incorporated herein by reference. 

    The combined statement of certain revenues and certain expenses of South 
Towne Center and South Towne Marketplace for the fiscal year ended December 31, 
1996, incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Issuer's 
Current Report on Form 8-K/A (event date August 6, 1997), has been audited by 
Ernst & Young LLP, independent accountants, as indicated in its report 
thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. 

    Each of the above-referenced financial statements, schedules and reports 
is incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the authority of the 
respective firms as experts in accounting and auditing.

    

                                       23

<PAGE>

 No dealer, salesperson or other 
individual has been authorized to give 
any information or to make any 
representations other than those 
contained or incorporated by reference                 $500,000,000
in this Prospectus in connection with 
the offer made by this Prospectus and, 
if given or made, such information or 
representations must not be relied upon 
as having been authorized by the                 [LOGO OF THE MACERICH COMPANY]
Company or any agent, dealer or 
underwriter.  Neither the delivery of 
this Prospectus nor any sale made                  THE MACERICH COMPANY 
hereunder shall under any circumstances 
create an implication that there has 
been no change in the affairs of the 
Company since the date hereof.  This 
Prospectus does not constitute an offer 
or solicitation by anyone in any state 
in which such offer or solicitation is 
not authorized or in which the person 
making such offer or solicitation is 
not qualified to do so or to anyone to 
whom it is unlawful to make such offer 
or solicitation.

 _______________________
   
      TABLE OF CONTENTS                                 SECURITIES
                                  Page
         Prospectus

AVAILABLE INFORMATION                2

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN 
DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE               2

THE COMPANY                          3

RISK FACTORS                         3         ---------------------------

USE OF PROCEEDS                      8                   PROSPECTUS

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK          9          ---------------------------

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES 
WARRANTS                            10

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS               12

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION                13

FEDERAL INCOME TAX 
CONSIDERATIONS                      14            December_, 1997

LEGAL MATTERS                       22

EXPERTS                             23
 
    
<PAGE>

                                    PART II

                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

  Registration fee                        $147,148
  Printing and engraving expenses          150,000
  Accounting fees and expenses             100,000 
  Legal fees and expenses                  200,000 
  Blue sky fees and expenses                30,000
  Fees and expenses of Transfer Agent       30,000
  Miscellaneous                             17,852
                                          --------
   Total                                  $675,000
                                          --------
                                          --------

_____________________

 * To be filed by amendment.


Item 15.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers
   
    The MGCL permits a corporation formed in Maryland to include in its 
charter a provision eliminating or limiting the liability of its directors 
and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except 
for (i) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as 
being material to that cause of action or (ii) actual receipt of an improper 
benefit or profit in money, property or services.  The Issuer's Articles have 
incorporated such a provision which limits such liability to the fullest 
extent permitted by the MGCL.
    
   
    The Articles authorize the Issuer to indemnify its present and former 
officers and directors and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance 
of the final disposition of the proceeding to the maximum extent permitted 
from time to time by the laws of Maryland.  The Bylaws of the Issuer obligate 
it to indemnify and advance reasonable expenses to present and former 
directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.  The 
MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and 
officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and 
reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any 
proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their service in 
those or other capacities unless it is established that (i) the act or 
omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to 
the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of 
active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) the director or officer actually 
received an improper personal benefit, or (iii) in the case of any criminal 
proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the 
act or omission was unlawful.  In addition, the MGCL requires the Company, as 
conditions to advancing expenses, to obtain (a) a written affirmation by the 
director or officer of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of 
conduct necessary for indemnification by the Company as authorized by the 
applicable bylaws or partnership agreement and (b) a written statement by him 
or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the Company if it 
shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was not met.  The 
MGCL requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the 
Company's Charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been 
successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to 
which he is made a party by reason of his service in that capacity.  However, 
under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse 
judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation.  The bylaws also 
(i) permit the Issuer to provide indemnification and advance expenses to a 
present or former director or officer who served a predecessor of the Issuer 
in such capacity, and to any employee or agent of the Issuer or a predecessor 
of the Issuer, (ii) provide that any indemnification or payment or 
    

                                  II-1
<PAGE>

   
reimbursement of the expenses permitted by the applicable bylaws shall be 
furnished in accordance with the procedures provided for indemnification and 
payment or reimbursement of expenses under Section 2-418 of the MGCL for 
directors of Maryland corporations and (iii) permit the Issuer to provide 
such other and further indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses 
as may be permitted by Section 2-418 of the MGCL for directors of Maryland 
corporations.
    

   
    The Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership also provides for 
indemnification of the Issuer and its officers and directors to the same 
extent that indemnification is provided to officers and directors of the 
Issuer in the Articles, and limits the liability of the Issuer and its 
officers and directors to the Operating Partnership and its partners to the 
same extent that liability of officers and directors of the Issuer is limited 
under the Articles.
    
   
    The Issuer and the Operating Partnership have entered into indemnification 
agreements with each of the Issuer's officers and directors. The 
indemnification agreements require, among other things, that the Issuer and 
the Operating Partnership indemnify the Issuer's officers and directors to 
the fullest extent permitted by law, and advance to the officers and 
directors all related reasonable expenses, subject to reimbursement if it is 
subsequently determined that indemnification is not permitted.  The Issuer 
and the Operating Partnership 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 
Issuer's directors' and officers' liability insurance.  Although this form of 
indemnification agreement offers substantially the same scope of coverage 
afforded by provisions in the Articles and the Bylaws of the Issuer and the 
Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership, 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, by the stockholders or by the partners of the 
Operating Partnership to eliminate the rights it provides.
    

Item 16. Exhibits.

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

   
 4.1      Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Issuer 
          (included as an exhibit to the Issuer's Registration Statement on 
          Form S-11, as amended (No. 33-68964), and incorporated herein by 
          reference).
    

   
 4.2      Articles Supplementary (included as an exhibit to the Issuer's 
          Current Report on Form 8-K, event date May 30, 1995, and 
          incorporated herein by reference).
    

   
 4.3      Bylaws of the Issuer (included as an exhibit to the Issuer's 
          Registration Statement on Form S-11, as amended (No. 33-68964), 
          and incorporated herein by reference).
    

   
 4.4      Form of Common Stock Certificate (included as an exhibit to the 
          Issuer's Current Report on Form 8-K, event date May 30, 1995, and 
          incorporated herein by reference).
    

 5.1      Opinion of O'Melveny & Myers LLP as to the validity of the 
          Securities.

   
 8.1      Opinion of O'Melveny & Myers LLP as to certain tax matters.
    


                                  II-2
<PAGE>

   
23.1*    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (relating to report on combined
          statement of certain revenues and certain expenses of Vintage Faire
          Associates and Billings Associates for the fiscal year ended 
          December 31, 1995).
    

   
 23.2     Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (relating to report on financial
          statements and financial statement of schedule of the Issuer 
          included in the Issuer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 
          year ended December 31, 1996 (the "Annual Report"), included as 
          Exhibit 23.1 to the Annual Report and incorporated herein by 
          reference).
    

   
 23.3     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (relating to report on combined
          statement of certain revenues and certain expenses of Buenaventura 
          Mall, Fresno Fashion Fair and Huntington Beach Mall for the fiscal 
          year ended  December 31, 1995).
    

   
 23.4     Consent of Ernest & Young LLP (relating to report on combined
          statement of certain revenues and certain expenses of South Towne
          Center and South Towne Marketplace for the fiscal year ended 
          December 31, 1996).
    

   
 23.5     Consent of O'Melveny & Myers LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 and 
          Exhibit 8.1). 

    

   
 24.1*    Power of Attorney.
    
___________________


   
  *Previously filed.
    




Item 17. Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

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

         (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) 
of the Securities Act of 1933, unless the information required to 
be included in such post-effective amendment is contained in a 
periodic report filed by Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 
incorporated herein by reference;

        (ii) To reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events 
arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or 
the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, 
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change 
in the information set forth in the Registration Statement, unless 
the information required to be included in such post-effective 
amendment is contained in a periodic report filed by Registrant 
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Act of 
1934 and incorporated herein by reference;

       (iii) To include any material information with respect to 
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the 
Registration Statement or any material change to such information 
in the Registration Statement;

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

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

  (4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the 
Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report 
pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the Registration 
Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to 
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at 
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities 
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of 
the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 15 above, or 
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public 
policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, 
unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such 
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or 
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the 
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such 

                                 II-3
<PAGE>

director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities 
being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel 
the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of 
appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is 
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be 
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby further undertakes that:

  (1) For the purpose of determining any liability under the 
Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of 
prospectus filed as a part of this Registration Statement in reliance 
upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the 
Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h) under the 
Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this Registration 
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

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

                                  II-4


<PAGE>
                              SIGNATURES


   
 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant 
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the 
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 
to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, 
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Santa Monica, State of California, 
on the 8th day of December, 1997.
    
                                       THE MACERICH COMPANY


   
                                       By: /s/     Arthur M. Coppola 
                                           --------------------------
                                                   Arthur M. Coppola
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this 
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the 
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

    
Signature                      Title                          Date

   
  /s/ MACE SIEGEL 
- ---------------------------    Chairman of the Board of       December 8, 1997
      Mace Siegel              Directors


  /s/ DANA K. ANDERSON 
- ---------------------------    Vice Chairman of the Board     December 8, 1997
      Dana K. Anderson         of Directors and Chief
                               Operating Officer

    
                                   II-5
<PAGE>
   
Signature                      Title                          Date



  /s/ ARTHUR M. COPPOLA 
- --------------------------     Director, President and Chief  December 8, 1997
      Arthur M. Coppola        Executive Officer (Principal
                               Executive Officer) 


          *   
- --------------------------     Director, Executive Vice       December 8, 1997
      Edward C. Coppola        President and Director of
                               Acquisitions


          *
- --------------------------     Director                       December 8, 1997
      James S. Cownie


    
  Theodore S. Hochstim         Director                       December 8, 1997


          *
- --------------------------     Director                       December 8, 1997
      Fred S. Hubbell


          *
- --------------------------     Director                       December 8, 1997
      Stanley A. Moore


          *
- --------------------------     Director                       December 8, 1997
 Dr. William P. Sexton


  /s/ THOMAS E. O'HERN 
- --------------------------     Senior Vice President,         December 8, 1997
      Thomas E. O'Hern         Chief Financial Officer
                               and Treasurer (Principal 
                               Financial Officer and 
                               Principal Accounting 
                               Officer) 


* By: /s/ ARTHUR M. COPPOLA
     ------------------------
          Arthur M. Coppola
          ATTORNEY-IN-FACT



                                  II-6
    

<PAGE>

                        [LETTERHEAD OF O'MELVENY & MYERS LLP]

                                       DECEMBER
                                         8th 
                                         1997



                                                               528, 715-064
(213) 669-6000


    The Macerich Company
    233 Wilshire Boulevard
    Suite 700
    Santa Monica, California   90401

         Re:  $500,000,000 Aggregate Offering Price of
              Securities of The Macerich Company
              ----------------------------------

    Ladies and Gentlemen:

              At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement
    on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-21157 (the "Registration Statement"),
    filed by The Macerich Company (the "Company") with the Securities and
    Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of $500,000,000
    aggregate offering price of securities (the "Securities"), consisting of
    shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company (the
    "Common Stock"), warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock (the
    "Securities Warrants") and rights to purchase shares of Common Stock (the
    "Rights").  We are familiar with the proceedings heretofore taken by the
    Company in connection with the authorization, registration, issuance and
    sale of the Securities.

              Subject to (i) the proposed additional proceedings being taken 
     as now contemplated by us and Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll as 
     your counsel prior to the issuance of the Securities; (ii) the 
     effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 
     1933, as amended; (iii) in the case of the shares of Common Stock, the 
     execution and delivery of and payment for the shares of Common Stock and 
     the countersigning of the certificate or certificates representing the 
     shares of Common Stock by a duly authorized officer of the registrar for 
     the Common Stock of the Company; (iv) in the case of the Securities 
     Warrants, the due authorization, execution and delivery of a Securities 
     Warrant Agreement, the execution and delivery of and payment for the 
     Securities Warrants and the countersigning of the certificate or 
     certificates representing the Securities Warrants by a duly authorized 
     officer of the Securities Warrant agent; and (v) in the case of the 
     Rights, the due authorization, execution and delivery of a Rights 
     Agreement, the execution and delivery of and payment for the Rights and 
     the countersigning of the certificate or certificates representing the 
     Rights by a duly authorized officer of the Rights agent,


<PAGE>

    Page 2 - The Macerich Company - December 8, 1997

    it is our opinion that:

              1.   The Common Stock (including any Common Stock that may be
         issuable pursuant to the exercise of any Securities Warrants or
         Rights) will, upon the issuance and sale thereof in the manner
         specified in the Registration Statement, be validly issued, fully paid
         and nonassessable.

              2.   The Securities Warrants will, upon the issuance and sale
         thereof in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, be 
         validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

              3.   The Rights will, upon the issuance and sale thereof in the
         manner specified in the Registration Statement, be validly issued,
         fully paid and nonassessable. 

              We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                  Respectfully submitted,


                                  /s/ O'MELVENY & MYERS LLP


<PAGE>

                          [O'MELVENY & MYERS LLP LETTERHEAD]




                                       December
                                        8th
                                       1 9 9 7




                                                                528,715-064
                                                                   LA1-770138.V1




The Macerich Company
233 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 700
Santa Monica, California 90401

         Re:  STATUS AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ("REIT")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         You have requested our opinion concerning certain federal income tax 
considerations in connection with the registration by the Company of one or 
more series of its shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share ("Common 
Stock"), warrants to purchase Common Stock ("Securities Warrants") and rights 
to purchase shares of Common Stock ("Rights", the Common Stock, Securities 
Warrants and Rights are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities"), 
with a maximum public offering price of up to $500,000,000 as more fully 
described in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 
333-21157) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 
1997, as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed on December 8, 1997, (as so 
amended, the "Registration Statement," which includes the Prospectus).  
Capitalized terms used in this letter and not otherwise defined herein have 
the meanings assigned to such terms in the Prospectus.

         The opinion set forth in this letter is based on relevant provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury
Regulations thereunder (including proposed and temporary Treasury Regulations),
and interpretations of the foregoing as expressed in court decisions,
administrative determinations, and the legislative history as of the date
hereof.  These provisions and interpretations are subject to change, which may
or may not be retroactive in effect, that might result in modifications of our
opinion.

         In rendering our opinion we examined such records, certificates,
documents and other materials as we considered necessary or appropriate as a
basis for such opinion, including the following:  (1) the Registration Statement
(including the exhibits thereto and


<PAGE>

Page 2

all amendments made through the date hereof), (2) the Amended and Restated
Limited Partnership Agreement of The Macerich Partnership, L.P. (the "Operating
Partnership"), (3) the corporate charter of the Company, as supplemented by
Articles Supplementary filed with the appropriate State of Maryland authorities
on May 30, 1995, (4) the corporate organizational documents of the two
Management Companies, (5) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996, (6) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1997, (7) the agreements for the partnerships in
which the Operating Partnership is a partner (the "Property Partnerships") and
(8) such other documents and information provided by you as we deemed relevant
to our opinion.

         In addition, you have provided us with a certificate (the "Officer's
Certificate"), executed by a duly appointed officer of the Company, as the
corporation which is directly or indirectly serving as (i) the sole corporate
general partner of the Operating Partnership, and (ii) a general partner of each
of the Property Partnerships, setting forth certain representations relating to
the formation and operation of the Company and its subsidiaries (including the
Operating Partnership and the Property Partnerships).

         For purposes of our opinion, we have not made an independent
investigation of the facts set forth in such documents, the Officer's
Certificate, the partnership agreement for the Operating Partnership, the
partnership agreements for the Property Partnerships, or the Prospectus.  We
have, consequently, relied on your respective representations that the
information presented in such documents, or otherwise furnished to us,
accurately and completely describe all material facts relevant to our opinion. 
We have also assumed, with your permission, that the opinion of Richards, Layton
& Finger, dated March 16, 1994, as to certain matters of Delaware law relating
to the Lakewood Mall Business Company, a Delaware business trust continues to be
correct.  No facts have come to our attention, however, that would cause us to
question the accuracy and completeness of such facts, documents, or assumption
in a material way.

         We have also assumed for the purposes of this opinion that the Company
is validly organized and duly incorporated under the laws of the State of
Maryland, that the Management Companies are validly organized and incorporated
under the laws of the State of Delaware, that the Operating Partnership is a
duly organized and validly existing partnerships under the laws of the State of
Delaware and that each of the Property Partnerships is duly organized and a
validly existing partnership under the law of its state of organization.

         Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

         1.  The Company has qualified for treatment as a real estate
investment trust ("REIT") under the Code for its taxable years ended December
31, 1994, December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996, and the Company's
organization and method of operation will enable it to meet the requirements for
qualification and taxation as a REIT for its taxable


<PAGE>

Page 3

year ending December 31, 1997, and to continue to meet such requirements in each
taxable year thereafter.

         2.  The discussion in the Prospectus under the heading "FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSIDERATIONS," fairly summarizes the federal income tax considerations
that are likely to be material to a holder of Common Stock.

         We note that the Registration Statement does not currently address the
federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a holder of Securities
Warrants or Rights. It is our understanding that in the event the Company issues
Securities Warrants or Rights, the Company will prepare a supplement to the
Registration Statement, which supplement will address the federal income tax
considerations that are likely to be material to a holder of such Securities.

         The Company's qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon the
Company's ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating
and other results, the various requirements under the Code and described in the
Prospectus with regard to, among other things, the sources of its gross income,
the composition of its assets, the level of its distributions to stockholders,
and the diversity of its stock ownership.  O'Melveny & Myers LLP will not review
the Company's compliance with these requirements on a continuing basis. 
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the operations
of the Company, the Operating Partnership, and their subsidiaries, the sources
of their income, the nature of their assets, the level of the Company's
distributions to stockholders and the diversity of its stock ownership for any
given taxable year will satisfy the requirements under the Code for
qualification and taxation as a REIT.

         For a discussion relating the law to the facts and the legal analysis
underlying the opinion set forth in this letter, we incorporate by reference the
discussion of federal income tax issues, which we assisted in preparing, in the
sections of the Prospectus under the heading "FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSIDERATIONS."

         Other than as expressly stated above, we express no opinion on any
issue relating to the Company, the Operating Partnership, one or more of the
Property Partnerships or to any investment therein.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and the use to the name of our firm therein.

                             Respectfully submitted,

                             /s/ O'Melveny & Myers LLP

<PAGE>

                   [LETTERHEAD OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]



The Board of Directors
The Macerich Company:



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement 
(No. 33321157) on Form S-3 of the Macerich Company of our report dated 
December 19, 1996, with respect to the combined statement of revenues and 
certain expenses of Buenaventura Mall, Fresno Fashion Fair and Huntington 
Beach Mall for the year ended December 31, 1995, which report appears in the 
Form 8-K/A of the Macerich Company dated, February 27, 1997.



                                              /s/  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Los Angeles, California
December 5, 1997


<PAGE>

                            [ERNST & YOUNG LLP LETTERHEAD]


                           CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statements of The Macerich Company on Form S-3 dated February 5, 1997, Form 
S-8 (No. 33-84038) pertaining to the 1994 Eligible Director's Stock Option 
Plan and Form S-8 (No. 33-84040) pertaining to the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan 
of our report dated February 13, 1997, with respect to the combined statement 
of revenue and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996 of South 
Towne Center and South Towne Marketplace included in the current report on 
Form 8-K/A dated October 15, 1997 of The Macerich Company.
    

                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

   
Chicago, Illinois
October 15, 1997
    


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