HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC
10-K, 1998-03-31
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   FORM 10-K


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
    Act of 1934
     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997

                                      OR

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
    Exchange Act of 1934
     For the transition period from        to

Commission file number 1-13100


                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Maryland                          56-1871668
<S>                                            <C>
             (State or other jurisdiction        (I.R.S. Employer
         of incorporation or organization)     Identification No.)
</TABLE>

                        3100 Smoketree Court, Suite 600
                              Raleigh, N.C. 27604
              (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
                                 919-872-4924
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Name of Each Exchange on
                   Title of Each Class                          Which Registered
- --------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>
    Common stock, $.01 par value                           New York Stock Exchange
    8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares     New York Stock Exchange
</TABLE>

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                     NONE

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X     No

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of
this Form 10-K. [ ]

     The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock held by
non-affiliates (based upon the closing sale price on the New York Stock
Exchange) on March 20, 1998 was $1,708,104,762. As of March 20, 1998, there
were 50,604,018 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.


                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 14, 1998 are incorporated by reference
in Part III Items 10, 11, 12 and 13.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Item No.                                                                                   Page No.
- ----------                                                                                 ---------
<S>          <C>                                                                           <C>
                  PART I
  1.         Business ..................................................................   3
  2.         Properties ................................................................   10
  3.         Legal Proceedings .........................................................   24
  4.         Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders .......................   24
    X.       Executive Officers of the Registrant ......................................   24
                  PART II
  5.         Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters ......   25
  6.         Selected Financial Data ...................................................   26
  7.         Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
             of Operations .............................................................   28
  8.         Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...............................   39
  9.         Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
             Financial Disclosure ......................................................   39
                  PART III
 10.         Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ........................   39
 11.         Executive Compensation ....................................................   39
 12.         Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ............   39
 13.         Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ............................   39
                  PART IV
 14.         Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K ...........   40
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

                                     PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

     Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the "Company") is a self-administered and
self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") that began operations
through a predecessor in 1978. Originally founded to oversee the development,
leasing and management of the 201-acre Highwoods Office Center in Raleigh,
North Carolina, the Company has since evolved into one of the largest owners
and operators of suburban office and industrial properties in the southeastern
United States. As of December 31, 1997, the Company owned a portfolio of 481
in-service office and industrial properties (the "Properties") and owned 718
acres (and had agreed to purchase an additional 512 acres) of undeveloped land
suitable for future development (the "Development Land"). An additional 32
properties (the "Development Projects"), which will encompass approximately 3.3
million square feet, were under development as of December 31, 1997. The
Properties consist of 342 suburban office properties and 139 industrial
properties (including 73 service centers) located in 19 markets in North
Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland and
Alabama.

     The Company conducts substantially all of its activities through, and
substantially all of its properties are held directly or indirectly by,
Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership (the "Operating Partnership"). The
Operating Partnership is controlled by the Company as its sole general partner
and, as of March 20, 1998, the Company owned approximately 83% of the common
partnership interests (the "Common Units") in the Operating Partnership. The
remaining Common Units are owned by limited partners (including certain
officers and directors of the Company). Each Common Unit may be redeemed by the
holder thereof for the cash value of one share of common stock, $.01 par value,
of the Company (the "Common Stock") or, at the Company's option, one share
(subject to certain adjustments) of Common Stock. With each such exchange, the
number of Common Units owned by the Company and, therefore, the Company's
percentage interest in the Operating Partnership, will increase.

     In addition to owning the Properties, the Development Projects and the
Development Land, the Company provides leasing, property management, real
estate development, construction and miscellaneous tenant services for the
Properties as well as for third parties. The Company conducts its third-party
fee-based services through Highwoods Tennessee Properties, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, and Highwoods Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the
Operating Partnership.

     The Company was formed in North Carolina in 1994. The Company's executive
offices are located at 3100 Smoketree Court, Suite 600, Raleigh, North Carolina
27604, and its telephone number is (919) 872-4924. The Company also maintains
regional offices in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina; Richmond,
Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta,
Georgia; Tampa, Boca Raton, Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida; and South
Florida.


Business Objectives and Strategy of the Company

     The Company seeks to maximize the total return to its stockholders (i)
through contractual increases in rental rates from existing leases, (ii) by
renewing or re-leasing space with expiring leases at higher effective rental
rates, (iii) by increasing occupancy levels in properties, (iv) by acquiring
new properties, (v) by developing new properties, including properties on the
Development Land, and (vi) by providing a complete line of real estate services
to the Company's tenants and to third parties. The Company believes that its
in-house development, acquisition, construction management, leasing and
management services allow it to respond to the many demands of its existing and
potential tenant base, and enable it to provide its tenants cost-effective
services such as build-to-suit construction and space modification, including
tenant improvements and expansions. In addition, the breadth of the Company's
capabilities and resources provides it with market information not generally
available and gives the Company increased access to development, acquisition
and management opportunities. The Company believes that the operating
efficiencies achieved through its fully integrated organization also provide a
competitive advantage in setting its lease rates and pricing its other
services.


                                       3
<PAGE>

     The Company's strategy has been to focus its real estate activities in
markets where it believes its extensive local knowledge gives it a competitive
advantage over other real estate developers and operators. As the Company has
expanded into new markets, it has continued to maintain this localized approach
by combining with local real estate operators with many years of development
and management experience in their respective markets. Also, in making its
acquisitions, the Company has sought to employ those property-level managers
who are experienced with the real estate operations and the local market
relating to the acquired properties, resulting in approximately three-quarters
of the portfolio currently being managed on a day-to-day basis by personnel
that has had previous experience managing, leasing and/or developing those
properties for which they are responsible.

     The Company seeks to acquire suburban office and industrial properties at
prices below replacement cost that offer attractive returns, including
acquisitions of underperforming, high-quality assets in situations offering
opportunities for the Company to improve such assets' operating performance. In
evaluating potential acquisition opportunities, the Company will continue to
rely on the extensive experience of its management and its research
capabilities in considering a number of factors, including: (i) the location of
the property, (ii) the construction quality and condition of the property,
(iii) the occupancy and demand of properties of a similar type in the market
and (iv) the ability of the property to generate returns at or above levels of
expected growth. (See " -- Recent Developments" for a discussion of the
Company's acquisition and development activities during 1997.) The Company also
believes that the 1,230 acres of Development Land controlled as of December 31,
1997 should provide it with a competitive advantage in its future development
activities.

     The Company may from time to time acquire properties from property owners
through the exchange of Common Units in the Operating Partnership for the
property owner's equity in the acquired property. As discussed above, each
Common Unit received by these property owners is redeemable for cash from the
Operating Partnership or, at the Company's option, one share of Common Stock.
In connection with the transactions, the Company may also assume outstanding
indebtedness associated with the acquired properties. The Company believes that
this acquisition method may permit it to acquire properties at attractive
prices from property owners wishing to enter into tax-deferred transactions. As
of December 31, 1997, the Company had acquired 235 properties using the
foregoing method since its inception, comprising 16.4 million rentable square
feet.

     The Company is also committed to maintaining a capital structure that will
allow it to grow through development and acquisition opportunities. As part of
this commitment, the Company intends to operate with a ratio of debt to total
market capitalization below 40%. At March 20, 1998, the ratio of debt to total
market capitalization (based on a Common Stock price of $34.13 per share) was
approximately 32%. The Company believes that this debt level improves its
ability to borrow funds at attractive rates. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources."


                                       4
<PAGE>

Recent Developments

     Merger and Acquisition Activity. The following table summarizes the
mergers and acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 1997
(dollars in thousands):



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Acquisition
                                                              Closing     Number of     Rentable      Initial
Property                               Location                Date      Properties   Square Feet       Cost
- -------------------------------------  ------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- -------------
<S>                                    <C>                 <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Century Center                         Atlanta               02/01/97         21       1,437,000    $  128,100
Anderson Properties                    Atlanta               02/01/97         28       1,914,000        61,800
Patewood I & II                        Greenville            03/01/97          2         117,000        11,900
3600 Glenwood Avenue                   Research Triangle     03/01/97          1          78,000        11,000
400 North Business Park                Atlanta               05/01/97          3          86,000         7,200
Kennestone Corporate Center            Atlanta               05/01/97          5          82,000         5,400
Oxford Lakes Business Center           Atlanta               05/01/97          2         102,000         8,000
Bluegrass Place 1                      Atlanta               08/29/97          1          69,000         2,500
Bluegrass Place 2                      Atlanta               08/29/97          1          72,000         3,000
Centrum Building                       Memphis               09/03/97          1          71,000         6,600
Pinebrook                              Charlotte             09/23/97          1          61,000         5,600
1765 The Exchange                      Atlanta               10/01/97          1          90,000         7,200
NationsBank Plaza                      Greenville            10/01/97          1         196,000        10,200
Associated Capital Properties, Inc.    Florida               10/01/97         84       6,410,000       617,000
Riparius Development Corporation       Baltimore             12/23/97          5         364,000        42,000
Shelton Portfolio                      Piedmont Triad        11/17/97          8         499,000        48,000
Smith Portfolio                        Tampa                 10/17/97          3         217,000        17,900
Triad Crow Portfolio                   Atlanta               12/04/97          2         267,000        39,300
Riverside Plaza                        Norfolk               10/31/97          1          87,000         7,700
Zurn Building                          Tampa                 11/01/97          1          74,000         5,400
Avion Building                         South Florida         11/17/97          1          67,000         5,200
Gulf Atlantic                          South Florida         12/12/97          1         135,000        11,300
100 Winner's Circle                    Nashville             12/15/97          1          72,000         8,700
Doral Financial Plaza                  South Florida         12/22/97          1         222,000        17,300
                                                                                              --    ----------
                                                                             176      12,789,000    $1,088,300
                                                                             ===      ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

     A significant portion of the Company's growth during 1997 resulted from
its expansion in existing markets, including the ACP Transaction, the Century
Center Transaction and the Anderson Transaction (each as defined herein). The
Company also entered a new market, Baltimore, Maryland, as a result of the
Riparius Transaction (as defined herein).

     Century Center Transaction. On January 9, 1997, the Company acquired the
17-building Century Center Office Park, four affiliated industrial properties
and 20 acres of land for development located in suburban Atlanta, Georgia (the
"Century Center Transaction"). The properties total 1.6 million rentable square
feet and, as of December 31, 1997, were 99% leased. The cost of the Century
Center Transaction was $55.6 million in Common Units (valued at $29.25 per
Common Unit, the market value of a share of Common Stock as of the signing of a
letter of intent for the Century Center Transaction), the assumption of $19.4
million of secured debt and a cash payment of $53.1 million. All Common Units
issued in the transaction are subject to restrictions on transfer and
redemption. Such restrictions are scheduled to expire over a three-year period
in equal annual installments commencing one year from the date of issuance.

     Century Center Office Park is located on approximately 77 acres, of which
approximately 61 acres are controlled under long-term fixed rental ground
leases that expire in 2058. The rent under the leases is approximately $180,000
per year with scheduled 10% increases in 1999 and 2009. The leases do not
contain a right to purchase the subject land.


                                       5
<PAGE>

     Anderson Transaction. On February 12, 1997, the Company acquired a
portfolio of industrial, office and undeveloped properties in Atlanta from
Anderson Properties, Inc. and affiliates (the "Anderson Transaction"). The
Anderson Transaction involved 22 industrial properties and six office
properties totaling 1.6 million rentable square feet, three industrial
development projects totaling 402,000 square feet and 137 acres of land for
development. The in-service properties were 94% leased as of December 31, 1997.
 

     The cost of the Anderson Transaction consisted of the issuance of $22.9
million of Common Units (valued at $29.25 per Common Unit, the market value of
a share of Common Stock as of the signing of a letter of intent relating to the
Anderson Transaction), the assumption of $7.8 million of mortgage debt and a
cash payment of $37.7 million. The cash amount does not include $11.1 million
paid to complete the three development projects. Approximately $5.5 million of
the Common Units are Class B Common Units, which differ from other Common Units
in that they are not eligible for cash distributions from the Operating
Partnership. The Class B Common Units convert to regular Common Units in 25%
annual installments commencing one year from the date of issuance. Prior to
such conversion, such Common Units are not redeemable for cash or Common Stock.
All other Common Units issued in the transaction are also subject to
restrictions on transfer or redemption. Such lock-up restrictions expire over a
three-year period in equal annual installments commencing one year from the
date of issuance.

     ACP Transaction. In October of 1997, the Company completed an acquisition
(the "ACP Transaction") of Associated Capital Properties, Inc. ("ACP") involving
a portfolio of 84 office properties encompassing 6.4 million rentable square
feet (the "ACP Properties") and approximately 50 acres of land for development
with a build-out capacity of 1.9 million square feet in six markets in Florida.
At December 31, 1997, the ACP Properties were approximately 92% leased to
approximately 1,100 tenants including IBM, the State of Florida, Prudential,
Price Waterhouse, AT&T, GTE, Prosource, Lockheed Martin, NationsBank and
Accustaff. Seventy-nine of the ACP Properties are located in suburban
submarkets, with the remaining properties located in the central business
districts of Orlando, Jacksonville and West Palm Beach.

     The cost of the ACP Transaction was valued at $617 million and consisted
of the issuance of 2,955,238 Common Units (valued at $32.50 per Common Unit),
the assumption of approximately $481 million of mortgage debt ($391 million of
which was paid off by the Company on the date of closing), the issuance of
117,617 shares of Common Stock (valued at $32.50 per share), a capital expense
reserve of $11 million and a cash payment of approximately $24 million. All
Common Units and Common Stock issued in the transaction are subject to
restrictions on transfer or redemption that will expire over a three-year
period. All lockup restrictions on the transfer of such Common Units or Common
Stock issued to ACP and its affiliates expire in the event of a change of
control of the Company or a material adverse change in the financial condition
of the Company. Such restrictions also expire if James R. Heistand, the former
president of ACP, is not appointed or elected as a director of the Company by
October 7, 1998. Also in connection with the ACP Transaction, the Company
issued to certain affiliates of ACP warrants to purchase 1,479,290 shares of
the Common Stock at $32.50 per share, exercisable after October 1, 2002.

     Riparius Transaction. In closings on December 23, 1997 and January 8, 1998,
the Company completed an acquisition of Riparius Development Corporation in
Baltimore, Maryland involving a portfolio of five office properties encompassing
369,000 square feet, two office development projects encompassing 235,000 square
feet, 11 acres of development land and 101 additional acres of development land
to be acquired over the next three years (the "Riparius Transaction"). As of
December 31, 1997, the in-service properties acquired in the Riparius
Transaction were 99% leased. The cost of the Riparius Transaction consisted of a
cash payment of $43.6 million. In addition, the Company has assumed the two
office development projects with an anticipated cost of $26.2 million expected
to be paid in 1998, and will pay out $23.9 million over the next three years for
the 101 additional acres of development land.


                                       6
<PAGE>

     Garcia Transaction. For a discussion of the Company's recent acquisition
of substantially all of a property portfolio in Tampa, Florida (the "Garcia
Transaction"), see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Recent Developments."


Pending Acquisitions

     For a discussion of the Company's proposed business combinations with J.C.
Nichols Company, a publicly traded Kansas City real estate operator, and The
Easton-Babcock Companies, a real estate owner and operator in Miami, Florida,
see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Recent Developments."


Development Activity

     The following table summarizes the 14 development projects placed in
service during the year ended December 31, 1997 (dollars in thousands):


     Completed



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Date Placed      Number of       Rentable      Initial
Property                                   Location                in Service     Properties     Square Feet     Cost (1)
- ----------------------------------------   -------------------   -------------   ------------   -------------   ---------
<S>                                        <C>                   <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Shockoe Alleghany Warehouse ............   Richmond                02/01/97            1           119,000      $19,300
NorthPark ..............................   Research Triangle       03/15/97            1            42,000        3,700
Centerpoint V ..........................   Columbia                04/11/97            1            20,000        1,700
Sycamore ...............................   Research Triangle       04/15/97            1            72,000        6,300
Chastain Place I .......................   Atlanta                 05/01/97            1           108,000        3,900
AirPark East-Simplex (Bldg. 6) .........   Piedmont Triad          05/02/97            1            13,000          800
Two Airpark East (Bldg. D) .............   Piedmont Triad          06/01/97            1            54,000        4,200
Airport Center I .......................   Richmond                08/01/97            1           142,000        6,300
Westshore III ..........................   Richmond                08/26/97            1            57,000        5,300
Highwoods Plaza II .....................   Nashville               09/02/97            1           102,000       10,400
The Richfood Building ..................   Richmond                09/05/97            1            76,000        7,300
R.F. Micro Devices .....................   Piedmond Triad          10/18/97            1            50,000        8,400
Highwoods Office Center At
  Southwind ............................   Memphis                 12/01/97            1            69,000        7,000
Grove Park .............................   Richmond                12/31/97            1            61,000        5,900
                                                                   --------            -           -------      -------
  Total ................................                                              14           985,000      $90,500
                                                                                      ==           =======      =======
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Initial Cost includes estimated amounts required to complete the project
    including tenant improvement costs.


                                       7
<PAGE>

     The Company had 25 suburban office properties and seven industrial
properties under development totaling 3.3 million square feet of office and
industrial space at December 31, 1997. The following table summarizes these
development projects as of December 31, 1997 (dollars in thousands):


     In process

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Rentable    Estimated    Cost at   Pre-Leasing   Estimated
               Name                       Location       Square Feet     Costs     12/31/97   Percentage*   Completion
- ---------------------------------   ------------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- -----------
                                                                  (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                 <C>                 <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>
Office Properties:
Ridgefield III                      Asheville                57,000    $  5,485    $ 1,638         --%        2Q98
2400 Century Center                 Atlanta                 135,000      16,195      6,527         --         2Q98
10 Glenlakes                        Atlanta                 254,000      35,135      3,360         --         4Q98
Automatic Data Processing           Baltimore               110,000      12,400      3,367        100         3Q98
Riparius Center at Owings Mills     Baltimore               125,000      13,800      2,393         --         2Q99
BB&T**                              Greenville               71,000       5,851         81        100         2Q98
Patewood VI                         Greenville              107,000      11,360      5,202         19         2Q98
Colonnade                           Memphis                  89,000       9,400      5,592         73         2Q98
Southwind C                         Memphis                  74,000       7,657      1,245         34         4Q98
Harpeth V                           Nashville                65,000       6,900      3,108         47         1Q98
Lakeview Ridge II                   Nashville                61,000       6,000      2,879         70         1Q98
Southpointe                         Nashville               104,000      10,878      4,254         26         2Q98
Concourse Center One                Piedmont Triad           86,000       8,415         --         --         1Q99
RMIC                                Piedmont Triad           90,000       7,650      3,971        100         2Q98
Clintrials                          Research Triangle       178,000      21,490     12,034        100         2Q98
Situs II                            Research Triangle        59,000       5,857      1,218         --         2Q98
Highwoods Centre                    Research Triangle        76,000       8,327        960         36         3Q98
Overlook                            Research Triangle        97,000      10,307      1,083         --         4Q98
Red Oak                             Research Triangle        65,000       6,394        568         --         3Q98
Rexwoods V                          Research Triangle        61,000       7,444      5,894         70         1Q98
Markel-American                     Richmond                106,000      10,650      5,226         52         2Q98
Highwoods V                         Richmond                 67,000       6,620      1,096        100         2Q98
Interstate Corporate Center**       Tampa                   309,000       8,600         40         23         4Q98
Intermedia (Sabal) Phase I          Tampa                   121,000      12,500      1,331        100         4Q98
Intermedia (Sabal) Phase II         Tampa                   121,000      13,000        662        100         1Q00
                                                            -------    --------    -------        ---
  Office Total or Weighted Average                          2,688,000    $268,315    $73,729         43%
                                                            =========    ========    =======        ===
Industrial Properties:
Chastain Place II & III             Atlanta                 122,000    $  4,686    $ 1,359         --%        3Q98
Newpoint                            Atlanta                 119,000       4,660      3,224         20         1Q98
Tradeport 1                         Atlanta                  87,000       3,070      1,608         --         1Q98
Tradeport 2                         Atlanta                  87,000       3,070      1,608         --         1Q98
Air Park South Warehouse I          Piedmont Triad          100,000       2,929        545         90         1Q98
Airport Center II                   Richmond                 70,000       3,197      2,732         54         1Q98
                                                          ---------    --------    -------        ---
  Industrial Total or Weighted Average                        585,000    $ 21,612    $11,076         26%
                                                            =========    ========    =======        ===
  Total or Weighted Average of
   all Development Projects                               3,273,000    $289,927    $84,805         40%
                                                          =========    ========    =======        ===
Summary By Estimated
  Completion Date:
  First Quarter 1998                                        650,000    $ 37,270    $21,598         41%
  Second Quarter 1998                                     1,063,000     111,436     46,839         54
  Third Quarter 1998                                        373,000      31,807      6,254         37
  Fourth Quarter 1998                                       855,000      74,199      7,059         25
  First Quarter 1999                                         86,000       8,415         --         --
  Second Quarter 1999                                       125,000      13,800      2,393         --
  First Quarter 2000                                        121,000      13,000        662        100
                                                          ---------    --------    -------        ---
                                                          3,273,000    $289,927    $84,805         40%
                                                          =========    ========    =======        ===
</TABLE>

- ----------
* Includes letters of intent

** Redevelopment projects

                                       8
<PAGE>

Competition

     The Properties compete for tenants with similar properties located in the
Company's markets primarily on the basis of location, rent charged, services
provided and the design and condition of the facilities. The Company also
competes with other REITs, financial institutions, pension funds, partnerships,
individual investors and others when attempting to acquire properties.


Employees

     As of December 31, 1997, the Company employed 476 persons, as compared to
270 at December 31, 1996. The increase is primarily a result of the Company's
expansion within its existing markets and into Baltimore, Maryland.


                                       9
<PAGE>

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
General

     The following table sets forth certain information about the Properties at
December 31, 1997:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Percent of
                                                                        Rentable       Total        Annualized       Percent of
                              Office       Industrial        Total       Square       Rentable        Rental      Total Annualized
                            Properties   Properties (1)   Properties      Feet      Square Feet    Revenue (2)     Rental Revenue
                           ------------ ---------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- -----------------
<S>                        <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>             <C>
Research Triangle, NC.....       69              4             73      4,686,120        15.2%    $ 65,314,092           17.9%
Atlanta, GA ..............       39             31             70      4,824,831        15.5       44,200,033           12.2
Tampa, FL ................       42             --             42      2,904,587         9.5       41,772,977           11.4
Piedmont Triad, NC .......       34             79            113      4,738,992        15.3       36,779,925           10.0
South Florida ............       27             --             27      2,384,044         7.8       36,511,089           10.0
Nashville, TN ............       15              3             18      1,821,485         5.9       27,183,735            7.4
Orlando, FL ..............       30             --             30      1,990,148         6.5       23,756,539            6.5
Jacksonville, FL .........       16             --             16      1,465,139         4.8       17,367,432            4.7
Charlotte, NC ............       15             16             31      1,428,590         4.7       15,158,758            4.1
Richmond, VA .............       20              2             22      1,278,726         4.2       14,348,878            3.9
Greenville, SC ...........        8              2             10      1,001,641         3.3       11,051,150            3.0
Memphis, TN ..............        9             --              9        606,549         2.0       10,033,045            2.7
Baltimore, MD ............        5             --              5        364,434         1.2        7,837,121            2.1
Columbia, SC .............        7             --              7        423,738         1.4        5,553,603            1.5
Tallahassee, FL ..........        1             --              1        244,676         0.8        3,372,355            0.9
Norfolk, VA ..............        2              1              3        265,857         0.9        2,843,389            0.8
Birmingham, AL ...........        1             --              1        115,289         0.4        1,795,236            0.5
Asheville, NC ............        1              1              2        124,177         0.4        1,180,068            0.3
Ft. Myers, FL ............        1             --              1         51,831         0.2          509,720            0.1
                                 --             --            ---      ---------       -----     ------------          -----
    Total ................      342            139            481     30,720,854       100.0%    $366,569,145          100.0%
                                ===            ===            ===     ==========       =====     ============          =====
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Office Properties     Industrial Properties (1)     Total or Weighted Average
                                       -------------------   ---------------------------   --------------------------
<S>                                    <C>                   <C>                           <C>
Total Annualized Rental Revenue (2)        $331,936,875              $34,632,270                 $ 366,569,145
Total rentable square feet ...........     23,841,565                6,879,289                      30,720,854
Percent leased .......................             94%(3)                   93%(4)                          94%
Weighted average age (years) .........           12.2(5)                   11.4                           12.0
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Includes 73 service center properties.

(2) Annualized Rental Revenue is December 1997 rental revenue (base rent plus
    operating expense pass throughs) multiplied by 12.

(3) Includes 47 single-tenant properties comprising 3.4 million rentable square
    feet and 378,000 rentable square feet leased but not occupied.

(4) Includes 24 single-tenant properties comprising 1.6 million rentable square
    feet and 27,000 rentable square feet leased but not occupied.

(5) Excludes the Comeau Building, which is a historical building constructed in
    1926 and renovated in 1996.


                                       10
<PAGE>

     The following table sets forth certain information about the portfolio of
in-service and development properties as of December 31, 1997 and 1996:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      December 31, 1997                            December 31, 1996
                         -------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
                            Number                         Percent        Number                        Percent
                              of           Rentable        Leased/          of           Rentable       Leased/
                          Properties     Square Feet     Pre-leased     Properties     Square Feet     Pre-leased
                         ------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -------------   -----------
<S>                      <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
In-Service
  Office .............        342       23,842,000          94%             181       12,350,600          93%
  Industrial .........        139        6,879,000          93              111        5,104,600          90
                              ---       ----------          --              ---       ----------          --
   Total .............        481       30,721,000          94%             292       17,455,200          92%
                              ===       ==========          ==              ===       ==========          ==
Under Development
  Office .............         25        2,688,000          43%              12          825,000          52%
  Industrial .........          7          585,000          26                2          190,000          24
                              ---       ----------          --              ---       ----------          --
   Total .............         32        3,273,000          40%              14        1,015,000          46%
                              ===       ==========          ==              ===       ==========          ==
Total
  Office .............        367       26,530,000                          193       13,175,600
  Industrial .........        146        7,464,000                          113        5,294,600
                              ---       ----------                          ---       ----------
   Total .............        513       33,994,000                          306       18,470,200
                              ===       ==========                          ===       ==========
</TABLE>

Tenants

     As of December 31, 1997, the Properties were leased to approximately 3,100
tenants, which engage in a wide variety of businesses. The following table sets
forth information concerning the 20 largest tenants of the Properties as of
December 31, 1997:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Percent of Total
                                                             Number          Annualized            Annualized
Tenant                                                     of Leases     Rental Revenue (1)      Rental Revenue
- -------------------------------------------------------   -----------   --------------------   -----------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>                    <C>
 1. IBM ...............................................        13            $13,546,185               3.7%
 2. Federal Government ................................        45             12,059,353               3.3
 3. AT&T ..............................................        16              6,985,351               1.9
 4. Bell South ........................................        45              6,340,084               1.7
 5. State of Florida ..................................        22              5,215,070               1.4
 6. GTE ...............................................         6              2,995,422               0.8
 7. NationsBank .......................................        21              2,953,191               0.8
 8. First Citizens Bank & Trust .......................         8              2,887,811               0.8
 9. Bluecross & Blue Shield of South Carolina .........        10              2,554,517               0.7
10. MCI ...............................................        10              2,458,637               0.7
11. Prudential ........................................        13              2,412,640               0.7
12. Jacobs-Sirrene Engineers, Inc. ....................         1              2,235,550               0.6
13. Price Waterhouse ..................................         3              2,047,953               0.6
14. US Airways ........................................         4              2,033,940               0.6
15. Alex Brown & Sons .................................         1              1,943,070               0.5
16. H.L.P. Health Plan of Florida .....................         2              1,913,005               0.5
17. The Martin Agency, Inc. ...........................         1              1,863,504               0.5
18. Northern Telecom Inc. .............................         2              1,849,118               0.5
19. BB&T ..............................................         4              1,845,501               0.5
20. Clintrials ........................................         4              1,812,206               0.5
                                                               --            -----------              ----
     Total ............................................       231            $77,952,108              21.3%
                                                              ===            ===========              ====
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Annualized Rental Revenue is December 1997 rental revenue (base rent plus
    operating expense pass throughs) multiplied by 12.


                                       11
<PAGE>

     The following tables set forth certain information about the Company's
leasing activities for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1997                              1996
                                                -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                    Office         Industrial         Office         Industrial
                                                --------------   --------------   --------------   --------------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Net Effective Rents Related to Re-Leased
  Space:
Number of lease transactions (signed
  leases) ...................................            520              241              306              240
Rentable square footage leased ..............      2,531,393        1,958,539        1,158,563        2,302,151
Average per rentable square foot over the
  lease term:
  Base rent .................................    $    16.04        $    5.37        $   15.00        $    4.68
  Tenant improvements .......................         ( 1.06)           (0.22)          ( 0.93)           (0.15)
  Leasing commissions .......................         ( 0.39)           (0.13)          ( 0.31)           (0.10)
  Rent concessions ..........................         ( 0.01)           (0.01)              --               --
                                                 -----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Effective rent ............................    $    14.58        $    5.01        $   13.76        $    4.43
  Expense stop ..............................         ( 3.53)           (0.23)          ( 3.36)           (0.39)
                                                 -----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Equivalent effective net rent .............    $    11.05        $    4.78        $   10.40        $    4.04
                                                 ===========       ==========       ==========       ==========
Average term in years .......................              4                3                4                2
                                                 ===========       ==========       ==========       ==========
Rental Rate Trends:
Average final rate with expense pass
  throughs ..................................    $    13.78        $    5.08        $   13.64        $    4.41
Average first year cash rental rate .........    $    14.76        $    5.37        $   14.46        $    4.68
                                                 -----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
Percentage increase .........................           7.11%            5.71%            6.01%            6.12%
                                                 ===========       ==========       ==========       ==========
Capital Expenditures Related to
  Re-leased Space:
Tenant Improvements:
  Total dollars committed under signed
   leases ...................................    $11,443,099       $1,421,203       $4,496,523       $  685,880
  Rentable square feet ......................      2,531,393        1,958,539        1,158,563        2,302,151
                                                 -----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Per rentable square foot ..................    $     4.52        $    0.73        $    3.88        $    0.30
                                                 ===========       ==========       ==========       ==========
Leasing Commissions:
  Total dollars committed under signed
   leases ...................................    $ 4,247,280       $  890,280       $1,495,498       $  470,090
  Rentable square feet ......................      2,531,393        1,958,539        1,158,563        2,302,151
                                                 -----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Per rentable square foot ..................    $     1.68        $    0.45        $    1.29        $    0.20
                                                 ===========       ==========       ==========       ==========
Total:
  Total dollars committed under signed
   leases ...................................    $15,690,379       $2,311,483       $5,992,021       $1,155,970
  Rentable square feet ......................      2,531,393        1,958,539        1,158,563        2,302,151
                                                 -----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
  Per rentable square foot ..................    $     6.20        $    1.18        $    5.17        $    0.50
                                                 ===========       ==========       ==========       ==========
</TABLE>


                                       12
<PAGE>

     The following tables set forth scheduled lease expirations for executed
leases as of December 31, 1997, assuming no tenant exercises renewal options.


Office Properties:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Average         Percentage of
                                                                                            Annual         Leased Rents
                                 Total            Percentage of       Annual Rents       Rental Rate        Represented
   Year of                      Rentable      Leased Square Footage       Under           Per Square            by
    Lease       Number of     Square Feet         Represented by        Expiring           Foot for          Expiring
 Expiration       Leases        Expiring         Expiring Leases       Leases (1)      Expirations (1)        Leases
- ------------   -----------   -------------   ----------------------- --------------   -----------------   --------------
<S>            <C>           <C>             <C>                     <C>              <C>                 <C>
    1998            886       3,785,469                17.2%         $ 57,338,996         $  15.15              17.2%
    1999            627       3,144,551                14.3            47,330,017            15.05              14.3
    2000            684       3,532,083                16.0            54,111,857            15.32              16.3
    2001            413       3,077,007                13.9            47,164,815            15.33              14.2
    2002            410       3,131,735                14.2            47,142,775            15.05              14.2
    2003             86       1,227,155                 5.6            18,193,113            14.83               5.5
    2004             55         980,824                 4.4            16,840,214            17.17               5.1
    2005             39         817,786                 3.7            10,501,525            12.84               3.2
    2006             27         847,453                 3.8            11,936,405            14.09               3.6
    2007             18         535,012                 2.4             7,273,331            13.59               2.2
Thereafter           25         983,034                 4.5            14,103,828            14.35               4.2
                    ---       ---------               -----          ------------         --------             -----
  Total or
  average         3,270      22,062,109               100.0%         $331,936,876         $  15.05             100.0%
                  =====      ==========               =====          ============         ========             =====
</TABLE>

Industrial Properties:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Average         Percentage of
                                                                                             Annual         Leased Rents
                                  Total            Percentage of       Annual Rents       Rental Rate        Represented
   Year of                       Rentable      Leased Square Footage       Under           Per Square            by
    Lease        Number of     Square Feet         Represented by        Expiring           Foot for          Expiring
  Expiration       Leases        Expiring         Expiring Leases       Leases (1)      Expirations (1)        Leases
- -------------   -----------   -------------   ----------------------- --------------   -----------------   --------------
<S>             <C>           <C>             <C>                     <C>              <C>                 <C>
     1998           221       1,686,906                 26.2%         $ 9,247,354           $  5.48              26.7%
     1999           139       1,215,439                 19.0            6,500,284              5.35              18.8
     2000           123       1,223,412                 19.1            7,304,628              5.97              21.1
     2001            58         597,379                  9.3            3,523,569              5.90              10.2
     2002            54       1,159,283                 18.1            5,056,924              4.36              14.6
     2003             9          99,905                  1.6              760,152              7.61               2.2
     2004             5         104,369                  1.6              602,516              5.77               1.7
     2005             4          33,832                  0.5              289,380              8.55               0.8
     2006             2         196,600                  3.1              882,636              4.49               2.5
     2007            --              --                   --                   --                --                --
 Thereafter           1          95,545                  1.5              464,826              4.86               1.4
                    ---       ---------                -----          -----------           -------             -----
   Total or
   average          616       6,412,670                100.0%         $34,632,269           $  5.40             100.0%
                    ===       =========                =====          ===========           =======             =====
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Includes operating expense pass throughs and excludes the effect of future
contractual rent increases.

                                       13
<PAGE>

Table of Properties

     The following table and the notes thereto set forth information regarding
the Properties at December 31, 1997:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Percent
                                                             Occupied at          Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                           Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,           of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                   Type (1)   Built   Square Feet     1997(13)                 December 31, 1997
- ------------------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- -------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
Research Triangle, NC
- -------------------------
Highwoods Office Center
 Amica                         O     1983         20,708         100%     Amica Mutual Insurance Co.
                                                                          Interface Technologies
 Arrowood                      O     1979         58,743         100      First Citizens Bank & Trust
 Aspen                         O     1980         36,796          87      Coopers & Lybrand
 Birchwood                     O     1983         12,748         100      Southlight, Inc., Donohoe Construction Co.
 Cedar East                    O     1981         40,552         100      Amerimark Building Products
 Cedar West                    O     1981         39,609         100      N/A
 Cottonwood                    O     1983         40,150         100      First Citizens Bank & Trust
 Cypress                       O     1980         39,003          90      GSA-Army Recruiters
 Dogwood                       O     1983         40,613         100      First Citizens Bank & Trust
 Global Software               O     1996         92,985         100      Global Software Inc.
 Hawthorn                      O     1987         63,797         100      Carolina Telephone & Telegraph
 Highwoods Tower               O     1991        185,446          98      Maupin, Taylor & Ellis
 Holly                         O     1984         20,186         100      Capital Associated Industries
 Ironwood                      O     1978         35,695          97      First Citizens Bank & Trust
 Kaiser                        O     1988         56,975         100      Kaiser Foundation Health
 Laurel                        O     1982         39,382         100      Ms. Terry Woods,
                                                                          First Citizens Bank & Trust
 Leatherwood                   O     1979         36,581          92      GAB Robins North America, Inc.
 Smoketree Tower               O     1984        150,341          98      N/A
Rexwoods Office Center
 2500 Blue Ridge               O     1982         61,594          97      Rex Hospital, Inc.
 Blue Ridge II                 O     1988         20,673         100      McGladrey & Pullen
 Rexwoods Center               O     1990         41,686         100      N/A
 Rexwoods II                   O     1993         20,845         100      Raleigh Neurology Clinic,
                                                                          Miller Building Corporation
 Rexwoods III                  O     1992         42,488         100      ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller, Inc.
 Rexwoods IV                   O     1995         42,331         100      N/A
Triangle Business Center
 Building 2A                   O     1984        102,400         100      Harris Semiconductor Corporation,
 Building 2B                   S     1984         32,000         100      Qualex Inc.
 Building 3                    O     1988        135,382         100      N/A
 Building 7                    O     1986        124,432          91      Broadband Technologies, Inc.
Progress Center
 Cape Fear                     O     1979         41,527         100      Intercardia, Inc.
 Catawba                       O     1980         40,578         100      GSA -- EPA
 Pamlico                       O     1980        104,773         100      Northern Telecom, Inc.
North Park
 4800 North Park               O     1985        168,016         100      IBM-PC Division
 4900 North Park               O     1984         32,339         100      N/A
 5000 North Park               O     1980         74,653          93      N/A
Creekstone Park
 Creekstone Crossing           O     1990         59,299         100      N/A
 Riverbirch                    O     1987         60,192         100      Quintiles, Inc.
 Sycamore                      O     1997         72,124          95      Northern Telecom Inc.
 Willow Oak                    O     1995         89,392         100      AT&T
Research Commons
 EPA Administration            O     1966         46,718         100      GSA-EPA
 EPA Annex                     O     1966        145,875         100      GSA-EPA
 4501 Building                 O     1985         56,566         100      Lockheed Martin
 4401 Building                 O     1987        117,436         100      Ericsson, GSA-NIH
 4301 Building                 O     1989         90,894         100      Glaxo Wellcome, Inc.
 4201 Building                 O     1991         83,481         100      GSA-EPA
Roxboro Road Portfolio
 Fairfield I                   O     1987         52,050          92      Reliance Insurance Company
 Fairfield II                  O     1989         59,954         100      Qualex, Inc.
 Qualex                        O     1985         67,000         100      Qualex, Inc.
 4101 Roxboro                  O     1984         56,000         100      Duke -- Cardiology
 4020 Roxboro                  O     1989         40,000         100      Duke -- Pediatrics
                                                                          Duke -- Cardiology
</TABLE>

                                       14
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Percent
                                                                   Occupied at         Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                                 Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,          of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                         Type (1)   Built  Square Feet      1997(13)                December 31, 1997
- ------------------------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- -----------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
Six Forks Center
 Six Forks Center I                  O     1982         33,867          98%     Centura Bank, NY Life Ins. Co.
 Six Forks Center II                 O     1983         55,678          93      N/A
 Six Forks Center III                O     1987         60,814         100      EDS
ONCC
 Phase I                             S     1981        101,129          75      N/A
 "W" Building                        O     1983         91,335          79      Closure Medical Corporation
 3645 Trust Drive                    O     1984         50,652          74      Customer Access Resources, Inc.
 5220 Green's Dairy Road             O     1984         29,720         100      N/A
 5200 Green's Dairy Road             O     1984         18,317          32      N/A
 5301 Departure Drive                S     1984         84,899         100      ABB Power T&D Co., Inc.,
                                                                                Cardiovascular Diagnostics, Inc.
Other Research Triangle
Properties
 4000 Aerial Center                  O     1992         25,330           0      N/A
 Colony Corporate Center             O     1985         52,183          79      Rust Environmental &
                                                                                Infrastructure, Fujitsu
 Concourse                           O     1986        131,834         100      ClinTrials
 Cotton Building                     O     1972         40,035         100      Cotton Inc., Associated
                                                                                Insurances Inc.
 Expressway One Warehouse            I     1990         59,600          54      Number One Supply Corporation
 3600 Glenwood Avenue (2)            O     1986         78,008         100      Poyner & Spruill
 Healthsource                        O     1996        180,000         100      Healthsource N.C.
 Holiday Inn                         O     1984         30,000         100      Holiday Hospitality Corporation
 Lake Plaza East                     O     1984         71,339          93      N/A
 MSA                                 O     1996         55,219         100      Management Systems Associates
 Phoenix                             O     1990         26,449          91      Computer Intelligence, Inc.
 North Park Building One             O     1997         42,255          38      Medpartners Acquisition
 Situs I                             O     1996         59,255          95      BellSouth
 South Square I                      O     1988         56,401         100      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of SC
 South Square II                     O     1989         58,793         100      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC,
                                                       -------         ---
                                                                                Duke University
Total or Weighted Average                            4,686,120          95%
                                                     =========         ===
Atlanta, GA
- -------------------------------
Oakbrook
 Oakbrook I                          S     1981        106,662         100      N/A
 Oakbrook II                         O     1983        141,938         100      Assetcare, Inc.
 Oakbrook III                        S     1984        164,297         100      N/A
 Oakbrook IV                         O     1985         89,102         100      N/A
 Oakbrook V                          O     1985        204,338         100      N/A
 6348 Northeast Expressway           I     1978         49,023         100      Quick Ship Holding, Inc.
 6438 Northeast Expressway           I     1981         43,024         100      Leather Creations, Inc., Roos, Inc.
 Chattahoochee Avenue                I     1970         62,095          82      N/A
 Corporate Lakes Dist Center         I     1988        235,595          99      Motorola Energy Products
 Cosmopolitan North                  O     1980        120,967          90      Wells Fargo Armored Services Corporation
 Gwinnett Distribution               I     1991        316,668          98      N/A
   Center
 Lavista Business Park               I     1973        216,200          94      N/A
 Norcross I,II                       I     1970         64,010         100      Sun Mi Chun
 Oakbrook Summitt                    I     1981        234,232         100      N/A
 Southside Distribution              I     1988        191,200          73      Coca-Cola
   Center
 Steel Drive                         I     1975         57,188          93      Ballistic Studios
Century Center
 1700 Century Circle                 O     1972         69,368          95      N/A
 1800 Century Boulevard              O     1975        279,491         100      Bell South
 1875 Century Boulevard (3)          O     1976         96,069         100      GSA
 1900 Century Boulevard (3)          O     1971         80,026          96      N/A
 2200 Century Parkway (3)            O     1971        143,088         100      N/A
 2600 Century Parkway (3)            O     1973         96,287         100      MBNA Marketing Systems, Inc., GSA
 2635 Century Parkway (3)            O     1980        210,066          99      GSA
 2800 Century Parkway (3)            O     1983        220,873         100      AT&T
Other Atlanta Properties
 1035 Fred Drive                     I     1973        100,187         100      The Tenstar Corporation
 1077 Fred Drive                     I     1973        105,600         100      Advanced Distribution Systems,
                                                                                International Paper
 5125 Fulton Industrial Blvd.        I     1973        149,386         100      Martin Brower Co.
 Fulton Corporate Center             I     1973        101,000          87      N/A
</TABLE>

                                       15
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Percent
                                                                   Occupied at       Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                                 Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,        of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                         Type (1)   Built  Square Feet      1997(13)              December 31, 1997
- ------------------------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- -------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
 400 North Business Park             O     1985         85,756         100%     N/A
 Kennestone Corporate                O     1985         81,993         100      N/A
   Center
 Oxford Lakes Business               O     1985        102,446         100      Vanstar Corporation
   Center
 Chastain Place 1                    I     1997        108,000          50      Nailco Southeast, Inc.
 Bluegrass Place 1                   I     1995         69,000         100      Ebscaft, Inc.
 Bluegrass Place 2                   I     1996         72,000         100      Hansgrohe, Inc.
 1765 The Exchange                   O     1983         90,215          90      GA Waste Systems Inc.
 Two Point Royal                     O     1997        123,032          89      Hartford Fire Insurance Co., Textron
                                                                                Financial Corporation
 50 Glenlake                         O     1997        144,409          93      Hartford Fire Insurance Co
                                                       -------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                            4,824,831          96%
                                                     =========         ===
Tampa, FL
- -------------------------------
Sabal Park
 Atrium                              O     1989        131,952         100      GTE Data Services, Inc.,
                                                                                Intermedia Communications
 Sabal Business Center VI            O     1988         99,136         100      Pharmacy Management
                                                                                Services, Inc.
 Progressive Insurance               O     1988         83,648         100      Progressive American
                                                                                Insurance Co.
 Sabal Business Center VII           O     1990         71,248         100      Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
 Sabal Business Center V             O     1988         60,578         100      Lebhar-Friedman Inc.
 Registry II                         O     1987         58,781          97      N/A
 Registry I                          O     1985         58,319          95      N/A
 Sabal Business Center IV (4)        O     1984         49,368         100      Phillips Educational Group of
                                                                                Central Florida, Inc.,
                                                                                TGC Home Health Care, Inc.
 Sabal Tech Center                   O     1989         48,220         100      Merck-Medco Managed Care
 Sabal Park Plaza                    O     1987         46,758         100      State of Florida Department
                                                                                of Revenue, ERM South, Inc.
 Sabal Lake Building                 O     1986         44,533         100      Warner Publisher Services,
                                                                                Inc.
 Sabal Business Center I             O     1982         39,866          85      N/A
 Sabal Business Center II            O     1984         32,736          64      Owen Ayres and Associates,
                                                                                Inc.
 Registry Square                     O     1988         26,568          91      Proctor & Redfern, Inc.
 Expo Building                       O     1981         25,600         100      Exposystems, Inc., Expodisplays
 Sabal Business Center III           O     1984         21,300         100      Progressive Insurance
Benjamin Center
 Benjamin Center #7                  O     1991         30,962         100      Basetec Office Systems, Inc.,
                                                                                Beers Construction
 Benjamin Center #9                  O     1989         38,405          79      First Image Management Co.
Tampa Bay Park
 Horizon (5)                         O     1980         92,073          91      IBM
 Lakeside (5)                        O     1978         91,545         100      American Portable Telecom
 Lakepointe I                        O     1986        229,524          98      IBM, Price Waterhouse
 Parkside (5)                        O     1979        102,046         100      IBM
 Pavillion (5)                       O     1982        144,166         100      IBM
 Spectrum                            O     1984        146,994         100      IBM
Other Tampa Properties
 Tower Place                         O     1988        181,179          96      N/A
 Day Care Center                     O     1986          8,000         100      Brookwood Academy Child Care
 5400 Gray Street                    O     1973          5,408         100      The Wackenhut Corporation
 Crossroads Office Center            O     1981         74,729          63      N/A
 Cypress West                        O     1985         64,977          82      Paradigm Communications, Inc.
 Feathersound II                     O     1986         79,972          98      N/A
 Fireman's Fund Building             O     1982         49,578          98      Fireman's Fund Insurance Co.,
                                                                                Pitney Bowes, Inc.
 Lakeside Technology Center          O     1984        146,663          94      NationsBank
 Grand Plaza                         O     1985        239,353          90      N/A
 Mariner Square                      O     1973         72,319          99      GSA
 Telecom Technology Center           O     1991        133,820         100      GTE
 Zurn Building                       O     1983         74,263         100      N/A
                                                       -------         ---      -------------------------------------
Total or Weighted Average                            2,904,587          96%
                                                     =========         ===
</TABLE>

                                       16
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Percent
                                                             Occupied at      Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                           Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,      of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                   Type (1)   Built  Square Feet      1997(13)             December 31, 1997
- ------------------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- ----------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
Piedmont Triad, NC
- -------------------------
Airpark East
 Highland Industries           S     1990         12,500         100%     Highland Industries, Inc.
 Service Center 1              S     1985         18,575          53      N/A
 Service Center 2              S     1985         19,125           0      N/A
 Service Center 3              S     1985         16,498         100      ECPI of Tidewater, VA
 Service Center 4              S     1985         16,500           0      N/A
 Copier Consultants            S     1990         20,000         100      Copier Consultants
 Service Court                 S     1990         12,600          81      N/A
 Building 01                   O     1990         24,423          79      Health & Hygiene
 Building 02                   O     1986         23,827         100      GSA-United States Postal Service
 Building 03                   O     1986         23,182          96      Time Warner, Lockheed Martin
 Building 06                   O     1997         12,500          62      Simplex Time Recorder Co.
 Building A                    O     1986         56,272         100      N/A
 Building B                    O     1988         54,088         100      GSA-United States Postal Service
 Building C                    O     1990        134,893          91      Daicore Life and Health Ins.
 Building D                    O     1997         54,007          90      Volvo
 Sears Cenfact                 O     1989         49,504         100      Sears
 Hewlett Packard               O     1996         15,000         100      Hewlett Packard Co.
 Inacom                        O     1996         12,620         100      Inacom Business Centers Inc.
 Warehouse 1                   I     1985         64,000         100      Guilford Business Forms, Inc.,
                                                                          Safelite Glass Corporation
 Warehouse 2                   I     1985         64,000          75      Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation,
                                                                          State Street Bank Realty
 Warehouse 3                   I     1986         57,600          93      US Air, Inc., Garlock, Inc.
 Warehouse 4                   I     1988         54,000         100      First Data Resources, Inc.,
                                                                          Microdyne Systems, Inc.
Airpark North
 DC-1                          I     1986        112,000         100      VSA, Inc.
 DC-2                          I     1987        111,905         100      Sears
                                                                          Electric South
 DC-3                          I     1988         75,000         100      Continuous Forms & Checks, Inc.,
                                                                          Liberty of NC
 DC-4                          I     1988         60,000           0      N/A
Airpark West
 Airpark I                     O     1984         60,000         100      Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp.
 Airpark II                    O     1985         45,680          67      Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp.
 Airpark IV                    O     1985         22,612         100      Max Radio of Greensboro
 Airpark V                     O     1985         21,923          46      N/A
 Airpark VI                    O     1985         22,097          94      Brookstone College, Anacomp
West Point Business Park
 BMF Warehouse                 I     1986        240,000         100      Sara Lee Knit Products, Inc.
 WP-11                         I     1988         89,600         100      N.C. Record Control Centers,
                                                                          Walt Klein & Associates
 WP-12                         I     1988         89,600         100      Norel Plastics, Sara Lee
 WP-13                         I     1988         89,600         100      Sara Lee Knit Products, Inc.
 WP-3 & 4                      S     1988         18,059         100      Pediatric Services of America,
                                                                          Rayco Safety, Inc.
 WP-5                          S     1995         26,282         100      Cardinal Health, Inc.
 Fairchild Building            I     1990         89,000         100      Fairchild Industrial Products
 LUWA Bahnson Building         O     1990         27,000         100      Luwa Bahnson, Inc.
University Commercial
Center
 W-1                           I     1983         44,400         100      Lantal Corp.
 W-2                           I     1983         46,500         100      Paper Supply Company
 SR-1                          S     1983         23,112         100      N/A
 SR-2 01/02                    S     1983         17,282         100      Decision Point Marketing
 SR-3                          S     1984         23,925          80      Decision Point Marketing
 Building 03                   O     1985         37,077          61      N/A
 Building 04                   O     1986         34,470          94      Telespectrum Worldwide, Inc.
Knollwood Office Center
 370 Knollwood                 O     1994         90,315         100      Krispy Kreme, Prudential
                                                                          Carolinas Realty
 380 Knollwood                 O     1990        164,179         100      N/A
Stoneleigh Business Park
 7327 W. Friendly Ave.         S     1987         11,180          90      Sprint, Salem Imaging
 7339 W. Friendly Ave.         S     1989         11,784         100      Medical Endoscopy Service,
                                                                          R.F. Micro Devices
 7341 W. Friendly Ave.         S     1988         21,048          91      R.F. Micro Devices
</TABLE>

                                       17
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Percent
                                                                  Occupied at         Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                                Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,         of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                        Type (1)   Built  Square Feet      1997(13)                December 31, 1997
- ------------------------------ ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- ----------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
 7343 W. Friendly Ave.              S     1988         13,463         100%     Executone Information Systems
 7345 W. Friendly Ave.              S     1988         12,300         100      Rule Manufacturing
 7347 W. Friendly Ave.              S     1988         17,978          93      Carter & Associates, Surf Air
 7349 W. Friendly Ave.              S     1988          9,840         100      Ardratech, Inc., Anderson & Associates
 7351 W. Friendly Ave.              S     1988         19,723         100      ACT MEDIA, Inc., Corporate Express,
                                                                               Heritage Capital
 7353 W. Friendly Ave.              S     1988         22,826         100      Office Equipment Wholesalers, United
                                                                               Dominion Industries
 7355 W. Friendly Ave.              S     1988         13,296         100      R.F. Micro Devices
Spring Garden Plaza
 4000 Spring Garden St.             S     1983         21,773          91      Lighting Creations, Inc.
 4002 Spring Garden St.             S     1983          6,684         100      Reynolds & Reynolds
 4004 Spring Garden St.             S     1983         23,724          92      N/A
Pomona Center -- Phase I
 7 Dundas Circle                    S     1986         14,184          91      N/A
 8 Dundas Circle                    S     1986         16,488         100      N/A
 9 Dundas Circle                    S     1986          9,972          43      Netcom Cabling, Inc.
Pomona Center -- Phase II
 302 Pomona Dr.                     S     1987         16,488         100      N/A
 304 Pomona Dr.                     S     1987          4,344         100      Fortune Personnel
                                                                               Consultants, OEC Fluid Handling, Inc.
 306 Pomona Dr.                     S     1987          9,840          75      Aqua Science
 308 Pomona Dr.                     S     1987         14,184         100      N/A
 5 Dundas Circle                    S     1987         14,184          91      Engineering Consulting SV
Westgate on
Wendover -- Phase I
 305 South Westgate Dr.             S     1985          4,608         100      Alarmguard Security, Inc., The Computer
                                                                               Store, Inc.
 307 South Westgate Dr.             S     1985         12,672         100      Incutech, Inc.
 309 South Westgate Dr.             S     1985         12,960          44      GEODAX Technology, Inc.,
                                                                               Earth Tech, Inc.
 311 South Westgate Dr.             S     1985         14,400         110      N/A
 315 South Westgate Dr.             S     1985         10,368          78      N/A
 317 South Westgate Dr.             S     1985         15,552          93      N/A
 319 South Westgate Dr.             S     1985         10,368          78      N/A
Westgate on
Wendover -- Phase II
 206 South Westgate Dr.             S     1986         17,376         100      Home Care of the Central
                                                                               Carolinas
 207 South Westgate Dr.             S     1986         26,448         100      Health Equipment Services
 300 South Westgate Dr.             S     1986         12,960          87      Health Equipment Services
 4600 Dundas Circle                 S     1985         11,922           0      N/A
 4602 Dundas Circle                 S     1985         13,017          61      Four Seasons Apparel Co.
Radar Road
 500 Radar Rd.                      I     1981         78,000         100      N/A
 502 Radar Rd.                      I     1986         15,000         100      East Texas Distributing, Inc.
 504 Radar Rd.                      I     1986         15,000         100      Techno Craft, Inc.,
                                                                               Dayva Industries
 506 Radar Rd.                      I     1986         15,000         100      D&N International, Inc.
                                                                               American Coatings of VA,
                                                                               Wentworth Textiles
Holden/85 Business Park
 2616 Phoenix Dr.                   I     1985         31,894         100      Pliana, Inc.
 2606 Phoenix Dr. -- 100            S     1989         15,000         100      Piedmont Plastics, Inc., Rexam
                                                                               Flexible Packaging Corporation
 2606 Phoenix Dr. -- 200            S     1989         15,000         100      REHAU, Inc.,
                                                                               Reynolds Renovations
 2606 Phoenix Dr. -- 300            S     1989          7,380         100      N/A
 2606 Phoenix Dr. -- 400            S     1989         12,300          90      Spectrum Financial Systems
 2606 Phoenix Dr. -- 500            S     1989         15,180         100      The Record Exchange, Inc.
 2606 Phoenix Dr. -- 600            S     1989         18,540          70      Faith & Victory Church
Industrial Village
 7906 Industrial Village Rd.        I     1985         15,000         100      Texas Aluminum Industries
 7908 Industrial Village Rd.        I     1985         15,000         100      Air Express, Pharmagraphics Holdings
 7910 Industrial Village Rd.        I     1985         15,000         100      Wadkin North America, Inc.
Consolidated Center
 Consolidated Center I              O     1983         40,000         100      Bali
 Consolidated Center II             O     1983         60,000          92      Bali,  Aon Risk Services
 Consolidated Center III            O     1989         50,775          96      Lowes, Shelco, Inc.
 Consolidated Center IV             O     1989         29,312         100      Medcost, Inc.
</TABLE>

                                       18
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Percent
                                                                   Occupied at        Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                                 Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,         of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                         Type (1)   Built  Square Feet      1997(13)               December 31, 1997
- ------------------------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- ---------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
Other Piedmont Triad
Properties
 101 S. Stratford                    O     1986         78,194         100%     First Union, Triad
                                                                                Guaranty Ins. Corporation
 6348 Burnt Poplar                   I     1990        125,000         100      Sears
 6350 Burnt Poplar                   I     1992         57,600         100      Industries for the Blind
 Champion Madison Park II            O     1993        105,723         100      Champion
 Deep River I                        O     1989         78,094          78      N/A
 Forsyth I                           O     1985         52,922          94      Management Directions
 Regency One                         I     1996        127,600         100      New Breed Leasing Corporation
 Regency Two                         I     1996         96,000         100      Duorr Medical Corporation
 R.F. Micro Devices                  O     1997         49,505         100      R.F. Micro Devices
 Stratford                           O     1991        135,533          88      BB&T
 Chesapeake                          I     1993        250,000         100      Chesapeake Display &
                                                                                Packaging
 USAIR Buildings                     O   1970-1987     134,555         100      US AIR
 3288 Robinhood                      O     1989         19,599         100      N/A
                                                       -------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                            4,738,992          93%
                                                     =========         ===
South Florida
- -------------------------------
 1800 Eller Drive (6)                O     1983        103,440          87      Renaissance Cruises
 2828 Coral Way Building             O     1985         64,000          96      Spanish Radio Network
 Atrium At Coral Gables              O     1984        164,528         100      Prosource
 Atrium West                         O     1983         92,014          93      GSA
 Avion Building                      O     1985         66,908          91      N/A
 Centrum Plaza                       O     1988         40,938          98      N/A
 Comeau Building                     O     1926         87,302          66      N/A
 Corporate Square                    O     1981         87,823          95      N/A
 Dadeland Office Complex             O     1972        240,148          86      N/A
 Design Center Plaza                 O     1982         57,500          94      Carnival Air Lines, Inc.
 Doral Financial Plaza               O     1987        222,000          72      Sun Bank
 Emerald Hills Plaza I               O     1979         63,401          94      N/A
 Emerald Hills Plaza II              O     1979         74,218          76      Sheridan Health Corp
 Gulf Atlantic (7)                   O     1986        134,776          97      N/A
 Highwoods Plaza                     O     1980         80,260         100      N/A
 Highwoods Square                    O     1989        148,945          99      N/A
 One Boca Place                      O     1987        277,630          94      N/A
 Palm Beach Gardens Office           O     1984         67,657          95      N/A
   Park
 Pine Island Commons                 O     1985         60,810          74      N/A
 Venture Corporate Center I          O     1982         82,224          96      Conroy, Simberg & Lewis
 Venture Corporate Center II         O     1982         83,737          97      H.I.P. Health Plan Of Florida, Michael
                                                                                Swerdlow Companies
 Venture Corporate Center III        O     1982         83,785         100      H.I.P. Health Plan of Florida
                                                       -------         ---
                                                     2,384,044          90%
                                                     =========         ===
Nashville, TN
- -------------------------------
Maryland Farms
 Eastpark 1                          O     1978         29,797         100      Brentwood Music, Volunteer
                                                                                Credit Corporation
 Eastpark 2                          O     1978         85,516         100      PMT Services, Inc.
 Eastpark 3                          O     1978         77,480         100      N/A
 Harpeth II                          O     1984         78,220         100      N/A
 Harpeth III                         O     1987         78,989         100      Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
 Harpeth IV                          O     1989         77,694         100      USF&G, L.M. Berry Co.
 Highwoods Plaza I                   O     1996        102,593         100      TCS Management Group, Inc.
 Highwoods Plaza II                  O     1997        102,052         100      TCS Management Group, Inc.,
                                                                                Windy Hill Pet Food Co.
 EMI/Sparrow                         O     1982         59,656         100      EMI Christian Music Group
 5310 Maryland Way                   O     1994         76,615         100      Bell South
Grassmere
 Grassmere I                         S     1984         87,902         100      Contel Cellular of Nashville, Inc.
 Grassmere II                        S     1985        145,092          90      N/A
 Grassmere III                       S     1990        103,000         100      Harris Graphics Corporation
</TABLE>

                                       19
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Percent
                                                                        Occupied at         Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                                 Building      Year        Rentable    December 31,          of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                         Type (1)      Built    Square Feet      1997(13)                December 31, 1997
- ------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------- -----------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
Other Nashville Properties
 Century City Plaza I                O           1987        56,161          96%     N/A
 Lakeview                            O           1986        99,722         100      The Kroger Co.
 3401 Westend                        O           1982       255,137          99      N/A
 BNA                                 O           1985       234,198          98      N/A
 100 Winner's Circle                 O           1987        71,661         100      American Color Graphics, McDonald's
                                                          ---------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                                 1,821,485          98%
                                                          =========         ===
Orlando, FL
- -------------------------------
 Metrowest I                         O           1988       102,019         100      Hilton Grand Vacation Co.
 Southwest Corporate Center          O           1984        98,777         100      Walt Disney World Co.
 Campus Crusade                      O           1990       165,000         100      Campus Crusade For Christ
 ACP-W                               O      1966-1992       315,515          85      AT&T
 Corporate Square (8)                O           1971        46,915          96      L.J. Norarse, Valencia Community College
 Executive Point Towers              O           1978       123,038          87      AT&T
 Lakeview Office Park                O           1975       212,443          91      N/A
 2699 Lee Road (9)                   O           1974        86,464          97      N/A
 One Winter Park                     O           1982        62,564          97      N/A
 The Palladium                       O           1988        72,278         100      Westinghouse Electric
 201 Pine Street                     O           1980       241,601          95      N/A
 Premiere Point North                O           1983        47,871          96      Muscato Corporation
 Premiere Point South                O           1983        47,581          95      N/A
 Shoppes Of Interlachen              O           1987        49,705          89      N/A
 Signature Plaza                     O           1986       272,931          83      N/A
 Skyline Plaza                       O           1985        45,446          98      Hubbard Construction Co.
                                                          ---------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                                 1,990,148          92%
                                                          =========         ===
Jacksonville, FL
- -------------------------------
 Towermarc Plaza                     O           1991        50,624         100      Aetna Casualty
 Belfort Park I                      O           1988        63,925          92      Acr Systems, Inc.
 Belfort Park II                     O           1988        56,633          90      Media One
 Belfort Park III                    O           1988        84,294          89      Xomed, Inc.
 Cigna Building                      O           1972        39,078          74      Insurance Co. of North America
 Harry James Building                O           1982        31,056         100      Aon
 Independent Square                  O           1975       639,358          89      N/A
 Three Oaks Plaza                    O           1972       257,028          95      N/A
 Reflections                         O           1985       114,992          96      N/A
 Southpoint Office Building          O           1980        56,836          92      N/A
 100 West Bay Street Building        O           1964        71,315          74      Life Of The South Insurance
                                                          ---------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                                 1,465,139          90%
                                                          =========         ===
Charlotte, NC
- -------------------------------
Steele Creek Park
 Building A                          I           1989        42,500         100      Comer MFG
 Building B                          I           1985        15,031         100      Pumps Parts & Services
 Building E                          I           1985        38,697         100      Bradman-Lake, Inc., Atlas Die, Inc.
 Building G-1                        I           1989        22,500          44      Safewaste Corporation
 Building H                          I           1987        53,614          64      Sugravo Rallis Engraving, Inc.
 Building K                          I           1985        19,400         100      Queen City Plastics, Inc.
Highwoods/Forsyth
Business Park
 4101 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1984        11,573         100      N/A
 4105 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1984         4,340         100      Re-Directions, Inc., Daltile,
                                                                                     G & E Engineering
 4109 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1984        14,783         100      N/A
 4201 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1982        19,004         100      Medstaff Contract Nursing
 4205 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1982        23,042         100      Sunbelt Video, Inc.
 4209 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1982        15,578         100      N/A
 4215 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1982        23,372          98      Rodan, Inc.
 4301 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1982        38,662          99      Circle K
 4321 Stuart Andrew Blvd.            S           1982        12,018          83      Dilan
Parkway Plaza
 Building 1                          O           1982        57,584          99      BASF Corporation
 Building 2                          O           1983        87,314          70      N/A
 Building 3                          O           1984        81,821          93      N/A
 Building 6 (10)                     O           1996        40,708         100      Hewlett-Packard
 Building 7 (11)                     O           1985        60,722         100      Barclays American Mortgage
 Building 8 (11)                     O           1986        40,615         100      Barclays American Mortgage
 Building 9 (11)                     I           1984       110,000         100      BB&T
</TABLE>

                                       20
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Percent
                                                                Occupied at            Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                              Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,            of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                      Type (1)   Built  Square Feet      1997(13)                   December 31, 1997
- ---------------------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- ----------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
Oakhill Business Park
 Twin Oaks                        O     1985         97,115          88%     Springs Industries, Inc.
 Water Oak                        O     1985         95,636          97      N/A
 Scarlet Oak                      O     1982         76,584          87      Krueger Ringier, Inc.
 English Oak                      O     1984         54,865         100      The Employers Association of
                                                                             the Carolinas
 Willow Oak                       O     1982         36,560           0      N/A
 Laurel Oak                       O     1984         34,536         100      Paramount Parks Inc.,
                                                                             Woolpert Consultants, AG
 Live Oak                         O     1989         82,431          97      CHF Industries
Other Charlotte Properties
 First Citizens                   O     1989         57,171          64      N/A
 Pinebrook                        O     1986         60,814          95      Keycorp Corporate Real Estate
                                                   --------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                         1,428,590          89%
                                                  =========         ===
Richmond, VA
- ----------------------------
Innsbrook Office Center
 Liberty Mutual                   O     1990         57,915         100      Capital One, Liberty Mutual
 Markel American                  O     1988         38,867          91      Mark IV Realty Corporation
 Proctor-Silex                    O     1986         58,366         100      Proctor-Silex, Inc.
 Vantage Place I                  O     1987         13,584         100      Rountrey and Associates, Spencer Printing Co.
 Vantage Place II                 O     1987         14,822         100      Government Entities
 Vantage Place III                O     1988         14,389         100      Broughton Systems, Inc.
 Vantage Place IV                 O     1988         13,441          35      Cemetary Mgmt.
 Vantage Point                    O     1990         64,898          86      EDS, Nationwide Insurance
 Innsbrook Tech I                 S     1991         18,350          89      Air Specialists of VA
 DEQ Technology Center            O     1991         53,554          93      FirstHealth, Dept. of Environmental Quality
 DEQ Office                       O     1991         70,423         100      Circuit City
 Aetna                            O     1989         99,209          97      N/A
 Highwoods One                    O     1996        124,375         100      Amtec Technologies, Dynex Capital
Technology Park
 Virginia Center                  O     1985        119,672          90      N/A
Other Richmond Properties
 Westshore I                      O     1995         18,775         100      Snyder Hunt Corporation
 Westshore II                     O     1995         27,714         100      Hewlett-Packard
 Westshore III                    O     1997         56,500          56      K-Line America,Inc.
 Shockoe Alleghany                O     1996        118,518         100      The Martin Agency, Inc.
   Warehouse
 Airport Center 1                 I     1997        141,613         100      Federal Express, Stone
                                                                             Container Corporation
 The Richfood Building            O     1997         75,618          80      N/A
 Grove Park                       O     1997         61,258          10      N/A
 East Cary Street                 O     1987         16,865          66      Butler, Macon Et. Al.
                                                   --------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                         1,278,726          89%
                                                  =========         ===
Greenville, SC
- ----------------------------
Brookfield Corporate
Center
 Brookfield-Jacobs-Sirrine        O     1990        228,345         100      Jacobs-Sirrine Engineers, Inc.
 Brookfield Plaza                 O     1987        117,982          94      CSC Continuum, Inc.
 Brookfield-YMCA                  S     1990         15,500          46      Kids & Company at Pelham
                                                                             Falls, Inc.
Patewood Plaza Office Park
 Patewood Business Center         S     1983        103,302          92      N/A
 Patewood V                       O     1990        100,187         100      Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems,
                                                                             Inc., PYA/Monarch, Inc.
 Patewood IV                      O     1989         61,649         100      MCI
 Patewood III                     O     1989         61,539          94      MCI
 Patewood I                       O     1985         57,136         100      Metropolitan Life Ins. Co
 Patewood II                      O     1987         60,168          79      Coats & Clark, Inc.
Other Greenville Properties
 NationsBank Plaza (12)           O     1973        195,833          79      N/A
                                                   --------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                         1,001,641          91%
                                                  =========         ===
Memphis, TN
- ----------------------------
Southwind
 Office Center "A"                O     1991         62,179         100      Promus Hotels, Inc.
 Office Center "B"                O     1990         61,860          64      N/A
 Highwoods Office Center          O     1997         69,023          66      Check Solutions
</TABLE>

                                       21
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Percent
                                                                   Occupied at      Tenants Leasing 25% or More
                                 Building    Year     Rentable    December 31,      of Rentable Square Feet at
Property                         Type (1)   Built  Square Feet      1997(13)             December 31, 1997
- ------------------------------- ---------- ------- ------------- -------------- ----------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>            <C>
Other Memphis Properties
 Atrium I                            O     1984         42,124         100%     Baptist Memorial Health Care
 Atrium II                           O     1984         42,099         100      Mueller Streamline Co.
 International Place Phase II        O     1988        208,014          94      International Paper Company
 Kirby Centre                        O     1984         32,007         100      Financial Federal Savings Bank,
                                                                                Union Central Life
                                                                                Insurance Co.
 Medical Properties, Inc.            O     1988         18,079         100      Health Tech Affiliates, Inc.
 Centrum Building                    O     1979         71,164          96      NationsBank
                                                      --------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                              606,549          90%
                                                    ==========         ===
Baltimore
- -------------------------------
 9690 Deereco Road                   O     1989        132,835          99      N/A
 375 West Padonia Road (The          O     1986        100,800          99      N/A
   Atrium)
 Business Center at Owings           O     1989         43,753          99      N/A
   Mills 7
 Business Center at Owings           O     1989         39,195          99      N/A
   Mills 8
 Business Center at Owings           O     1988         47,851          99      N/A
                                                      --------         ---
   Mills 9
                                                       364,434          99%
                                                    ==========         ===
Columbia, SC
- -------------------------------
Fontaine Business Center
 Fontaine I                          O     1985         98,100          99      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
                                                                                S.C.
 Fontaine II                         O     1987         72,468         100      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
                                                                                S.C.
 Fontaine III                        O     1988         57,888         100      Companion Health Care Corporation
 Fontaine V                          O     1990         21,107         100      Roche Biomedical
                                                                                Laboratories, Inc.
Other Columbia Properties
 Center Point I                      O     1988         72,565          93      Sedgewick James of South
                                                                                Carolina, Inc., Alltel Mobile
                                                                                Communication
 Center Point II                     O     1996         81,466          46      Bell South
 Center Point V                      O     1997         20,144          63      DS Atlantic Corporation,
                                                      --------         ---
                                                                                Hewlett Packard
Total or Weighted Average                              423,738          86%
                                                    ==========         ===
Tallahassee
- -------------------------------
 Blair Stone Building                O     1994        244,676         100%     State of Florida
                                                      ========         ===
Norfolk, VA
- -------------------------------
 Battlefield I                       S     1987         97,633         100      Kasei Memory Products, Inc.
 Greenbrier Business Center          O     1984         81,194         100      Canon Computer Systems,
                                                                                Inc., Roche Biomedical
                                                                                Laboratories, Inc.
 Riverside Plaza                     O     1988         87,030          93      First Hospital Corporation
                                                      --------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                              265,857          98%
                                                    ==========         ===
Birmingham, AL
- -------------------------------
 Grandview I                         O     1989        115,289         100%     N/A
                                                      ========         ===
Asheville, NC
- -------------------------------
 Ridgefield 300                      O     1989         63,500         100      N/A
 Ridgefield 200                      S     1987         60,677         100      Medical Business Resource
                                                      --------         ---
Total or Weighted Average                              124,177         100%
                                                    ==========         ===
Ft Myers
- -------------------------------
 Sunrise Office Center               O     1974         51,831          67%     N/A
                                                      ========         ===      ==================================
Total or Weighted Average
 of All Properties                                  30,720,854          94%
                                                    ==========         ===
</TABLE>


                                       22
<PAGE>

- ----------
 (1) I = Industrial, S = Service Center and O = Office.

 (2) The property is subject to a land lease expiring August 31, 2023. Rental
     payments on this lease are to be adjusted in 1998 and 2013 based on the
     consumer price index. The Company has a right of first refusal to purchase
     the leased land during the lease term.

 (3) The six properties are subject to land leases expiring December 31, 2058.

 (4) The property is subject to a ground lease expiring May 31, 2002.

 (5) The four properties are subject to land leases expiring December 31, 2058.
     Rental payments on these leases are adjusted yearly based on a stated
     percentage of each property's cash flow over a base amount.

 (6) The property is subject to a ground lease expiring January 31, 2031.
     Rental payments on this lease are to be adjusted every five years based on
     the consumer price index.

 (7) The property is subject to a ground lease expiring February 14, 2033.

 (8) The property is subject to a ground lease expiring November 30, 2036.
     Rental payments on this lease are to be adjusted every five years based on
     the consumer price index.

 (9) The property is subject to a ground lease expiring May 25, 2020.

(10) The property is subject to a land lease expiring December 31, 2071.

(11) The three properties are subject to a ground lease expiring December 31,
     2082. The Company has the option to purchase the land during the lease
     term at the greater of $35,000 per acre or 85% of appraised value.

(12) The property is subject to two land leases expiring September 30, 2069 and
     a land lease expiring August 31, 2069.

(13) Includes 405,000 rentable square feet leased but not occupied.


Development Land

     As of December 31, 1997, the Company owned 718 acres and had committed to
purchase over the next six years an additional 512 acres of land for
development. The Company estimates that it can develop approximately 16 million
square feet of office and industrial space on the Development Land.

     All of the Development Land is zoned and available for office or
industrial development, substantially all of which has utility infrastructure
already in place. The Company believes that the cost of developing the
Development Land could be financed with the funds available from the Company's
existing credit facilities, additional borrowings and offerings of equity and
debt securities. The Company believes that its commercially zoned and
unencumbered land in existing business parks gives the Company an advantage in
its future development activities over other commercial real estate development
companies in many of its markets. Any future development, however, is dependent
on the demand for industrial or office space in the area, the availability of
favorable financing and other factors, and no assurance can be given that any
construction will take place on the Development Land. In addition, if
construction is undertaken on the Development Land, the Company will be subject
to the risks associated with construction activities, including the risk that
occupancy rates and rents at a newly completed property may not be sufficient
to make the property profitable, construction costs may exceed original
estimates and construction and lease-up may not be completed on schedule,
resulting in increased debt service expense and construction expense.


                                       23
<PAGE>

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     The Company is a party to a variety of legal proceedings arising in the
ordinary course of its business. The Company believes that it is adequately
covered by insurance and indemnification agreements. Accordingly, none of such
proceedings are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial
position or results of operations of the Company.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     None.


ITEM X. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
executive officers of the Company:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                      Age    Position and Background
- ----------------------   -----   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>     <C>
Ronald P. Gibson         53      Director, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gibson is a founder
                                 of the Company and has served as President or managing partner of its
                                 predecessor since its formation in 1978.
John L. Turner           51      Director, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Investment
                                 Officer. Mr. Turner co-founded the predecessor of Forsyth Properties in
                                 1975.
Edward J. Fritsch        39      Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary.
                                 Mr. Fritsch joined the Company in 1982.
John W. Eakin            43      Director and Senior Vice President. Mr. Eakin is responsible for
                                 operations in Tennessee, Florida and Alabama. Mr. Eakin was a founder
                                 and president of Eakin & Smith, Inc. prior to its merger with the
                                 Company.
James R. Heistand        45      Senior Vice President. Mr. Heistand is responsible for operations in
                                 Florida and is an advisory member of the Company's investment
                                 committee. Mr. Heistand is expected to join the Company's Board of
                                 Directors and become a voting member of the investment committee this
                                 year. Mr. Heistand was the founder and president of ACP prior to its
                                 merger with the Company.
Gene H. Anderson         52      Director and Senior Vice President. Mr. Anderson manages the operations
                                 of the Company's Georgia properties. Mr. Anderson was the founder and
                                 president of Anderson Properties, Inc. prior to its merger with the
                                 Company.
Carman J. Liuzzo         37      Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Prior to joining the
                                 Company in 1994, Mr. Liuzzo was vice president and chief accounting
                                 officer for Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. and Boddie-Noell Restaurant
                                 Properties, Inc. Mr. Liuzzo is a certified public accountant.
Mack D. Pridgen, III     48      Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining the Company,
                                 Mr. Pridgen was a partner with Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
</TABLE>

     As the Company has expanded into new markets, it has sought to enter into
business combinations with local real estate operators with many years of
management and development experience in their respective markets. Messrs.
Turner, Eakin, Anderson and Heistand each joined the Company as executive
officers as a result of such business combinations. Mr. Turner entered into a
three-year employment contract with the Company in 1995, Mr. Eakin entered into
a three-year employment contract with the Company in 1996 and Messrs. Anderson
and Heistand each entered into a three-year employment contract with the
Company in 1997.


                                       24
<PAGE>

                                    PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information and Dividends

     The Common Stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")
under the symbol "HIW" since the Company's initial public offering. The
following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales prices per share
reported on the NYSE for the periods indicated and the distributions paid per
share for each such period.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1997                                   1996
Period or
Quarter
Ended:                     High        Low      Distribution      High        Low      Distribution
- ---------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------- ----------- --------------
<S>                    <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>
March 31 ............. $ 35.50     $ 33.00        $  0.48     $ 30.50     $ 27.75        $  0.45
June 30 ..............  33.50       30.00            0.51      30.25       26.88            0.48
September 30 .........  35.81       31.06            0.51      30.38       27.00            0.48
December 31 ..........  37.38       35.81            0.51      33.75       28.50            0.48



<CAPTION>
                                       1995
Period or
Quarter
Ended:                     High        Low      Distribution
- ---------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S>                    <C>         <C>         <C>
March 31 ............. $ 22.00     $ 19.88       $  0.425
June 30 ..............  25.50       21.25           0.45
September 30 .........  26.88       23.88           0.45
December 31 ..........  28.38       25.50           0.45
</TABLE>

- ----------
     On March 20, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the
NYSE was $34.13 per share. On March 20, 1998, the Company had 1,012
stockholders of record.

     The Company intends to continue to pay regular quarterly distributions to
holders of shares of Common Stock and holders of Common Units. Although the
Company intends to maintain its current distribution rate, future distributions
by the Company will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will
depend on the actual funds from operations of the Company, its financial
condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the
REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and such other factors as
the Board of Directors deems relevant.

     During the year ended 1997, the Company's distributions totaled
$76,620,000 of which $22,986,000 represented return of capital for financial
statement purposes. The minimum per share distribution required to maintain
REIT status was approximately $1.56 per share in 1997, $1.44 per share in 1996
and $1.55 per share in 1995.

     The Company has instituted a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
under which holders of Common Stock may elect to automatically reinvest their
distributions in additional shares of Common Stock and may make optional cash
payments for additional shares of Common Stock. The Company may issue
additional shares of Common Stock or repurchase Common Stock in the open market
for purposes of financing its obligations under the Dividend Reinvestment and
Stock Purchase Plan.

     In August 1997, the Company instituted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
("ESPP") for all active employees. At the end of each three-month offering
period, each participant's account balance is applied to acquire shares of
Common Stock at 90% of the market value of the Common Stock, calculated as the
lower of the average closing price on the NYSE on the five consecutive days
preceding the first day of the quarter or the five days preceding the last day
of the quarter. A participant may not invest more than $7,500 per quarter. As
of December 31, 1997, 5,839 shares of Common Stock have been purchased under
the ESPP for the year then ended.


Sales of Unregistered Securities

     On April 1, 1997, the Company issued 13,515 shares of Common Stock in
connection with the merger of Eakin & Smith, Inc. into the Company on April 1,
1996. The shares were issued to three principals of Eakin & Smith, Inc.,
including John W. Eakin, who is an officer and director of the Company. The
shares were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) under Rule 506.
Each of the three principals of Eakin &


                                       25
<PAGE>

Smith, Inc. are accredited investors under Rule 501 of the Securities Act. The
Company exercised reasonable care to assure that the principals were not
purchasing the shares with a view to their distribution.

     On October 1, 1997, the Company issued 117,617 shares of Common Stock and
warrants to purchase 1,479,290 shares of Common Stock in connection with the
ACP Transaction. The shares and warrants were issued to principals of ACP
and/or its affiliates. The shares and warrants were issued pursuant to an
exemption from the registration requirements under Rule 506. Each of the
principals of ACP and/or its affiliates are accredited investors under Rule 501
of the Securities Act. The Company exercised reasonable care to assure that the
principals were not purchasing the shares with a view to their distribution.

     On December 23, 1997, the Company issued warrants to purchase 120,000
shares of Common Stock in connection with the Riparius Transaction. The
warrants were issued to principals of Riparius Development Corporation. The
warrants were issued in a private offering exempt from the registration
requirements pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. Each of the
principals of Riparius Development Corporation are accredited investors under
Rule 501 of the Securities Act. The Company exercised reasonable care to assure
that the principals were not purchasing shares with a view to their
distribution.

     During 1997, the Company issued an aggregate of 44,958 shares of Common
Stock to holders of Common Units upon the redemption of such Common Units in
private offerings exempt from the registration requirements pursuant to Section
4(2) of the Securities Act. Each of the holders of Common Units are accredited
investors under Rule 501 of the Securities Act. The Company has registered the
resale of such shares under the Securities Act.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following table sets forth selected financial and operating
information for the Company as of December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and for the period from June
14, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1994. The following table
also sets forth selected financial and operating information on a historical
basis for the Highwoods Group (the predecessor to the Company) as of and for
the year ended December 31, 1993, and for the period from January 1, 1994, to
June 13, 1994. The pro forma operating data for the year ended December 31,
1994 assumes completion of the initial public offering and the Formation
Transaction (defined below) as of January 1, 1994.

     Due to the impact of the initial formation of the Company and the initial
public offering in 1994, the second and third offerings in 1995 and the
transactions more fully described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis --
Overview and Background," the historical results of operations for the year
ended December 31, 1995 and the period from June 14, 1994 to December 31, 1994
may not be comparable to the current period results of operations.


                                       26
<PAGE>



                      The Company and the Highwoods Group
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Company
                                                                                June 14, 1994
                                    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended          to
                                   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,    December 31,
                                       1997           1996           1995            1994
                                  -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
                                        (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating Data:
 Total revenue ..................  $   274,470    $   137,926    $   73,522      $   19,442
 Rental property operating
  expenses ......................       76,743         35,313        17,049(1)        5,110(1)
 General and
  administrative ................       10,216          5,666         2,737             810
 Interest expense ...............       47,394         26,610        13,720           3,220
 Depreciation and
  amortization ..................       47,533         22,095        11,082           2,607
                                  ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
 Income (loss) before
  minority interest .............       92,584         48,242        28,934           7,695
 Minority interest ..............      (15,106)        (6,782)       (4,937)           (808)
                                  ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
 Income before extraordinary
  item ..........................       77,478         41,460        23,997           6,887
 Extraordinary item-loss on
  early extinguishment of
  debt ..........................       (5,799)        (2,140)         (875)         (1,273)
                                  ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
 Net income (loss) ..............       71,679         39,320        23,122           5,614
 Dividends on Preferred
  Shares ........................      (13,117)            --            --              --
                                  ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
 Net income available for
  common stockholders ...........  $    58,562    $    39,320    $   23,122      $    5,614
                                  ============    ===========    ============    ============
 Net income per common
  share -- basic ................  $      1.51    $      1.51    $     1.49      $      .63
                                  ============    ===========    ============    ============
 Net income per common
  share -- diluted ..............  $      1.50    $      1.50    $     1.48      $      .63
                                  ============    ===========    ============    ============
Balance Sheet Data
 (at end of period):
 Real estate, net of
  accumulated depreciation.......  $ 2,614,654    $ 1,377,874    $  593,066      $  207,976
 Total assets ...................    2,722,306      1,443,440       621,134         224,777
 Total mortgages and notes
  payable .......................      978,558        555,876       182,736          66,864
Other Data:
 Number of in-service
  properties ....................          481            292           191              44
 Total rentable square feet .....   30,720,854     17,455,174     9,215,171       2,746,219



<CAPTION>
                      The Company and the Highwoods Group


                                                    Highwoods
                                      Company         Group       Highwoods
                                     Pro Forma      January 1,      Group
                                    Year Ended       1994 to      Year ended
                                   December 31,     June 13,     December 31,
                                       1994           1994           1993
                                  -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>            <C>
Operating Data:
 Total revenue ..................   $  34,282      $   6,648     $  13,450
 Rental property operating
  expenses ......................       9,677(1)       2,596(2)      6,248(2)
 General and
  administrative ................       1,134            280           589
 Interest expense ...............       5,604          2,473         5,185
 Depreciation and
  amortization ..................       4,638            835         1,583
                                    -----------    -----------   -----------
 Income (loss) before
  minority interest .............      13,229            464          (155)
 Minority interest ..............      (1,388)            --            --
                                    -----------    -----------   -----------
 Income before extraordinary
  item ..........................      11,841            464          (155)
 Extraordinary item-loss on
  early extinguishment of
  debt ..........................          --             --            --
                                    -----------    -----------   -----------
 Net income (loss) ..............      11,841            464          (155)
 Dividends on Preferred
  Shares ........................          --             --            --
                                    -----------    -----------   -----------
 Net income available for
  common stockholders ...........   $  11,841      $     464     $    (155)
                                    ===========    ===========   ===========
 Net income per common
  share -- basic ................   $    1.32
                                    ===========
 Net income per common
  share -- diluted ..............   $    1.32
                                    ===========
Balance Sheet Data
 (at end of period):
 Real estate, net of
  accumulated depreciation.......   $      --      $      --     $  51,590
 Total assets ...................          --             --        58,679
 Total mortgages and notes
  payable .......................          --             --        64,347
Other Data:
 Number of in-service
  properties ....................          --             14            14
 Total rentable square feet .....          --        816,690       816,690
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Rental property operating expenses include salaries, real estate taxes,
    insurance, repairs and maintenance, property management, security and
    utilities.

(2) Rental property operating expenses include salaries, real estate taxes,
    insurance, repairs and maintenance, property management, security,
    utilities, leasing, development, and construction expenses.

                                       27
<PAGE>

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
       OF OPERATIONS

Overview and Background

     The Highwoods Group (the predecessor to the Company) was comprised of 13
office properties and one warehouse facility (the "Highwoods-Owned
Properties"), 94 acres of development land and the management, development and
leasing business of Highwoods Properties Company ("HPC"). On June 14, 1994,
following completion of the Company's initial public offering, the Company,
through a business combination involving entities under varying common
ownership, succeeded to the Highwoods-Owned Properties, HPC's real estate
business and 27 additional office properties owned by unaffiliated parties
(such combination being referred to as the "Formation Transaction"). Minority
interest in the Company represents the common partnership interest owned by
various individuals and entities and not the Company in the Operating
Partnership, the entity that owns the Company's properties and through which
the Company, as the sole general partner, conducts substantially all of its
operations. The Company acquired three additional Properties in 1994 after the
Formation Transaction.

     In February 1995, the Company expanded into other North Carolina markets
and diversified its portfolio to include industrial and service center
properties with its $170 million, 57-Property business combination with Forsyth
Partners (the "Forsyth Transaction"). During the year ended December 31, 1995,
the Company acquired 144 Properties encompassing 6,357,000 square feet, at an
initial cost of $369.9 million.

     In September 1996, the Company acquired 5.7 million rentable square feet
of office and service center space through its $566 million merger with Crocker
Realty Trust, Inc. ("Crocker"). During the year ended December 31, 1996, the
Company acquired 91 Properties encompassing 7,325,500 square feet at an initial
cost of $704.0 million.

     During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company acquired 176
properties encompassing 12,789,000 square feet at an initial cost of $1.1
billion. See "Business -- Recent Developments" for a description of the ACP
Transaction, the Riparius Transaction, the Century Center Transaction and the
Anderson Transaction and for a table summarizing all mergers and acquisitions
completed during the year ended December 31, 1997.

     This information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto.

Results of Operations


Comparison of 1997 to 1996

     Revenue from rental operations increased $136.1 million, or 104.1%, from
$131.8 million in 1996 to $266.9 million in 1997. The increase is primarily a
result of revenue from newly acquired and developed properties as well as
acquisitions completed in 1996 which only contributed partially in 1996.
Interest and other income increased 5.6% from $7.1 million in 1996 to $7.5
million in 1997. Lease termination fees and third-party income accounted for a
majority of such income in 1997 while excess cash invested in 1996 from two
offerings of Common Stock during the summer of 1996 raising total net proceeds
of approximately $293 million (the "Summer 1996 Offering") accounted for a
majority of such income in 1996.


                                       28
<PAGE>

     Rental operating expenses increased $41.4 million, or 117.3%, from $35.3
million in 1996 to $76.7 million in 1997. The increase is due to the net
addition of 13.3 million square feet to the in-service portfolio in 1997 as
well as acquisitions completed in 1996 which only contributed partially in
1996. Rental expenses as a percentage of related rental revenues increased from
27.0% for the year ended December 31, 1996 to 28.7% for the year ended December
31, 1997. The increase is a result of an increase in the percentage of office
properties in the portfolio, which have fewer "triple net" leases.

     Depreciation and amortization for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996 was $47.5 million and $22.1 million, respectively. The increase of $25.4
million, or 114.9%, is due to an average increase in depreciable assets of
103.5%. Interest expense increased 78.2%, or $20.8 million, from $26.6 million
in 1996 to $47.4 million in 1997. The increase is attributable to the increase
in outstanding debt related to the Company's acquisition and development
activity. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
included $2.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of non-cash deferred
financing costs and amortization of the costs related to the Company's interest
rate protection agreements.

     General and administrative expenses decreased from 4.3% of rental revenue
in 1996 to 3.8% in 1997. The decrease is attributable to the realization of
synergies from the Company's growth in 1997. Duplication of personnel costs in
the third quarter of 1996 related to the acquisition of Crocker also
contributed to the higher general and administrative expenses in the prior
year.

     Net income before minority interest and extraordinary item equaled $92.6
million and $48.2 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1996. The extraordinary items consisted of prepayment penalties incurred and
deferred loan cost expensed in connection with the extinguishment of secured
debt assumed in various acquisitions completed in 1997 and 1996. The Company
also recorded $13.1 million in preferred stock dividends for the year ended
December 31, 1997.


Comparison of 1996 to 1995

     Revenue from rental operations increased $59.6 million, or 83.7%, from
$71.2 million in 1995 to $130.8 million in 1996. The increase is primarily a
result of revenue from newly acquired and developed properties. Interest and
other income increased 208.7% from $2.3 million in 1995 to $7.1 million in
1996. This increase is a result of the excess cash and cash equivalents
resulting from the Summer 1996 Offering and an increase in third-party
management and leasing income.

     Rental operating expenses increased $18.3 million, or 107.6%, from $17.0
million in 1995 to $35.3 million in 1996. The increase is due to the addition
of 8.2 million square feet to the in-service portfolio. Rental expenses as a
percentage of related rental revenues increased from 23.9% for the year ended
December 31, 1995 to 27.0% for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase
is a result of an increase in the percentage of office properties in the
portfolio which have fewer "triple net" leases, and approximately $400,000 in
additional expenses related to the severe winter weather in 1996 and the
hurricane in September of the same year.

     Depreciation and amortization for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995 was $22.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively. The increase of $11.0
million, or 99.1%, is due to a 130.9% increase in depreciable assets. Interest
expense increased $12.9 million, or 94.0%, from $13.7 million in 1995 to $26.6
million in 1996. The increase is attributable to the increase in outstanding
debt related to the Company's acquisition and development activities. Interest
expense for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 included $1.9 million
and $1.6 million, respectively, of non-cash deferred financing costs and
amortization of the costs related to the Company's interest rate protection
agreements.

     General and administrative expenses increased from 3.8% of rental revenue
in 1995 to 4.3% in 1996. This increase is attributable to the addition of four
regional offices in Nashville, Memphis, Tampa, and Boca Raton as a result of
acquisitions. The duplication of certain personnel costs in the third quarter
during the acquisition of Crocker also contributed to higher general and
administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996. Such duplicative
costs were eliminated in the fourth quarter as the Company realized the planned
synergies from the merger.


                                       29
<PAGE>

     Net income before minority interest and extraordinary item equaled $48.2
million and $28.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The extraordinary items consisted of prepayment penalties incurred
and deferred loan cost expensed in connection with the extinguishment of certain
debt assumed in the Crocker merger in 1996 and the Forsyth Transaction in 1995.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Statement of Cash Flows

     The Company generated $130.2 million in cash flows from operating
activities and $393.2 million in cash flows from financing activities for the
year ended December 31, 1997. These combined cash flows of $523.4 million were
used to fund investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1997. Such
investing activities consisted primarily of development and merger and
acquisition activity for the year ended December 31, 1997. See "Business --
Recent Developments."


                                       30
<PAGE>

Capitalization

     Mortgage and notes payable at December 31, 1997 totaled $978.6 million and
were comprised of $332.4 million of secured indebtedness with a weighted
average interest rate of 8.2% and $646.2 million of unsecured indebtedness with
a weighted average interest rate of 7.0%. All of the mortgage and notes payable
outstanding at December 31, 1997 were either fixed rate obligations or variable
rate obligations covered by interest rate protection agreements (see below).
The weighted average life of the indebtedness was approximately 5.3 years at
December 31, 1997.

     Based on the Company's total market capitalization of $3.4 billion at
December 31, 1997 (at the December 31, 1997 stock price of $37.19 per share and
assuming the redemption of each of the approximately 10.4 million Common Units
held by limited partners in the Operating Partnership for a share of Common
Stock), the Company's indebtedness represented approximately 29% of its total
market capitalization.

     The Company and the Operating Partnership completed the following
financing activities during the year ended December 31, 1997:

   o Series A Preferred Offering. On February 12, 1997, the Company sold
     125,000 Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (the "Series A
     Preferred Shares") for net proceeds of approximately $121.7 million (the
     "Series A Preferred Offering"). Dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares
     are cumulative from the date of original issuance and are payable
     quarterly on or about the last day of February, May, August and November
     of each year, commencing May 31, 1997, at the rate of 8 5/8% of the $1,000
     liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $86.25 per annum per
     share). The Series A Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to February
     12, 2027.

   o X-POSSM Offering. On June 24, 1997, a trust formed by the Operating
     Partnership sold $100 million of Exercisable Put Option SecuritiesSM
     ("X-POSSM"), which represent fractional undivided beneficial interests in
     the trust. The assets of the trust consist of, among other things, $100
     million of Exercisable Put Option Notes due June 15, 2011 issued by the
     Operating Partnership (the "Put Option Notes"). The X-POSSM bear an
     interest rate of 7.19%, representing an effective borrowing cost of 7.09%,
     net of a related put option and certain interest rate protection agreement
     costs. Under certain circumstances, the Put Option Notes could also become
     subject to early maturity on June 15, 2004. The issuance of the Put Option
     Notes and the related put option is referred to herein as the "X-POSSM
     Offering."

   o August 1997 Offering. On August 28, 1997, the Company entered into two
     transactions with affiliates of Union Bank of Switzerland (the "August
     1997 Offering"). In one transaction, the Company sold 1,800,000 shares of
     Common Stock to UBS Limited for net proceeds of approximately $57 million.
     In the other transaction, the Company entered into a forward share
     purchase agreement (the "Forward Contract") with Union Bank of
     Switzerland, London Branch ("UBS/LB"). The Forward Contract generally
     provides that if the price of a share of Common Stock is above $32.14 (the
     "Forward Price") on August 28, 1998, UBS/LB will return the difference (in
     shares of Common Stock) to the Company. Similarly, if the price of a share
     of Common Stock on August 28, 1998 is less than the Forward Price, the
     Company will pay the difference to UBS/LB in cash or shares of Common
     Stock, at the Company's option.

   o Series B Preferred Offering. On September 25, 1997, the Company sold
     6,900,000 Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (the "Series B
     Preferred Shares") for net proceeds of approximately $166.9 million (the
     "Series B Preferred Offering"). Dividends on the Series B Preferred Shares
     are cumulative from the date of original issuance and are payable
     quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year,
     commencing December 15, 1997, at the rate of 8% of the $25 liquidation
     preference per annum (equivalent to $2.00 per annum per share). The Series
     B Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to September 25, 2002.


                                       31
<PAGE>

   o October 1997 Offering. On October 1, 1997, the Company sold 7,500,000
     shares of Common Stock in an underwritten public offering for net proceeds
     of approximately $249 million. The underwriters exercised a portion of
     their over-allotment option for 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock on
     October 6, 1997, raising additional net proceeds of $33.2 million
     (together with the sale on October 1, 1997, the "October 1997 Offering.")

   o $150 Million Credit Facility. On December 15, 1997, the Company obtained a
     $150 million unsecured revolving loan with a syndicate of lenders that
     matures on June 30, 1998. Borrowings under the revolving loan are based on
     the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 90 basis points. At December 31, 1997, the
     Company had $100 million available of borrowings under the $150 million
     loan. During the second or third quarter of 1998, the Company expects to
     replace the newly acquired revolving loan and its $280 million revolving
     loan with a revolving loan of up to $500 million.

   o Issuance of Common Units and Common Stock. In connection with 1997
     acquisitions, the Operating Partnership issued 6,613,242 Common Units and
     the Company issued 117,617 shares of restricted Common Stock for an
     aggregate value of approximately $210.0 million (based on the agreed-upon
     valuation of a share of Common Stock at the time of the acquisition).

Additional information regarding the X-POSSM Offering, the August 1997 Offering
and the newly obtained revolving loan is set forth in the notes related to the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.

     To protect the Company from increases in interest expense due to changes in
the variable rate, the Company: (i) purchased an interest rate collar limiting
its exposure to an increase in interest rates to 7.25% with respect to $80
million of its $430 million aggregate amount of unsecured revolving loans (the
"Revolving Loans") excluding the effect of changes in the Company's credit risk,
and (ii) entered into interest rate swaps that limit its exposure to an increase
in interest rates to 6.95% in connection with the $22 million of variable rate
mortgages. The interest rate on all such variable rate debt is adjusted at
monthly intervals, subject to the Company's interest rate protection program.
Net payments made to counterparties under the above interest rate protection
agreements were $47,000 in 1997 and were recorded as an increase to interest
expense. Payments received from the counterparties under the interest rate
protection agreements were $167,000 and $385,000 for 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The Company is exposed to certain losses in the event of
non-performance by the counterparties under the cap and swap arrangements. The
counterparties are major financial institutions and are expected to perform
fully under the agreements. However, if they were to default on their
obligations under the arrangements, the Company could be required to pay the
full rates under the Revolving Loans and the variable rate mortgages, even if
such rates were in excess of the rate in the cap and swap agreements. In
addition, the Company may incur other variable rate indebtedness in the future.
Increases in interest rates on its indebtedness could increase the Company's
interest expense and could adversely affect the Company's cash flow and its
ability to pay expected distributions to stockholders.

     In anticipation of a 1998 debt offering, on September 17, 1997, the
Company entered into a swap agreement with a notional amount of $114 million.
The swap agreement has a termination date of April 10, 1998, and carries a
fixed rate of 6.3% which is a combination of the treasury rate plus the swap
spread and the forward premium.

     Historically, rental revenue has been the principal source of funds to pay
operating expenses, debt service and capital expenditures, excluding
non-recurring capital expenditures. In addition, construction management,
maintenance, leasing and management fees have provided sources of cash flow.
Management believes that the Company will have access to the capital resources
necessary to expand and develop its business. To the extent that the Company's
cash flow from operating activities is insufficient to finance its acquisition
costs and other capital expenditures, including development costs, the Company
expects to finance such activities through the Revolving Loans and other debt
and equity financing.

     The Company presently has no plans for major capital improvements to the
existing properties, other than an $8 million renovation of the common areas of
a 639,000-square foot property acquired in the ACP Transaction. A reserve has
been established to cover the cost of the renovations. The Company


                                       32
<PAGE>

expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements generally through its
working capital and net cash provided by operating activities along with the
previously discussed Revolving Loans. The Company expects to meet certain of
its financing requirements through long-term secured and unsecured borrowings
and the issuance of debt securities or additional equity securities of the
Company. In addition, the Company anticipates utilizing the Revolving Loans
primarily to fund construction and development activities. The Company does not
intend to reserve funds to retire existing mortgage indebtedness or
indebtedness under the Revolving Loans upon maturity. Instead, the Company will
seek to refinance such debt at maturity or retire such debt through the
issuance of additional equity or debt securities. The Company anticipates that
its available cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operating
activities, together with cash available from borrowings and other sources,
will be adequate to meet the capital and liquidity needs of the Company in both
the short and long-term. However, if these sources of funds are insufficient or
unavailable, the Company's ability to make the expected distributions discussed
below may be adversely affected.

     In order to qualify as a REIT for Federal income tax purposes, the Company
is required to make distributions to its stockholders of at least 95% of REIT
taxable income. The Company expects to use its cash flow from operating
activities for distributions to stockholders and for payment of recurring, non-
incremental revenue-generating expenditures. The Company intends to invest
amounts accumulated for distribution in short-term investments. The following
factors will affect cash flows from operating activities and, accordingly,
influence the decisions of the Board of Directors regarding distributions: (i)
debt service requirements after taking into account the repayment and
restructuring of certain indebtedness; (ii) scheduled increases in base rents
of existing leases; (iii) changes in rents attributable to the renewal of
existing leases or replacement leases; (iv) changes in occupancy rates at
existing Properties and procurement of leases for newly acquired or developed
properties; and (v) operating expenses and capital replacement needs.


Recent Developments


Recent Acquisitions

     Riparius Transaction. In closings on December 23, 1997 and January 8,
1998, the Company completed a business combination with Riparius Development
Corporation in Baltimore, Maryland involving the acquisition of a portfolio of
five office properties encompassing 369,000 square feet, two office development
projects encompassing 235,000 square feet, 11 acres of development land and 101
additional acres of development land to be acquired over the next three years.
As of December 31, 1997, the in-service properties acquired in the Riparius
Transaction were 99% leased. The cost of the Riparius Transaction consisted of
a cash payment of $43.6 million. In addition, the Company has assumed the two
office development projects with an anticipated cost of $26.2 million expected
to be paid in 1998, and will pay out $23.9 million over the next three years
for the 101 additional acres of development land.

     Garcia Transaction. On February 4, 1998, the Company acquired
substantially all of a portfolio consisting of 28 office properties
encompassing 787,000 rentable square feet, seven service center properties
encompassing 471,000 square feet and 66 acres of development land in Tampa,
Florida (the "Garcia Transaction"). As of December 31, 1997, the properties
acquired in the Garcia Transaction were 92% leased. The cost of the Garcia
Transaction consists of a cash payment of approximately $87 million and the
assumption of approximately $24 million in secured debt. The Company expects to
close on the one remaining property by April 4, 1998.


Pending Acquisitions

     J.C. Nichols Transaction. On December 22, 1997, the Company entered into a
merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with J.C. Nichols Company, a publicly
traded Kansas City real estate operating company ("J.C. Nichols"), pursuant to
which the Company would acquire J.C. Nichols with the view that the Operating
Partnership would combine its property operations with J.C. Nichols (the "J.C.
Nichols


                                       33
<PAGE>

Transaction"). J.C. Nichols is subject to the information requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, in accordance therewith,
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

     J.C. Nichols owns or has an ownership interest in 27 office properties
encompassing approximately 1.5 million rentable square feet, 13 industrial
properties encompassing approximately 337,000 rentable square feet, 33 retail
properties encompassing approximately 2.5 million rentable square feet and 16
multifamily communities with 1,816 apartment units in Kansas City, Missouri and
Kansas. Additionally, J.C. Nichols has an ownership interest in 21 office
properties encompassing approximately 1.3 million rentable square feet, one
industrial property encompassing approximately 200,000 rentable square feet and
one multifamily community with 418 apartment units in Des Moines, Iowa. As of
December 31, 1997, the properties to be acquired in the J.C. Nichols
Transaction were 95% leased.

     Consummation of the J.C. Nichols Transaction is subject, among other
things, to the approval of 66 2/3% of the shareholders of J.C. Nichols. Under
the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company would acquire all of the
outstanding common stock, $.01 par value, of J.C. Nichols ("J.C. Nichols Common
Stock"). Under the Merger Agreement, J.C. Nichols shareholders may elect to
receive either 1.84 shares of Common Stock or $65 in cash for each share of
J.C. Nichols Common Stock. However, the cash payment to J.C. Nichols
shareholders cannot exceed 40% of the total consideration and the Company may
limit the amount of Common Stock issued to 75% of the total consideration. The
exchange ratio is fixed and reflects the average closing price of the Common
Stock over the 20 trading days preceding the effective date of the Merger
Agreement. The cost of the J.C. Nichols Transaction under the Merger Agreement
is approximately $570 million, including assumed debt of approximately $250
million, net of cash of approximately $65 million. The Merger Agreement
provides for payment by J.C. Nichols to the Company of a termination fee and
expenses of up to $17.2 million if J.C. Nichols enters into an acquisition
proposal other than the Merger Agreement and certain other conditions are met.
The failure of J.C. Nichols shareholders to approve the J.C. Nichols
Transaction, however, will not trigger the payment of a termination fee, except
for a fee of $2.5 million, if, among other things, J.C. Nichols enters into
another acquisition proposal before December 22, 1998.

     No assurance can be given that all or part of the J.C. Nichols Transaction
will be consummated or that, if consummated, it would follow the terms set
forth in the Merger Agreement. As of the date hereof, certain third parties
have expressed an interest to J.C. Nichols and/or certain of its shareholders
in purchasing all or a portion of the outstanding J.C. Nichols Common Stock at
a price in excess of $65 per share. No assurance can be given that a third
party will not make an offer to J.C. Nichols or its shareholders to purchase
all or a portion of the outstanding J.C. Nichols Common Stock at a price in
excess of $65 per share or that the board of directors of J.C. Nichols would
reject any such offer. The Company and/or J.C. Nichols may terminate the Merger
Agreement if the J.C. Nichols Transaction is not consummated by June 30, 1998.

     The properties to be acquired in the J.C. Nichols Transaction include the
Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, which covers 15 square blocks and includes
1.0 million square feet of retail space, 1.1 million square feet of office
space and 462 apartment units. As of December 31, 1997, the Country Club Plaza
was approximately 96% leased. The Country Club Plaza is presently undergoing an
expansion and restoration expected to add 800,000 square feet of retail,
office, hotel and residential space with an estimated cost of approximately
$240 million. Assuming consummation of the J.C. Nichols Transaction, the
Company intends to complete the development in the Country Club Plaza
previously planned by J.C. Nichols.

     Assuming completion of the J.C. Nichols Transaction, the Company would
succeed to the interests of J.C. Nichols in a strategic alliance with
Kessinger/Hunter & Company, Inc. ("Kessinger/Hunter") pursuant to which
Kessinger/Hunter manages and leases the office, industrial and retail
properties presently owned by J.C. Nichols in the greater Kansas City
metropolitan area. J.C. Nichols currently has a 30% ownership interest in the
strategic alliance with Kessinger/Hunter and has two additional options to
acquire up to a 65% ownership interest in the strategic alliance. Assuming
completion of the J.C.


                                       34
<PAGE>

Nichols Transaction, the Company would also succeed to the interests of J.C.
Nichols in a strategic alliance with R&R Investors, Ltd. ("R&R") pursuant to
which R&R manages and leases the properties in which J.C. Nichols has an
ownership interest in Des Moines. J.C. Nichols has an ownership interest of 50%
or more in each of the properties in Des Moines with R&R or its principal.

     Easton-Babcock Transaction. The Company has entered into an agreement with
The Easton-Babcock Companies, a real estate operating company in Miami, Florida
("Easton-Babcock"), pursuant to which the Company will combine its property
operations with Easton-Babcock and acquire a portfolio of 11 industrial
properties encompassing 1.8 million rentable square feet, three office
properties encompassing 197,000 rentable square feet and 110 acres of land for
development, of which 88 acres will be acquired over a three-year period (the
"Easton-Babcock Transaction"). As of December 31, 1997, the industrial
properties to be acquired in the Easton-Babcock Transaction were 88% leased and
the office properties to be acquired in the Easton-Babcock Transaction were 50%
leased. The cost of the Easton-Babcock Transaction is $143 million (inclusive
of the 88 acres of development land to be acquired over a three-year period)
and will consist of an undetermined combination of the issuance of Common
Units, the assumption of mortgage debt and a cash payment. Also in connection
with the Easton-Babcock Transaction, the Company will issue to certain
affiliates of Easton-Babcock warrants to purchase 926,000 shares of Common
Stock at $35.50 per share. Although the Easton-Babcock Transaction is expected
to close by April 30, 1998, no assurance can be given that all or part of the
transaction will be consummated.


Financing Activities

     Set forth below is a summary description of the recent financing
activities of the Company and the Operating Partnership:

     January 1998 Offering. On January 27, 1998, the Company sold 2,000,000
shares of Common Stock in an underwritten public offering (the "January 1998
Offering") for net proceeds of approximately $68.2 million.

     February 1998 Debt Offering. On February 2, 1998, the Operating
Partnership sold $125 million of 6.835% MandatOry Par Put Remarketed Securities
("MOPPRS") due February 1, 2013 and $100 million of 7 1/8% notes due February
1, 2008 (the "February 1998 Debt Offering").

     February 1998 Common Stock Offerings. On February 12, 1998, the Company
sold an aggregate of 1,553,604 shares of Common Stock in two underwritten
public offerings (the "February 1998 Common Stock Offerings") for net proceeds
of approximately $51.2 million.

     March 1998 Offering. On March 30, 1998, the Company sold 428,572 shares of
Common Stock in an underwritten public offering (the "March 1998 Offering") for
net proceeds of approximately $14.2 million.


     Possible Environmental Liabilities

     Under various Federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations,
such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act
or "CERCLA," and common law, an owner or operator of real estate is liable for
the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on
or in such property as well as certain other costs, including governmental
fines and injuries to persons and property. Such laws often impose such
liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was
responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The
presence of such substances, or the failure to remediate such substances
properly, may adversely affect the owner's or operator's ability to sell or
rent 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 a
disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is owned or
operated by such person. Certain environmental laws impose liability for
release of asbestos-containing materials ("ACM"), and third parties may seek
recovery from


                                       35
<PAGE>

owners or operators of real property for personal injuries associated with ACM.
A number of Properties contain ACM or material that is presumed to be ACM. In
connection with the ownership and operation of its properties, the Company may
be liable for such costs. In addition, it is not unusual for property owners to
encounter on-site contamination caused by off-site sources, and the presence of
hazardous or toxic substances at a site in the vicinity of a property could
require the property owner to participate in remediation activities in certain
cases or could have an adverse effect on the value of such property. In a few
situations, contamination from adjacent properties has migrated onto property
owned by the Company; however, based on current information, management of the
Company does not believe that any significant remedial action is necessary at
these affected sites.

     As of the date hereof, substantially all of the Properties have been
subjected to a Phase I environmental assessment and/or assessment update. These
assessments have not revealed, nor is management of the Company aware of, any
environmental liability that it believes would have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial position, operations or liquidity taken as a whole.
This projection, however, could prove to be incorrect depending on certain
factors. For example, the Company's assessments may not reveal all
environmental liabilities, or may underestimate the scope and severity of
environmental conditions observed, with the result that there may be material
environmental liabilities of which the Company is unaware, or material
environmental liabilities may have arisen after the assessments were performed
of which the Company is unaware. In addition, assumptions regarding groundwater
flow and the existence and source of contamination are based on available
sampling data, and there are no assurances that the data is reliable in all
cases. Moreover, there can be no assurance that (i) future laws, ordinances or
regulations will not impose any material environmental liability or (ii) the
current environmental condition of the Properties will not be affected by
tenants, by the condition of land or operations in the vicinity of the
Properties, or by third parties unrelated to the Company.

     Some tenants use or generate hazardous substances in the ordinary course
of their respective businesses. These tenants are required under their leases
to comply with all applicable laws and are responsible to the Company for any
damages resulting from the tenants' use of the property. The Company is not
aware of any material environmental problems resulting from tenants' use or
generation of hazardous substances. There are no assurances that all tenants
will comply with the terms of their leases or remain solvent and that the
Company may not at some point be responsible for contamination caused by such
tenants.


Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

     Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA"), all public
accommodations and commercial facilities are required to meet certain Federal
requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. These requirements
became effective in 1992. Compliance with the ADA requirements could require
removal of access barriers, and non-compliance could result in imposition of
fines by the U.S. government or an award of damages to private litigants.
Although the Company believes that the Properties are substantially in
compliance with these requirements, the Company may incur additional costs to
comply with the ADA. Although the Company believes that such costs will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company, if required changes involve a
greater expenditure than the Company currently anticipates, the Company's
results of operations, liquidity and capital resources could be materially
adversely affected.


Impact of Year 2000 Issue

     The "Year 2000" issue is a general term used to describe the various
problems that may result from the improper processing of dates and calculations
involving years by many computers throughout the world as the Year 2000 is
approached and reached. The Company has reviewed the impact of Year 2000 issues
and does not expect any remedial actions taken with respect thereto to
materially adversely affect its business, operations or financial condition.


                                       36
<PAGE>

FASB Statement No. 128

     In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," which is effective for financial
statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997. FASB Statement No. 128
requires the restatement of prior period earnings per share and requires the
disclosure of additional supplemental information detailing the calculation of
earnings per share.

     FASB Statement No. 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully
diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike
primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive
effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per
share is very similar to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per
share. It is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Common
Stock and the dilutive effect of options, warrants and convertible securities
outstanding, using the "treasury stock" method. Earnings per share data is
required for all periods for which an income statement or summary of earnings
is presented, including summaries outside the basic financial statements. All
earnings per share amounts for all periods presented have, where appropriate,
been restated to conform to the FASB Statement No. 128 requirements.


Funds From Operations and Cash Available for Distributions

     The Company considers Funds from Operations ("FFO") to be a useful
financial performance measure of the operating performance of an equity REIT
because, together with net income and cash flows, FFO provides investors with
an additional basis to evaluate the ability of a REIT to incur and service debt
and to fund acquisitions and other capital expenditures. FFO does not represent
net income or cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as
defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). It should not be
considered as an alternative to net income as an indicator of the Company's
operating performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. FFO does not
measure whether cash flow is sufficient to fund all cash needs including
principal amortization, capital improvements and distributions to stockholders.
Further, FFO as disclosed by other REITs may not be comparable to the Company's
calculation of FFO, as described below. FFO and cash available for
distributions should not be considered as alternatives to net income as an
indication of the Company's performance or to cash flows as a measure of
liquidity.

     FFO means net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles) excluding gains (or losses) from debt restructuring and
sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments
for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. In March 1995, the National
Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") issued a clarification
of the definition of FFO. The clarification provides that amortization of
deferred financing costs and depreciation of non-real estate assets are no
longer to be added back to net income in arriving at FFO. Cash available for
distribution is defined as funds from operations reduced by non-revenue
enhancing capital expenditures for building improvements and tenant
improvements and lease commissions related to second generation space.


                                       37
<PAGE>

     FFO and cash available for distribution for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Year Ended
                                                                               December 31,
                                                                         -------------------------
                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                         ------------   ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>            <C>
FFO:
Income before minority interest and extraordinary item ...............    $  92,584      $ 48,242
Add (deduct):
  Dividends to preferred shareholders ................................      (13,117)           --
  Depreciation and amortization ......................................       47,533        22,095
  Minority interest in Crocker depreciation and amortization .........           --          (117)
  Third-party service company cash flow ..............................           --           400
                                                                          ---------      --------
   FFO before minority interest ......................................      127,000        70,620
Cash Available for Distribution:
Add (deduct):
  Rental income from straight-line rents .............................       (7,035)       (2,603)
  Amortization of deferred financing costs ...........................        2,256         1,911
  Non-incremental revenue generating capital expenditures:
   Building improvements paid ........................................       (4,401)       (3,554)
   Second generation tenant improvements paid ........................       (9,889)       (3,471)
   Second generation lease commissions paid ..........................       (5,535)       (1,426)
                                                                          ---------      --------
     Cash available for distribution .................................    $ 102,396      $ 61,477
                                                                          =========      ========
Weighted average shares/units outstanding (1) -- basic ...............       46,422        30,219
                                                                          =========      ========
Weighted average shares/units outstanding (1) -- diluted .............       46,813        30,442
                                                                          =========      ========
Dividend payout ratio:
  FFO ................................................................         72.4%         79.6%
                                                                          =========      ========
  Cash available from distribution ...................................         89.8%         91.4%
                                                                          =========      ========
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Assumes redemption of Common Units for shares of Common Stock. Minority
    interest Common Unit holders and the stockholders of the Company share
    equally on a per Common Unit and per share basis; therefore, the per share
    information is unaffected by conversion.


Inflation

     In the last five years, inflation has not had a significant impact on the
Company because of the relatively low inflation rate in the Company's
geographic areas of operation. Most of the leases require the tenants to pay
their pro rata share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance,
real estate taxes and insurance, thereby reducing the Company's exposure to
increases in operating expenses resulting from inflation. In addition, many of
the leases are for terms of less than seven years, which may enable the Company
to replace existing leases with new leases at a higher base if rents on the
existing leases are below the then-existing market rate.


Disclosure Regarding Forward-looking Statements

     The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide
prospective information about their companies without fear of litigation so
long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied
by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the
statement. Accordingly, the Company hereby identifies the following important
factors that could cause the Company's actual financial results to differ
materially from those projected by the Company in forward-looking statements:


                                       38
<PAGE>

       (i) unexpected increases in development of office or industrial
   properties in the Company's markets;

       (ii) deterioration in the financial condition of tenants;

       (iii) construction costs of properties exceeding original estimates;

       (iv) delays in the completion of development projects or acquisitions;

       (v) delays in leasing or releasing space;

       (vi) incorrect assessments of (or changes in) the environmental
   condition of the Company's properties;

       (vii) unexpected increases in interest rates; and

       (viii) loss of key executives.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     See page F-1 of the financial report included herein.


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
       FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.


                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     The section under the heading "Election of Directors" of the Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 14, 1998 (the
"Proxy Statement") is incorporated herein by reference for information on
directors of the Company. See ITEM X in Part I hereof for information regarding
executive officers of the Company.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The section under the heading "Election of Directors" entitled
"Compensation of Directors" of the Proxy Statement and the section titled
"Executive Compensation" of the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by
reference.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The section under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management" of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     The section under the heading "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions" of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


                                       39
<PAGE>

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a) List of Documents Filed as a Part of this Report

       1. Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Auditors
         See Index on Page F-1

       2. Financial Statement Schedules
         See Index on Page F-1

       3. Exhibits



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ex.            FN                                  Description
- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>       <C>
   2.1           (1) Master Agreement of Merger and Acquisition by and among the
                     Company, the Operating Partnership, Eakin & Smith, Inc. and the
                     partnerships and limited liability companies listed therein dated
                     April 1, 1996
  2.2            (2) Stock Purchase Agreement among AP CRTI Holdings, L.P., AEW
                     Partners, L.P., Thomas J. Crocker, Barbara F. Crocker, Richard S.
                     Ackerman and Robert E. Onisko and the Company and Cedar
                     Acquisition Corporation, dated April 29, 1996
  2.3            (2) Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Crocker
                     RealtyTrust, Inc. and Cedar Acquisition Corporation, dated as of
                     April 29, 1996
  2.4            (3) Contribution and Exchange Agreement by and among Century Center
                     group, the Operating Partnership and the Company, dated
                     December 31, 1996
  2.5            (3) Master Agreement of Merger and Acquisition by and among the
                     Company, the Operating Partnership, Anderson Properties, Inc.,
                     Gene Anderson, and the partnerships and limited liability
                     companies listed therein, dated January 31, 1997
  2.6            (4) Amended and Master Agreement of Merger and Acquisition dated
                     January 9, 1995 by and among Highwoods Realty Limited
                     Partnership, Forsyth Partners Holdings, Inc., Forsyth Partners
                     Brokerage, Inc., John L. Turner, William T. Wilson III, John E.
                     Reece II, H. Jack Leister and the partnerships and corporations
                     listed therein
  2.7            (5) Master Agreement of Merger and Acquisition by and among the
                     Company, the Operating Partnership, Associated Capital Properties,
                     Inc. and its shareholders dated August 27, 1997
  2.8                Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Jackson
                     Acquisition Corp. and J.C. Nichols Company dated December 22,
                       1997.
  3.1            (6) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
  3.2            (7) Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company
  4.1            (7) Specimen of certificate representing shares of Common Stock
  4.2            (8) Indenture among AP Southeast Portfolio Partners, L.P., Bankers Trust
                     Company of California, N.A. and Bankers Trust Company, dated as
                     of March 1, 1994
  4.3            (9) Indenture among the Operating Partnership, the Company, and First
                     Union National Bank of North Carolina, dated as of December 1,
                       1996
  4.4            (9) Form of Notes due 2003
  4.5            (9) Form of Notes due 2006
  4.6         (10)   Specimen of certificate representing 8 5/8% Series A Cumulative
                     Redeemable Preferred Shares
</TABLE>

                                       40
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ex.                    FN                                    Description
- --------------- ---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>              <C>
    4.7           (11)           Specimen of certificate representing 8% Series B Cumulative
                                 Redeemable Preferred Shares
    4.8                          Purchase Agreement between the Company, UBS Limited and Union
                                 Bank of Switzerland, London Branch, dated as of August 28, 1997
    4.9                          Forward Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and Union
                                 Bank of Switzerland, London Branch, dated as of August 28, 1997
    4.10          (12)           Rights Agreement, dated as of October 6, 1997, between the Company
                                 and First Union National Bank
    4.11          (13)           Form of Notes due 2008
    4.12          (13)           Form of MandatOry Par Put Remarketed Securities due 2013
    4.13          (13)           Form of Remarketing Agreement among the Operating Partnership,
                                 the Company and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
    4.14          (14)           Credit Agreement among the Operating Partnership, the Company, the
                                 Subsidiaries named therein and the Lenders named therein, dated as
                                 of September 27, 1996
    4.15                         Credit Agreement among the Operating Partnership, the Company, the
                                 Subsidiaries named therein and the Lenders named therein, dated as
                                 of December 15, 1997
    4.16                         Agreement to furnish certain instruments defining the rights of
                                 long-term debt holders
   10.1              (7)         Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the
                                 Operating Partnership
   10.2           (10)           Amendment to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
                                 Partnership of the Operating Partnership with respect to Series A
                                 Preferred Units
   10.3           (15)           Amendment to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
                                 Partnership of the Operating Partnership with respect to certain
                                 rights of limited partners upon a change in control
   10.4           (11)           Amendment to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
                                 Partnership of the Operating Partnership with respect to Series B
                                 Preferred Units
   10.5           (16)           Form of Registration Rights and Lockup Agreement among the
                                 Company and the Holders named therein, which agreement is
                                 signed by all Common Unit holders
   10.6           (16)           Articles of Incorporation of Highwoods Services, Inc.
   10.7           (16)           Bylaws of Highwoods Services, Inc.
   10.8           (17)(18)       Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan
   10.9           (18)           1997 Performance Award Plan
   10.10          (18)           1997 Unit Option Plan
  10.11(a)        (16)(18)       Employment Agreement between the Company and the Operating
                                 Partnership and John L. Turner
  10.11(b)         (1)(18)       Employment Agreement between the Company and the Operating
                                 Partnership and John W. Eakin
  10.11(c)         (3)(18)       Employment Agreement between the Company and the Operating
                                 Partnership and Gene H. Anderson
  10.11(d)        (18)           Employment Agreement between the Company and the Operating
                                 Partnership and James R. Heistand
  10.12(a)        (18)(19)       Executive Supplemental Employment Agreement between the
                                 Company and Ronald P. Gibson
  10.12(b)        (18)(19)       Executive Supplemental Employment Agreement between the
                                 Company and John L. Turner
  10.12(c)        (18)(19)       Executive Supplemental Employment Agreement between the
                                 Company and Edward J. Fritsch
</TABLE>

                                       41
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ex.                     FN                                    Description
- ---------------- ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>              <C>
   10.12(d)        (18)(19)       Executive Supplemental Employment Agreement between the
                                  Company and Carman J. Liuzzo
   10.12(e)        (18)(19)       Executive Supplemental Employment Agreement between the
                                  Company and Mack D. Pridgen, III
    10.13             (4)         Form of warrants to purchase Common Stock of the Company issued
                                  to John L. Turner, William T. Wilson III and John E. Reece II
    10.14             (1)         Form of warrants to purchase Common Stock of the Company issued
                                  to W. Brian Reames, John W. Eakin and Thomas S. Smith
    10.15                         Form of warrants to purchase Common Stock of the Company issued
                                  to James R. Heistand and certain other shareholders of Associated
                                  Capital Properties, Inc.
      21                          Schedule of subsidiaries of the Company
      23                          Consent of Ernst & Young
      27                          Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 1,
     1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

(2) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29,
     1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

(3) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January
     9, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

(4) Filed as part of Registration Statement 33-88364 with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission and incorporated herein by reference.

(5) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August
     27, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

(6) Filed as part of the Company's Current Report on September 25, 1997 and
     amended by articles supplementary filed as part of the Company's Current
     Report on Form 8-K dated October 4, 1997, each of which is incorporated
     herein by reference.

(7) Filed as part of Registration Statement 33-76952 with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission and incorporated herein by reference.

(8) Filed by Crocker Realty Trust, Inc. as part of Registration Statement No.
     33-88482 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
     incorporated herein by reference.

(9) Filed as a part of the Operating Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K
     dated December 2, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

(10) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February
     12, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

(11) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     September 25, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

(12) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October
     4, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

(13) Filed as a part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February
     2, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.

(14) Filed as part of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September
     27, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

(15) Filed as a part of the Operating Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form
     10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by
     reference.


                                       42
<PAGE>

(16) Filed as a part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
     ended December 31, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference.

(17) Filed as a part of the Company's proxy statement on Schedule 14A relating
     to the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

(18) Management contract or compensatory plan.

(19) Terms of the agreement are disclosed in the Company's proxy statement on
     Schedule 14A relating to the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the
     caption "Executive Compensation -- Employment Agreements," which section
     is incorporated as an exhibit to this Form 10-K. As of the date hereof,
     such agreement is subject to final documentation.

      The Company will provide copies of any exhibit, upon written request, at
a cost of $.05 per page.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

     On October 14, 1997, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K, dated
October 4, 1997, reporting under item 5 of the Form the authorization of a
dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of
common stock, pursuant to a Rights Agreement between the Company and First
Union National Bank, as rights agent.

     On October 16, 1997, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K, dated
October 1, 1997, reporting under item 2 of the Form the closing of a business
combination with Associated Capital Properties, Inc. and related property
portfolio acquisition. The report included audited financial statements of
Associated Capital Properties, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1996 and of
the 1997 Pending Acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 1996.

     On January 6, 1998, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K, dated
January 22, 1998, reporting under item 5 of the Form that it had entered into
an agreement to merge with J.C. Nichols Company.


                                       43
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Raleigh, State of North Carolina, on March 31, 1998.


                                        HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

                                      By: /s/   RONALD P. GIBSON
                                          -------------------------------------

                                          Ronald P. Gibson, President and
                                          Chief Executive Officer


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Signature                             Title                    Date
- --------------------------------------   ----------------------------   ---------------
<S>                                      <C>                            <C>
/s/  O. TEMPLE SLOAN, JR.                Chairman of the Board of       March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------    Directors
 O. Temple Sloan, Jr.
/s/  RONALD P. GIBSON                    President, Chief Executive     March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------    Officer and Director
 Ronald P. Gibson
/s/  JOHN L. TURNER                      Vice Chairman of the Board     March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------    and Chief Investment
 John L. Turner                          Officer

/s/  GENE H. ANDERSON                    Senior Vice President and      March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------    Director
 Gene H. Anderson
/s/  JOHN W. EAKIN                       Senior Vice President and      March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------    Director
 John W. Eakin
/s/  THOMAS W. ADLER                     Director                       March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
 Thomas W. Adler
/s/  WILLIAM E. GRAHAM, JR.              Director                       March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
 William E. Graham, Jr.
/s/  L. GLENN ORR, JR.                   Director                       March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
 Glenn Orr, Jr.
/s/  WILLARD W. SMITH JR.                Director                       March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
 Willard W. Smith Jr.
/s/  STEPHEN TIMKO                       Director                       March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
 Stephen Timko
</TABLE>

                                       44
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Signature                             Title                     Date
- --------------------------------------   -----------------------------   ---------------
<S>                                      <C>                             <C>
/s/  WILLIAM T. WILSON III               Director                        March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
 William T. Wilson III

/s/  CARMAN J. LIUZZO                    Vice President and Chief        March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------    Financial Officer (Principal
 Carman J. Liuzzo                        Financial Officer and
                                         Principal Accounting
                                         Officer) and Treasurer

</TABLE>

                                       45
<PAGE>

                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Page
                                                                                             -----
<S>                                                                                          <C>
Highwoods Properties, Inc.
  Report of Independent Auditors .........................................................    F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 ...........................    F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995..    F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1997,
   1996 and 1995 .........................................................................    F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
   1995 ..................................................................................    F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .............................................    F-8
  Schedule III -- Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation ...............................    F-20
</TABLE>

     All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or
because the required information is included in the financial statements or
notes thereto.


                                      F-1
<PAGE>

                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Highwoods
Properties, Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Highwoods Properties, Inc. at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedule when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.




     ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina
February 20, 1998


                                      F-2
<PAGE>

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

                          Consolidated Balance Sheets

                (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    December 31,
                                                                           ------------------------------
                                                                                1997             1996
                                                                           --------------   -------------
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>
Assets
Real estate assets, at cost:
  Land and improvements ................................................     $  344,315      $  222,422
  Buildings and tenant improvements ....................................      2,194,641       1,152,990
  Development in process ...............................................         95,387          28,858
  Land held for development ............................................         64,454          14,668
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment ....................................          3,362           2,096
                                                                             ----------      ----------
                                                                              2,702,159       1,421,034
  Less -- accumulated depreciation .....................................        (87,505)        (43,160)
                                                                             ----------      ----------
  Net real estate assets ...............................................      2,614,654       1,377,874
Cash and cash equivalents ..............................................         10,146          11,070
Restricted cash ........................................................          9,341           8,539
Accounts receivable net of allowance of $555 and $286 at December 31,
  1997 and 1996, respectively ..........................................         17,701           9,039
Advances to related parties ............................................          9,072           2,406
Accrued straight line rents receivable .................................         13,033           6,185
Other assets:
  Deferred leasing costs ...............................................         21,688           9,601
  Deferred financing costs .............................................         22,294          21,789
  Prepaid expenses and other ...........................................         17,607           3,901
                                                                             ----------      ----------
                                                                                 61,589          35,291
  Less -- accumulated amortization .....................................        (13,230)         (6,964)
                                                                             ----------      ----------
                                                                                 48,359          28,327
                                                                             ----------      ----------
                                                                             $2,722,306      $1,443,440
                                                                             ==========      ==========
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Mortgages and notes payable ............................................     $  978,558      $  555,876
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities ...............         55,121          27,600
                                                                             ----------      ----------
  Total liabilities ....................................................      1,033,679         583,476
Minority interest ......................................................        287,186          89,617
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares;
  8 5/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares
  (liquidation preference $1,000 per share),
  125,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997 ...........        125,000              --
  8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares
  (liquidation preference $25 per share),
  6,900,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997 .........        172,500              --
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares;
  issued and outstanding 46,838,600 at December 31, 1997 and
  35,636,155 at December 31, 1996 ......................................            468             356
Additional paid-in capital .............................................      1,132,100         780,562
Distributions in excess of net earnings ................................        (28,627)        (10,571)
                                                                             ----------      ----------
  Total stockholders' equity ...........................................      1,401,441         770,347
                                                                             ----------      ----------
                                                                             $2,722,306      $1,443,440
                                                                             ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.


                       Consolidated Statements of Income


               (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


             For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1997          1996         1995
                                                                         -----------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
Revenue:
  Rental income ......................................................   $266,933      $130,848       $ 71,217
  Interest and other income ..........................................     7,537         7,078           2,305
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
Total revenue ........................................................   274,470       137,926          73,522
Operating expenses:
  Rental property ....................................................    76,743        35,313          17,049
  Depreciation and amortization ......................................    47,533        22,095          11,082
  Interest expense:
    Contractual ......................................................    45,138        24,699          12,101
    Amortization of deferred financing costs .........................     2,256         1,911           1,619
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
                                                                          47,394        26,610          13,720
  General and administrative .........................................    10,216         5,666           2,737
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
    Income before minority interest and extraordinary item ...........    92,584        48,242          28,934
Minority interest ....................................................   (15,106)       (6,782)         (4,937)
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
    Income before extraordinary item .................................    77,478        41,460          23,997
Extraordinary item -- loss on early extinguishment
  of debt ............................................................    (5,799)       (2,140)           (875)
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
    Net income .......................................................    71,679        39,320          23,122
Dividends on Preferred stock .........................................   (13,117)           --              --
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
  Net income available for common stockholders .......................   $58,562       $39,320        $ 23,122
                                                                         ========      ========       ========
Net income per common share -- Basic:
  Income before extraordinary item ...................................   $  1.66       $  1.59        $   1.55
  Extraordinary item -- loss on early extinguishment of debt .........     ( .15)        ( .08)          ( .06)
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
  Net income .........................................................   $  1.51       $  1.51        $   1.49
                                                                         ========      ========       ========
  Weighted average shares outstanding -- Basic .......................    38,770        26,111          15,487
                                                                         ========      ========       ========
Net income per common share -- Diluted:
  Income before extraordinary item ...................................   $  1.65       $  1.58        $   1.54
  Extraordinary item loss on early extinguishment of debt ............     ( .15)        ( .08)          ( .06)
                                                                         --------      --------       --------
  Net Income .........................................................   $  1.50       $  1.50        $   1.48
                                                                         ========      ========       ========
  Weighted average shares outstanding -- Diluted .....................    39,161        30,442          18,801
                                                                         ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.


                Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity


                            (Dollars in thousands)


            For the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and 1995




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Retained
                                                                                                Earnings
                                                       Series A    Series B    Additional    (Distributions
                                Number of    Common   Preferred   Preferred     Paid-In-      in Excess of
                                  Shares      Stock     Stock       Stock        Capital     Net Earnings)       Total
                              ------------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- --------------- --------------
<S>                           <C>           <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>
 Balance at December 31,
  1994 ......................   8,986,190     $ 90    $     --    $     --     $  135,531      $     594      $  136,215
 Issuance of Common
  Stock .....................  10,418,221      104          --          --        219,717             --         219,821
 Common Stock
  Dividends .................          --       --          --          --             --        (25,348)        (25,348)
 Net income .................          --       --          --          --             --         23,122          23,122
                               ----------     ----    --------    --------     ----------      ---------      ----------
 Balance at December 31,
  1995 ......................  19,404,411      194          --          --        355,248         (1,632)        353,810
 Issuance of Common
  Stock .....................  15,976,161      160          --          --        419,892             --         420,052
 Common Stock
  Dividends .................          --       --          --          --             --        (48,259)        (48,259)
 Net income .................          --       --          --          --             --         39,320          39,320
 Shares issued upon
  redemption of
  Common Units ..............     255,583        2          --          --          5,422             --           5,424
                               ----------     ----    --------    --------     ----------      ---------      ----------
 Balance at December 31,
  1996 ......................  35,636,155      356          --          --        780,562        (10,571)        770,347
 Issuance of Common
  Stock .....................  10,702,215      107          --          --        349,147             --         349,254
 Series A Preferred Stock
  offering ..................          --       --     125,000          --         (3,191)            --         121,809
 Series B Preferred Stock
  offering ..................          --       --          --     172,500         (6,154)            --         166,346
 Common Stock
  Dividends .................                                                                    (76,618)        (76,618)
 Preferred Stock
  Dividends .................          --       --          --          --             --        (13,117)        (13,117)
 Net Income .................          --       --          --          --             --         71,679          71,679
 Shares issued upon
  redemption of
  Common Units ..............     500,230        5          --          --         11,736             --          11,741
                               ----------     ----    --------    --------     ----------      ---------      ----------
 Balance at December 31,
  1997 ......................  46,838,600     $468    $125,000    $172,500     $1,132,100      $ (28,627)     $1,401,441
                               ==========     ====    ========    ========     ==========      =========      ==========
</TABLE>

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                            (Dollars in thousands)
             For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1997            1996            1995
                                                                        -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>
Operating activities:
Net income ..........................................................    $   71,679      $   39,320      $   23,122
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
  Depreciation ......................................................        44,393          20,752          10,483
  Amortization ......................................................         5,396           3,254           2,218
  Loss on early extinguishment of debt ..............................         5,799           2,140             875
  Minority interest .................................................        15,106           6,485           4,937
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
   Accounts receivable ..............................................        (8,662)         (1,437)         (1,561)
   Prepaid expenses and other assets ................................        (3,270)           (776)           (173)
   Accrued straight line rents receivable ...........................        (6,848)         (2,778)         (1,519)
   Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities .........         6,599           4,357           4,787
                                                                         ----------      ----------      ----------
     Net cash provided by operating activities ......................       130,192          71,317          43,169
Investing activities:
Proceeds from disposition of real estate assets .....................         1,419             900           2,200
Additions to real estate assets .....................................      (465,066)       (181,444)       (130,411)
Advances to subsidiaries ............................................        (6,666)         (1,132)           (654)
Other assets and notes receivable ...................................       (18,580)         (3,626)         (1,123)
Cash from contributed net assets ....................................            --          20,711             549
Cash paid in exchange for net assets ................................       (35,390)       (322,276)         (6,593)
                                                                         ----------      ----------      ----------
   Net cash used in investing activities ............................      (524,283)       (486,867)       (136,032)
                                                                         ----------      ----------      ----------
Financing activities:
Distributions paid on Common Stock and Common Units .................       (88,397)        (55,515)        (29,845)
Dividends paid on Preferred Stock ...................................       (11,720)             --              --
Net proceeds from sale of Preferred Stock ...........................       288,155              --              --
Net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock ..........................       345,325         406,595         219,821
Payment of prepayment penalties .....................................        (6,945)         (1,184)         (1,046)
Borrowings on Revolving Loans .......................................       563,500         307,500          50,800
Repayment of Revolving Loans ........................................      (264,000)       (299,000)        (87,000)
Proceeds from mortgages and notes payable ...........................       100,000         213,500          90,250
Repayment of mortgages and notes payable ............................      (532,481)       (141,216)       (148,907)
Payment of deferred financing costs .................................          (270)        (10,898)           (630)
                                                                         ----------      ----------      ----------
   Net cash provided by financing activities ........................       393,167         419,782          93,443
                                                                         ----------      ----------      ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents ................          (924)          4,232             580
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period ................        11,070           6,838           6,258
                                                                         ----------      ----------      ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period ......................    $   10,146      $   11,070      $    6,838
                                                                         ==========      ==========      ==========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest ..............................................    $   51,283      $   26,039      $   11,965
                                                                         ==========      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.


              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Continued


                            (Dollars in thousands)


             For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
The following summarizes the net assets contributed by the Common Unit holders
of the Highwoods/Forsyth
     Limited Partnership (the "Operating Partnership") or acquired subject to
mortgage notes payable:




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997          1996          1995
                                                                     -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Assets:
Real estate assets, net ..........................................   $782,136      $625,137      $260,883
Cash and cash equivalents ........................................         --        20,711           549
Restricted cash ..................................................      2,727        11,476            --
Tenant leasing costs, net ........................................        131            --            --
Deferred financing costs, net ....................................        227         3,871           842
Accounts receivable and other ....................................        913         1,635         6,290
                                                                     --------      --------      --------
  Total assets ...................................................    786,134       662,830       268,564
                                                                     --------      --------      --------
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable ......................................    555,663       244,129       210,728
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities .........     19,527        19,142           549
                                                                     --------      --------      --------
  Total liabilities ..............................................    575,190       263,271       211,277
                                                                     --------      --------      --------
   Net assets ....................................................   $210,944      $399,559      $ 57,287
                                                                     ========      ========      ========
</TABLE>

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                               December 31, 1997


1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Organization and Formation of the Company

     Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the "Company") is a self-administered and
self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") which operates in the
southeastern United States. The Company's assets include 342 suburban office
properties, 139 industrial properties and 718 acres of undeveloped land
suitable for future development.

     The Company was incorporated in Maryland in February 1994 and is the
successor to the operations of the Highwoods Group. On June 14, 1994, the
Company commenced operations upon completion of a public offering of 7,400,000
shares of $.01 par value Common Stock (plus 1,110,000 shares subsequently
issued pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option, the "Initial Public
Offering"). The Initial Public Offering price was $21 per share resulting in
gross offering proceeds of $178,710,000. Proceeds to the Company, net of
underwriters' discount, an advisory fee and total offering expenses, were
$164,481,300.

     The following transactions (the "Formation Transactions") occurred in
connection with the Initial Public Offering:

   o Through the merger of Highwoods Properties Company ("HPC") into the
     Company certain investors received 476,190 shares of restricted Common
     Stock in exchange for their holdings in HPC.

   o The Company consummated various purchase agreements to acquire certain
     interests in 41 properties, including 27 properties that were not owned by
     the Highwoods Group prior to the Initial Public Offering.

     For the 14 properties previously owned by the Highwoods Group, negative
     net assets of approximately $9,272,000 were contributed to the Operating
     Partnership at their historical cost. Approximately, $8,400,000 was
     distributed to the non-continuing partners of the Highwoods Group for
     their partnership interests in the 14 properties. For the 27 properties
     not owned by the Highwoods Group, the Company issued approximately
     $4,200,000 of common partnership interests in the Operating Partnership
     ("Common Units"), assumed $54,164,000 of debt and paid $82,129,000 in
     cash. These 27 properties were recorded at their purchase price using the
     purchase method of accounting.

   o The Company became the sole general partner of Highwoods/Forsyth Limited
     Partnership, formerly Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (the "Operating
     Partnership"), by contributing its ownership interests in the 41
     properties and its third-party fee business and all but $10,400,000 of the
     net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering in exchange for an approximate
     88.3% interest in the Operating Partnership.

   o The Operating Partnership executed various option and purchase agreements
     whereby it paid approximately $81,352,000 in cash, issued 1,054,664 Common
     Units and assumed approximately $118,111,000 of indebtedness in exchange
     for fee simple interests in the 41 properties and the development land.

   o The Operating Partnership contributed the third-party management and
     development business and the third-party leasing business to Highwoods
     Services, Inc. (formerly Highwoods Realty Services, Inc. and Highwoods
     Leasing Company) in exchange for 100% of each company's non-voting common
     stock and 1% of each company's voting common stock.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- Continued

     Generally one year after issuance (the "lock-up period"), the Operating
Partnership is obligated to redeem each Common Unit at the request of the
holder thereof for cash equal to the fair market value of one share of the
Company's Common Stock at the time of such redemption, provided that the
Company at its option may elect to acquire any such Common Unit presented for
redemption for cash or one share of Common Stock. When a Common Unit holder
redeems a Common Unit for a share of Common Stock or cash, the minority
interest will be reduced and the Company's share in the Operating Partnership
will be increased. The Common Units owned by the Company are not redeemable for
cash. At December 31, 1997, the lock-up period had expired with respect to
3,805,392 of the 10,444,464 Common Units issued and outstanding.


Basis of Presentation

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and the Operating Partnership. The Company's investment in Highwoods Services,
Inc. (the "Service Company") is accounted for using the equity method of
accounting. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

     The Company is a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under Sections 856
through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     Minority interest represents the limited partnership interest in the
Operating Partnership owned by Common Unit holders other than the Company. Per
share information is calculated using the weighted average number of shares
outstanding.

     The extraordinary loss represents the write-off of loan origination fees
and prepayment penalties paid on the early extinguishment of debt and is shown
net of the minority interest's share in the loss.


Real Estate Assets

     Real estate assets are stated at the lower of cost or fair value. All
capitalizable costs related to the improvement or replacement of commercial
real estate properties are capitalized. Depreciation is computed by the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 40 years for buildings
and improvements and 5 to 7 years for furniture and equipment. Tenant
improvements are amortized over the life of the respective leases, using the
straight-line method.

     In March 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," which
requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in
operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets'
carrying amount. Statement No. 121 also addresses the accounting for long-lived
assets that are expected to be disposed of. The Company adopted the Statement
in the first quarter of 1996 and the adoption did not have any material effect.
 


Cash Equivalents

     The Company considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.


                                      F-9
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)


Restricted Cash

     The Company is required by a mortgage note to maintain various depository
accounts, a cash collateral account and a contingency reserve account. All
rents with respect to the collateralized properties are made payable to, and
deposited directly in, the depository accounts, which are then transferred to
the cash collateral account. Subsequent to payment of debt service and other
required escrows, the residual balance of the cash collateral account is funded
to the Company for capital expenditures and operations. The contingency reserve
account is required to maintain a balance of $7,000,000. At December 31, 1997,
the account balances were $8,624,090 including $7,069,186 in the contingency
reserve account. At December 31, 1996, the account balances were $7,691,857
including $7,000,000 in the contingency reserve account.

     The Company is required by certain mortgage notes to escrow real estate
taxes with the mortgagor. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, $717,350 and $846,990,
respectively, were escrowed for real estate taxes.


Revenue Recognition

     Minimum rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term
of the lease. Unpaid rents are included in accounts receivable. Certain lease
agreements contain provisions which provide reimbursement of real estate taxes,
insurance, advertising and certain common area maintenance ("CAM") costs. These
additional rents are recorded on the accrual basis. All rent and other
receivables from tenants are due from commercial building tenants located in
the properties.


Deferred Lease Fees and Loan Costs

     Lease fees, concessions and loan costs are capitalized at cost and
amortized over the life of the related lease or loan term, respectively.


Income Taxes

     The Company is a REIT for federal income tax purposes. A corporate REIT is
a legal entity that holds real estate assets, and through distributions to
stockholders, is permitted to reduce or avoid the payment of Federal income
taxes at the corporate level. To maintain qualification as a REIT, the Company
must distribute to stockholders at least 95% of REIT taxable income.

     No provision has been made for income taxes because the Company qualified
as a REIT, distributed the necessary amount of taxable income and, therefore,
incurred no income tax expense during the period.


Concentration of Credit Risk

     Management of the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
tenants. The properties are leased to approximately 3,100 tenants, in 19
geographic locations, which engage in a wide variety of businesses. There is no
dependence upon any single tenant.


Interest Rate Risk Management

     The Company may enter into derivative financial instruments such as
interest rate swaps and interest rate collars in order to mitigate its interest
rate risk on a related financial instrument. The Company has designated these
derivative financial instruments as hedges and applies deferral accounting.
Gains and losses related to the termination of such derivative financial
instruments are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the term of the
debt instrument. Payments to or from counterparties are recorded as adjustments
to interest expense.


                                      F-10
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- Continued

     The Company also utilizes interest rate contracts to hedge interest rate
risk on anticipated debt offerings. These anticipatory hedges are designated,
and effective, as hedges of identified debt issuances which have a high
probability of occurring. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the market
value of these contracts are deferred and amortized into interest expense over
the life of the related debt instrument.

     The Company is exposed to certain losses in the event of non-performance
by the counterparties under the collar and swap arrangements. The
counterparties are major financial institutions with credit ratings of Aa3 or
better, and are expected to perform fully under the agreements. However, if
they were to default on their obligations under the arrangements, the Company
could be required to pay the full rate under its Revolving Loans and the
variable rate mortgages, even if such rate were in excess of the rate in the
collar and swap agreements. The Company would not realize a material loss as of
December 31, 1997 in the event of non-performance by any one counterparty.
Additionally, the Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one
institution.


Stock Compensation

     The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees
with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of
grant. As described in Note 8, the Company has elected to follow Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
("APB 25") and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock
options.


Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

     In 1997, the FASB issued Statements No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income" ("SFAS 130") and No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), which are both effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS 130 addresses reporting amounts
of other comprehensive income and SFAS 131 addresses reporting segment
information. The Company does not believe that the adoption of these new
standards will have a material impact on its financial statements.


Reclassifications

     Certain amounts in the December 31, 1996 Financial Statements have been
reclassified to conform to the December 31, 1997 presentation. These
reclassifications had no material effect on net income or stockholders' equity
as previously reported.


                                      F-11
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)


2. MORTGAGES AND NOTES PAYABLE

     Mortgages and notes payable consisted of the following at December 31,
1997 and 1996 (in thousands):



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997          1996
                                                             -----------   -----------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>
          Mortgage notes payable:
            7.9% mortgage note due 2001 ..................   $140,000      $140,000
            8.1% mortgage note due 2002 ..................     11,649            --
            9.0% mortgage note due 2005 ..................     39,630        40,168
            8.2% mortgage note due 2005 ..................     30,951        31,410
            8.0% mortgage note due 2006 ..................     43,465            --
            7.6% to 13% mortgage notes due between
             1999 and 2013 ...............................     66,681        73,719
            Variable rate mortgage note due 2000 .........         --        11,612
                                                             --------      --------
                                                              332,376       296,909
                                                             --------      --------
          Unsecured indebtedness:
            6.8% notes due in 2003 .......................    100,000       100,000
            7.19% notes due in 2004 ......................    100,000            --
            7.0% notes due in 2006 .......................    110,000       110,000
            7% and 9% notes due in 1997 ..................         --        11,595
            Variable rate note due in 1999 ...............     21,682        22,372
            Revolving Loan due in 1998 ...................     50,000            --
            Revolving Loan due in 1999 ...................    264,500        15,000
                                                             --------      --------
                                                              646,182       258,967
                                                             --------      --------
    Total ................................................   $978,558      $555,876
                                                             ========      ========
</TABLE>

Secured Indebtedness

     Mortgage notes payable were secured by real estate with an aggregate
carrying value of $719.4 million at December 31, 1997.

     The 7.9% Mortgage Note is secured by 46 of the Properties (the "Mortgage
Note Properties"), which are held by AP Southeast Portfolio Partners, L.P. (the
"Financing Partnership"). The Company has a 99.99% economic interest in the
Financing Partnership, which is managed, indirectly, by the Company. The 7.9%
Mortgage Note is a conventional, monthly pay, first mortgage note in the
principal amount of $140 million issued by the Financing Partnership. The 7.9%
Mortgage Note is a limited recourse obligation of the Financing Partnership as
to which, in the event of a default under the indenture or the mortgage,
recourse may be had only against the Mortgage Note Properties and other assets
that have been pledged as security. The 7.9% Mortgage Note was issued to Kidder
Peabody Acceptance Corporation I pursuant to an indenture, dated March 1, 1994
(the "Mortgage Note Indenture"), among the Financing Partnership, Bankers Trust
Company of California, N.A., and Bankers Trust Company.

     The Mortgage Note Indenture provides for a lockout period that prohibits
optional redemption payments in respect of principal of the 7.9% Mortgage Note
(other than a $7 million premium-free redemption payment) prior to November
1998. Thereafter, the Financing Partnership may make optional redemption
payments in respect of principal of the 7.9% Mortgage Note on any distribution
date, subject to the payment of a yield maintenance charge in connection with
such payments made prior to August 1, 2000.

     Under the terms of the purchase agreement relating to the Mortgage Note
Properties, the Financing Partnership may be obligated to pay NationsBank, N.A.
a deferred contingent purchase price. This contingent payment, which will in no
event exceed $4.4 million, is due on April 1, 1998 if the actual


                                      F-12
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

2. MORTGAGES AND NOTES PAYABLE -- Continued

four-year cumulative cash flow of such properties exceeds the projected
four-year cumulative cash flow. Based on the estimates of future operations,
the Company does not believe that any deferred contingent purchase principal
price will be payable.


Unsecured Indebtedness

     On November 26, 1996, the Company, through the Operating Partnership,
issued $100,000,000 of unsecured 6 3/4% notes due December 1, 2003 and
$110,000,000 of unsecured 7% notes due December 1, 2006. Interest on the notes
is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 commencing on June 1, 1997.
In accordance with the terms of the Indenture under which the unsecured notes
are issued, the Company is required to (a) limit its total indebtedness, (b)
limit its level of secured debt, (c) maintain a minimum debt service coverage
ratio and (d) maintain a minimum level of unencumbered assets. At December 31,
1997, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

     On June 24, 1997, a trust formed by the Operating Partnership sold $100
million of X-POSSM, which represent fractional undivided beneficial interests
in the trust. The assets of the trust consist of, among other things, $100
million of Put Option Notes. The X-POSSM bear an interest rate of 7.19%,
representing an effective borrowing cost of 7.09%, net of a related put option
and certain interest rate protection agreement costs. Under certain
circumstances, the Put Option Notes could also become subject to early maturity
on June 15, 2004. The Put Option Notes are subject to the same covenants as the
unsecured 6 3/4% and 7% notes described above.

     In September 1996, the Company obtained a $280,000,000 unsecured revolving
loan which matures on October 31, 1999. Borrowings under such revolving loan
will adjust based upon the Company's senior unsecured debt rating with a range
of 30-day LIBOR plus 100 basis points to LIBOR plus 175 basis points. The
Company had $15,500,000 in available borrowings under this loan at December 31,
1997. At December 31, 1997, the rate was set at 30-day LIBOR plus 100 basis
points and the effective interest rate was 6.97%. In December 1997, the Company
obtained a $150,000,000 unsecured revolving loan which matures on June 30,
1998. Borrowings under such revolving loan will be based on the 30-day LIBOR
rate plus 90 basis points. At December 31, 1997 the effective interest rate was
6.84%. The Company had $100,000,000 in available borrowings under this loan at
December 31, 1997. The terms of each of the revolving loans require the Company
to pay a commitment fee equal to .15% to .25% of the unused portion of such
revolving loan and include certain restrictive covenants which limit, among
other things, dividend payments, and which require compliance with certain
financial ratios and measurements. At December 31, 1997, the Company was in
compliance with these covenants.


Other Information


     The Company has entered into an interest swap agreement with a financial
institutions to effectively fix the interest rate on the variable rate
mortgages and variable rate notes at a rate of 6.95%. At December 31, 1997, the
notional amounts of the interest rate swaps equaled the outstanding balance of
the indebtedness. The swap expires in June 2000 and had a cost basis of
$334,000 at December 31, 1997.

     To limit increases in interest expense on $80 million of its $430 million
aggregate amount of unsecured revolving loans (the "Revolving Loans"), the
Company has purchased an interest rate collar which


                                      F-13
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

2. MORTGAGES AND NOTES PAYABLE -- Continued

limits its exposure to an increase in 30-day LIBOR to 6.25% through November
2001. The initial premium used to acquire the $80,000,000 interest rate collar
is being amortized over the term of the collar. The cost basis of the collar
was $2,457,000 at December 31, 1997.

     Net payments made to counterparties under the above interest rate
protection agreement were $47,000 in 1997 and were recorded as an increase to
interest expense. Payments received from counterparties were $167,000 in 1996,
and $385,000 in 1995 and were recorded as a reduction of interest expense.

     In anticipation of a 1998 debt offering, on September 17, 1997, the
Company entered into a swap agreement with a notional amount of $114 million.
The swap agreement has a termination date of April 10, 1998, and carries a
fixed rate of 6.3% which is a combination of the treasury rate plus the swap
spread and the forward premium. The estimated fair value of the swap agreement
at December 31, 1997 was ($4.8 million).

     The aggregate maturities of the mortgage and notes payable at December 31,
1997 are as follows (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>
  1998 .................   $ 54,737
  1999 .................    291,541
  2000 .................     21,529
  2001 .................    143,630
  2002 .................     14,504
  Thereafter ...........    452,617
                           --------
                           $978,558
                           ========
</TABLE>

     Total interest capitalized was $7,238,000 in 1997, $2,935,000 in 1996, and
$507,000 in 1995.

3. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


Management Compensation Program

     The Company has established an incentive compensation plan for employees
of the Company. The plan provides for payment of a cash bonus to participating
officers and employees if certain Company performance objectives are achieved.
The amount of the bonus to participating officers and employees is based on a
formula determined for each employee by the Compensation Committee, but may not
exceed 100% of base salary. All bonuses may be subject to adjustment to reflect
individual performance as measured by specific qualitative criteria to be
approved by the Compensation Committee. Bonuses are accrued in the year earned
and included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

     In addition, as an incentive to retain top management, the Company has
established a deferred compensation plan which provides for phantom stock
awards. Under the deferred compensation plan, phantom stock or stock
appreciation rights equal in value to 25% of the yearly cash bonus may be set
aside in an incentive pool, with payment after five years. If an employee
leaves the Company for any reason (other than death, disability or normal
retirement) prior to the end of the five-year period, all awards under the
deferred compensation plan will be forfeited.


401(k) Savings Plan

     The Company has a 401(k) savings plan covering substantially all employees
who meet certain age and employment criteria. The Company matches the first 6%
of compensation deferred at the rate of


                                      F-14
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

3. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS -- Continued

50% of employee contributions. During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company
contributed $353,000, $160,000, and $51,000, respectively to the Plan.
Administrative expenses of the plan are paid by the Company.


Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     In August 1997, the Company instituted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
("ESPP") for all active employees. At the end of each three-month offering
period, each participant's account balance is applied to acquire shares of
Common Stock at 90% of the market value of the Common Stock, calculated as the
lower of the average closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on the five
consecutive days preceding the first day of the quarter or the five days
preceding the last day of the quarter. A participant may not invest more than
$7,500 per quarter. As of December 31, 1997, 5,839 shares of Common Stock have
been purchased under the ESPP for the year.


4. RENTAL INCOME

     The Company's real estate assets are leased to tenants under operating
leases, substantially all of which expire over the next ten years. The minimum
rental amounts under the leases are generally either subject to scheduled fixed
increases or adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. Generally, the
leases also require that the tenants reimburse the Company for increases in
certain costs above the base year costs.

     Expected future minimum rents to be received over the next five years and
thereafter from tenants for leases in effect at December 31, 1997, are as
follows (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>
  1998 ......................   $  327,950
  1999 ......................      274,130
  2000 ......................      214,538
  2001 ......................      150,889
  2002 ......................       95,660
  Thereafter ................      262,215
                                ----------
                                $1,325,382
                                ==========
</TABLE>

5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company makes advances to Highwoods Services, Inc. for working capital
purposes. These advances bear interest at a rate of 7% per annum, are due on
demand and totaled $7,022,000 at December 31, 1997 and $2,406,000 at December
31, 1996. The Company recorded interest income from these advances of $142,000,
$91,000 and $43,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

     On October 1, 1997, the Company transferred title to the Ivy Distribution
Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to a limited liability company
controlled by an executive officer of the Company for $2,050,000. The Company
accepted a note receivable of $2,050,000 as consideration for this transaction
which approximated the carrying value of the property. The note bears interest
at 8% per annum and is payable in full on September 1, 1998. The Company
recorded interest income of $41,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997.


                                      F-15
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -- Continued

     On March 18, 1997, the Company purchased 5.68 acres of development land in
Raleigh, North Carolina for $1,298,959 from a partnership in which an executive
officer and director and an additional director of the Company each has an 8.5%
limited partnership interest.

     During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company acquired two
properties encompassing 99,334 square feet at an aggregate purchase price of
$6,850,000 from partnerships in which certain officers and directors of the
Company owned a majority interest. These transactions were accounted for using
the purchase method of accounting and their operating results are included in
the Statements of Income from their respective acquisition dates.


6. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY


Common Stock Distributions

     Distributions paid on Common Stock were $1.98, $1.86 and $1.75 per share
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 respectively.

     For federal income tax purposes, the following table summarizes the
estimated taxability of distributions paid:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1997         1996         1995
                                         ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
          Per Share:
           Ordinary income ...........    $  1.39      $  1.50      $  1.63
           Capital gains .............         --          .01           --
           Return of capital .........        .59          .35          .12
                                          -------      -------      -------
  Total ..............................    $  1.98      $  1.86      $  1.75
                                          =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>

     The Company's tax return for the year ended December 31, 1997, has not
been filed, and the taxability information for 1997 is based upon the best
available data. The Company's tax returns have not been examined by the
Internal Revenue Service, and therefore the taxability of distributions is
subject to change.

     The tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities are $2,307,497,000
and $1,035,558,000 respectively.

     On February 4, 1998, the Board of Directors declared a Common Stock
distribution of $.51 per share payable on February 21, 1997, to stockholders of
record on February 14, 1997.


Preferred Stock

     On February 7, 1997, the Company issued 125,000 Series A Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares (the "Series A Preferred Shares"). The Series A
Preferred Shares are non-voting and have a liquidation preference of $1,000 per
share for an aggregate liquidation preference of $125.0 million plus accrued
and unpaid dividends. The net proceeds (after underwriting commission and other
offering costs) of the Series A Preferred Shares issued were $121.8 million.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to receive, when, as and
if declared by Highwood's Board of Directors (the "Board"), out of funds
legally available for payment of distributions, cumulative preferential cash
distributions at a rate of 8 5/8% of the liquidation preference per annum
(equivalent to $86.2 per share). On or after February 12, 2027, the Series A
Preferred Shares may be redeemed for cash at the option of the Company. The
redemption price (other than the portion thereof consisting of accrued and
unpaid distributions) is payable solely out of the sale proceeds of other
capital shares of Highwoods, which may include shares of other series of
preferred shares.


                                      F-16
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

6. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY -- Continued

     The Company's 1997 distributions of $69.24 per Series A Preferred Share
will be taxed as ordinary income.

     On September 22, 1997, the Company issued 6,900,000 Series B Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares (the "Series B Preferred Shares"). The Series B
Preferred Shares are non-voting and have a liquidation preference of $25 per
share for an aggregate liquidation preference of $172.5 million plus accrued
and unpaid dividends. The net proceeds (after underwriting commission and other
offering costs) of the Series B Preferred Shares issued were $166.3 million.
Holders of the Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to receive, when, as and
if declared by Highwood's Board of Directors (the "Board"), out of funds
legally available for payment of distributions, cumulative preferential cash
distributions at a rate of 8% of the liquidation preference per annum
(equivalent to $2.00 per share). On or after September 25, 2002, the Series B
Preferred Shares may be redeemed for cash at the option of the Company. The
redemption price (other than the portion thereof consisting of accrued and
unpaid distributions) is payable solely out of the sale proceeds of other
capital shares of Highwoods, which may include shares of other series of
preferred shares.

     The Company's 1997 distributions of $.44 per Series B Preferred Share will
be taxed as ordinary income.


Shareholder Rights Plan

     On October 4, 1997, the Board declared a dividend on one preferred share
purchase right ("Right") for each outstanding Common Share to be distributed to
all holders of record of the Common Shares on October 16, 1997. Each Right
entitles the registered holder to purchase one-hundredth of a Participating
Preferred Share for an exercise price of $140.00 per one-hundredth of a
Participating Preferred Share, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights
Agreement. The Rights will generally be exercisable only if a person or group
acquires 15% or more of the Common Shares or announces a tender offer for 15%
or more of the Common Shares. The Rights will expire on October 6, 2007, unless
the expiration date of the Rights is extended, and the Rights are subject to
redemption at a price of $0.01 per Right under certain circumstances.


Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     The Company has instituted a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
under which holders of Common Stock may elect to automatically reinvest their
distributions in additional shares of Common Stock and may make optional cash
payments for additional shares of Common Stock. The Company may issue
additional shares of Common Stock or repurchase Common Stock in the open market
for purposes of financing its obligations under the Dividend Reinvestment and
Stock Purchase Plan.


Forward Share Purchase Agreement

     On August 28, 1997, the Company entered into two transactions with
affiliates of Union Bank of Switzerland the ("August 1997 Offering"). In one
transaction, the Company sold 1,800,000 shares of Common Stock to UBS Limited
for net proceeds of approximately $57 million. In the other transaction, the
Company entered into a forward share purchase agreement (the "Forward
Contract") with Union Bank of Switzerland, London Branch ("UBS/LB"). The
Forward Contract generally provides that if the price of a share of Common
Stock is above $32.14 (the "Forward Price") on August 28, 1998, UBS/LB will
return the difference (in shares of Common Stock) to the Company. Similarly, if
the price of a share of Common Stock on August 28, 1998 is less than the
Forward Price, the Company will pay the difference of UBS/LB in cash or shares
of Common Stock, at the Company's option.


                                      F-17
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)


7. EARNINGS PER SHARE

     In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," which is effective for financial
statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997. FASB Statement No. 128
requires the restatement of prior period earnings per share and requires the
disclosure of additional supplemental information detailing the calculation of
earnings per share.

     FASB Statement No. 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully
diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike
primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive
effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per
share is very similar to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per
share. It is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Common
Stock and the dilutive effect of options, warrants and convertible securities
outstanding, using the "treasury stock" method. Earnings per share data is
required for all periods for which an income statement or summary of earnings
is presented, including summaries outside the basic financial statements. All
earnings per share amounts for all periods presented have, where appropriate,
been restated to conform to the FASB Statement 128 requirements.

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1997               1996             1995
                                                               ------------------   --------------   --------------
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>              <C>
Numerator:
  Net income ...............................................     $ 92,584,000       $48,242,000      $28,934,000
  Non-convertible preferred stock dividends (2) ............      (13,117,000)              --               --
  Minority interest ........................................      (15,106,000)      (6,782,000)      (4,937,000)
  General partner's portion of extraordinary item ..........       (5,799,000)      (2,140,000)        (875,000)
                                                                 ------------       -----------      -----------
Numerator for basic earnings per share -- income
   available to common stockholders ........................       58,562,000       39,320,000       23,122,000
  Effect of dilutive securities:
   Minority interest .......................................               --(1)     6,782,000        4,937,000
   Minority interest portion of extraordinary item .........               --(1)      (292,000)        (193,000)
                                                                 --------------     -----------      -----------
                                                                           --(1)     6,490,000        4,744,000
Numerator for diluted earnings per share -- income
  available to common stockholders -- after
  assumed conversions. .....................................       58,562,000       45,810,000       27,866,000
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share --
  weighted-average shares ..................................       38,770,000       26,111,000       15,487,000
  Effect of dilutive securites:
   Employee stock options (2) ..............................          317,846          189,620           90,041
   Warrants (2) ............................................           73,310           32,258           13,794
   Common Units converted ..................................               --(1)     4,108,765        3,210,000
                                                                 --------------     -----------      -----------
  Dilutive potential common shares .........................          391,156        4,330,643        3,313,835
Denominator for diluted earnings per share --
  adjusted weighted average shares and assumed
  conversions ..............................................       39,161,156       30,441,643       18,800,835
Basic earnings per share ...................................     $       1.51       $     1.51       $     1.49
                                                                 ==============     ===========      ===========
Diluted earnings per share .................................     $       1.50       $     1.50       $     1.48
                                                                 ==============     ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

- ----------

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)



(1) 7,651,935 in Common Units and the related $13,960,000 in minority interest,
    net $1,146,000 of the minority interest's portion of the extraordinary
    item, were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation due
    to the anti-dilutive effect.

(2) For additional disclosures regarding outstanding preferred stock, the
    employee stock options, and the warrants, see Notes 3, 6 and 8.

     On January 27, 1998, the Company sold 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock in
an underwritten public offering for net proceeds of approximately $68.2
million. On February 12, 1998, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,553,604
shares of Common Stock in two underwritten public offerings for net proceeds of
approximately $51.2 million. On March 30, 1998, the Company sold 428,572 shares
of Common Stock in an underwritten public offering for net proceeds of
approximately $14.2 million. (See Note 12.)


8. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

     As of December 31, 1997, 2,364,027 shares of the Company's authorized
Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options under the
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan. Options generally vest over a four
or five-year period beginning with the date of grant. In 1997, the Company
adopted a Unit Option Plan whereby no limit was placed on the number of
authorized Common Units reserved for future issuances. Common Unit options are
similar to non-qualified stock options except that the holder is entitled to
purchase Common Units in the Operating Partnership. Each Common Unit received
upon the exercise of a Common Unit option may be redeemed by the holder thereof
for the cash value of one share of Common Stock. The Company intends to allow
holders of the Common Unit options to convert them to non-qualified stock
options upon approval by the stockholders of the Company.

     In 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," ("SFAS 123"). SFAS 123 recommends the use of a fair value based
method of accounting for an employee stock option whereby compensation cost is
measured at the grant date on the fair value of the award and is recognized
over the service period (generally the vesting period of the award). However,
SFAS 123 specifically allows an entity to continue to measure compensation cost
under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees" ("APB 25") so long as pro forma disclosures of net income and
earnings per share are made as if SFAS 123 had been adopted. The Company has
elected to follow APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its
employee stock options because the Company believes that the models available
to estimate the fair value of employee stock options do not provide a reliable
single measure of the fair value of employee stock options. Moreover, such
models required the input of highly subjective assumptions, which can
materially affect the fair value estimates. APB 25 requires the recognition of
compensation expense at the date of grant equal to the difference between the
option price and the value of the underlying stock. Because the exercise price
of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the
underlying stock on the date of grant, the Company records no compensation
expense for the award of employee stock options.

     Under SFAS 123, a public entity must estimate the fair value of a stock
option by using an option-pricing model that takes into account as of the grant
date the exercise price and expected life of the options, the current price of
the underlying stock and its expected volatility, expected dividends on the
stock, and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option.
SFAS provides examples of possible pricing models and includes the
Black-Scholes pricing model, which the Company used to develop its pro forma
disclosures. However, as previously noted, the Company does not believe that
such models provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of employee
stock options. Furthermore, the Black-Scholes model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options that have


                                      F-19
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)
8. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS -- Continued

no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable, rather than for use in
estimating the fair value of employee stock options subject to vesting and
transferability restrictions.

     Because SFAS 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994, only options granted subsequent to that date were valued
using this Black-Scholes model. The fair value of the options granted in 1997
was estimated at the date of grant using the following weighted-average
assumptions: risk-free interest rates ranging between 5.75% and 6.72%, dividend
yield of 6.5% and a weighted average expected life of the options of five
years. The fair values of the 1996 and 1995 options were estimated at the date
of grant using the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest
rate of 6.47%; expected volatility of .182; dividend yield of 7.07% and a
weighted-average expected life of the options of five years. Had the
compensation cost for the Company's stock option plans been determined based on
the fair value at the date of grant for awards in 1997, 1996 and 1995
consistent with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company's net income and net
income per share would have decreased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year ended
                                                                             December 31
                                                              ------------------------------------------
                                                                  1997           1996           1995
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
    Net income -- as reported .............................     $ 58,562       $ 39,320       $ 23,122
    Net income -- pro forma ...............................     $ 57,841       $ 38,861       $ 22,999
    Net income per share -- basic (as reported) ...........     $   1.51       $   1.51       $   1.49
    Net income per share -- diluted (as reported) .........     $   1.50       $   1.50       $   1.48
    Net income per share -- basic (pro forma) .............     $   1.49       $   1.49       $   1.49
    Net income per share -- diluted (pro forma) ...........     $   1.48       $   1.49       $   1.48
</TABLE>

     The following table summarizes information about employees' and Board of
Directors' stock options outstanding at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Options Outstanding
                                           --------------------------------
                                                                  Weighted
                                                                  Average
                                                 Number           Exercise
                                                of Shares          Price
                                           ------------------   -----------
<S>                                        <C>                  <C>
 Balances at December 31, 1994 .........          326,000        $  21.00
 Options granted .......................          400,000           22.09
 Options canceled ......................          (28,680)          23.22
 Options exercised .....................           (8,000)          21.00
                                                  -------        --------
 Balances at December 31, 1995 .........          689,320           21.54
 Options granted .......................          586,925           28.27
 Options canceled ......................               --              --
 Options exercised .....................          (10,545)          20.75
                                                  -------        --------
 Balances at December 31, 1996 .........        1,265,700           24.67
 Options granted .......................        2,250,765(1)        32.90
 Options canceled ......................          (76,040)          22.20
 Options exercised .....................         (117,428)          21.84
                                                -----------      --------
 Balances at December 31, 1997 .........        3,322,997(1)     $  30.40
                                                ===========      ========
</TABLE>

- ----------

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)



(1) Includes 1,134,310 Common Unit Options granted pursuant to the Operating
    Partnership's 1997 Unit Option Plan.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Options Exercisable
                              -------------------------
                                              Weighted
                                              Average
                               Number of      Exercise
                                 Shares        Price
                              -----------   -----------
<S>                           <C>           <C>
December 31, 1995 .........     48,000      $ 21.00
December 31, 1996 .........    225,350      $ 21.74
December 31, 1997 .........    686,870      $ 30.94
</TABLE>

     Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 1997 ranged
from $20.75 to $35.50. The weighted average remaining contractual life of those
options is 9.0 years. Using the Black-Scholes options valuation model, the
weighted average fair value of options granted during 1997, 1996 and 1995 was
$3.23, $3.10 and $1.90, respectively.


     Warrants

     In connection with various acquisitions in 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Company issued warrants to certain officers and directors.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Number of      Exercise
Date of Issuance                Warrants       Price
- ---------------------------   -----------   -----------
<S>                           <C>           <C>
    February 1995 .........     100,000       $ 21.00
    April 1996 ............     150,000       $ 28.00
    October 1997 ..........   1,479,290       $ 32.50
    December 1997 .........     120,000       $ 34.13
                              ---------
      Total ...............   1,849,290
                              =========
</TABLE>

     The warrants granted in February 1995, April 1996 and December 1997 expire
10 years from the date of issuance and are exercisable as of December 31, 1996.
The warrants granted in October 1997 do not have an expiration date.


9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


     Lease

     Certain properties in the portfolio are subject to land leases expiring
through 2082. Rental payments on these leases are either adjusted annually
based on the consumer price index or based on a predetermined schedule.

     For three properties, the Company has the option to purchase the leased
land during the lease term at the greater of 85% of appraised value or $35,000
per acre.


                                      F-21
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -- Continued

     The obligation for future minimum lease payments is as follows (in
thousands):


<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
        1998 ...............   $ 1,130
        1999 ...............     1,155
        2000 ...............     1,166
        2001 ...............     1,182
        2002 ...............     1,169
        Thereafter .........    60,151
                               -------
                               $65,953
                               =======
</TABLE>

     Litigation

     The Company is a party to a variety of legal proceedings arising in the
ordinary course of its business. These matters are generally covered by
insurance or indemnities. All of these matters, taken together, are not
expected to have a material adverse effect on the accompanying consolidated
financial statements notwithstanding possible insurance recovery.


     Contracts

     The Company has entered into construction contracts totaling $150.4
million at December 31, 1997. The amounts remaining on these contracts as of
December 31, 1997, totaled $69.0 million.

     The Company has entered into a contract under which it is committed to
acquire 36 acres of land over a three-year period for an aggregate purchase
price of approximately $6,000,000. The seller has the option to elect to
receive the purchase price in either cash or Common Units valued at $26.67 per
Common Unit.

     The Company has also entered into a contract under which it is committed
to acquire 18 acres of land on or before August 1, 1998, for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $2,032,000.


     Capital Expenditures

     The Company presently has no plans for major capital improvements to the
existing properties, other than an $8 million renovation of the common areas of
a 639,000 square foot property acquired in the ACP transaction. A reserve has
been established to cover the cost of the renovations.


     Environmental Matters

     Substantially all of the Company's properties have been subjected to Phase
I environmental assessments and/or updates. Such assessments and/or updates
have not revealed, nor is management aware of, any environmental liability that
management believes would have a material adverse effect on the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.


     Employment Agreements

     As the Company has expanded into new markets, it has sought to enter into
business combinations with local real estate operators with many years of
management and development experience in their respective markets. Accordingly,
in connection with joining the Company as executive officers as a result of
such business combinations, former executive officers have entered into
employment agreements with the Company.


                                      F-22
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)


10. DISCLOSURE ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     The following disclosures of estimated fair values were determined by
management using available market information and appropriate valuation
methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and
develop estimated fair values. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are
not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize upon
disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market
assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the
estimated fair values . The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the
Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1997, were as follows (in
thousands):



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Carrying        Fair
                                                                  Amount         Value
                                                                ----------   ------------
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>
           Cash and cash equivalents ........................   $ 19,487       $ 19,487
           Accounts and notes receivable ....................   $ 17,701       $ 17,701
           Mortgages and notes payable ......................   $978,558       $995,180
           Interest rate collar and swap agreements .........   $  2,791       $   (259)
</TABLE>

     The fair values for the Company's fixed rate mortgages and notes payable
were estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Company's
estimated incremental borrowing rate at December 31, 1997, for similar types of
borrowing arrangements. The carrying amounts of the Company's variable rate
borrowings approximate fair value.

     The fair values of the Company's interest rate swap and interest rate
collar agreements represent the estimated amount the Company would receive or
pay to terminate or replace the financial instruments at current market rates.

     Disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments are based on
relevant information available to the Company at December 31, 1997. Although
management is not aware of any factors that would have a material effect on the
fair value mounts reported herein, such amounts have not been revalued since
that date and current estimates of fair value may significantly differ from the
amounts presented herein.


11. SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

     The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared assuming
the following transactions all occurred as of January 1, 1996: (1) the 1996
acquisition of 91 properties at an initial cost of $704 million, (2) the 1997
acquisition of 176 properties at an initial cost of $1.1 billion, (3) the
Summer 1996 and December 1996 Common Stock offerings, (4) the November 1996
issuance of $210 million of unsecured notes, (5) the 1997 Series A and Series B
Preferred Stock Offerings, (6) the June 1997 X-POS Offering and (7) the August
and October 1997 Offerings.

     Pro forma interest expense was calculated based on the indebtedness
outstanding after debt repayment and using the effective interest rate on such
indebtedness. In connection with various transactions, the Company issued
Common Units and shares of Common Stock totaling approximately 6.7 million and
1.3 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively, which were recorded at their fair
market value upon the closing date of the transactions.


                                      F-23
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

11. SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) -- Continued



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Pro Forma Year Ended     Pro Forma Year Ended
                                                     December 31, 1997       December 31, 1996
                                                  ----------------------   ---------------------
                                                     (in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S>                                               <C>                      <C>
      Revenues ................................         $ 352,279                $ 313,166
      Net Income before
       Extraordinary Item .....................         $  69,977                $  44,138
      Net Income ..............................         $  64,178                $  41,998
      Net Income per Share -- basic ...........         $    1.38                $     .90
      Net Income per Share -- diluted .........         $    1.37                $     .90
</TABLE>

     The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the
Company's results of operations would have been if the transactions had
occurred at the beginning of each period presented. Additionally, the pro forma
information does not purport to be indicative of the Company's results of
operations for future periods.


12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


     Recent Acquisitions

     In closings on December 23, 1997 and January 8, 1998, the Company
completed a business combination with Riparius Development Corporation in
Baltimore, Maryland involving the acquisition of a portfolio of five office
properties encompassing 369,000 square feet, two office development projects
encompassing 235,000 square feet, 11 acres of development land and 10-1
additional acres of development land to be acquired over the next three years
(the "Riparius Transaction"). As of December 31, 1997, the in-service
properties acquired in the Riparius Transaction were 99% leased. The cost of
the Riparius Transaction consisted of a cash payment of $43.6 million. In
addition, the Company has assumed the two office development projects with an
anticipated cost of $26.2 million expected to be paid in 1998, and will pay out
$23.9 million over the next three years for the 101 additional acres of
development land.

     On February 4, 1998, the Company acquired substantially all of a portfolio
consisting of 28 office properties encompassing 787,000 rentable square feet,
seven service center properties encompassing 471,000 square feet and 66 acres
of development land in Tampa, Florida (the "Garcia Transaction"). The cost of
the Garcia Transaction consists of a cash payment of approximately $87 million
and the assumption of approximately $24 million in secured debt. The Company
expects to close on the one remaining property by April 4, 1998.


     Pending Acquisitions

     On December 22, 1997, the Company entered into a merger agreement (the
"Merger Agreement") with J.C. Nichols Company, a publicly traded Kansas City
real estate operating company ("J.C. Nichols"), pursuant to which the Company
would acquire J.C. Nichols with the view that the Operating Partnership would
combine its property operations with J.C. Nichols (the "J.C. Nichols
Transaction").

     J.C. Nichols owns or has an ownership interest in 27 office properties
encompassing approximately 1.5 million rentable square feet, 13 industrial
properties encompassing approximately 337,000 square feet, 33 retail properties
encompassing approximately 2.5 million rentable square feet and 16 multifamily
communities with 1,816 apartment units in Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas.
Additionally, J.C. Nichols has an ownership interest in 21 office properties
encompassing approximately 1.3 million


                                      F-24
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS -- Continued

rentable square feet, one industrial property encompassing approximately
200,000 rentable square feet and one multifamily community with 418 apartment
units in Des Moines, Iowa.

     Consummation of the J.C. Nichols Transaction is subject, among other
things, to the approval of 66 2/3% of the shareholders of J.C. Nichols. Under
the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company would acquire all of the
outstanding common stock, $.01 par value, of J.C. Nichols ("J.C. Nichols Common
Stock"). Under the Merger Agreement, J.C. Nichols shareholders may elect to
receive either 1.84 shares of Common Stock or $65 in cash for each share of
J.C. Nichols Common Stock. However, the cash payment to J.C. Nichols
shareholders cannot exceed 40% of the total consideration and the Company may
limit the amount of Common Stock issued to 75% of the total consideration. The
exchange ratio is fixed and reflects the average closing price of the Common
Stock over the 20 trading days preceding the effective date of the Merger
Agreement. The cost of the J.C. Nichols Transaction under the Merger Agreement
is approximately $570 million, including assumed debt of approximately $250
million, net of cash of approximately $65 million. If J.C. Nichols enters into
a business combination with a third party or otherwise terminates the J.C.
Nichols Transaction, such third party or J.C. Nichols may be required to pay
the Company a break-up fee of up to $14.7 million plus expenses of $2.5
million. Under certain other circumstances, if the J.C. Nichols Transaction is
terminated, the terminating party may be required to pay expenses of $2.5
million to the non-terminating party.

     No assurance can be given that all or part of the J.C. Nichols Transaction
will be consummated or that, if consummated, it will follow the terms set forth
in the Merger Agreement. As of the date hereof, certain third parties have
expressed an interest to J.C. Nichols and/or certain of its shareholders in
purchasing all or a portion of the outstanding J.C. Nichols Common Stock at a
price in excess of $65 per share. No assurance can be given that a third party
will not make an offer to J.C. Nichols or its shareholders to purchase all or a
portion of the outstanding J.C. Nichols Common Stock at a price in excess of
$65 per share or that the board of directors of J.C. Nichols would reject any
such offer. The Company and/or J.C. Nichols may terminate the Merger Agreement
if the J.C. Nichols Transaction is not consummated by June 30, 1998.

     The Company has entered into an agreement with The Easton-Babcock
Companies, a real estate operating company in Miami, Florida
("Easton-Babcock"), pursuant to which the Company will combine its property
operations with Easton-Babcock and acquire a portfolio of 11 industrial
properties encompassing 1.8 million rentable square feet, three office
properties encompassing 197,000 rentable square feet and 110 acres of land for
development, of which 88 acres will be acquired over a three-year period (the
"Easton-Babcock Transaction"). As of December 31, 1997, the industrial
properties to be acquired in the Easton-Babcock Transaction were 88% leased and
the office properties to be acquired in the Easton-Babcock Transaction were 50%
leased. The cost of the Easton-Babcock Transaction is $143 million and will
consist of an undertermined combination of the issuance of Common Units, the
assumption of mortgage debt and a cash payment. Also in connection with the
Easton-Babcock Transaction, the Company will issue to certain affiliates of
Easton-Babcock warrants to purchase 926,000 shares of Common Stock at $35.50
per share. No assurance can be given that all or part of the Easton-Babcock
transaction will be consummated.


     Financing Activities

     On January 27, 1998, the Company sold 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock in
an underwritten public offering for net proceeds of approximately $68.2
million.


                                      F-25
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS -- Continued

     On February 2, 1998, the Operating Partnership sold $125 million of 6.835%
MandatOry Par Put Remarketed Securities ("MOPPRS") due February 1, 2013 and
$100 million of 7 1/8% notes due February 1, 2008.

     On February 12, 1998, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,553,604 shares of
Common Stock in two underwritten public offerings for net proceeds of
approximately $51.2 million.

     On March 30, 1998, the Company sold 428,572 shares of Common Stock in an
underwritten public offering for net proceeds of approximately $14.2 million.


13. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

     Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1996 is as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       For the year ended December 31, 1996*
                               -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                First Quarter     Second Quarter     Third Quarter     Fourth Quarter       Total
                               ---------------   ----------------   ---------------   ----------------   -----------
<S>                            <C>               <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>
Revenues ...................      $ 23,757           $ 27,680          $ 36,329           $ 50,160       $137,926
                                  --------           --------          --------           --------       --------
Income before minority
  interest and extraordinary
  item .....................         9,002             10,134            14,223             14,883        48,242
Minority interest ..........        (1,571)            (1,753)           (1,881)            (1,577)       (6,782)
Extraordinary item .........            --                 --            (2,140)                --        (2,140)
                                  --------           --------          --------           --------       --------
Net (loss) income ..........      $  7,431           $  8,381          $ 10,202           $ 13,306       $39,320
                                  ========           ========          ========           ========       ========
Per Share:
  Income before
   extraordinary
   item -- Basic ...........      $   0.38           $   0.42          $   0.39           $   0.41       $  1.59
                                  ========           ========          ========           ========       ========
  Income before
   extraordinary
   item -- Diluted .........      $   0.38           $   0.42          $   0.39           $   0.40       $  1.58
                                  ========           ========          ========           ========       ========
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

                          HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- (Continued)

14. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED): -- Continued



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          For the year ended December 31, 1997*
                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   First Quarter     Second Quarter     Third Quarter     Fourth Quarter        Total
                                  ---------------   ----------------   ---------------   ----------------   ------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>
Revenues ......................   58,321            61,238             63,655            91,256             274,470
                                  ------            ------             ------            ------             -------
Income before minority
  interest and extraordinary
  item ........................   19,554            20,595             21,554            30,881              92,584
Minority interest .............   (3,129)           (3,295)            (3,448)           (5,234)            (15,106)
Extraordinary item ............   (3,337)              -0-             (1,328)           (1,134)             (5,799)
                                  ------            ------             ------            ------             -------
Net (loss) income .............   13,088            17,300             16,778            24,513              71,679
                                  ======            ======             ======            ======             =======
Preferred dividends ...........   (1,407)           (2,695)            (2,870)           (6,145)            (13,117)
                                  ------            ------             ------            ------             -------
Net income available for
  common stockholders .........   11,681            14,605             13,908            18,368              58,562
                                  ------            ------             ------            ------             -------
Per Share:
  Income before
   extraordinary
   item -- Basic ..............   $  .43            $  .41             $  .42            $  .42             $  1.66
                                  ======            ======             ======            ======             =======
  Income before extraordinary
   item -- Diluted ............   $  .43            $  .40             $  .42            $  .41             $  1.65
                                  ======            ======             ======            ======             =======
</TABLE>

- ----------
* The total of the four quarterly amounts for net income per share do not equal
  the total for the year due to the use of a weighted average to compute the
  average number of shares outstanding.


                                      F-27
<PAGE>

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

            SCHEDULE III -- REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION


                               December 31, 1997
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Cost Capitalized
                                                                    Subsequent                 Gross Amount at
                                             Initial Cost         to Acquisition      Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                  Building &            Building &             Building &
       Description         Encumbrance    Land   Improvements   Land   Improvements    Land   Improvements   Total (16)
- ------------------------- ------------- ------- -------------- ------ -------------- ------- -------------- ------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>     <C>            <C>    <C>            <C>     <C>            <C>
Ridgefield 200                1,685       636     3,607          --     176            636     3,783          4,419
Ridgefield 300                1,837       910    5,157           --      21            910    5,178          6,088
1765 The Exchange                --       767    6,325           --      66            767    6,391          7,158
Two Point Royal                  --     1,793   14,951           --      --          1,793   14,951         16,744
400 North Business Park          --       979    6,174           --      21            979    6,195          7,174
50 Glenlake                      --     2,500   20,000           --      60          2,500   20,060         22,560
6348 N.E. Expressway          1,437       277    1,646           --       7            277    1,653          1,930
6438 N.E. Expressway          1,629       181    2,225           --      27            181    2,252          2,433
Bluegrass Place 1                --       491    2,036           --      --            491    2,036          2,527
Bluegrass Place 2                --       412    2,555           --      --            412    2,555          2,967
1700 Century Circle              --     1,115    3,148           --     240          1,115    3,388          4,503
1800 Century Boulevard           --     1,441   28,939           --      98          1,441   29,037         30,478
1875 Century Boulevard           --        --    8,790           --      27             --    8,817          8,817
1900 Century Boulevard           --        --    4,721           --     138             --    4,859          4,859
2200 Century Parkway             --        --   14,318           --     231             --   14,549         14,549
2600 Century Parkway             --        --   10,357           --      11             --   10,368         10,368
2635 Century Parkway             --        --   21,230           --      80             --   21,310         21,310
2800 Century Parkway             --        --   20,149           --       6             --   20,155         20,155
Chattahoochee Avenue             --       248    1,840           --     175            248    2,015          2,263
Chastain Place I                 --       472    3,011           --     416            472    3,427          3,899
Corporate Lakes                  --     1,275    7,242           --     274          1,275    7,516          8,791
 Distribution Center
Cosmopolitan North               --     2,855    4,155           --     105          2,855    4,260          7,115
1035 Fred Drive                  --       270    1,246           --       1            270    1,247          1,517
1077 Fred Drive                  --       384    1,195           --      15            384    1,210          1,594
5125 Fulton Industrial           --       578    3,147           --      31            578    3,178          3,756
 Blvd
Fulton Corporate Center          --       542    2,048           --      26            542    2,074          2,616
Gwinnett Distribution            --     1,128    5,943           --     226          1,128    6,169          7,297
 Center
Kennestone Corporate             --       518    4,874           --      --            518    4,874          5,392
 Center
Lavista Business Park            --       821    5,244           --     211            821    5,455          6,276
Norcross, I, II                  --       326    1,989           --      --            326    1,989          2,315
Oakbrook I                    2,013       873    4,948           --      53            873    5,001          5,874
Oakbrook II                   3,463     1,579    8,950           --     563          1,579    9,513         11,092
Oakbrook III                  3,931     1,480    8,388           --     115          1,480    8,503          9,983
Oakbrook IV                   2,381       953    5,400           --      25            953    5,425          6,378
Oakbrook V                    5,664     2,206   12,501           --     149          2,206   12,650         14,856
Oakbrook Summitt              4,600       950    6,596           --      29            950    6,625          7,575
Oxford Lake Business             --       855    7,085           --       6            855    7,091          7,946
 Center
Southside Distribution           --       810    4,527           --      23            810    4,550          5,360
 Center
Steel Drive                      --       171    1,219           --      --            171    1,219          1,390
9690 Deereco Road                --     1,188   16,460           --      --          1,188   16,460         17,648
Atrium Building                  --     1,390    9,964           --      --          1,390    9,964         11,354
Business Center at               --       827    1,597           --      --            827    1,597          2,424
 Owings Mills-7
Business Center at               --       786    2,263           --      --            786    2,263          3,049
 Owings Mills-8
Business Center at               --       960    6,187           --      --            960    6,187          7,147
 Owings Mills-9
Grandview I                   5,154     1,895   10,739           --      56          1,895   10,795         12,690
Highwoods Square                 --     2,586   14,657           --     315          2,586   14,972         17,558
Highwoods Plaza                  --     1,772   10,042           --     128          1,772   10,170         11,942
One Boca Place                   --     5,736   32,505           --     336          5,736   32,841         38,577
4101 Stuart                      --        70      510           --     234             70      744            814
 Andrew Blvd.



<CAPTION>
                                                           Life on
                                                            Which
                            Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
       Description         Depreciation   Construction   is Computed
- ------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>            <C>
Ridgefield 200                   129         1987         5-40 yrs.
Ridgefield 300                   176         1989         5-40 yrs.
1765 The Exchange                 38         1983         5-40 yrs.
Two Point Royal                   16         1997         5-40 yrs.
400 North Business Park          114         1985         5-40 yrs.
50 Glenlake                       22         1997         5-40 yrs.
6348 N.E. Expressway              37         1978         5-40 yrs.
6438 N.E. Expressway              50         1981         5-40 yrs.
Bluegrass Place 1                 19         1995         5-40 yrs.
Bluegrass Place 2                 24         1996         5-40 yrs.
1700 Century Circle               87         1972         5-40 yrs.
1800 Century Boulevard           702         1975         5-40 yrs.
1875 Century Boulevard           213         1976         5-40 yrs.
1900 Century Boulevard           131         1971         5-40 yrs.
2200 Century Parkway             365         1971         5-40 yrs.
2600 Century Parkway             251         1973         5-40 yrs.
2635 Century Parkway             518         1980         5-40 yrs.
2800 Century Parkway             488         1983         5-40 yrs.
Chattahoochee Avenue              67         1970         5-40 yrs.
Chastain Place I                  91         1997         5-40 yrs.
Corporate Lakes                  195         1988         5-40 yrs.
 Distribution Center
Cosmopolitan North               104         1980         5-40 yrs.
1035 Fred Drive                   30         1973         5-40 yrs.
1077 Fred Drive                   29         1973         5-40 yrs.
5125 Fulton Industrial            77         1973         5-40 yrs.
 Blvd
Fulton Corporate Center           51         1973         5-40 yrs.
Gwinnett Distribution            143         1991         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Kennestone Corporate              87         1985         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Lavista Business Park            126         1973         5-40 yrs.
Norcross, I, II                   44         1970         5-40 yrs.
Oakbrook I                       179         1981         5-40 yrs.
Oakbrook II                      395         1983         5-40 yrs.
Oakbrook III                     313         1984         5-40 yrs.
Oakbrook IV                      183         1985         5-40 yrs.
Oakbrook V                       436         1985         5-40 yrs.
Oakbrook Summitt                 151         1981         5-40 yrs.
Oxford Lake Business             128         1985         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Southside Distribution           101         1988         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Steel Drive                       27         1975         5-40 yrs.
9690 Deereco Road                 17         1989         5-40 yrs.
Atrium Building                   10         1986         5-40 yrs.
Business Center at                 2         1989         5-40 yrs.
 Owings Mills-7
Business Center at                 2         1989         5-40 yrs.
 Owings Mills-8
Business Center at                 7         1988         5-40 yrs.
 Owings Mills-9
Grandview I                      364         1989         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Square                 501         1989         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Plaza                  344         1980         5-40 yrs.
One Boca Place                 1,101         1987         5-40 yrs.
4101 Stuart                       67         1984         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Cost Capitalized
                                                                Subsequent                 Gross Amount at
                                        Initial Cost          to Acquisition       Which Carried at Close of Period
                                              Building &            Building &              Building &
     Description     Encumbrance     Land   Improvements    Land  Improvements     Land    Improvements   Total (16)
- -------------------- ------------- -------- -------------- ------ -------------- -------- -------------- ------------
<S>                  <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>    <C>            <C>      <C>            <C>
4105 Stuart                --         26      189            --      13             26      202             228
 Andrew Blvd.
4109 Stuart                --         87      636            --       9             87      645             732
 Andrew Blvd.
4201 Stuart                --        110      809            --      28            110      837             947
 Andrew Blvd.
4205 Stuart                --        134      979            --      16            134      995           1,129
 Andrew Blvd.
4209 Stuart                --         91      665            --      18             91      683             774
 Andrew Blvd.
4215 Stuart                --        133      978            --      26            133    1,004           1,137
 Andrew Blvd.
4301 Stuart                --        232    1,702            --      33            232    1,735           1,967
 Andrew Blvd.
4321 Stuart                --         73      534            --       5             73      539             612
 Andrew Blvd.
First Citizens             --        647    5,528            --     153            647    5,681           6,328
English Oak             1,968        750    4,248            --      34            750    4,282           5,032
Laurel Oak              1,448        471    2,671            --     248            471    2,919           3,390
Live Oak                           1,403    5,611            --     563          1,403    6,174           7,577
Scarlet Oak             2,177      1,073    6,078            --      40          1,073    6,118           7,191
Twin Oaks               3,406      1,243    7,044            --      65          1,243    7,109           8,352
Willow Oak              1,234        442    2,505            --     206            442    2,711           3,153
Water Oak               5,097      1,623    9,196            --     482          1,623    9,678          11,301
Pinebrook                  --        846    4,739            --      41            846    4,780           5,626
Parkway Plaza              --      1,110    4,741            --     155          1,110    4,896           6,006
 Building 1
Parkway Plaza              --      1,694    6,777            --   1,009          1,694    7,786           9,480
 Building 2
Parkway Plaza              --      1,570    6,282            --     376          1,570    6,658           8,228
 Building 3
Parkway Plaza              --         --    2,438            --     510             --    2,948           2,948
 Building 6
Parkway Plaza              --         --    4,648            --      73             --    4,721           4,721
 Building 7
Parkway Plaza              --         --    4,698            --      30             --    4,728           4,728
 Building 8
Parkway Plaza              --         --    6,008            --      13             --    6,021           6,021
 Building 9
Steele Creek Park            (4)     499    1,998            --     146            499    2,144           2,643
 Building A
Steele Creek Park            (4)     110      441            --       8            110      449             559
 Building B
Steele Creek Park            (4)     188      751            --     292            188    1,043           1,231
 Building E
Steele Creek Park            (4)     196      783            --      25            196      808           1,004
 Building G-1
Steele Creek Park            (4)     169      677            --     153            169      830             999
 Building H
Steele Creek Park            (4)     148      592            --       5            148      597             745
 Building K
Center Point I          3,549      1,313    7,441            --      30          1,313    7,471           8,784
Center Point II            --      1,183    6,702             1   1,328          1,184    8,030           9,214
Center Point V             --        265    1,279            --     107            265    1,386           1,651
Fontaine I              3,520      1,219    6,907            --     191          1,219    7,098           8,317
Fontaine II             1,807        941    5,335            --     686            941    6,021           6,962
Fontaine III               --        853    4,833            --      78            853    4,911           5,764
Fontaine V              1,192        395    2,237            --      --            395    2,237           2,632
6348 Burnt Poplar          --        721    2,883            --       7            721    2,890           3,611
6350 Burnt Poplar          --        339    1,365            --       5            339    1,370           1,709
Deep River I            2,305      1,033    5,855            --     162          1,033    6,017           7,050
Copier Consultants           (3)     252    1,008            --      12            252    1,020           1,272
East - Building 01           (3)     377    1,510            --      46            377    1,556           1,933
East - Building 02           (3)     461    1,842            --      22            461    1,864           2,325
East - Building 03           (3)     321    1,283            --      61            321    1,344           1,665
East - Building 06         --        103      526            --     159            103      685             788
Hewlett Packard            --        149      727            --     193            149      920           1,069
Inacom                     --        106      478            --     293            106      771             877



<CAPTION>
                                                      Life on
                                                       Which
                       Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
     Description     Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- -------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                  <C>            <C>            <C>
4105 Stuart                 15          1984         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
4109 Stuart                 42          1984         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
4201 Stuart                 59          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
4205 Stuart                 65          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
4209 Stuart                 47          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
4215 Stuart                 70          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
4301 Stuart                115          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
4321 Stuart                 34          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Andrew Blvd.
First Citizens             523          1989         5-40 yrs.
English Oak                147          1984         5-40 yrs.
Laurel Oak                 128          1984         5-40 yrs.
Live Oak                   217          1989         5-40 yrs.
Scarlet Oak                216          1982         5-40 yrs.
Twin Oaks                  236          1985         5-40 yrs.
Willow Oak                  95          1982         5-40 yrs.
Water Oak                  370          1985         5-40 yrs.
Pinebrook                   43          1986         5-40 yrs.
Parkway Plaza              264          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Building 1
Parkway Plaza              471          1983         5-40 yrs.
 Building 2
Parkway Plaza              404          1984         5-40 yrs.
 Building 3
Parkway Plaza              108          1996         5-40 yrs.
 Building 6
Parkway Plaza              241          1985         5-40 yrs.
 Building 7
Parkway Plaza              240          1986         5-40 yrs.
 Building 8
Parkway Plaza              308          1984         5-40 yrs.
 Building 9
Steele Creek Park          187          1989         5-40 yrs.
 Building A
Steele Creek Park           33          1985         5-40 yrs.
 Building B
Steele Creek Park           93          1985         5-40 yrs.
 Building E
Steele Creek Park           67          1989         5-40 yrs.
 Building G-1
Steele Creek Park          108          1987         5-40 yrs.
 Building H
Steele Creek Park           43          1985         5-40 yrs.
 Building K
Center Point I             246          1988         5-40 yrs.
Center Point II            257          1996         5-40 yrs.
Center Point V              31          1997         5-40 yrs.
Fontaine I                 229          1985         5-40 yrs.
Fontaine II                320          1987         5-40 yrs.
Fontaine III               172          1988         5-40 yrs.
Fontaine V                  74          1990         5-40 yrs.
6348 Burnt Poplar          208          1990         5-40 yrs.
6350 Burnt Poplar           99          1992         5-40 yrs.
Deep River I               226          1989         5-40 yrs.
Copier Consultants          73          1990         5-40 yrs.
East - Building 01         131          1990         5-40 yrs.
East - Building 02         134          1986         5-40 yrs.
East - Building 03         103          1986         5-40 yrs.
East - Building 06          28          1997         5-40 yrs.
Hewlett Packard             88          1996         5-40 yrs.
Inacom                      61          1996         5-40 yrs.
</TABLE>

                                      F-29
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Cost Capitalized
                                                                      Subsequent
                                            Initial Cost            to Acquisition
                                                  Building &                Building &
       Description       Encumbrance     Land   Improvements      Land    Improvements
- ------------------------ ------------- -------- -------------- ---------- --------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>        <C>
East - Building A               (3)      541      2,913              --     279
East - Building B               (3)      779      3,200              --     255
East - Building C               (3)    2,384      9,535              --     298
East - Building D             --         271      3,213              --     654
Service Center 1                (3)      275      1,099              --      81
Service Center 2                (3)      222        889              --      20
Service Center 3                (3)      304      1,214              --      62
Service Center 4                (3)      224        898              --      12
Service Court                   (3)      194        774              --      36
Warehouse 1                     (3)      384      1,535              --      39
Warehouse 2                     (3)      372      1,488              --      28
Warehouse 3                     (3)      370      1,480              --      26
Warehouse 4                     (3)      657      2,628              --      28
Highland Industries             (3)      175        699              --       7
206 South Westgate Dr.        --          91        664              --      64
207 South Westgate Dr.        --         138      1,012              --       8
300 South Westgate Dr.        --          68        496              --       3
305 South Westgate Dr.        --          30        220              --      17
307 South Westgate Dr.        --          66        485              --       6
309 South Westgate Dr.        --          68        496              --      13
311 South Westgate Dr.        --          75        551              --      26
315 South Westgate Dr.        --          54        396              --       7
317 South Westgate Dr.        --          81        597              --       7
319 South Westgate Dr.        --          54        396              --       3
4600 Dundas Circle            --          62        456              --      26
4602 Dundas Circle            --          68        498              --      18
7906 Industrial               --          62        455              --       5
 Village Rd.
7908 Industrial               --          62        455              --      11
 Village Rd.
7910 Industrial               --          62        455              --      14
 Village Rd.
Airpark North - DC1             (3)      723      2,891              --      57
Airpark North - DC2             (3)    1,094      4,375              --      83
Airpark North - DC3             (3)      378      1,511              --     240
Airpark North - DC4             (3)      377      1,508              --      75
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 100        --          63        466              --      --
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 200        --          63        466              --       3
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 300        --          31        229              --      37
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 400        --          52        382              --       8
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 500        --          64        471              --       9
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 600        --          78        575              --      10
2616 Phoenix Dr.              --         135        990              --      44
5 Dundas Circle               --          72        531              --      10
7 Dundas Circle               --          75        552              --      11
8 Dundas Circle               --          84        617              --      18
9 Dundas Circle               --          51        373              --       3
302 Pomona Dr.                --          84        617              --      42
304 Pomona Dr.                --          22        163              --      --
306 Pomona Dr.                --          50        368              --       8
308 Pomona Dr.                --          72        531              --       2
500 Radar Rd.                 --         202      1,484              --      82
502 Radar Rd.                 --          39        285              --      43
504 Radar Rd.                 --          39        285              --       3
506 Radar Rd.                 --          39        285              --       5
Regency One                   --         515      2,352              --     571
Regency Two                   --         435      1,864              --     503
Sears Cenfact                 --         861      3,446              --      21
4000 Spring Garden St.        --         127        933              --      34
4002 Spring Garden St.        --          39        290              --       2
4004 Spring Garden St.        --         139      1,019              --      57
R.F. Micro Devices            --         512      7,674              --      --
West Airpark I                  (4)      954      3,817              --     365
West Airpark II                 (4)      887      3,536                (3)  138
West Airpark IV                 (4)      226        903              --     120
West Airpark V                  (4)      242        966              --      29



<CAPTION>
                                   Gross Amount at
                           Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                                                               Life on
                                                                                                Which
                                    Building &                  Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
       Description         Land    Improvements   Total (16)  Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- ------------------------ -------- -------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                      <C>      <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
East - Building A          541      3,192          3,733            272          1986         5-40 yrs.
East - Building B          779      3,455          4,234            290          1988         5-40 yrs.
East - Building C        2,384      9,833         12,217            729          1990         5-40 yrs.
East - Building D          271      3,867          4,138            107          1997         5-40 yrs.
Service Center 1           275      1,180          1,455             96          1985         5-40 yrs.
Service Center 2           222        909          1,131             64          1985         5-40 yrs.
Service Center 3           304      1,276          1,580            107          1985         5-40 yrs.
Service Center 4           224        910          1,134             65          1985         5-40 yrs.
Service Court              194        810          1,004             63          1990         5-40 yrs.
Warehouse 1                384      1,574          1,958            121          1985         5-40 yrs.
Warehouse 2                372      1,516          1,888            113          1985         5-40 yrs.
Warehouse 3                370      1,506          1,876            109          1986         5-40 yrs.
Warehouse 4                657      2,656          3,313            191          1988         5-40 yrs.
Highland Industries        175        706            881             51          1990         5-40 yrs.
206 South Westgate Dr.      91        728            819             41          1986         5-40 yrs.
207 South Westgate Dr.     138      1,020          1,158             63          1986         5-40 yrs.
300 South Westgate Dr.      68        499            567             31          1986         5-40 yrs.
305 South Westgate Dr.      30        237            267             14          1985         5-40 yrs.
307 South Westgate Dr.      66        491            557             32          1985         5-40 yrs.
309 South Westgate Dr.      68        509            577             31          1985         5-40 yrs.
311 South Westgate Dr.      75        577            652             41          1985         5-40 yrs.
315 South Westgate Dr.      54        403            457             25          1985         5-40 yrs.
317 South Westgate Dr.      81        604            685             39          1985         5-40 yrs.
319 South Westgate Dr.      54        399            453             25          1985         5-40 yrs.
4600 Dundas Circle          62        482            544             30          1985         5-40 yrs.
4602 Dundas Circle          68        516            584             34          1985         5-40 yrs.
7906 Industrial             62        460            522             28          1985         5-40 yrs.
 Village Rd.
7908 Industrial             62        466            528             30          1985         5-40 yrs.
 Village Rd.
7910 Industrial             62        469            531             31          1985         5-40 yrs.
 Village Rd.
Airpark North - DC1        723      2,948          3,671            212          1986         5-40 yrs.
Airpark North - DC2      1,094      4,458          5,552            324          1987         5-40 yrs.
Airpark North - DC3        378      1,751          2,129            147          1988         5-40 yrs.
Airpark North - DC4        377      1,583          1,960            114          1988         5-40 yrs.
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 100      63        466            529             29          1989         5-40 yrs.
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 200      63        469            532             30          1989         5-40 yrs.
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 300      31        266            297             16          1989         5-40 yrs.
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 400      52        390            442             27          1989         5-40 yrs.
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 500      64        480            544             33          1989         5-40 yrs.
2606 Phoenix Dr. - 600      78        585            663             37          1989         5-40 yrs.
2616 Phoenix Dr.           135      1,034          1,169             63          1985         5-40 yrs.
5 Dundas Circle             72        541            613             38          1987         5-40 yrs.
7 Dundas Circle             75        563            638             36          1986         5-40 yrs.
8 Dundas Circle             84        635            719             43          1986         5-40 yrs.
9 Dundas Circle             51        376            427             25          1986         5-40 yrs.
302 Pomona Dr.              84        659            743             40          1987         5-40 yrs.
304 Pomona Dr.              22        163            185             10          1987         5-40 yrs.
306 Pomona Dr.              50        376            426             27          1987         5-40 yrs.
308 Pomona Dr.              72        533            605             33          1987         5-40 yrs.
500 Radar Rd.              202      1,566          1,768            102          1981         5-40 yrs.
502 Radar Rd.               39        328            367             22          1986         5-40 yrs.
504 Radar Rd.               39        288            327             18          1986         5-40 yrs.
506 Radar Rd.               39        290            329             18          1986         5-40 yrs.
Regency One                515      2,923          3,438            173          1996         5-40 yrs.
Regency Two                435      2,367          2,802            149          1996         5-40 yrs.
Sears Cenfact              861      3,467          4,328            249          1989         5-40 yrs.
4000 Spring Garden St.     127        967          1,094             66          1983         5-40 yrs.
4002 Spring Garden St.      39        292            331             19          1983         5-40 yrs.
4004 Spring Garden St.     139      1,076          1,215             72          1983         5-40 yrs.
R.F. Micro Devices         512      7,674          8,186             40          1997         5-40 yrs.
West Airpark I             954      4,182          5,136            433          1984         5-40 yrs.
West Airpark II            884      3,674          4,558            290          1985         5-40 yrs.
West Airpark IV            226      1,023          1,249             95          1985         5-40 yrs.
West Airpark V             242        995          1,237             76          1985         5-40 yrs.
</TABLE>

                                      F-30
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Cost Capitalized
                                                                       Subsequent                 Gross Amount at
                                               Initial Cost          to Acquisition       Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                     Building &            Building &              Building &
        Description         Encumbrance     Land   Improvements    Land  Improvements     Land    Improvements   Total (16)
- --------------------------- ------------- -------- -------------- ------ -------------- -------- -------------- ------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>    <C>            <C>      <C>            <C>
West Airpark VI                     (4)      326     1,308         --           89         326     1,397          1,723
7327 W. Friendly Ave.             --          60       441         --            6          60       447            507
7339 W. Friendly Ave.             --          63       465         --           14          63       479            542
7341 W. Friendly Ave.             --         113       831         --           64         113       895          1,008
7343 W. Friendly Ave.             --          72       531         --            7          72       538            610
7345 W. Friendly Ave.             --          66       485         --           11          66       496            562
7347 W. Friendly Ave.             --          97       709         --           57          97       766            863
7349 W. Friendly Ave.             --          53       388         --           13          53       401            454
7351 W. Friendly Ave.             --         106       778         --           28         106       806            912
7353 W. Friendly Ave.             --         123       901         --           12         123       913          1,036
7355 W. Friendly Ave.             --          72       525         --            7          72       532            604
Nations Bank Plaza                --         642     9,349         --           69         642     9,418         10,060
Brookfield Plaza               4,768       1,489     8,437         --          294       1,489     8,731         10,220
Brookfield-Jacobs-Sirrine      12,049      3,022    17,125         --           --       3,022    17,125         20,147
Brookfield-YMCA                  429          33       189         --            8          33       197            230
Patewood I                        --         942     5,066         --           --         942     5,066          6,008
Patewood II                       --         942     5,066         --           --         942     5,066          6,008
Patewood III                   5,417         835     4,733         --          141         835     4,874          5,709
Patewood IV                         (13)   1,210     6,856         --           --       1,210     6,856          8,066
Patewood V                     4,779       1,677     9,503         --           --       1,677     9,503         11,180
Patewood Business              2,576       1,312     7,436         --           25       1,312     7,461          8,773
 Center
Belfort Park I                    --       1,322     4,285         --           --       1,322     4,285          5,607
Belfort Park II                   --         831     5,066         --           --         831     5,066          5,897
Belfort Parkway III               --         647     4,063         --          387         647     4,450          5,097
The Cigna Building                --         381     1,592         --           --         381     1,592          1,973
Harry James Building              --         272     1,360         --           34         272     1,394          1,666
Independent Square                --       3,985    47,495         --           67       3,985    47,562         51,547
Three Oaks Plaza                  --       1,630    14,036         --          107       1,630    14,143         15,773
The Reflections                6,750         958     9,877         --            8         958     9,885         10,843
Southpoint Office                 --         594     3,987         --           (1)        594     3,986          4,580
 Building
Towermarc Plaza                   --       1,143     6,476         --            8       1,143     6,484          7,627
100 West Bay Street               --         184     4,750         --           54         184     4,804          4,988
 Building
Atrium I & II                     --       1,530     6,121         40          125       1,570     6,246          7,816
Centrum Building                  --       1,013     5,523         --           27       1,013     5,550          6,563
Medical Properties, Inc.          --         398     2,256         --            1         398     2,257          2,655
Highwoods Office                  --       1,005     3,816         --          714       1,005     4,530          5,535
 Center at Southwind
International Place               --       4,847    27,469         --        1,004       4,847    28,473         33,320
 Phase II
Kirby Centre                      --         525     2,973         --           13         525     2,986          3,511
Southwind Office                  --         996     5,643         --            4         996     5,647          6,643
 Center A
Southwind Office                  --       1,356     7,684         --           22       1,356     7,706          9,062
 Center B
Battlefield I                  2,717         774     4,387         --           --         774     4,387          5,161
Greenbrier Business            2,768         936     5,305         --           47         936     5,352          6,288
 Center
Riverside Plaza                   --       1,495     5,998        483           --       1,978     5,998          7,976
3401 Westend                      --       6,103    23,343         --          788       6,103    24,131         30,234
5310 Maryland Way                 --       1,923     7,360         --           12       1,923     7,372          9,295
BNA                            11,649         --    22,588         --          299          --    22,887         22,887
Century City Plaza I              --         903     3,612         --          153         903     3,765          4,668
Eastpark 1, 2, 3               4,099       3,137    11,842         --          497       3,137    12,339         15,476
Grassmere I                    2,856       1,251     7,091         --          373       1,251     7,464          8,715
Grassmere II                   4,401       2,260    12,804         --          130       2,260    12,934         15,194
Grassmere III                  5,053       1,340     7,592         --            5       1,340     7,597          8,937
Highwoods Plaza I                 --       1,772     6,380         --        2,596       1,772     8,976         10,748
Highwoods Plaza II                --       1,448     6,948         --          417       1,448     7,365          8,813
Harpeth II                        --       1,419     5,677          1          141       1,420     5,818          7,238
Harpeth on the                    --       1,658     6,633          2          121       1,660     6,754          8,414
 Green III
Harpeth on the                    --       1,709     6,835          5          355       1,714     7,190          8,904
 Green IV
Lakeview                          --       2,179     7,545         --          124       2,179     7,669          9,848



<CAPTION>
                                                             Life on
                                                              Which
                              Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
        Description         Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- --------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>
West Airpark VI                    137         1985         5-40 yrs.
7327 W. Friendly Ave.               27         1987         5-40 yrs.
7339 W. Friendly Ave.               31         1989         5-40 yrs.
7341 W. Friendly Ave.               55         1988         5-40 yrs.
7343 W. Friendly Ave.               33         1988         5-40 yrs.
7345 W. Friendly Ave.               33         1988         5-40 yrs.
7347 W. Friendly Ave.               57         1988         5-40 yrs.
7349 W. Friendly Ave.               27         1988         5-40 yrs.
7351 W. Friendly Ave.               53         1988         5-40 yrs.
7353 W. Friendly Ave.               56         1988         5-40 yrs.
7355 W. Friendly Ave.               33         1988         5-40 yrs.
Nations Bank Plaza                  52         1973         5-40 yrs.
Brookfield Plaza                   298         1987         5-40 yrs.
Brookfield-Jacobs-Sirrine          565         1990         5-40 yrs.
Brookfield-YMCA                      8         1990         5-40 yrs.
Patewood I                         112         1985         5-40 yrs.
Patewood II                        112         1987         5-40 yrs.
Patewood III                       195         1989         5-40 yrs.
Patewood IV                        226         1989         5-40 yrs.
Patewood V                         313         1990         5-40 yrs.
Patewood Business                  249         1983         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Belfort Park I                      23         1988         5-40 yrs.
Belfort Park II                     27         1988         5-40 yrs.
Belfort Parkway III                 21         1988         5-40 yrs.
The Cigna Building                   8         1972         5-40 yrs.
Harry James Building                 7         1982         5-40 yrs.
Independent Square                 287         1975         5-40 yrs.
Three Oaks Plaza                    74         1972         5-40 yrs.
The Reflections                     52         1985         5-40 yrs.
Southpoint Office                   21         1980         5-40 yrs.
 Building
Towermarc Plaza                    214         1991         5-40 yrs.
100 West Bay Street                 25         1964         5-40 yrs.
 Building
Atrium I & II                      162         1984         5-40 yrs.
Centrum Building                    41         1979         5-40 yrs.
Medical Properties, Inc.            74         1988         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Office                     4         1997         5-40 yrs.
 Center at Southwind
International Place                931         1988         5-40 yrs.
 Phase II
Kirby Centre                       100         1984         5-40 yrs.
Southwind Office                   188         1991         5-40 yrs.
 Center A
Southwind Office                   255         1990         5-40 yrs.
 Center B
Battlefield I                      145         1987         5-40 yrs.
Greenbrier Business                176         1984         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Riverside Plaza                     32         1988         5-40 yrs.
3401 Westend                     1,068         1982         5-40 yrs.
5310 Maryland Way                  314         1994         5-40 yrs.
BNA                                985         1985         5-40 yrs.
Century City Plaza I               161         1987         5-40 yrs.
Eastpark 1, 2, 3                   611         1978         5-40 yrs.
Grassmere I                        260         1984         5-40 yrs.
Grassmere II                       446         1985         5-40 yrs.
Grassmere III                      251         1990         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Plaza I                  406         1996         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Plaza II                  40         1997         5-40 yrs.
Harpeth II                         195         1984         5-40 yrs.
Harpeth on the                     195         1987         5-40 yrs.
 Green III
Harpeth on the                     197         1989         5-40 yrs.
 Green IV
Lakeview                           323         1986         5-40 yrs.
</TABLE>

                                      F-31
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Cost Capitalized
                                                                      Subsequent                 Gross Amount at
                                             Initial Cost           to Acquisition       Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                   Building &             Building &              Building &
       Description        Encumbrance     Land   Improvements    Land  Improvements      Land    Improvements   Total (16)
- ------------------------- ------------- -------- -------------- ------ --------------- -------- -------------- ------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>    <C>             <C>      <C>            <C>
EMI/Sparrow                       --    1,262      5,047          --          39       1,262      5,086          6,348
100 Winner's Circle               --    1,495      7,148          --          --       1,495      7,148          8,643
Campus Crusade                    --    1,505      9,875          --          --       1,505      9,875         11,380
ACP-W                             --    4,700     18,865          --          --       4,700     18,865         23,565
Corporate Square                  --      900      1,717          --           6         900      1,723          2,623
Executive Point Towers            --    2,200      7,230          --          30       2,200      7,260          9,460
Lakeview Office Park              --    5,400     13,998          --          60       5,400     14,058         19,458
201 Lee Road                      --    1,500      6,003          --          (2)      1,500      6,001          7,501
Metrowest I                    3,530    1,344      7,618          --          96       1,344      7,714          9,058
One Winter Park                2,354    1,000      3,652          --           5       1,000      3,657          4,657
The Palladium                     --    1,400      5,555          --          --       1,400      5,555          6,955
2699 Pine Street                  --    4,400     30,118          --          (1)      4,400     30,117         34,517
Premiere Point North              --      800      3,061          --          --         800      3,061          3,861
Premiere Point South              --      600      3,429          --          20         600      3,449          4,049
Shoppes of Interlachen         2,105    1,100      2,716          --           4       1,100      2,720          3,820
Signature Plaza                   --    4,300     30,611          --         129       4,300     30,740         35,040
Skyline Center                    --      700      2,773          --           4         700      2,777          3,477
Southwest Corporate            3,717      991      5,613          --          --         991      5,613          6,604
 Center
Blue Ridge II                     --      434         --          29       1,433         463      1,433          1,896
2500 Blue Ridge                   --      722      4,552          --         871         722      5,423          6,145
Qualex                            --      879      3,522          --           1         879      3,523          4,402
Fairfield II                      --      910      3,647          --         367         910      4,014          4,924
3600 Glenwood Avenue              --       --         --          --      10,994          --     10,994         10,994
ONCC - 3645 Trust Drive        1,778      520      2,949          --          50         520      2,999          3,519
4020 Roxboro                      --      675      2,708          --          49         675      2,757          3,432
4101 Roxboro                      --    1,059      4,243          --         186       1,059      4,429          5,488
Fairfield I                       --      805      3,227          --         105         805      3,332          4,137
4201 Building                     --    1,204      7,715          --       2,388       1,204     10,103         11,307
4301 Building                     --      900      7,425          --         607         900      8,032          8,932
4401 Building                     --    1,249      8,929          --       4,806       1,249     13,735         14,984
4501 Building                     --      785      4,448          --         675         785      5,123          5,908
4800 North Park                   --    2,678     17,673          --         233       2,678     17,906         20,584
4900 North Park                1,486      770      1,989          --         230         770      2,219          2,989
5000 North Park                   --    1,010      4,697          --         879       1,010      5,576          6,586
5200 Green's Dairy Road          593      169        959          --          17         169        976          1,145
5220 Green's Dairy Road        1,072      382      2,165          --          60         382      2,225          2,607
5301 Departure Drive           2,466      882      5,000          --           6         882      5,006          5,888
4000 Aerial Center                --      541      2,163          --           5         541      2,168          2,709
Amica                             --      289      1,544          --          52         289      1,596          1,885
Arrowwood                         --      955      3,406          --         202         955      3,608          4,563
Aspen                             --      560      2,104          --         244         560      2,348          2,908
Birchwood                         --      201        911          --          (4)        201        907          1,108
Cedar East                        --      563      2,498          --         238         563      2,736          3,299
Cedar West                        --      563      2,487          --         380         563      2,867          3,430
Colony Corporate Center           --      613      3,296          --         442         613      3,738          4,351
Concourse                         --      986     12,069          --         465         986     12,534         13,520
Cape Fear                         --      131         --          --       2,586         131      2,586          2,717
Creekstone Crossing               --      728      3,891          --          50         728      3,941          4,669
Cotton Building                   --      460      1,844          --         113         460      1,957          2,417
Catawba                           --      125         --          --       1,897         125      1,897          2,022
Cottonwood                        --      609      3,253          --           8         609      3,261          3,870
Cypress                           --      567      1,747          --         104         567      1,851          2,418
Dogwood                           --      766      2,790          --          (4)        766      2,786          3,552
EPA Annex/                        --    2,601     10,920          --          91       2,601     11,011         13,612
 Administration
Expressway One                    --      242         --           4       1,854         246      1,854          2,100
 Warehouse
Global Software                   --      465      5,358          --       2,127         465      7,485          7,950
Hawthorn                          --      904      3,782          --          73         904      3,855          4,759
Holiday Inn                       --      867      2,748          --         123         867      2,871          3,738
Holly                             --      300      1,170          --          18         300      1,188          1,488
Healthsource                      --    1,294     10,593          10       1,609       1,304     12,202         13,506
Highwoods Tower                   --      203     16,948          --         478         203     17,426         17,629
Ironwood                          --      319      1,276          --         215         319      1,491          1,810
Kaiser                            --      133      3,625          --          28         133      3,653          3,786



<CAPTION>
                                                           Life on
                                                            Which
                            Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
       Description        Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- ------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>            <C>
EMI/Sparrow                      163         1982         5-40 yrs.
100 Winner's Circle                8         1987         5-40 yrs.
Campus Crusade                    52         1990         5-40 yrs.
ACP-W                             99       1966-1992      5-40 yrs.
Corporate Square                   9         1971         5-40 yrs.
Executive Point Towers            38         1978         5-40 yrs.
Lakeview Office Park              74         1975         5-40 yrs.
201 Lee Road                      31         1974         5-40 yrs.
Metrowest I                      260         1988         5-40 yrs.
One Winter Park                   19         1982         5-40 yrs.
The Palladium                     29         1988         5-40 yrs.
2699 Pine Street                 158         1980         5-40 yrs.
Premiere Point North              16         1983         5-40 yrs.
Premiere Point South              18         1983         5-40 yrs.
Shoppes of Interlachen            14         1987         5-40 yrs.
Signature Plaza                  164         1986         5-40 yrs.
Skyline Center                    15         1985         5-40 yrs.
Southwest Corporate              185         1984         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Blue Ridge II                    405         1988         5-40 yrs.
2500 Blue Ridge                  441         1982         5-40 yrs.
Qualex                           216         1985         5-40 yrs.
Fairfield II                     250         1989         5-40 yrs.
3600 Glenwood Avenue             218         1986         5-40 yrs.
ONCC - 3645 Trust Drive           97         1984         5-40 yrs.
4020 Roxboro                     168         1989         5-40 yrs.
4101 Roxboro                     269         1984         5-40 yrs.
Fairfield I                      206         1987         5-40 yrs.
4201 Building                  1,499         1991         5-40 yrs.
4301 Building                    554         1989         5-40 yrs.
4401 Building                  2,132         1987         5-40 yrs.
4501 Building                    591         1985         5-40 yrs.
4800 North Park                1,618         1985         5-40 yrs.
4900 North Park                  210         1984         5-40 yrs.
5000 North Park                  640         1980         5-40 yrs.
5200 Green's Dairy Road           36         1984         5-40 yrs.
5220 Green's Dairy Road           72         1984         5-40 yrs.
5301 Departure Drive             165         1984         5-40 yrs.
4000 Aerial Center                56         1992         5-40 yrs.
Amica                            191         1983         5-40 yrs.
Arrowwood                        389         1979         5-40 yrs.
Aspen                            234         1980         5-40 yrs.
Birchwood                        100         1983         5-40 yrs.
Cedar East                       287         1981         5-40 yrs.
Cedar West                       319         1981         5-40 yrs.
Colony Corporate Center          329         1985         5-40 yrs.
Concourse                      1,178         1986         5-40 yrs.
Cape Fear                      1,262         1980         5-40 yrs.
Creekstone Crossing              263         1990         5-40 yrs.
Cotton Building                   99         1972         5-40 yrs.
Catawba                        1,020         1980         5-40 yrs.
Cottonwood                       296         1983         5-40 yrs.
Cypress                          208         1980         5-40 yrs.
Dogwood                          248         1983         5-40 yrs.
EPA Annex/                       796         1966         5-40 yrs.
 Administration
Expressway One                   343         1990         5-40 yrs.
 Warehouse
Global Software                  557         1996         5-40 yrs.
Hawthorn                       1,701         1987         5-40 yrs.
Holiday Inn                      259         1984         5-40 yrs.
Holly                            121         1984         5-40 yrs.
Healthsource                     493         1996         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Tower                2,986         1991         5-40 yrs.
Ironwood                         185         1978         5-40 yrs.
Kaiser                         1,175         1988         5-40 yrs.
</TABLE>

                                      F-32
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Cost Capitalized
                                                                       Subsequent                 Gross Amount at
                                               Initial Cost          to Acquisition       Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                     Building &            Building &              Building &
        Description         Encumbrance     Land   Improvements    Land  Improvements     Land    Improvements   Total (16)
- --------------------------- ------------- -------- -------------- ------ -------------- -------- -------------- ------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>    <C>            <C>      <C>            <C>
Laurel                            --         884     2,537          --       13            884     2,550          3,434
Lake Plaza East                   --         856     4,893          --      644            856     5,537          6,393
Leatherwood                       --         213       851          --      243            213     1,094          1,307
MSA                               --         717     3,418          --    1,297            717     4,715          5,432
North Park Building One           --         405        --          --    3,273            405     3,273          3,678
Phase I                         1,988        768     4,353          --       43            768     4,396          5,164
W Building                     3,789       1,163     6,592          --      279          1,163     6,871          8,034
Pamlico                           --         269        --          20   10,868            289    10,868         11,157
Phoenix                           --         394     2,019          --       50            394     2,069          2,463
Rexwoods Center                     (4)      775        --         103    3,686            878     3,686          4,564
Rexwoods II                       --         355        --           7    1,823            362     1,823          2,185
Rexwoods III                      --         886        --          34    2,858            920     2,858          3,778
Rexwoods IV                       --         586        --          --    3,616            586     3,616          4,202
Riverbirch                        --         448        --          21    4,231            469     4,231          4,700
Situs I                           --         693     2,917          --    1,473            693     4,390          5,083
Six Forks Center I                --         666     2,688          --      262            666     2,950          3,616
Six Forks Center II               --       1,086     4,370          --      336          1,086     4,706          5,792
Six Forks Center III              --         862     4,444          --       93            862     4,537          5,399
Smoketree Tower                   --       2,353    11,922          --    1,959          2,353    13,881         16,234
South Square I                      (4)      606     3,785          --      415            606     4,200          4,806
South Square II                   --         525     4,742          --      159            525     4,901          5,426
Sycamore                          --         255        --          --    6,057            255     6,057          6,312
Triangle Business Center            (4)      377     4,004          --      660            377     4,664          5,041
 Building 2A
Triangle Business Center            (4)      118     1,225          --      192            118     1,417          1,535
 Building 2B
Triangle Business Center            (4)      409     5,349          --      571            409     5,920          6,329
 Building 3
Triangle Business Center            (4)      414     6,301          --      243            414     6,544          6,958
 Building 7
Willow Oak                        --         458     4,685          --    1,769            458     6,454          6,912
Highwoods Airport                 --         708     4,374          --    1,140            708     5,514          6,222
 Center
East Cary Street Building         --         171       685          --       48            171       733            904
DEQ Office                        --       1,324     5,305          --      154          1,324     5,459          6,783
DEQ Tech Center                   --         541     2,166          --      100            541     2,266          2,807
Grove Park I                      --         349     2,685          --       86            349     2,771          3,120
Highwoods One                     --       1,846     8,613          --    1,935          1,846    10,548         12,394
Highwoods Two                     --         785     5,170          --      756            785     5,926          6,711
Liberty Mutual Building        3,431       1,205     4,819          --      111          1,205     4,930          6,135
Markel American                     (5)      585     2,347          --      114            585     2,461          3,046
Aetna                             --       2,163     8,659          --      140          2,163     8,799         10,962
Proctor-Silex                       (5)    1,086     4,344          --       56          1,086     4,400          5,486
One Shockoe Plaza                 --          --        --          --   19,232             --    19,232         19,232
Westshore I                       --         358     1,431          --       23            358     1,454          1,812
Westshore II                      --         545     2,181          --       30            545     2,211          2,756
West Shore III                    --         961     3,601          --      592            961     4,193          5,154
Innsbrook Tech I                  --         264     1,058          --        7            264     1,065          1,329
Virginia Center                   --       1,438     5,858          --      257          1,438     6,115          7,553
Vantage Place II                  --         203       811          --       79            203       890          1,093
Vantage Place IV                  --         233       931          --       30            233       961          1,194
Vantage Place I                   --         235       940          --       31            235       971          1,206
Vantage Place III                 --         218       873          --      183            218     1,056          1,274
Vantage Point                     --       1,089     4,354          --      170          1,089     4,524          5,613
2828 Coral Way Building           --       1,100     4,303          --        6          1,100     4,309          5,409
Atrium at Coral Gables            --       3,000    16,528          --       29          3,000    16,557         19,557
Atrium West                     4,242      1,300     5,598          --       --          1,300     5,598          6,898
Avion Building                    --         800     4,357          --       --            800     4,357          5,157
Centrum Plaza                  2,861       1,000     3,574          --       --          1,000     3,574          4,574
Comeau Building                   --         460     3,719          --       --            460     3,719          4,179
Corporate Square                  --       1,750     3,402          --       22          1,750     3,424          5,174
Dadeland Office                6,579       3,700    18,571          --       51          3,700    18,622         22,322
 Complex
Desigh Center Plaza               --       1,000     4,040          --        3          1,000     4,043          5,043
Doral Financial Plaza             --       3,423    13,692          --       --          3,423    13,692         17,115
1800 Eller Drive                  --          --     9,724          --       71             --     9,795          9,795
Emerald Hills Plaza I             --       1,450     5,861          --       13          1,450     5,874          7,324



<CAPTION>
                                                             Life on
                                                              Which
                              Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
        Description         Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- --------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>
Laurel                             227         1982         5-40 yrs.
Lake Plaza East                    560         1984         5-40 yrs.
Leatherwood                        127         1979         5-40 yrs.
MSA                                220         1996         5-40 yrs.
North Park Building One             63         1997         5-40 yrs.
Phase I                            146         1981         5-40 yrs.
W Building                         220         1983         5-40 yrs.
Pamlico                          2,057         1980         5-40 yrs.
Phoenix                            191         1990         5-40 yrs.
Rexwoods Center                    836         1990         5-40 yrs.
Rexwoods II                        191         1993         5-40 yrs.
Rexwoods III                       473         1992         5-40 yrs.
Rexwoods IV                        417         1994         5-40 yrs.
Riverbirch                       1,050         1987         5-40 yrs.
Situs I                            274         1996         5-40 yrs.
Six Forks Center I                 162         1982         5-40 yrs.
Six Forks Center II                269         1983         5-40 yrs.
Six Forks Center III               386         1987         5-40 yrs.
Smoketree Tower                  1,373         1984         5-40 yrs.
South Square I                     407         1988         5-40 yrs.
South Square II                    448         1989         5-40 yrs.
Sycamore                            82         1997         5-40 yrs.
Triangle Business Center           609         1984         5-40 yrs.
 Building 2A
Triangle Business Center           144         1984         5-40 yrs.
 Building 2B
Triangle Business Center           785         1988         5-40 yrs.
 Building 3
Triangle Business Center           593         1988         5-40 yrs.
 Building 7
Willow Oak                         803         1995         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Airport                   83         1997         5-40 yrs.
 Center
East Cary Street Building           20         1987         5-40 yrs.
DEQ Office                         296         1991         5-40 yrs.
DEQ Tech Center                    123         1991         5-40 yrs.
Grove Park I                        16         1997         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods One                      511         1996         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Two                       48         1997         5-40 yrs.
Liberty Mutual Building            129         1990         5-40 yrs.
Markel American                    188         1988         5-40 yrs.
Aetna                              343         1989         5-40 yrs.
Proctor-Silex                      270         1986         5-40 yrs.
One Shockoe Plaza                  508         1996         5-40 yrs.
Westshore I                         61         1995         5-40 yrs.
Westshore II                        86         1995         5-40 yrs.
West Shore III                      35         1997         5-40 yrs.
Innsbrook Tech I                    65         1991         5-40 yrs.
Virginia Center                    509         1985         5-40 yrs.
Vantage Place II                    69         1987         5-40 yrs.
Vantage Place IV                    60         1988         5-40 yrs.
Vantage Place I                     62         1987         5-40 yrs.
Vantage Place III                   65         1988         5-40 yrs.
Vantage Point                      294         1990         5-40 yrs.
2828 Coral Way Building             23         1985         5-40 yrs.
Atrium at Coral Gables              87         1984         5-40 yrs.
Atrium West                         29         1983         5-40 yrs.
Avion Building                      14         1985         5-40 yrs.
Centrum Plaza                       19         1988         5-40 yrs.
Comeau Building                     20         1926         5-40 yrs.
Corporate Square                    18         1981         5-40 yrs.
Dadeland Office                     98         1972         5-40 yrs.
 Complex
Desigh Center Plaza                 21         1982         5-40 yrs.
Doral Financial Plaza               14         1987         5-40 yrs.
1800 Eller Drive                    51         1983         5-40 yrs.
Emerald Hills Plaza I               31         1979         5-40 yrs.
</TABLE>

                                      F-33
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Cost Capitalized
                                                                         Subsequent                 Gross Amount at
                                                 Initial Cost          to Acquisition       Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                       Building &            Building &              Building &
        Description         Encumbrance       Land   Improvements    Land  Improvements     Land    Improvements   Total (16)
- --------------------------- --------------- -------- -------------- ------ -------------- -------- -------------- ------------
<S>                         <C>             <C>      <C>            <C>    <C>            <C>      <C>            <C>
Emerald Hills Plaza II             --       1,450      7,095         --       --          1,450      7,095          8,545
Gulf Atlantic Center               --          --     11,237         --       --             --     11,237         11,237
Palm Beach Gardens                 --       1,000      4,554         --       12          1,000      4,566          5,566
 Office Park
Pine Island Commons             3,089       1,750      4,216         --        6          1,750      4,222          5,972
Venture Corporate                  --       1,867      7,532         --       44          1,867      7,576          9,443
 Center I
Venture Corporate                  --       1,867      8,906         --        1          1,867      8,907         10,774
 Center II
Venture Corporate                  --       1,867      8,838         --       --          1,867      8,838         10,705
 Center III
5400 Gray Street                   --         350        295         --       --            350        295            645
Atrium                             --       1,639      9,286         --       61          1,639      9,347         10,986
Benjamin Center #7                 --         296      1,678         --       41            296      1,719          2,015
Benjamin Center #9                 --         300      1,699         --        1            300      1,700          2,000
Crossroads Office Center           --         561      3,375         --       27            561      3,402          3,963
Cypress West                    2,139         615      5,043         --      215            615      5,258          5,873
Day Care Center                    --          61        347         --       24             61        371            432
Expo Building                      --         171        969         --       21            171        990          1,161
Feathersound II                 2,319         800      7,362         --      168            800      7,530          8,330
Fireman's Fund Building            --         500      4,148         --       33            500      4,181          4,681
Grand Plaza (Office)               --       1,100      7,752         --       29          1,100      7,781          8,881
Grand Plaza (Retail)               --         840     10,754         --       --            840     10,754         11,594
Horizon                              (2)       --      6,174         --       --             --      6,174          6,174
Lakeside                             (2)       --      7,272         --        5             --      7,277          7,277
Lakepoint                            (2)    2,100     31,390         --       34          2,100     31,424         33,524
Lakeside Technology                --       1,325      8,164         --       32          1,325      8,196          9,521
 Center
Mariner Square                  2,508         650      2,855         --       --            650      2,855          3,505
Parkside                             (2)       --      9,285         --       27             --      9,312          9,312
Pavillion                            (2)       --     16,183         --       --             --     16,183         16,183
Progressive Insurance              --       1,366      7,742         --    1,370          1,366      9,112         10,478
Registry I                         --         744      4,216         --       97            744      4,313          5,057
Registry II                        --         908      5,147         --      166            908      5,313          6,221
Registry Square                    --         344      1,951         --       --            344      1,951          2,295
Sabal Business Center I            --         375      2,127         --       --            375      2,127          2,502
Sabal Business Center II        1,235         342      1,935         --       --            342      1,935          2,277
Sabal Business Center III         852         290      1,642         --       16            290      1,658          1,948
Sabal Business Center IV        2,107         819      4,638         --       --            819      4,638          5,457
Sabal Business Center V         2,532       1,026      5,813         --        3          1,026      5,816          6,842
Sabal Business Center VI        5,919       1,609      9,116         --       38          1,609      9,154         10,763
Sabal Business                  4,815       1,519      8,605         --       32          1,519      8,637         10,156
 Center VII
Sabal Lake Building                --         572      3,241         --      142            572      3,383          3,955
Sabal Park Plaza                   --         611      3,460         --        6            611      3,466          4,077
Sabal Tech Center                  --         548      3,107         --       --            548      3,107          3,655
Spectrum                             (2)    1,450     14,315         --       --          1,450     14,315         15,765
Sunrise Office Center              --         422      3,513         --       --            422      3,513          3,935
Telecom Technology                 --       1,250     11,336         --      172          1,250     11,508         12,758
 Center
Tower Place                        --       3,194     18,098         --      104          3,194     18,202         21,396
Zurn Building                      --         795      4,537         --       29            795      4,566          5,361
Blair Stone Building               --       1,550     33,262         --       --          1,550     33,262         34,812
Stratford                          --       2,777     11,459         --      105          2,777     11,564         14,341
Chesapeake                           (4)    1,236      4,944         --        8          1,236      4,952          6,188
Forsyth I                        1,963        326      1,850         --      450            326      2,300          2,626
370 Knollwood                        (3)    1,819      7,451         --      459          1,819      7,910          9,729
380 Knollwood                        (3)    2,977     11,912         --      687          2,977     12,599         15,576
3288 Robinhood                     --         290      1,159         --       85            290      1,244          1,534
101 S. Stratford-First             --       1,205      6,826         --       --          1,205      6,826          8,031
 Union
Consolidated Center I              --         625      2,130         --       --            625      2,130          2,755
Consolidated Center II             --         625      4,380         --       --            625      4,380          5,005
Consolidated Center III            --         680      3,525         --       --            680      3,525          4,205
Consolidated Center IV             --         376      1,629         --       --            376      1,629          2,005
Champion-Madison                   --       1,725      6,280         --       --          1,725      6,280          8,005
 Park II



<CAPTION>
                                                             Life on
                                                              Which
                              Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
        Description         Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- --------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>
Emerald Hills Plaza II             37          1979         5-40 yrs.
Gulf Atlantic Center               12          1986         5-40 yrs.
Palm Beach Gardens                 24          1984         5-40 yrs.
 Office Park
Pine Island Commons                22          1985         5-40 yrs.
Venture Corporate                  41          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Center I
Venture Corporate                  47          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Center II
Venture Corporate                  46          1982         5-40 yrs.
 Center III
5400 Gray Street                    2          1973         5-40 yrs.
Atrium                            309          1989         5-40 yrs.
Benjamin Center #7                 70          1991         5-40 yrs.
Benjamin Center #9                 56          1989         5-40 yrs.
Crossroads Office Center           18          1981         5-40 yrs.
Cypress West                       27          1985         5-40 yrs.
Day Care Center                    12          1986         5-40 yrs.
Expo Building                      32          1981         5-40 yrs.
Feathersound II                    39          1986         5-40 yrs.
Fireman's Fund Building            22          1982         5-40 yrs.
Grand Plaza (Office)               41          1985         5-40 yrs.
Grand Plaza (Retail)               57           N/A         5-40 yrs.
Horizon                            32          1980         5-40 yrs.
Lakeside                           38          1978         5-40 yrs.
Lakepoint                         165          1986         5-40 yrs.
Lakeside Technology                43          1984         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Mariner Square                     15          1973         5-40 yrs.
Parkside                           49          1979         5-40 yrs.
Pavillion                          85          1982         5-40 yrs.
Progressive Insurance             255          1988         5-40 yrs.
Registry I                        149          1985         5-40 yrs.
Registry II                       184          1987         5-40 yrs.
Registry Square                    64          1988         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Business Center I            70          1982         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Business Center II           64          1984         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Business Center III          55          1984         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Business Center IV          153          1984         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Business Center V           193          1988         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Business Center VI          301          1988         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Business                    284          1990         5-40 yrs.
 Center VII
Sabal Lake Building               114          1986         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Park Plaza                  114          1987         5-40 yrs.
Sabal Tech Center                 102          1989         5-40 yrs.
Spectrum                           75          1984         5-40 yrs.
Sunrise Office Center              18          1974         5-40 yrs.
Telecom Technology                 60          1991         5-40 yrs.
 Center
Tower Place                       599          1988         5-40 yrs.
Zurn Building                      24          1983         5-40 yrs.
Blair Stone Building              175          1994         5-40 yrs.
Stratford                         841          1991         5-40 yrs.
Chesapeake                        356          1993         5-40 yrs.
Forsyth I                         108          1985         5-40 yrs.
370 Knollwood                     639          1994         5-40 yrs.
380 Knollwood                     998          1990         5-40 yrs.
3288 Robinhood                    110          1989         5-40 yrs.
101 S. Stratford-First             22          1986         5-40 yrs.
 Union
Consolidated Center I               7          1983         5-40 yrs.
Consolidated Center II             14          1983         5-40 yrs.
Consolidated Center III            11          1989         5-40 yrs.
Consolidated Center IV              5          1989         5-40 yrs.
Champion-Madison                   20          1993         5-40 yrs.
 Park II
</TABLE>

                                      F-34
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Cost Capitalized
                                                                               Subsequent
                                               Initial Cost                  to Acquisition
                                                     Building &                           Building &
        Description         Encumbrance     Land   Improvements            Land         Improvements
- --------------------------- ------------- -------- -------------- --------------------- --------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>                   <C>
USAIR Buildings                  --        2,625      14,889                  --          --
UCC Building 03                  --          429      1,771                   --         102
UCC Building 04                  --          514      2,058                   --         150
UCC SR-1                         --          276      1,155                   --          55
UCC SR-2 01/02                   --          215        859                   --         113
UCC SR-3                         --          167        668                   --          19
UCC W-1                          --          203        812                   --          --
UCC W-2                          --          196        786                   --           8
BMF Warehouse                      (1)       795      3,181                   --          --
LUWA Bahnson Building            --          346      1,384                   --           1
WP-3 & 4                           (1)       120        480                   --           2
WP-11                              (1)       393      1,570                   --          57
WP-12                              (1)       382      1,531                   --          34
WP-13                              (1)       297      1,192                   --          32
Fairchild Building               --          640      2,577                   --          --
WP-5                             --          178        590                   --         265
One Point Royal                  --           --          1                   --          --
EKA Chemicals                    --           --          1                   --          --
Glenlakes                        --           --         --                2,908          --
Northern Telecom                 --           --         (2)                  --          --
Newpoint Place III               --           --         --                  628          --
Newpoint Place                   --           --         --                1,550          --
Atlanta Tradeport                --           --         --                8,052          --
NationsFord Business             --        1,206         --                    5          --
 Park
Center Point VI                  --           --         --                  265          --
Airport Center Drive             --        1,600         --                 (565) (10)    --
Airpark East Expansion           --           --         --                1,280          --
Airpark East Land                --        1,932         --                 (616) (8)     --
Airpark North Land               --          804         --                   --          --
385 Building 1                   --        1,413      1,401                   --          81
385 Land                         --           --         --                1,800          --
Patewood VI                      --           --         --                   --          22
Belfort Park Land Annex          --           --         --                2,600          --
Southwind Land Annex             --           --         --                  679          --
Highwoods Plaza at               --           --         --                   --          29
 International Place
International Place              --           --         --                1,566          --
 Phase III
Ayers Land                       --           --         --                1,164          --
Cool Springs -                   --           --         --                3,089          --
 Building II
Grassmere                        --        1,779         --                   --          --
Ridge Development                --        1,960         --               (1,531) (11)    --
Grassmere/Thousdale              --          760         --                   --          --
 Land
Westwood South                   --           --         --                2,106          --
Maitland Building B              --           --         --                1,115          --
Maitland Building C              --           --         --                  743          --
Pine Street - Building II        --           --         --                2,000          --
Pine Street Parking              --           --         --                4,000          --
Capital Center                   --          851         --                 (629) (9)     --
Clintrials                       --           --         --                   --          209
Highwoods Health Club            --          142        564                   --         (26)
Highwoods Office                 --        1,555         49                 (839) (7)     --
 Center North
Highwoods Office                 --        2,518         --                   --          --
 Center South
Martin Land                      --           --         --                3,409          --
Creekstone Park                  --        1,255         --               (1,106) (6)     --
North Park - Wake Forest         --          962         --                  132          --
 - Land
Research Commons                 --        1,349         --                   --          --
Rexwoods V                       --           --         --                   --           3
Highwoods Distribution           --           --         --                3,270          --
 Center
East Shore One                   --           --         --                  114          --



<CAPTION>
                                       Gross Amount at
                              Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                                                                   Life on
                                                                                                    Which
                                       Building &                   Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
        Description           Land    Improvements    Total (16)  Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- --------------------------- -------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                         <C>      <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
USAIR Buildings              2,625      14,889           17,514          47        1970-1987      5-40 yrs.
UCC Building 03                429      1,873             2,302         136          1985         5-40 yrs.
UCC Building 04                514      2,208             2,722         170          1986         5-40 yrs.
UCC SR-1                       276      1,210             1,486          95          1983         5-40 yrs.
UCC SR-2 01/02                 215        972             1,187          89          1983         5-40 yrs.
UCC SR-3                       167        687               854          49          1984         5-40 yrs.
UCC W-1                        203        812             1,015          58          1983         5-40 yrs.
UCC W-2                        196        794               990          57          1983         5-40 yrs.
BMF Warehouse                  795      3,181             3,976         229          1986         5-40 yrs.
LUWA Bahnson Building          346      1,385             1,731         100          1990         5-40 yrs.
WP-3 & 4                       120        482               602          35          1988         5-40 yrs.
WP-11                          393      1,627             2,020         121          1988         5-40 yrs.
WP-12                          382      1,565             1,947         112          1988         5-40 yrs.
WP-13                          297      1,224             1,521          87          1988         5-40 yrs.
Fairchild Building             640      2,577             3,217         185          1990         5-40 yrs.
WP-5                           178        855             1,033         117          1995         5-40 yrs.
One Point Royal                 --          1                 1          --           N/A            N/A
EKA Chemicals                   --          1                 1          --           N/A            N/A
Glenlakes                    2,908         --             2,908          --           N/A            N/A
Northern Telecom                --         (2)               (2)         --           N/A            N/A
Newpoint Place III             628         --               628          --           N/A            N/A
Newpoint Place               1,550         --             1,550          --           N/A            N/A
Atlanta Tradeport            8,052         --             8,052          --           N/A            N/A
NationsFord Business         1,211         --             1,211          --           N/A            N/A
 Park
Center Point VI                265         --               265          --           N/A            N/A
Airport Center Drive         1,035         --             1,035          --           N/A            N/A
Airpark East Expansion       1,280         --             1,280          --           N/A            N/A
Airpark East Land            1,316         --             1,316          --           N/A            N/A
Airpark North Land             804         --               804          --           N/A            N/A
385 Building 1               1,413      1,482             2,895          13           N/A         5-40 yrs.
385 Land                     1,800         --             1,800          --           N/A            N/A
Patewood VI                     --         22                22          --           N/A            N/A
Belfort Park Land Annex      2,600         --             2,600          --           N/A            N/A
Southwind Land Annex           679         --               679          --           N/A            N/A
Highwoods Plaza at              --         29                29          --           N/A            N/A
 International Place
International Place          1,566         --             1,566          --           N/A            N/A
 Phase III
Ayers Land                   1,164         --             1,164          --           N/A            N/A
Cool Springs -               3,089         --             3,089          --           N/A            N/A
 Building II
Grassmere                    1,779         --             1,779          --           N/A            N/A
Ridge Development              429         --               429          --           N/A            N/A
Grassmere/Thousdale            760         --               760          --           N/A            N/A
 Land
Westwood South               2,106         --             2,106          --           N/A            N/A
Maitland Building B          1,115         --             1,115          --           N/A            N/A
Maitland Building C            743         --               743          --           N/A            N/A
Pine Street - Building II    2,000         --             2,000          --           N/A            N/A
Pine Street Parking          4,000         --             4,000          --           N/A            N/A
Capital Center                 222         --               222          --           N/A            N/A
Clintrials                      --        209               209          --           N/A            N/A
Highwoods Health Club          142        538               680          14           N/A         5-40 yrs.
Highwoods Office               716         49               765          13           N/A         5-40 yrs.
 Center North
Highwoods Office             2,518         --             2,518          --           N/A            N/A
 Center South
Martin Land                  3,409         --             3,409          --           N/A            N/A
Creekstone Park                149         --               149          --           N/A            N/A
North Park - Wake Forest     1,094         --             1,094          --           N/A            N/A
 - Land
Research Commons             1,349         --             1,349          --           N/A            N/A
Rexwoods V                      --          3                 3          --           N/A            N/A
Highwoods Distribution       3,270         --             3,270          --           N/A            N/A
 Center
East Shore One                 114         --               114          --           N/A            N/A
</TABLE>

                                      F-35
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Cost Capitalized
                                                                             Subsequent
                                                 Initial Cost              to Acquisition
                                                        Building &                 Building &
        Description         Encumbrance       Land    Improvements       Land    Improvements
- --------------------------- ------------- ----------- -------------- ----------- --------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>
East Shore Two                  --              --            --          907          --
End of Cox Road Land            --             966            --           --          --
Sadler & Cox Land               --              --            --          296          --
Development                     --              26            --           --          --
 Opportunity Strip
Virginia Mutual                 --              --            --          900          --
Tampa Fairgrounds               --           1,412         5,647           --          42
Fireman's fund Land             --              --            --        1,000          --
Tampa Bay Land                  --              --            --        2,000          --
Sabal Pavilion - Phase II       --              --            --          661          --
Sabal Industrial                --              --            --          301          --
 Park Land
West Point                      --           1,759            --         (518)(12)     --
                            ------           -----         -----        -----          --
 Business Park
                                          $365,276    $2,051,331      $43,493    $143,310
                                          ========    ==========      =======    ========



<CAPTION>
                                        Gross Amount at
                               Which Carried at Close of Period
                                                                                                     Life on
                                                                                                      Which
                                          Building &                  Accumulated      Date of     Depreciation
        Description             Land     Improvements   Total (16)  Depreciation   Construction    is Computed
- --------------------------- ----------- -------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
<S>                         <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
East Shore Two                   907            --            907        --              N/A           N/A
End of Cox Road Land             966            --            966        --              N/A           N/A
Sadler & Cox Land                296            --            296        --              N/A           N/A
Development                       26            --             26        --              N/A           N/A
 Opportunity Strip
Virginia Mutual                  900            --            900        --              N/A           N/A
Tampa Fairgrounds              1,412         5,689          7,101         6              N/A           N/A
Fireman's fund Land            1,000            --          1,000        --              N/A           N/A
Tampa Bay Land                 2,000            --          2,000        --              N/A           N/A
Sabal Pavilion - Phase II        661            --            661        --              N/A           N/A
Sabal Industrial                 301            --            301        --              N/A           N/A
 Park Land
West Point                     1,241            --          1,241        --              N/A           N/A
                               -----         -----          -----        --
 Business Park
                            $408,769    $2,194,641     $2,603,410   $86,062
                            ========    ==========     ==========   =======
</TABLE>

- --------
(1) These assets are pledged as collateral for a $5,668,000 first mortgage
loan.

(2) These assets are pledged as collateral for a $43,465,000 first mortgage
loan.

(3) These assets are pledged as collateral for an $39,630,000 first mortgage
loan.

(4) These assets are pledged as collateral for a $30,951,000 first mortgage
loan.

(5) These assets are pledged as collateral for a $4,850,000 first mortgage
loan.

(6) Reflects land transferred to the Willow Oak property, Highwoods Centre
property, Sycamore property.

(7) Reflects land transferred to the Global property, Red Oak property.

(8) Reflects land transferred to Hewlett Packard property, Inacom property,
East Building D property, East Building 6 property.

(9) Reflects land transferred to Situs II property.

(10) Reflects land transferred to Airport Center I property.

(11) Reflects land transferred to Lakeview Ridge II property, Lakeview Ridge 3
property.

(12) Reflects sale of land.

(13) Patewood III and IV are considered one property for encumbrance purposes.

(14) The aggregate cost for Federal Income Tax purposes was approximately
$1,828,000,000.

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

                              NOTE TO SCHEDULE III
                                (in thousands)

                     As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995



     A summary of activity for real estate and accumulated depreciation is as
                      follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           December 31,
                                                           ---------------------------------------------
                                                                1997             1996            1995
                                                           --------------   --------------   -----------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>              <C>
 Real Estate:
   Balance at beginning of year ........................     $1,390,079       $  598,536      $218,699
   Additions:
    Acquisitions, development and improvements .........      1,216,687          792,697       381,936
   Cost of real estate sold ............................         (3,356)          (1,154)       (2,099)
                                                             ----------       ----------      --------
 Balance at close of year (a) ..........................     $2,603,410       $1,390,079      $598,536
                                                             ==========       ==========      ========
 Accumulated Depreciation:
   Balance at beginning of year ........................     $   42,194       $   21,452      $ 11,003
   Depreciation expense ................................         44,002           20,752        10,483
   Real estate sold ....................................           (134)             (10)          (34)
                                                             ----------       ----------      --------
   Balance at close of year (b) ........................     $   86,062       $   42,194      $ 21,452
                                                             ==========       ==========      ========
</TABLE>

- ----------
(a) Reconciliation of total cost to balance sheet caption at December 31, 1997,
    1996 and 1995 (in thousands):



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997            1996           1995
                                                 -------------   -------------   -----------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>             <C>
 Total per schedule III ......................   $2,603,410      $1,390,079      $598,536
 Construction in progress exclusive
   of land included in Schedule III ..........       95,387          28,859        15,508
 Furniture, fixtures and equipment ...........        3,362           2,096         1,288
                                                 ----------      ----------      --------
 Total real estate assets at cost ............   $2,702,159      $1,421,034      $615,332
                                                 ==========      ==========      ========
</TABLE>

(b) Reconciliation of total accumulated depreciation to balance sheet caption
    at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands):



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1997         1996         1995
                                                                        ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
  Total per schedule III ............................................    $86,062      $42,195      $21,452
  Accumulated depreciation -- furniture, fixtures and equipment......      1,443          965          814
                                                                         -------      -------      -------
  Total accumulated depreciation ....................................    $87,505      $43,160      $22,266
                                                                         =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>


                                      F-37


                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                  BY AND AMONG



                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.,

                           JACKSON ACQUISITION CORP.,

                                       AND

                              J.C. NICHOLS COMPANY

                          Dated as of December 22, 1997






                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

       THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement") is made and entered
into as of December 22, 1997, by and among HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
("Highwoods"), a Maryland corporation; JACKSON ACQUISITION CORP. ("Sub"), a
Maryland corporation; and J.C. Nichols Company ("JCN"), a Missouri corporation.

                                    PREAMBLE

       The respective Boards of Directors of JCN, Sub and Highwoods are of the
opinion that the transactions described herein are in the best interests of the
parties to this Agreement and their respective shareholders. This Agreement
provides for the acquisition of JCN by Highwoods pursuant to the merger of JCN
with and into Sub. At the effective time of such merger, the outstanding shares
of the capital stock of JCN shall be converted into the right to receive shares
of the common stock of Highwoods (except as provided herein). The transactions
described in this Agreement are subject to the approvals of the shareholders of
JCN and the satisfaction of certain other conditions described in this
Agreement. It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that the Merger
for federal income tax purposes shall qualify as a "reorganization" within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.

       Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 11.1 of this
Agreement.

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and the mutual warranties,
representations, covenants, and agreements set forth herein, the parties agree
as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1
                        TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER

       1.1 Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the
Effective Time, JCN shall be merged with and into Sub in accordance with the
provisions of Section 351.440 of the GBCL and with the effect provided in
Section 351.450 of the GBCL and in accordance with Section 3-105 of the MGCL and
with the effect provided in Section 3-114 of the MGCL (the "Merger"). Sub shall
be the Surviving Corporation resulting from the Merger and shall remain a wholly
owned Subsidiary of Highwoods and shall continue to be governed by the Laws of
the State of Maryland. The Merger shall be consummated pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement, which has been approved and adopted by the respective Boards of
Directors of JCN, Sub and Highwoods and by Highwoods, as the sole shareholder of
Sub.

       1.2 Time and Place of Closing. The closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby (the "Closing") will take place at 9:00 A.M. on the date
that the Effective Time occurs (or the immediately preceding day if the
Effective Time is earlier than 9:00 A.M.), or at such other time as the Parties,
acting through their authorized officers, may mutually agree. The Closing shall
be held at such location as may be mutually agreed upon by the Parties.

                                        1





       1.3 Effective Time. The Merger and other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall become effective on the later of the date and at the time
the Articles of Merger reflecting the Merger shall become effective with the
Secretary of State of the State of Missouri and the Articles of Merger
reflecting the Merger become effective with the Department of Assessments and
Taxation of the State of Maryland (the "Effective Time"). Subject to the terms
and conditions hereof, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing by the
authorized officers of each Party, the Parties shall use their reasonable
efforts to cause the Effective Time to occur on the second business day
following the last to occur of (i) the effective date (including expiration of
any applicable waiting period) of the last required Consent referred to in
Section 9.1(b) hereof, and (ii) the date on which the shareholders of JCN
approve this Agreement to the extent such approval is required by applicable
Law; provided, however, in the event the Effective Time, as otherwise determined
hereunder, would be any date within 15 business days prior to the last day of a
calendar quarter, the Effective Time shall be the first business day of the next
calendar quarter.

                                    ARTICLE 2
                                 TERMS OF MERGER

       2.1 Charter. The Articles of Incorporation of Sub in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation until duly amended or repealed.

       2.2 Bylaws. The Bylaws of Sub in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until duly
amended or repealed.

       2.3 Directors and Officers. The directors of Sub in office immediately
prior to the Effective Time, together with such additional persons as may
thereafter be elected, shall serve as the directors of the Surviving Corporation
from and after the Effective Time in accordance with the Bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation. The officers of Sub in office immediately prior to the Effective
Time, together with such additional persons as may thereafter be elected, shall
serve as the officers of the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective
Time in accordance with the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

                                    ARTICLE 3
                           MANNER OF CONVERTING SHARES

       3.1 Conversion of Shares. Subject to the provisions of this Article 3, at
the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part
of Highwoods, JCN, Sub or the shareholders of any of the foregoing, the shares
of the constituent corporations shall be converted as follows:

              (a) Each share of capital stock of Highwoods issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain issued and
outstanding from and after the Effective Time.


                                        2





              (b) Each share of Sub Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain issued and outstanding from
and after the Effective Time.

              (c) Subject to the rights granted in Section 3.2, each share of
JCN Common Stock (including any associated JCN Rights, but excluding shares held
by any JCN Entity or any Highwoods Entity, and excluding shares held by
shareholders who perfect their statutory dissenters' rights as provided in
Section 3.5) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall cease to be outstanding and shall be converted into and exchanged for the
right to receive 1.84 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of Highwoods Common Stock
(the "Per Share Stock Consideration"). Pursuant to the Highwoods Rights
Agreement, each share of Highwoods Common Stock issued in connection with the
Merger upon conversion of JCN Common Stock shall be accompanied by a Highwoods
Right.

       3.2 Cash Election. Holders of JCN Common Stock shall be provided with an
opportunity to elect to receive cash consideration in lieu of receiving
Highwoods Common Stock in the Merger, in accordance with the election procedures
set forth below in this Section 3.2. Holders who are to receive cash in lieu of
exchanging their shares of JCN Common Stock for Highwoods Common Stock as
specified below shall receive $65 per share of JCN Common Stock in cash (the
"Per Share Cash Consideration"). The amount determined by multiplying $65 by the
number of Dissenting Shares shall be defined herein as the "Dissenting Share
Amount." The aggregate Per Share Cash Consideration to be paid in the Merger,
plus the Dissenting Share Amount, shall be limited to 40% of the aggregate
consideration paid in exchange for shares of JCN Common Stock and shall be
defined herein as the "Cash Amount." Furthermore, in the event the aggregate Per
Share Stock Consideration to be paid for the JCN Common Stock is in excess of
75% of the aggregate consideration to be paid in exchange for shares of JCN
Common Stock, Highwoods shall have the option to limit the aggregate Per Share
Stock Consideration to as low as 75% of such consideration (such limiting amount
as may be elected by Highwoods shall be referred to as the "Maximum Share
Amount") and to make a corresponding increase in the aggregate Per Share Cash
Consideration. For purposes of calculating the aggregate consideration to be
paid in exchange for shares of JCN Common Stock for purposes of this Section
3.2, the aggregate Per Share Stock Consideration shall be determined by using
the price of Highwoods Common Stock used to calculate the Exchange Ratio in
Section 3.1 hereof.

       A form for use by JCN shareholders to elect cash and to state their
intent to retain Highwoods Common Stock to be received pursuant to the Merger
and other appropriate and customary transmittal material (which shall specify
that delivery shall be effected only upon proper delivery of the certificates
theretofore representing JCN Common Stock ("Old Certificates") to an exchange
agent designated by Highwoods (the "Exchange Agent")) in such form as Highwoods
and JCN shall mutually agree ("Election Form") shall be mailed concurrently with
the mailing of the Proxy Statement required by Section 8.1 hereof, or on such
other date as Highwoods and JCN shall mutually agree ("Mailing Date") to each
holder of record of JCN Common Stock on the record date ("Record Date") for the
JCN shareholders entitled to vote at the shareholders' meeting to approve the
Merger as required by Section 8.1 (the "JCN Shareholders Meeting").

                                        3





       Each Election Form shall permit a holder (or the beneficial owner through
appropriate and customary documentation and instructions) of JCN Common Stock to
elect to receive cash with respect to all or a portion of such holder's JCN
Common Stock and to state an intent to retain Highwoods Common Stock to be
received pursuant to the Merger.

       Any shares of JCN Common Stock with respect to which the holder (or the
beneficial owner, as the case may be) elects to receive cash and does not
dissent shall be referred to herein as the "Cash Election Shares." Any shares of
JCN Common Stock with respect to which the holder (or the beneficial owner, as
the case may be) does not elect to receive cash, states an intention to retain
Highwoods Common Stock to be received pursuant to the Merger and does not
dissent shall be referred to herein as "Stock Retained Shares." Any shares of
JCN Common Stock with respect to which the holder (or the beneficial owner, as
the case may be) does not elect to receive cash, does not state an intention to
retain Highwoods Common Stock to be received pursuant to the Merger and does not
dissent shall be referred to herein as "Stock Non-Retained Shares." Any shares
of JCN Common Stock with respect to which the holder (or the beneficial owner,
as the case may be) shall not have submitted to the Exchange Agent an effective,
properly completed Election Form on or before 5:00 p.m. on the fifth business
day prior to the date of the JCN Shareholders Meeting (or such other time and
date as Highwoods and JCN may mutually agree) (the "Election Deadline") shall be
referred to herein as "No Election Shares."

       Any of the elections set forth in the foregoing paragraph shall have been
properly made only if the Exchange Agent shall have actually received a properly
completed Election Form by the Election Deadline. Any Election Form may be
revoked or changed by the person submitting a subsequent Election Form at or
prior to the Election Deadline. In the event an Election Form is revoked prior
to the Election Deadline, the shares of JCN Common Stock represented by such
Election Form shall become No Election Shares. Subject to the terms of this
Agreement and of the Election Form, the Exchange Agent shall have reasonable
discretion to determine whether any election, revocation or change has been
properly or timely made and to disregard immaterial defects in the Election
Forms, and any good faith decisions of the Exchange Agent regarding such matters
shall be binding and conclusive. The Exchange Agent shall promptly notify JCN of
any defect in an Election Form other than an immaterial defect disregarded in
good faith by the Exchange Agent. Subject to the foregoing sentence, neither
Highwoods nor the Exchange Agent shall be under any obligation to notify any
person of any defect in an Election Form.

       Within three business days after the Election Deadline, Highwoods shall
cause the Exchange Agent to effect the allocation among the holders of JCN
Common Stock in accordance with the Election Forms, subject to the following:

                    (i) Cash Elections More Than the Cash Amount. If the amount
              of cash that would be issued upon the conversion of the Cash
              Election Shares is greater than the amount by which the Cash
              Amount exceeds the Dissenting Share Amount (the "Maximum Cash
              Election Amount"), then the Exchange Agent shall convert a
              sufficient number of Cash Election Shares (other than Dissenting
              Shares) into the right to receive

                                        4





              the Per Share Stock Consideration, which Cash Election Shares
              shall be selected pro rata from among all of the holders thereof,
              based upon the aggregate number of Cash Election Shares held by
              each of such holders, such that the amount of cash that will be
              issued in the Merger to satisfy the non-converted Cash Election
              Shares equals as closely as practicable the Maximum Cash Election
              Amount.

                    (ii) Stock Elections More than Maximum Share Amount. If the
              value of Highwoods Common Stock that would be issued in the Merger
              upon conversion of all shares of JCN Common Stock other than Cash
              Election Shares and Dissenting Shares (whose value for purposes of
              this determination is presumed to be $65 per share) is greater
              than the Maximum Share Amount and Highwoods has elected to
              exercise its option to limit the aggregate Per Share Stock
              Consideration to an amount equal to the Maximum Share Amount, then
              the Exchange Agent shall:

                                 (1) convert a sufficient number of No Election
                           Shares (other than Dissenting Shares) into the right
                           to receive the Per Share Cash Consideration, which No
                           Election Shares shall be selected pro rata from among
                           all of the holders thereof, based upon the aggregate
                           number of No Election Shares held by each such
                           holder, such that the amount of Highwoods Common
                           Stock to be issued in the Merger equals as close as
                           practicable the Maximum Share Amount; and

                                 (2) to the extent that such conversion of No
                           Election Shares does not reduce the value of
                           Highwoods Common Stock that would be issued in the
                           Merger to the Maximum Share Amount, convert a
                           sufficient number of Stock Non-Retained Shares into
                           the right to receive the Per Share Cash
                           Consideration, which Stock Non-Retained Shares shall
                           be selected pro rata from among all of the holders
                           thereof, based upon the aggregate number of Stock
                           Non-Retained Shares held by each such holder, such
                           that the amount of Highwoods Common Stock to be
                           issued in the Merger equals as close as practicable
                           the Maximum Share Amount; and

                                 (3) to the extent that such conversions of the
                           No Election Shares and Stock Non-Retained Shares does
                           not reduce the value of Highwoods Common Stock that
                           would be issued in the Merger to the Maximum Share
                           Amount, convert a sufficient number of Stock Retained
                           Shares into the right to receive the Per Share Cash
                           Consideration, which Stock Retained Shares shall be
                           selected pro rata from among all of the holders
                           thereof, based upon the aggregate number of Stock
                           Retained Shares held by each such holder, such that
                           the amount of Highwoods Common Stock to be issued in
                           the Merger equals as close as practicable the Maximum
                           Share Amount.



                                        5





              Highwoods shall, at least two business days prior to the date of
       the JCN Shareholders Meeting, communicate to JCN the aggregate allocation
       of stock and cash, the amount of stock and cash going to each of JCN's
       shareholders, and the method in which such amounts were calculated.

       3.3 Anti-Dilution Provisions. In the event Highwoods (i) changes the
number of shares of Highwoods Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the
Effective Time as a result of a stock split, stock dividend, or similar
recapitalization with respect to such stock; (ii) makes any distribution to its
shareholders other than in the ordinary course (such as Highwoods regular
quarterly dividend in an amount generally consistent with past practices,
including typical annual increases); (iii) issues any Highwoods security or
other right to receive any Highwoods security except upon receipt of reasonably
equivalent value or pursuant to any Highwoods (or its Affiliates) stock option
or other benefit plans, and the record date therefor (in the case of a stock
dividend) or the effective date thereof (in the case of a stock split or similar
recapitalization for which a record date is not established) shall be prior to
the Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately adjusted.

       3.4 Shares Held by JCN or Highwoods. Each of the shares of JCN Common
Stock held by any JCN Entity or by any Highwoods Entity shall be canceled and
retired at the Effective Time and no consideration shall be issued in exchange
therefor.

       3.5 Dissenting Shareholders. Any holder of shares of JCN Common Stock who
perfects his dissenters' rights in accordance with and as contemplated by
Section 351.455 of the GBCL shall be entitled to receive the value of such
shares in cash as determined pursuant to such provision of Law; provided, that
no such payment shall be made to any dissenting shareholder unless and until
such dissenting shareholder has complied with the applicable provisions of the
GBCL and surrendered to the Surviving Corporation the certificate or
certificates representing the shares for which payment is being made. In the
event that after the Effective Time a dissenting shareholder of JCN fails to
perfect, or effectively withdraws or loses, his right to appraisal and of
payment for his shares, Highwoods shall issue and deliver the consideration to
which such holder of shares of JCN Common Stock would have been entitled under
this Article 3 (without interest) had such shares been No Election Shares upon
surrender by such holder of the certificate or certificates representing shares
of JCN Common Stock held by him. If and to the extent required by applicable
Law, the Surviving Corporation will establish (or cause to be established) an
escrow account with an amount sufficient to satisfy the maximum aggregate
payment that may be required to be paid to dissenting shareholders. Upon
satisfaction of all claims of dissenting shareholders, the remaining escrowed
amount, reduced by payment of the fees and expenses of the escrow agent, will be
returned to the Surviving Corporation. In the event that the Surviving
Corporation is liquidated prior to the fulfillment of all obligations of the
Surviving Corporation under this Section 3.5, such obligations shall be assumed
by Highwoods.

         3.6 Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, each holder of shares of JCN Common Stock exchanged pursuant to the
Merger who would otherwise

                                        6





have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of Highwoods Common Stock
(after taking into account all certificates delivered by such holder) shall
receive, in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount equal to such
fractional part of a share of Highwoods Common Stock multiplied by the market
value of one share of Highwoods Common Stock at the Effective Time. For purposes
of this Section 3.6, the market value of one share of Highwoods Common Stock at
the Effective Time shall be equal to the price of Highwoods Common Stock used to
calculate the Exchange Ratio in Section 3.1 hereof. No such holder will be
entitled to dividends, voting rights, or any other rights as a shareholder in
respect of any fractional shares.

       3.7    Conversion of Stock Options.

              (a) At the Effective Time, each option or other Equity Right to
purchase shares of JCN Common Stock pursuant to stock options or stock
appreciation rights ("JCN Options") granted by JCN under the JCN Stock Plans,
which are outstanding at the Effective Time, whether or not exercisable, shall
be converted into and become rights with respect to Highwoods Common Stock, and
Highwoods shall assume each JCN Option, in accordance with the terms of the JCN
Stock Plan and stock option agreement by which it is evidenced, except that from
and after the Effective Time, (i) Highwoods and its Compensation Committee shall
be substituted for JCN and the committee of JCN's Board of Directors (including,
if applicable, the entire Board of Directors of JCN) administering such JCN
Stock Plan, (ii) each JCN Option assumed by Highwoods may be exercised solely
for shares of Highwoods Common Stock (or cash, if so provided under the terms of
such JCN Option), (iii) the number of shares of Highwoods Common Stock subject
to such JCN Option shall be equal to the number of shares of JCN Common Stock
subject to such JCN Option immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, (iv) the per share exercise price under each such JCN Option
shall be adjusted by dividing the per share exercise price under each such JCN
Option by the Exchange Ratio and rounding up to the nearest cent, (v) each JCN
Option that would have become fully exercisable under a JCN Stock Plan as a
result of a "change in control" will continue to be fully exercisable into
shares of Highwoods Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger, and (vi)
employment by Highwoods of a JCN employee upon consummation of the Merger will
not be deemed a termination of employment by JCN that would limit such
employee's rights to exercise any JCN Option under the provisions hereof.
Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (iii) of the preceding sentence,
Highwoods shall not be obligated to issue any fraction of a share of Highwoods
Common Stock upon exercise of JCN Options and any fraction of a share of
Highwoods Common Stock that otherwise would be subject to a converted JCN Option
shall represent the right to receive a cash payment upon exercise of such
converted JCN Option equal to the product of such fraction and the difference
between the market value of one share of Highwoods Common Stock at the time of
exercise of such Option and the per share exercise price of such Option. For
purposes of this Section 3.7, the market value of one share of Highwoods Common
Stock at the time of exercise of a JCN Option shall be the closing price of such
common stock on the NYSE-Composite Transactions List (as reported by The Wall
Street Journal or, if not reported thereby, any other authoritative source
selected by Highwoods) on the last trading day preceding the date of exercise.
In addition, notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (iii) and (iv) of the
first sentence of this Section 3.7,

                                        7





each JCN Option which is an "incentive stock option" shall be adjusted as
required by Section 424 of the Internal Revenue Code, and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, so as not to constitute a modification, extension or
renewal of the option, within the meaning of Section 424(h) of the Internal
Revenue Code. Each of JCN and Highwoods agrees to take all necessary steps to
effectuate the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.7, including using its
reasonable efforts to obtain from each holder of a JCN Option any reasonable
Consent or Contract that may be deemed reasonably necessary or advisable in
order to effect the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.7. Anything in
this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, Highwoods shall have the right,
in its sole discretion, not to deliver the consideration provided in this
Section 3.7 to a former holder of a JCN Option who has not delivered such
Consent or Contract.

              (b) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Highwoods
shall deliver to the participants in each JCN Stock Plan an appropriate notice
setting forth such participant's rights pursuant thereto and the grants subject
to such JCN Stock Plan shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions
(subject to the adjustments required by Section 3.7(a) after giving effect to
the Merger), and Highwoods shall comply with the terms of each JCN Stock Plan to
ensure, to the extent required by, and subject to the provisions of, such JCN
Stock Plan, that JCN Options which qualified as incentive stock options prior to
the Effective Time continue to qualify as incentive stock options after the
Effective Time. At or prior to the Effective Time, Highwoods shall take all
corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance sufficient shares of
Highwoods Common Stock for delivery upon exercise of JCN Options assumed by it
in accordance with this Section 3.7. As soon as practicable after the Effective
Time, Highwoods shall file a registration statement on Form S3 or Form S8, as
the case may be (or any successor or other appropriate forms), with respect to
the shares of Highwoods Common Stock subject to such options and shall use its
reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statements
(and maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained
therein) for so long as such options remain outstanding. With respect to those
individuals who subsequent to the Merger will be subject to the reporting
requirements under Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act, where applicable, Highwoods
shall administer the JCN Stock Plan assumed pursuant to this Section 3.7 in a
manner that complies with Rule 16b3 promulgated under the 1934 Act.

              (c) All contractual restrictions or limitations on transfer with
respect to JCN Common Stock awarded under the JCN Stock Plan or any other plan,
program, Contract or arrangement of any JCN Entity, to the extent that such
restrictions or limitations shall not have already lapsed (whether as a result
of the Merger or otherwise), and except as otherwise expressly provided in such
plan, program, Contract or arrangement, shall remain in full force and effect
with respect to shares of Highwoods Common Stock into which such restricted
stock is converted pursuant to Section 3.1.

       3.8 Extraordinary Dividend. In the event that the consolidated earnings
and profits of JCN (as defined in Section 312 of the Internal Revenue Code)
would otherwise exceed $20,000,000 as of the Effective Time, the directors of
JCN shall take all necessary action to cause the distribution of an
extraordinary dividend to the shareholders of JCN prior to the Effective Date

                                        8





in such amount that as of the Effective Date such consolidated earnings and
profits will be no more than $20,000,000. The amount of earnings and profits
shall be determined by an earnings and profits study to be performed by either
KPMG Peat Marwick or Ernst & Young, L.L.P. in consultation with the other,
including an estimate for the period beginning as of the day following the date
of the latest available JCN Financial Statements and ending on the probable
Effective Time. In making the earnings and profits study, the interest accrued
by the Company on the ESOT (as defined below) debt and the Bowser limited
partnership debt shall be excluded from taxable income. The per share amount of
the extraordinary dividend so distributed, if any, shall reduce the value of the
JCN Common Stock in an equivalent amount, and the Per Share Stock Consideration,
the Per Share Cash Consideration and the Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately
adjusted, as appropriate.

                                    ARTICLE 4
                               EXCHANGE OF SHARES

       4.1    Exchange Procedures.

              (a) At or prior to the Effective Time, Highwoods shall deposit, or
shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the
holders of Old Certificates for exchange in accordance with this Article IV
certificates representing the shares of Highwoods Common Stock ("New
Certificates") and an estimated amount of cash (such cash and New Certificates,
together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto (without any
interest thereon), being hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Fund") to be
paid pursuant to this Article IV in exchange for outstanding shares of JCN
Common Stock.

              (b) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Date, Highwoods
shall send or cause to be sent to each former holder of record of shares of JCN
Common Stock (other than Cash Election Shares, shares of JCN Common Stock held
in treasury by JCN or Dissenting Shares) of JCN Common Stock immediately prior
to the Effective Time transmittal materials for use in exchanging such
stockholder's Old Certificates for the consideration set forth in this Article
IV. Highwoods shall cause the New Certificates into which shares of a
stockholder's JCN Common Stock are converted on the Effective Date and/or any
check in respect of the Per Share Cash Consideration and any fractional share
interests or dividends or distributions which such person shall be entitled to
receive to be delivered to such stockholder upon delivery to the Exchange Agent
of Old Certificates representing such shares of JCN Common Stock (or indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to Highwoods and the Exchange Agent, if any of such
certificates are lost, stolen or destroyed) owned by such stockholder. No
interest will be paid on any such cash to be paid pursuant to this Article IV
upon such delivery.

              (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Exchange Agent nor
any party hereto shall be liable to any former holder of JCN Common Stock for
any amount properly delivered to a public official pursuant to applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.


                                        9





              (d) No dividends or other distributions with respect to Highwoods
Common Stock with a record date occurring after the Effective Time shall be paid
to the holder of any unsurrendered Old Certificate representing shares of JCN
Common Stock converted in the Merger into shares of such Highwoods Common Stock
until the holder thereof shall surrender such Old Certificate in accordance with
this Article IV. After the surrender of an Old Certificate in accordance with
this Article IV, the record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive any such
dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon, which
theretofore had become payable with respect to shares of Highwoods Common Stock
represented by such Old Certificates.

              (e) To the extent permitted by Law, any portion of the Exchange
Fund that remains unclaimed by the stockholders of JCN for twelve months after
the Effective Time shall be paid to Highwoods. Any stockholders of JCN who have
not theretofore complied with this Article IV shall thereafter look only to
Highwoods for payment of the shares of Highwoods Common Stock, cash in lieu of
any fractional shares and unpaid dividends and distributions on the Highwoods
Common Stock deliverable in respect of each share of JCN Common Stock such
stockholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in each case,
without any interest thereon.

       4.2 Rights of Former JCN Shareholders. At the Effective Time, the stock
transfer books of JCN shall be closed as to holders of JCN Common Stock
immediately prior to the Effective Time and no transfer of JCN Common Stock by
any such holder shall thereafter be made or recognized. Until surrendered for
exchange in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.1, each Certificate
theretofore representing shares of JCN Common Stock (other than shares to be
canceled pursuant to Sections 3.4 and 3.5) shall from and after the Effective
Time represent for all purposes only the right to receive the consideration
provided in Sections 3.1 through 3.6 in exchange therefor, subject, however, to
the Surviving Corporation's obligation (or Highwoods' obligation following any
liquidation of the Surviving Corporation) to pay any dividends or make any other
distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which have been
declared or made by JCN in respect of such shares of JCN Common Stock in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and which remain unpaid at the
Effective Time. To the extent permitted by Law, former shareholders of record of
JCN shall be entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any meeting of
Highwoods shareholders the number of whole shares of Highwoods Common Stock into
which their respective shares of JCN Common Stock are converted, regardless of
whether such holders have exchanged their Old Certificates for New Certificates
representing Highwoods Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.

                                    ARTICLE 5
                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF JCN

              JCN hereby represents and warrants to Highwoods as follows:

       5.1 Organization, Standing, and Power. JCN is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of the State of
Missouri, and has the corporate power and authority to carry on its business as
now conducted and to own, lease and operate its

                                       10





Assets. JCN is duly qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign
corporation in good standing in the States of the United States and foreign
jurisdictions where the character of its Assets or the nature or conduct of its
business requires it to be so qualified or licensed, except for such
jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed is not
reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect. The minute book and
other organizational documents for JCN have been made available to Highwoods for
its review and, except as disclosed in Section 5.1 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, are complete in all material respects as in effect as of the date of
this Agreement and accurately reflect in all material respects all amendments
thereto and all proceedings of the Board of Directors and shareholders thereof.

       5.2    Authority of JCN; No Breach By Agreement.

              (a) JCN has the corporate power and authority necessary to
execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery, and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein, including the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized
by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof on the part of JCN, subject
to the approval of this Agreement by the holders of two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of JCN Common Stock, which is the only vote of JCN
shareholders required for approval of this Agreement and consummation of the
Merger by JCN. Subject to such requisite shareholder approval, this Agreement
represents a legal, valid, and binding obligation of JCN, enforceable against
JCN in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may
be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership,
conservatorship, moratorium, or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and except that the availability of the equitable
remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion
of the court before which any proceeding may be brought).

              (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by JCN,
nor the consummation by JCN of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor
compliance by JCN with any of the provisions hereof, will (i) conflict with or
result in a breach of any provision of JCN's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
or the certificate or articles of incorporation or bylaws of any JCN Subsidiary
or any resolution adopted by the board of directors or the shareholders of any
JCN Entity, or (ii) except as disclosed in Section 5.2 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, constitute or result in a Default under, or require any Consent
pursuant to, or result in the creation of any Lien on any Asset of any JCN
Entity under, any Contract or Permit of any JCN Entity, where such Default or
Lien, or any failure to obtain such Consent, is reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect, or, (iii)
subject to receipt of the requisite Consents referred to in Section 9.1(b) and
9.1(c), constitute or result in a Default under, or require any Consent pursuant
to, any Law or Order applicable to any JCN Entity or any of their respective
material Assets.

              (c) Other than in connection or compliance with the provisions of
the Securities Laws, applicable state corporate and securities Laws, and rules
of the NASD, and other than

                                       11





Consents required from Regulatory Authorities, and other than notices to or
filings with the Internal Revenue Service or the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation with respect to any employee benefit plans, or under the HSR Act,
and other than Consents, filings, or notifications which, if not obtained or
made, are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a JCN
Material Adverse Effect, no notice to, filing with, or Consent of, any public
body or authority is necessary for the consummation by JCN of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

       5.3    Capital Stock.

              (a) The authorized capital stock of JCN consists of (i) 10,000,000
shares of JCN Common Stock, of which 4,529,357 shares are issued and outstanding
as of the date of this Agreement and not more than 4,857,387 shares will be
issued and outstanding at the Effective Time. All of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of JCN are duly and validly issued and outstanding and
are fully paid and nonassessable under the GBCL. None of the outstanding shares
of capital stock of JCN has been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of
the current or past shareholders of JCN.

              (b) Except as set forth in Section 5.3(a), or as set forth in the
Call Right granted to KH/JCN LLC, or as disclosed in Section 5.3(b) of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum, there are no shares of capital stock or other equity
securities of JCN outstanding and no outstanding Equity Rights relating to the
capital stock of JCN.

       5.4 JCN Subsidiaries. JCN has disclosed in Section 5.4 of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum all of the JCN Subsidiaries that are corporations
(identifying its jurisdiction of incorporation, each jurisdiction in which it is
qualified and/or licensed to transact business, and the number of shares owned
and percentage ownership interest represented by such share ownership) and all
of the JCN Subsidiaries that are general or limited partnerships, limited
liability companies, or other non-corporate entities (identifying the Law under
which such entity is organized, each jurisdiction in which it is qualified
and/or licensed to transact business, and the amount and nature of the ownership
interest therein). Except as disclosed in Section 5.4 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, JCN or one of its Subsidiaries owns all of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock (or other equity interests) of each JCN
Subsidiary. No capital stock (or other equity interest) of any JCN Subsidiary is
or may become required to be issued (other than to another JCN Entity) by reason
of any Equity Rights, and there are no Contracts by which any JCN Subsidiary is
bound to issue (other than to another JCN Entity) additional shares of its
capital stock (or other equity interests) or Equity Rights or by which any JCN
Entity is or may be bound to transfer any shares of the capital stock (or other
equity interests) of any JCN Subsidiary (other than to another JCN Entity).
There are no Contracts relating to the rights of any JCN Entity to vote or to
dispose of any shares of the capital stock (or other equity interests) of any
JCN Subsidiary. All of the shares of capital stock (or other equity interests)
of each JCN Subsidiary held by a JCN Entity are fully paid and nonassessable
under the applicable corporation Law of the jurisdiction in which such
Subsidiary is incorporated or organized and are owned by

                                       12





the JCN Entity free and clear of any Lien. Except as disclosed in Section 5.4 of
the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, each JCN Subsidiary is a corporation, and each
JCN Subsidiary is duly organized, validly existing, and (as to corporations) in
good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or
organized, and has the corporate power and authority necessary for it to own,
lease, and operate its Assets and to carry on its business as now conducted.
Each JCN Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed to transact business as a
foreign corporation or organization, as the case may be, in good standing in the
States of the United States where the character of its Assets or the nature or
conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified or licensed, except for
such jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed is not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material
Adverse Effect. The minute book and other organizational documents for each JCN
Subsidiary have been made available to Highwoods for its review, and, except as
disclosed in Section 5.4 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, are complete in all
material respects as in effect as of the date of this Agreement and accurately
reflect in all material respects all amendments thereto and all proceedings of
the Board of Directors and shareholders thereof; provided, however, that for
purposes of this sentence all representations relating to the period prior to
January 1, 1996, are based solely on the Knowledge of JCN.

       5.5    SEC Filings; Financial Statements.

              (a) JCN has timely filed and made available to Highwoods all SEC
Documents required to be filed by JCN since November 30, 1996 (the "JCN SEC
Reports"). The JCN SEC Reports (i) at the time filed, complied in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Laws and other
applicable Laws and (ii) did not, at the time they were filed (or, if amended or
superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of
such filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated in such JCN SEC Reports or necessary in
order to make the statements in such JCN SEC Reports, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. No JCN Subsidiary is
required to file any SEC Documents.

              (b) Each of the JCN Financial Statements (including, in each case,
any related notes) contained in the JCN SEC Reports, including any JCN SEC
Reports filed after the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time,
complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable published rules
and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, was prepared in accordance with
GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as
may be indicated in the notes to such financial statements or, in the case of
unaudited interim statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC), and fairly
presented in all material respects the consolidated financial position of JCN
and its Subsidiaries as at the respective dates and the consolidated results of
operations and cash flows for the periods indicated, except that the unaudited
interim financial statements were or are subject to normal and recurring
year-end adjustments which were not or are not expected to be material in amount
or effect.



                                       13





       5.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth in Section
5.6 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, no JCN Entity has any Liabilities that are
reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect, except Liabilities
which are accrued or reserved against in the consolidated balance sheets of JCN
as of September 30, 1997 or December 31, 1996, included in the JCN Financial
Statements delivered prior to the date of this Agreement or reflected in the
notes thereto.

       5.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 1996, except
as disclosed in the JCN Financial Statements delivered prior to the date of this
Agreement or as disclosed in Section 5.7 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, there
have been no events, changes, or occurrences which have had, or are reasonably
likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect.

       5.8    Tax Matters.

              (a) To the Knowledge of JCN, no Tax Return is or has been
delinquent and, except as set forth in Section 5.8 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, all Tax Returns filed are complete and accurate in all material
respects. All Taxes shown on filed Tax Returns have been paid. There is no audit
examination, deficiency, or refund Litigation with respect to any Taxes, except
as reserved against in the JCN Financial Statements delivered prior to the date
of this Agreement or as disclosed in Section 5.8 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum. The statute of limitations on JCN's federal income Tax Returns have
run for all periods prior to December 31, 1987. All Taxes and other Liabilities
due with respect to completed and settled examinations or concluded Litigation
have been paid. There are no Liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the Assets
of the JCN Entities, except for any such Liens which are not reasonably likely
to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect.

              (b) Except as may result from the extension of JCN's federal
income Tax Returns described in Section 5.8 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum or
from of an adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service of JCN's income, none of
the JCN Entities has executed an extension or waiver of any statute of
limitations on the assessment or collection of any Tax due to any State taxing
authority that is currently in effect.

              (c) Except as set forth in Section 5.8 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, the provision for any Taxes due or to become due for any of the JCN
Entities for the period or periods through and including the date of the
respective JCN Financial Statements that has been made and is reflected on such
JCN Financial Statements is sufficient to cover all such Taxes.

              (d) Except as set forth in Section 5.8 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, deferred taxes of the JCN Entities have been provided for in
accordance with GAAP.

              (e) None of the JCN Entities is a party to any Tax allocation or
sharing agreement, none of the JCN Entities has been a member of an affiliated
group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group the
common parent of which was JCN), and none of the

                                       14





JCN Entities has any Liability for Taxes of any Person (other than JCN and its
Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.15026 (or any similar
provision of state, local or foreign Law) as a transferee or successor or by
Contract or otherwise.

              (f) Each of the JCN Entities is in compliance with, and its
records contain all information and documents (including properly completed IRS
Forms W9) necessary to comply with, all applicable information reporting and Tax
withholding requirements under federal, state, and local Tax Laws, and such
records identify with specificity all accounts subject to backup withholding
under Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code, except for such instances of
noncompliance and such omissions as are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect.

              (g) Except as disclosed in Section 5.8 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, none of the JCN Entities has made any payments, is obligated to make
any payments, or is a party to any Contract that could obligate it to make any
payments that would be disallowed as a deduction under Section 280G or 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code.

              (h) Except as disclosed in Section 5.8 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, there has not been an ownership change, as defined in Internal
Revenue Code Section 382(g), of the JCN Entities that occurred during or after
any taxable period in which the JCN Entities incurred a net operating loss that
carries over to any taxable period ending after December 31, 1996.

              (i) No JCN Entity has or has had in any foreign country a
permanent establishment, as defined in any applicable tax treaty or convention
between the United States and such foreign country.

       5.9    Assets.

              (a) Except as disclosed in Section 5.9 or 5.14 of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum, or as disclosed or reserved against in the JCN Financial
Statement, the JCN Entities have good and marketable title, free and clear of
all Liens to all of their respective Assets, except for any such Liens or other
defects of title which are not reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse
Effect. All material personal property used in the business of the JCN Entities
are in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and are usable in the
ordinary course of business consistent with such entities past practices.

              (b) None of the JCN Entities has received notice from any
insurance carrier that (i) any policy of insurance will be canceled or that
coverage thereunder will be reduced or eliminated, or (ii) premium costs with
respect to such policy of insurance will be substantially increased. Except as
set forth in Section 5.9 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, there are presently
no claims for amounts exceeding in any individual case $50,000 pending under
such policies of insurance and no notices of claims in excess of such amounts
have been given by any JCN Entity under such policies.

              (c) JCN will make available to Highwoods a true and correct copy
of all Leases.

              (d) Except as set forth in Section 5.9 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum and except for such matters which would not reasonably be expected to
have a JCN Material Adverse Effect, as of the last day of the calendar month
immediately preceding the date hereof, no tenant under any of the Leases has
asserted any claim of which JCN or any Subsidiary has received written notice
which would materially affect the collection of rent from such tenant and
neither JCN nor any JCN Subsidiary has received written notice of any material
default or breach on the part of JCN or any


                                       15




Subsidiary under any of the Leases which has not been cured.

              (e) Section 5.9 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum sets forth all
space leases under which JCN or any JCN Subsidiary is a lessee (except where the
underlying real property is owned by JCN). True and correct copies of such
leases have been delivered or made available to Highwoods.

         5.10 Environmental Matters.

              (a) Each JCN Entity, its Operating Properties and, to the
Knowledge of JCN, its Participation Facilities are, and have been, in compliance
with all Environmental Laws, except for violations which are not reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect.

              (b) There is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of JCN,
threatened before any court, governmental agency, or authority or other forum in
which any JCN Entity or any of its Operating Properties or Participation
Facilities (or JCN in respect of such Operating Property or Participation
Facility) has been or, with respect to threatened Litigation, may be named as a
defendant (i) for alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with any
Environmental Law or (ii) relating to the release, discharge, spillage, or
disposal into the environment of any Hazardous Material, whether or not
occurring at, on, under, adjacent to, or affecting (or potentially affecting) a
site owned, leased, or operated by any JCN Entity or any of its Operating
Properties or Participation Facilities, except such as is not reasonably likely
to have, individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect.

              (c) During the period of (i) any JCN Entity's ownership or
operation of any of their respective current properties, (ii)any JCN Entity's
participation in the management of any Participation Facility, or (iii) any JCN
Entity's holding of a security interest in an Operating Property, there have
been no releases, discharges, spillages, or disposals of Hazardous Material in,
on, under, adjacent to, or affecting (or potentially affecting) such properties,
except such as are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of JCN, prior to the
period of (i) any JCN Entity's ownership or operation of any of their respective
current properties, (ii) any JCN Entity's participation in the management of any
Participation Facility, or (iii) any JCN Entity's holding of a security interest
in an Operating Property, there were no releases, discharges, spillages, or
disposals of Hazardous

                                       16





Material in, on, under, or affecting any such property, Participation Facility
or Operating Property, except such as are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect.

       5.11 Compliance with Laws. Each JCN Entity has in effect all Permits
necessary for it to own, lease, or operate its material Assets and to carry on
its business as now conducted, except for those Permits the absence of which are
not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material
Adverse Effect, and there has occurred no Default under any such Permit, other
than Defaults which are not reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse
Effect. Except as disclosed in Section 5.11 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum,
none of the JCN Entities:

              (a) is in Default under any of the provisions of its Certificate
of Incorporation or Bylaws (or other governing instruments);

              (b) is in Default under any Laws, Orders, or Permits applicable to
its business, except for Defaults which are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect; or

              (c) since January 1, 1993, has received any notification or
communication from any agency or department of federal, state, or local
government or any Regulatory Authority or the staff thereof (i) asserting that
any JCN Entity is not in compliance with any of the Laws or Orders which such
governmental authority or Regulatory Authority enforces, where such
noncompliance is reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect, (ii)
threatening to revoke any Permits, the revocation of which is reasonably likely
to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) requiring any JCN Entity to
enter into or consent to the issuance of a cease and desist order, formal
agreement, directive, commitment or memorandum of understanding, or to adopt any
Board resolution or similar undertaking, which restricts materially the conduct
of its business.

Copies of all material reports, correspondence, notices and other documents
relating to any inspection, audit, monitoring or other form of review or
enforcement action by a Regulatory Authority have been made available to
Highwoods.

       5.12 Labor Relations. No JCN Entity is the subject of any Litigation
asserting that it or any other JCN Entity has committed an unfair labor practice
(within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act or comparable state law)
or seeking to compel it or any other JCN Entity to bargain with any labor
organization as to wages or conditions of employment, nor, except as disclosed
in Section 5.12 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, is any JCN Entity party to any
collective bargaining agreement, nor is there any strike or other labor dispute
involving any JCN Entity, pending or, to the Knowledge of JCN, threatened, or to
the Knowledge of JCN, is there any activity involving any JCN Entity's employees
seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging in any other
organization activity.


                                       17





         5.13 Employee Benefit Plans.

              (a) JCN has disclosed in Section 5.13 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, and has delivered or made available to Highwoods prior to the
execution of this Agreement copies in each case of, all pension, retirement,
profit-sharing, deferred compensation, stock option, employee stock ownership,
severance pay, vacation, bonus, or other incentive plan, all other written
employee programs, arrangements, or agreements, all medical, vision, dental, or
other health plans, all life insurance plans, and all other employee benefit
plans or fringe benefit plans, including "employee benefit plans" as that term
is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, currently adopted, maintained by, sponsored
in whole or in part by, or contributed to by any JCN Entity or ERISA Affiliate
thereof for the benefit of employees, retirees, dependents, spouses, directors,
independent contractors, or other beneficiaries and under which employees,
retirees, dependents, spouses, directors, independent contractors, or other
beneficiaries are eligible to participate (collectively, the "JCN Benefit
Plans"). Any of the JCN Benefit Plans which is an "employee pension benefit
plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, is referred to herein
as a "JCN ERISA Plan." Each JCN ERISA Plan which is also a "defined benefit
plan" (as defined in Section 414(j) of the Internal Revenue Code) is referred to
herein as a "JCN Pension Plan." Except as disclosed in Section 5.13 of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum, no JCN Pension Plan is or has been a multiemployer plan
within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA.

              (b) Except as disclosed in Section 5.13 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, all JCN Benefit Plans are in compliance with the applicable terms of
ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and any other applicable Laws the breach or
violation of which are reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect.
Each JCN ERISA Plan which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code has received a favorable determination letter from the
Internal Revenue Service, and JCN is not aware of any circumstances likely to
result in revocation of any such favorable determination letter. To the
Knowledge of JCN, no JCN Entity has engaged in a transaction with respect to any
JCN Benefit Plan that, assuming the taxable period of such transaction expired
as of the date hereof, would subject any JCN Entity to a Tax imposed by either
Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA.

              (c) Except as disclosed in Section 5.13 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, no JCN Pension Plan has any "unfunded current liability," as that
term is defined in Section 302(d)(8)(A) of ERISA, and the fair market value of
the assets of any such plan exceeds the plan's "benefit liabilities," as that
term is defined in Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, when determined under actuarial
factors that would apply if the plan terminated in accordance with all
applicable legal requirements. Since the date of the most recent actuarial
valuation, there has been (i) no material change in the financial position of
any JCN Pension Plan, (ii) no change in the actuarial assumptions with respect
to any JCN Pension Plan, and (iii) no increase in benefits under any JCN Pension
Plan as a result of plan amendments or changes in applicable Law which is
reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect or materially adversely
affect the funding status of any such plan. Neither any JCN Pension Plan nor any
"single-employer plan," within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA,
currently or formerly maintained by any JCN Entity,

                                       18





or the single-employer plan of any entity which is considered one employer with
JCN under Section 4001 of ERISA or Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code or
Section 302 of ERISA (whether or not waived) (an "ERISA Affiliate") has an
"accumulated funding deficiency" within the meaning of Section 412 of the
Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA, which is reasonably likely to
have a JCN Material Adverse Effect. No JCN Entity has provided, or is required
to provide, security to a JCN Pension Plan or to any single-employer plan of an
ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) of the Internal Revenue Code.

              (d) No Liability under Subtitle C or D of Title IV of ERISA has
been or is expected to be incurred by any JCN Entity with respect to any
ongoing, frozen, or terminated single-employer plan or the single-employer plan
of any ERISA Affiliate, which Liability is reasonably likely to have a JCN
Material Adverse Effect. No JCN Entity has incurred any withdrawal Liability
with respect to a multiemployer plan under Subtitle B of Title IV of ERISA
(regardless of whether based on contributions of an ERISA Affiliate), which
Liability is reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect. No notice
of a "reportable event," within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA for which
the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived, has been required to be
filed for any JCN Pension Plan or by any ERISA Affiliate within the 12-month
period ending on the date hereof.

              (e) Except as disclosed in Section 5.13 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, no JCN Entity has any Liability for retiree health and life benefits
under any of the JCN Benefit Plans and there are no restrictions on the rights
of such JCN Entity to amend or terminate any such retiree health or benefit Plan
without incurring any Liability.

              (f) Except as disclosed in Section 5.13 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (i) result in any
payment (including severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute, or
otherwise) becoming due to any director or any employee of any JCN Entity from
any JCN Entity under any JCN Benefit Plan or otherwise, (ii) increase any
benefits otherwise payable under any JCN Benefit Plan, or (iii) result in any
acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such benefit.

              (g) The actuarial present values of all accrued deferred
compensation entitlements (including entitlements under any executive
compensation, supplemental retirement, or employment agreement) of employees and
former employees of any JCN Entity and their respective beneficiaries, other
than entitlements accrued pursuant to funded retirement plans subject to the
provisions of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA,
have been fully reflected on the JCN Financial Statements to the extent required
by and in accordance with GAAP.

       5.14 Material Contracts. Except as disclosed in Section 5.14 of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum or otherwise reflected in the JCN Financial Statements,
none of the JCN Entities, nor any of their respective Assets, businesses, or
operations, is a party to, or is bound or affected

                                       19





by, or receives benefits under, (i) any employment, severance, termination,
consulting, or retirement Contract providing for aggregate payments to any
Person in any calendar year in excess of $50,000, (ii) any Contract relating to
the borrowing of money by any JCN Entity or the guarantee by any JCN Entity of
any such obligation (other than Contracts evidencing trade payables and
Contracts relating to borrowings or guarantees made in the ordinary course of
business), (iii) any Contract which materially prohibits or restricts any JCN
Entity from engaging in any business activities in any geographic area, line of
business or otherwise in competition with any other Person, other than
restrictions in Leases intended to protect certain tenant interests, all of
which restrictions are normal and customary in the business of JCN, (iv) any
Material Contract between or among JCN Entities, (v) any Material Contract
involving Intellectual Property (other than Contracts entered into in the
ordinary course with customers and "shrink-wrap" software licenses), (vi) any
Contract relating to the provision of data processing, network communication, or
other technical services to or by any JCN Entity, (vii) any Contract relating to
the purchase or sale of any goods or services (other than Contracts entered into
in the ordinary course of business and involving payments under any individual
Contract not in excess of $50,000), (viii) any Material Contract for property
management or property operations, and (ix) any other Contract or amendment
thereto that would be required to be filed as an exhibit to a Form 10-K filed by
JCN with the SEC as of the date of this Agreement (together with all Contracts
referred to in Sections 5.9 and 5.13(a), the "JCN Contracts"). With respect to
each JCN Contract and except as disclosed in Section 5.14 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum: (i) the Contract is in full force and effect; (ii) no JCN Entity is
in Default thereunder, other than Defaults which are not reasonably likely to
have a JCN Material Adverse Effect; (iii) no JCN Entity has repudiated or waived
any material provision of any such Contract; and (iv) no other party to any such
Contract, to the Knowledge of JCN, is, in Default in any respect, other than
Defaults which are not reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect,
or has repudiated or waived any material provision thereunder.

       5.15 Legal Proceedings. Except as disclosed in Section 5.15 of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum, there is no Litigation instituted or pending, or, to the
Knowledge of JCN, threatened (or unasserted but considered probable of assertion
and which if asserted would have at least a reasonable probability of an
unfavorable outcome) against any JCN Entity, or against any director, employee
or employee benefit plan of any JCN Entity, or against any Asset, interest, or
right of any of them, that is reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse
Effect, nor are there any Orders of any Regulatory Authorities, other
governmental authorities, or arbitrators outstanding against any JCN Entity,
that are reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect. Section 5.15
of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum contains a summary of all Litigation as of the
date of this Agreement to which any JCN Entity is a party and which names a JCN
Entity as a defendant or cross-defendant or for which any JCN Entity has any
potential uninsured Liability in excess of $50,000.

       5.16 Reports. Since January 1, 1993, or the date of organization if
later, each JCN Entity has timely filed all reports and statements, together
with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that it was
required to file with Regulatory Authorities, except for those

                                       20





which the failure to file are not reasonably likely to have a JCN Material
Adverse Effect). To the Knowledge of JCN, as of their respective dates, each of
such reports and documents, including the financial statements, exhibits, and
schedules thereto, complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws.
As of its respective date, each such report and document did not, in all
material respects, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading, except for those untrue statements or omissions not
reasonably expected to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect.

       5.17 Statements True and Correct. No certificate or instrument furnished
by any JCN Entity or any officer, director or employee thereof to Highwoods
pursuant to this Agreement or pursuant to any other document, agreement, or
instrument referred to herein contains or will contain any untrue statement of
material fact or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by any JCN
Entity or any officer, director or employee thereof for inclusion in the
Registration Statement to be filed by Highwoods with the SEC will, when the
Registration Statement becomes effective, be false or misleading with respect to
any material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be
supplied by any JCN Entity or any officer, director or employee thereof for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement to be mailed to JCN's shareholders in
connection with the JCN Shareholders Meeting, and any other documents to be
filed by a JCN Entity or any officer, director or employee thereof with the SEC
or any other Regulatory Authority in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, will, at the respective time such documents are filed, and
with respect to the Proxy Statement, when first mailed to the shareholders of
JCN, be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state
any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or, in the case of the
Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, at the time of
the JCN Shareholders Meeting, be false or misleading with respect to any
material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary to correct any
statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of any
proxy for the JCN Shareholders Meeting. All documents that any JCN Entity is
responsible for filing with any Regulatory Authority in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby will comply as to form in all material respects
with the provisions of applicable Law.

       5.18 Tax and Regulatory Matters. No JCN Entity or any officer or director
thereof has taken or agreed to take any action or has any Knowledge of any fact
or circumstance that is reasonably likely to (i) prevent the Merger from
qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
Consents of Regulatory Authorities referred to in Section 9.1(b).

       5.19 State Takeover Laws. Each JCN Entity has taken all necessary action
to exempt the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from, or, if
necessary, to challenge the validity or applicability of, any applicable
"moratorium," "fair price," "business combination," "control share," or other
anti-takeover Laws (collectively, "Takeover Laws"), including Section 351.459 of
the GBCL.

       5.20 Charter Provisions. Each JCN Entity has taken all action so that the
entering into of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not and will not result in the
grant of any rights to any Person under the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws
or other governing instruments of any JCN Entity or restrict or impair the
ability of Highwoods or any of its Subsidiaries to vote, or otherwise to
exercise the rights of a shareholder with respect to, shares of any JCN Entity
that may be directly or indirectly acquired or controlled by them.

       5.21 Rights Agreement. JCN has taken all necessary action (including, if
required, redeeming all of the outstanding JCN Rights or amending or terminating
the JCN Rights Agreement) so that


                                       21



the entering into of this Agreement, the acquisition of shares pursuant to the
consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby do not
and will not result in any Person becoming able to exercise any JCN Rights under
the JCN Rights Agreement or enabling or requiring the JCN Rights to be separated
from the shares of JCN Common Stock to which they are attached or to be
triggered or to become exercisable.

       5.22 Opinion of Financial Advisor. JCN has received the opinion of Morgan
Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co., dated the date of this Agreement, to the
effect that the consideration to be received in the Merger by the holders of JCN
Common Stock is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders, a signed
copy of which has been delivered to Highwoods.

       5.23 Board Recommendation. The Board of Directors of JCN, at a meeting
duly called and held, has validly adopted resolutions (which resolutions have
not been withdrawn or revoked) stating that the Board of Directors of JCN has
(i) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby,
including the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, taken together,
are fair to and in the best interests of the shareholders and (ii) resolved to
recommend that the holders of the shares of JCN Common Stock approve this
Agreement.

                                    ARTICLE 6
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HIGHWOODS

              Highwoods hereby represents and warrants to JCN as follows:

       6.1 Organization, Standing, and Power. Highwoods is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of the State of
Maryland, and has the corporate power and authority to carry on its business as
now conducted and to own, lease and operate its material Assets. Highwoods is
duly qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign corporation in good
standing in the States of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where the
character of its Assets or the nature or conduct of its business requires it to
be so

                                       22





qualified or licensed, except for such jurisdictions in which the failure to be
so qualified or licensed is not reasonably likely to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

       6.2    Authority; No Breach By Agreement.

              (a) Highwoods has the corporate power and authority necessary to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein, including the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized
by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof on the part of Highwoods.
This Agreement represents a legal, valid, and binding obligation of Highwoods,
enforceable against Highwoods in accordance with its terms (except in all cases
as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, moratorium, or similar Laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and except that the
availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or injunctive
relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding may
be brought).

              (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Highwoods, nor the consummation by Highwoods of the transactions contemplated
hereby, nor compliance by Highwoods with any of the provisions hereof, will (i)
conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of Highwoods' Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or (ii) constitute or result in a
Default under, or require any Consent pursuant to, or result in the creation of
any Lien on any Asset of any Highwoods Entity under, any Contract or Permit of
any Highwoods Entity, where such Default or Lien, or any failure to obtain such
Consent, is reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect, or,
(iii) subject to receipt of the requisite Consents referred to in Section
9.1(b), constitute or result in a Default under, or require any Consent pursuant
to, any Law or Order applicable to any Highwoods Entity or any of their
respective material Assets (including any Highwoods Entity or any JCN Entity
becoming subject to or liable for the payment of any Tax or any of the Assets
owned by any Highwoods Entity or any JCN Entity being reassessed or revalued by
any taxing authority).

              (c) Other than in connection or compliance with the provisions of
the Securities Laws, applicable state corporate and securities Laws, and rules
of the NYSE, and other than Consents required from Regulatory Authorities, and
other than notices to or filings with the Internal Revenue Service or the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation with respect to any employee benefit plans,
or under the HSR Act, and other than Consents, filings, or notifications which,
if not obtained or made, are not reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material
Adverse Effect, no notice to, filing with, or Consent of, any public body or
authority is necessary for the consummation by Highwoods of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated in this Agreement.

       6.3    Capital Stock.

              (a) The authorized capital stock of Highwoods consists of (i)
100,000,000 shares of Highwoods Common Stock, of which 37,948,435 shares are
issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, and (ii) 10,000,000
shares of Highwoods Preferred Stock, of which 7,025,000 shares are issued and
outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Highwoods Capital Stock
are, and all of the shares of Highwoods Common Stock to be issued in exchange
for shares of JCN Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger, when issued in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be, duly and validly issued
and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable under the MGCL. None of the
outstanding shares of Highwoods Capital Stock has been, and none of the shares
of Highwoods Common Stock to be issued in exchange for shares of JCN Common
Stock upon consummation of the Merger will be, issued in violation of any
preemptive rights of the current or past shareholders of Highwoods.

              (b) Except as set forth in Section 6.3(a), or as provided pursuant
to the Highwoods Stock Plans or the Highwoods Rights Agreement, or as disclosed
in Section 6.3 of the Highwoods

                                       23


Disclosure Memorandum, there are no shares of capital stock or other equity
securities of Highwoods outstanding and no outstanding Equity Rights relating to
the capital stock of Highwoods.

       6.4 Highwoods Subsidiaries. Highwoods has disclosed in Section 6.4 of the
Highwoods Disclosure Memorandum all of the Highwoods Subsidiaries as of the date
of this Agreement that are corporations (identifying its jurisdiction of
incorporation and percentage ownership interest represented by such share
ownership) and all of the Highwoods Subsidiaries that are general or limited
partnerships or other non-corporate entities (identifying the Law under which
such entity is organized and the amount and nature of the ownership interest
therein). Except as disclosed in Section 6.4 of the Highwoods Disclosure
Memorandum, Highwoods and/or one of its Subsidiaries owns all of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock (or other equity interests) of each
Highwoods Subsidiary. No capital stock (or other equity interest) of any
Highwoods Subsidiary are or may become required to be issued (other than to
another Highwoods Entity) by reason of any Equity Rights, and there are no
Contracts (except for property acquisition contracts utilizing the issuance of
partnership interests in Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership and for which the
partnership is receiving reasonable equivalent value or as otherwise disclosed
in Section 6.13 of the Highwoods Disclosure Memorandum) by which any Highwoods
Subsidiary is bound to issue (other than to another Highwoods Entity) additional
shares of its capital stock (or other equity interests) or Equity Rights or by
which any Highwoods Entity is or may be bound to transfer any shares of the
capital stock (or other equity interests) of any Highwoods Subsidiary (other
than to another Highwoods Entity). There are no Contracts relating to the rights
of any Highwoods Entity to vote or to dispose of any shares of the capital stock
(or other equity interests) of any Highwoods Subsidiary. All of the shares of
capital stock (or other equity interests) of each Highwoods Subsidiary held by a
Highwoods Entity are fully paid and nonassessable under the applicable
corporation Law of the jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is incorporated or
organized and are owned by the Highwoods Entity free and clear of any Lien.
Except as disclosed in Section 6.4 of the Highwoods Disclosure Memorandum), each
Highwoods Subsidiary is a

                                       24





corporation, and each Highwoods Subsidiary is duly organized, validly existing,
and (as to corporations) in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in
which it is incorporated or organized, and has the corporate power and authority
necessary for it to own, lease and operate its Assets and to carry on its
business as now conducted. Each Highwoods Subsidiary is duly qualified or
licensed to transact business as a foreign corporation or organization, as the
case may be, is in good standing in the States of the United States and foreign
jurisdictions where the character of its Assets or the nature or conduct of its
business requires it to be so qualified or licensed, except for such
jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed is not
reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

       6.5    SEC Filings; Financial Statements.

              (a) Highwoods and Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership has timely
filed and made available to JCN all SEC Documents required to be filed by
Highwoods or Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership since June 14, 1994 (the
"Highwoods SEC Reports"). The Highwoods SEC Reports (i) at the time filed,
complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the
Securities Laws and other applicable Laws and (ii) did not, at the time they
were filed (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this
Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such
Highwoods SEC Reports or necessary in order to make the statements in such
Highwoods SEC Reports, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. Except for Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership, no Highwoods
Subsidiary is required to file any SEC Documents.

              (b) Each of the Highwoods Financial Statements (including, in each
case, any related notes) contained in the Highwoods SEC Reports, including any
Highwoods SEC Reports filed after the date of this Agreement until the Effective
Time, complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, was prepared in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods
involved (except as may be indicated in the notes to such financial statements
or, in the case of unaudited interim statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of
the SEC), and fairly presented in all material respects the consolidated
financial position of Highwoods and its Subsidiaries as at the respective dates
and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods
indicated, except that the unaudited interim financial statements were or are
subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments which were not or are not
expected to be material in amount or effect.

       6.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. No Highwoods Entity has any
Liabilities that are reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse
Effect, except Liabilities which are accrued or reserved against in the
consolidated balance sheets of Highwoods as of September 30, 1997 or December
31, 1996, included in the Highwoods Financial Statements delivered prior to the
date of this Agreement or reflected in the notes thereto.


                                       25





       6.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 1996, except
as disclosed in the Highwoods Financial Statements delivered prior to the date
of this Agreement or as disclosed in Section 6.7 of the Highwoods Disclosure
Memorandum, there have been no events, changes or occurrences which have had, or
are reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

       6.8    Tax Matters.

              (a) All Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of any of
the Highwoods Entities have been timely filed or requests for extensions have
been timely filed, granted, and have not expired for periods ended on or before
September 30, 1997, and on or before the date of the most recent fiscal year end
immediately preceding the Effective Time, and all Tax Returns filed are complete
and accurate in all material. All Taxes shown on filed Tax Returns have been
paid. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no audit examination,
deficiency, or refund Litigation with respect to any Taxes that is reasonably
likely to result in a determination that would have a Highwoods Material Adverse
Effect, except as reserved against in the Highwoods Financial Statements or as
disclosed in Section 6.8 of the Highwoods Disclosure Memorandum.

              (b) Highwoods, based on its current and intended method of
operation, meets the requirements for qualification as a REIT under Sections
856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code.

       6.9 Assets. Except as disclosed in Section 6.9 of the Highwoods
Disclosure Memorandum or as disclosed or reserved against in the Highwoods
Financial Statements, the Highwoods Entities have good and marketable title,
free and clear of all Liens, to all of their respective Assets, except for any
such Liens or other defects of title which are not reasonably likely to have a
Highwoods Material Adverse Effect. All Material personal properties used in the
businesses of the Highwoods Entities are in good condition, reasonable wear and
tear excepted, and are usable in the ordinary course of business consistent with
Highwoods' past practices.

       6.10 Environmental Matters.

              (a) Each Highwoods Entity, its Operating Properties, and, to the
Knowledge of Highwoods, its Participating Facilities are, and have been, in
compliance with all Environmental Laws, except for violations which are not
reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

              (b) There is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of
Highwoods, threatened before any court, governmental agency, or authority or
other forum in which any Highwoods Entity or any of its Operating Properties or
Participation Facilities (or Highwoods in respect of such Operating Property or
Participation Facility) has been or, with respect to threatened Litigation, may
be named as a defendant (i) for alleged noncompliance (including by any
predecessor) with any Environmental Law or (ii) relating to the release,
discharge, spillage, or disposal into the environment of any Hazardous Material,
whether or not occurring at, on, under,

                                       26





adjacent to, or affecting (or potentially affecting) a site owned, leased, or
operated by any Highwoods Entity or any of its Operating Properties or
Participation Facilities, except such as is not reasonably likely to have a
Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

              (c) During the period of (i) any Highwoods Entity's ownership or
operation of any of their respective current properties, (ii) any Highwoods
Entity's participation in the management of any Participation Facility, or (iii)
any Highwoods Entity's holding of a security interest in an Operating Property,
there have been no releases, discharges, spillages, or disposals of Hazardous
Material in, on, under, adjacent to, or affecting (or potentially affecting)
such properties, except such as are not reasonably likely to have a Highwoods
Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of Highwoods, prior to the period of
(i) any Highwoods Entity's ownership or operation of any of their respective
current properties, (ii) any Highwoods Entity's participation in the management
of any Participation Facility, or (iii) any Highwoods Entity's holding of a
security interest in an Operating Property, there were no releases, discharges,
spillages, or disposals of Hazardous Material in, on, under, or affecting any
such property, Participation Facility or Operating Property, except such as are
not reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

       6.11 Compliance with Laws. Each Highwoods Entity has in effect all
Permits necessary for it to own, lease or operate its material Assets and to
carry on its business as now conducted, except for those Permits the absence of
which are not reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect, and
there has occurred no Default under any such Permit, other than Defaults which
are not reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect. Except as
disclosed in Section 6.11 of the Highwoods Disclosure Memorandum, none of the
Highwoods Entities:

              (a) is in Default under its Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws (or other governing instruments); or

              (b) is in Default under any Laws, Orders or Permits applicable to
its business or employees conducting its business, except for Defaults which are
not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Highwoods
Material Adverse Effect; or

              (c) since January 1, 1993, has received any notification or
communication from any agency or department of federal, state, or local
government or any Regulatory Authority or the staff thereof (i) asserting that
any Highwoods Entity is not in compliance with any of the Laws or Orders which
such governmental authority or Regulatory Authority enforces, where such
noncompliance is reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect,
(ii) threatening to revoke any Permits, the revocation of which is reasonably
likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) requiring any
Highwoods Entity to enter into or consent to the issuance of a cease and desist
order, formal agreement, directive, commitment or memorandum of understanding,
or to adopt any board resolution or similar undertaking, which restricts
materially the conduct of its business.

                                       27





       6.12 Labor Relations. No Highwoods Entity is the subject of any
Litigation asserting that it or any other Highwoods Entity has committed an
unfair labor practice (within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act or
comparable state law) or seeking to compel it or any other Highwoods Entity to
bargain with any labor organization as to wages or conditions of employment, nor
is any Highwoods Entity party to any collective bargaining agreement, nor is
there any strike or other labor dispute involving any Highwoods Entity, pending
or threatened, or to the Knowledge of Highwoods, is there any activity involving
any Highwoods Entity's employees seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit
or engaging in any other organization activity.

       6.13 Employee Benefit Plans.

              (a) Highwoods has disclosed in Section 6.13 of the Highwoods
Disclosure Memorandum, and has delivered or made available to JCN prior to the
execution of this Agreement copies in each case of, all pension, retirement,
profit-sharing, deferred compensation, stock option, employee stock ownership,
severance pay, vacation, bonus, or other incentive plan, all other written
employee programs, arrangements, or agreements, all medical, vision, dental, or
other health plans, all life insurance plans, and all other employee benefit
plans or fringe benefit plans, including "employee benefit plans" as that term
is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, currently adopted, maintained by, sponsored
in whole or in part by, or contributed to by any Highwoods Entity or ERISA
Affiliate thereof for the benefit of employees, retirees, dependents, spouses,
directors, independent contractors, or other beneficiaries and under which
employees, retirees, dependents, spouses, directors, independent contractors, or
other beneficiaries are eligible to participate (collectively, the "Highwoods
Benefit Plans"). Any of the Highwoods Benefit Plans which is an "employee
pension benefit plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, is
referred to herein as a "Highwoods ERISA Plan." Each Highwoods ERISA Plan which
is also a "defined benefit plan" (as defined in Section 414(j) of the Internal
Revenue Code) is referred to herein as a "Highwoods Pension Plan." No Highwoods
Pension Plan is or has been a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section
3(37) of ERISA.

              (b) All Highwoods Benefit Plans are in compliance with the
applicable terms of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and any other applicable
Laws the breach or violation of which are reasonably likely to have a Highwoods
Material Adverse Effect. Each Highwoods ERISA Plan which is intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code has received a
favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service, and Highwoods
is not aware of any circumstances likely to result in revocation of any such
favorable determination letter. To the Knowledge of Highwoods, no Highwoods
Entity has engaged in a transaction with respect to any Highwoods Benefit Plan
that, assuming the taxable period of such transaction expired as of the date
hereof, would subject any Highwoods Entity to a Tax imposed by either Section
4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA.

              (c) No Highwoods Pension Plan has any "unfunded current
liability," as that term is defined in Section 302(d)(8)(A) of ERISA, and the
fair market value of the assets of any such

                                       28





plan exceeds the plan's "benefit liabilities," as that term is defined in
Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, when determined under actuarial factors that would
apply if the plan terminated in accordance with all applicable legal
requirements. Since the date of the most recent actuarial valuation, there has
been (i) no material change in the financial position of any Highwoods Pension
Plan, (ii) no change in the actuarial assumptions with respect to any Highwoods
Pension Plan, and (iii) no increase in benefits under any Highwoods Pension Plan
as a result of plan amendments or changes in applicable Law which is reasonably
likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect or materially adversely
affect the funding status of any such plan. Neither any Highwoods Pension Plan
nor any "single-employer plan," within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of
ERISA, currently or formerly maintained by any Highwoods Entity, or the
single-employer plan of any entity which is considered an ERISA Affiliate of
Highwoods has an "accumulated funding deficiency" within the meaning of Section
412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA, which is reasonably
likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect. No Highwoods Entity has
provided, or is required to provide, security to a Highwoods Pension Plan or to
any single-employer plan of an ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) of
the Internal Revenue Code.

              (d) No Liability under Subtitle C or D of Title IV of ERISA has
been or is expected to be incurred by any Highwoods Entity with respect to any
ongoing, frozen, or terminated single-employer plan or the single-employer plan
of any ERISA Affiliate, which Liability is reasonably likely to have a Highwoods
Material Adverse Effect. No Highwoods Entity has incurred any withdrawal
Liability with respect to a multiemployer plan under Subtitle B of Title IV of
ERISA (regardless of whether based on contributions of an ERISA Affiliate),
which Liability is reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse
Effect. No notice of a "reportable event," within the meaning of Section 4043 of
ERISA for which the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived, has been
required to be filed for any Highwoods Pension Plan or by any ERISA Affiliate
within the 12-month period ending on the date hereof.

              (e) Except as disclosed in Section 6.13 of the Highwoods
Disclosure Memorandum, no Highwoods Entity has any Liability for retiree health
and life benefits under any of the Highwoods Benefit Plans and there are no
restrictions on the rights of such Highwoods Entity to amend or terminate any
such retiree health or benefit Plan without incurring any Liability.

              (f) The actuarial present values of all accrued deferred
compensation entitlements (including entitlements under any executive
compensation, supplemental retirement, or employment agreement) of employees and
former employees of any Highwoods Entity and their respective beneficiaries,
other than entitlements accrued pursuant to funded retirement plans subject to
the provisions of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of
ERISA, have been fully reflected on the Highwoods Financial Statements to the
extent required by and in accordance with GAAP.

       6.14 Legal Proceedings. There is no Litigation instituted or pending, or,
to the Knowledge of Highwoods, threatened (or unasserted but considered probable
of assertion and which if

                                       29





asserted would have at least a reasonable probability of an unfavorable outcome)
against any Highwoods Entity, or against any director, employee or employee
benefit plan of any Highwoods Entity, or against any Asset, interest, or right
of any of them, that is reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse
Effect, nor are there any Orders of any Regulatory Authorities, other
governmental authorities, or arbitrators outstanding against any Highwoods
Entity, that are reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

       6.15 Reports. Since January 1, 1993, or the date of organization if
later, each Highwoods Entity has timely filed all reports and statements,
together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that it
was required to file with Regulatory Authorities except for those which the
failure to file are not reasonably likely to have a Highwoods Material Adverse
Effect). To the Knowledge of Highwoods, as of their respective dates, each of
such reports and documents, including the financial statements, exhibits, and
schedules thereto, complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws.
As of its respective date, each such report and document did not, in all
material respects, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading, except for those untrue statements or omissions not
reasonably expected to have a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect.

       6.16 Statements True and Correct. No statement, certificate, instrument
or other writing furnished or to be furnished by any Highwoods Entity or any
Affiliate thereof to JCN pursuant to this Agreement or any other document,
agreement or instrument referred to herein contains or will contain any untrue
statement of material fact or will omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by any
Highwoods Entity or any Affiliate thereof for inclusion in the Registration
Statement to be filed by Highwoods with the SEC, will, when the Registration
Statement becomes effective, be false or misleading with respect to any material
fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by
any Highwoods Entity or any Affiliate thereof for inclusion in the Proxy
Statement to be mailed to JCN's shareholders in connection with the JCN
Shareholders Meeting, and any other documents to be filed by any Highwoods
Entity or any Affiliate thereof with the SEC or any other Regulatory Authority
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, will, at the respective
time such documents are filed, and with respect to the Proxy Statement, when
first mailed to the shareholders of JCN, be false or misleading with respect to
any material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading, or, in the case of the Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof
or supplement thereto, at the time of the JCN Shareholders Meeting, be false or
misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material fact
necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to
the solicitation of any proxy for the JCN Shareholders Meeting. All documents
that any Highwoods Entity or any Affiliate thereof is responsible for filing
with any Regulatory Authority in connection with the transactions

                                       30





contemplated hereby will comply as to form in all material respects with the
provisions of applicable Law.

       6.17 Authority of Sub. Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Maryland as a
wholly owned Subsidiary of Highwoods. The authorized capital stock of Sub
consists of 1,000 shares of Sub Common Stock, all of which is validly issued and
outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable and is owned by Highwoods free and
clear of any Lien. Sub has the corporate power and authority necessary to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein, including the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized
by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof on the part of Sub. This
Agreement represents a legal, valid, and binding obligation of Sub, enforceable
against Sub in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and except that the availability of the equitable
remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion
of the court before which any proceeding may be brought).

       6.18 Tax and Regulatory Matters. No Highwoods Entity or any Affiliate
thereof has taken or agreed to take any action or has any Knowledge of any fact
or circumstance that is reasonably likely to (i) prevent the Merger from
qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
Consents of Regulatory Authorities referred to in Section 9.1(b) or result in
the imposition of a condition or restriction of the type referred to in the last
sentence of Section 9.1(b).

       6.19 Rights Agreement. Execution of this Agreement and consummation of
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
result in the grant of any rights to any Person under the Highwoods Rights
Agreement (other than as contemplated by Section 3.1) or enable or require the
Highwoods Rights to be exercised, distributed or triggered.

                                    ARTICLE 7
                    CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING CONSUMMATION

       7.1 Affirmative Covenants of JCN. From the date of this Agreement until
the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement, unless
the prior written consent of Highwoods shall have been obtained, and except as
otherwise expressly contemplated herein or as set forth in the capital budget
for JCN as detailed in Section 7.1 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, JCN shall
and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to (a) operate its business only in the
usual, regular, and ordinary course, (b) preserve intact its business
organization and Assets and maintain its rights and franchises, (c) take no
action which would (i) adversely affect the ability of any Party to obtain any
Consents required for the transactions contemplated hereby without imposition of
a condition or restriction of the type referred to in the last sentences of

                                                        31





Section 9.1(b) or 9.1(c), or (ii) adversely affect the ability of any Party to
perform its covenants and agreements under this Agreement, and (d) aggressively
take such actions as may reasonably be necessary to prevent any violation of Law
by any Person suggesting a competing Acquisition Proposal without first
obtaining the endorsement of the JCN Board of Directors for such Acquisition
Proposal.

       7.2 Negative Covenants of JCN. From the date of this Agreement until the
earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement, unless the
prior written consent of Highwoods shall have been obtained, and except as
otherwise expressly contemplated herein, JCN covenants and agrees that it will
not do or agree or commit to do, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do or
agree or commit to do, any of the following:

              (a) amend the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws or other
governing instruments of any JCN Entity; or

              (b) other than as provided in Section 7.2(b) of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, incur any additional debt obligation or other obligation for
borrowed money (other than indebtedness of a JCN Entity to another JCN Entity)
in excess of an aggregate of $250,000 (for the JCN Entities on a consolidated
basis) except in the ordinary course of the business of JCN Subsidiaries
consistent with past practices, or impose, or suffer the imposition, on any
Asset of any JCN Entity of any Lien or permit any such Lien to exist (other than
in connection with Liens in effect as of the date hereof that are disclosed in
the JCN Disclosure Memorandum); or

              (c) repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire or exchange (other
than in settlement of obligations then owed by the ESOT (as defined below) to
JCN as reasonably approved by Highwoods and other than exchanges in the ordinary
course under employee benefit plans), directly or indirectly, any shares, or any
securities convertible into any shares, of the capital stock of any JCN Entity,
or declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution in respect of
JCN's capital stock; or

              (d) except for this Agreement, or pursuant to the exercise of
stock options outstanding as of the date hereof and pursuant to the terms
thereof in existence on the date hereof or as disclosed in Section 7.2(d) of the
JCN Disclosure Memorandum, issue, sell, pledge, encumber, authorize the issuance
of, enter into any Contract to issue, sell, pledge, encumber, or authorize the
issuance of, or otherwise permit to become outstanding, any additional shares of
JCN Common Stock or any other capital stock of any JCN Entity, or any stock
appreciation rights, or any option, warrant, or other Equity Right; or

              (e) except as provided in Section 7.2(e) of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock of any JCN
Entity or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of
or in substitution for shares of JCN Common Stock, or sell, lease, mortgage or
otherwise dispose of or otherwise encumber (x) any shares of capital stock of
any JCN Subsidiary (unless any such shares of stock are sold or otherwise
transferred to another

                                       32





JCN Entity) or (y) any Asset having a book value or gross lease value (with
respect to any new Lease of a JCN Property) in excess of $50,000 other than in
the ordinary course of business for reasonable and adequate consideration; or

              (f) except for purchases of U.S. Treasury securities or U.S.
Government agency securities, which in either case have maturities of three
years or less, purchase any securities or make any material investment, either
by purchase of stock of securities, contributions to capital, Asset transfers,
or purchase of any Assets, in any Person other than a wholly owned JCN
Subsidiary, or otherwise acquire direct or indirect control over any Person,
other than in connection with (i) foreclosures in the ordinary course of
business, or (ii) the creation of new wholly owned Subsidiaries organized to
conduct or continue activities otherwise permitted by this Agreement; or

              (g) grant any increase in compensation or benefits to the
employees or officers of any JCN Entity, except in accordance with past practice
disclosed in Section 7.2(g) of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum and as reasonably
approved by Highwoods or as required by Law; pay any severance or termination
pay or any bonus other than pursuant to written policies or written Contracts in
effect on the date of this Agreement and disclosed in Section 7.2(g) of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum; enter into or amend any severance agreements with
officers of any JCN Entity; grant any material increase in fees or other
increases in compensation or other benefits to directors of any JCN Entity
except in accordance with past practice disclosed in Section 7.2(g) of the JCN
Disclosure Memorandum; or

              (h) enter into or amend any employment Contract between any JCN
Entity and any Person (unless such amendment is required by Law) that the JCN
Entity does not have the unconditional right to terminate without Liability
(other than Liability for services already rendered), at any time on or after
the Effective Time; or


              (i) except as provided in Section 7.2(i) of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, adopt any new employee benefit plan of any JCN Entity or terminate
or withdraw from, or make any material change in or to, any existing employee
benefit plans of any JCN Entity other than any such change that is required by
Law or that, in the opinion of counsel, is necessary or advisable to maintain
the tax qualified status of any such plan, or make any distributions from such
employee benefit plans, except as required by Law, the terms of such plans or
consistent with past practice; or

              (j) make any significant change in any Tax or accounting methods
or systems of internal accounting controls, except as may be appropriate to
conform to changes in Tax Laws or regulatory accounting requirements or GAAP; or

              (k) commence any Litigation other than in accordance with past
practice, settle any Litigation involving any Liability of any JCN Entity for
material money damages or restrictions

                                       33





upon the operations of any JCN Entity without first providing notice thereof to
Highwoods and obtaining Highwoods consent, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld; or

              (l) make any payments or accommodations to the Employee Stock
Ownership Trust of the J.C. Nichols Company ("ESOT") or any other shareholder
relating directly or indirectly to any of the costs, expenses or other charges
(including break-up fees owed to any third-party) of the ESOT or any other
shareholder related to or arising out of directly or indirectly any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement without first obtaining Highwoods
consent; or

              (m) without first providing notice thereof to Highwoods and
obtaining Highwoods consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
and, except in the ordinary course of business, enter into, modify, amend or
terminate any material Contract (including any loan Contract with an unpaid
balance exceeding $50,000) or waive, release, compromise or assign any material
rights or claims.

       7.3 Covenants of Highwoods. From the date of this Agreement until the
earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement, unless the
prior written consent of JCN shall have been obtained, and except as otherwise
expressly contemplated herein, Highwoods covenants and agrees that it shall (a)
continue to conduct its business and the business of its Subsidiaries in a
manner designed in its reasonable judgment, to continue it to meet the
requirements for qualification as a real estate investment trust under Sections
856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code and to enhance the long-term value of the
Highwoods Common Stock and the business prospects of the Highwoods Entities and
to the extent consistent therewith use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact
the Highwoods Entities' core businesses and goodwill with their respective
employees and the communities they serve, (b) take no action which would (i)
materially adversely affect the ability of any Party to obtain any Consents
required for the transactions contemplated hereby without imposition of a
condition or restriction of the type referred to in the last sentences of
Section 9.1(b) or 9.1(c), or (ii) materially adversely affect the ability of any
Party to perform its covenants and agreements under this Agreement; provided,
that the foregoing shall not prevent any Highwoods Entity from acquiring any
Assets or other businesses or from discontinuing or disposing of any of its
Assets or business if such action is, in the judgment of Highwoods, desirable in
the conduct of the business of Highwoods and its Subsidiaries. Highwoods further
covenants and agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of JCN,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, amend the Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Highwoods, in each case, in any manner
adverse to the holders of JCN Common Stock as compared to rights of holders of
Highwoods Common Stock generally as of the date of this Agreement. Highwoods
shall take all action necessary under the MGCL prior to the Effective Time for
Sub to enter into and consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder,
including the Merger.

       7.4    Adverse Changes in Condition.


                                       34





              (a) Each Party agrees to give written notice promptly to the other
Party upon becoming aware of the occurrence or impending occurrence of any event
or circumstance relating to it or any of its Subsidiaries which (i) is
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a JCN Material
Adverse Effect or a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, or (ii)
would cause or constitute a material breach of any of its representations,
warranties, or covenants contained herein, and to use its reasonable efforts to
prevent or promptly to remedy the same.

              (b) Unless JCN, based upon the advice of tax counsel, is
reasonably satisfied that JCN shareholders receiving only Highwoods Common Stock
in the Merger will incur no income tax liability as a result of the Merger, the
parties shall develop a mutually acceptable plan that carries out as nearly as
possible the economic results provided herein without resulting in income tax
liability for JCN shareholders receiving only Highwoods Common Stock.

       7.5 Reports. Each Party and its Subsidiaries shall file all reports
required to be filed by it with Regulatory Authorities between the date of this
Agreement and the Effective Time and shall deliver to the other Party copies of
all such reports promptly after the same are filed. If financial statements are
contained in any such reports filed with the SEC, such financial statements will
fairly present the consolidated financial position of the entity filing such
statements as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations,
changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the periods then ended in
accordance with GAAP (subject in the case of interim financial statements to
normal recurring year-end adjustments that are not material). As of their
respective dates, such reports filed with the SEC will comply in all material
respects with the Securities Laws and will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. Any financial statements contained
in any other reports to another Regulatory Authority shall be prepared in
accordance with Laws applicable to such reports.

                                    ARTICLE 8
                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

       8.1 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement; Shareholder Approval. As
soon as reasonably practicable after execution of this Agreement, Highwoods
shall prepare and file the Registration Statement with the SEC, and shall use
its reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective
under the 1933 Act and take any action required to be taken under the applicable
state Blue Sky or securities Laws in connection with the issuance of the shares
of Highwoods Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger. JCN shall cooperate
in the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and shall furnish
all information concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as Highwoods
may reasonably request in connection with such action. JCN shall call the JCN
Shareholders Meeting, to be held as soon as reasonably practicable after the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, for the purpose of
voting upon approval of this Agreement and such other related matters as it
deems appropriate.

                                       35





In connection with the JCN Shareholders Meeting, (i) JCN shall prepare and file
with the SEC a Proxy Statement and mail such Proxy Statement to its
shareholders, (ii) the Parties shall furnish to each other all information
concerning them that they may reasonably request in connection with such Proxy
Statement, (iii) the Board of Directors of JCN shall recommend to its
shareholders the approval of the matters submitted for approval (subject to the
Board of Directors of JCN, after having consulted with outside counsel,
reasonably determining in good faith that the making of such recommendation, or
the failure to withdraw or modify its recommendation, would be inconsistent with
the fiduciary duties of the members of such Board of Directors to JCN's
shareholders under applicable law), and (iv) the Board of Directors and officers
of JCN shall use their reasonable efforts to obtain such shareholders' approval
(subject to the Board of Directors of JCN, after having consulted with outside
counsel, reasonably determining in good faith the taking of such actions would
be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties of the members of such Board of
Directors to JCN's shareholders under applicable law). Highwoods and JCN shall
make all necessary filings with respect to the Merger under the Securities Laws.

       8.2 Exchange Listing. Highwoods shall cause to be listed, prior to the
Effective Time, on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, the shares
of Highwoods Common Stock to be issued to the holders of JCN Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger, and Highwoods shall give all notices and make all
filings with the NYSE required in connection with the transactions contemplated
herein.

       8.3 Applications; Antitrust Notification. Highwoods shall promptly
prepare and file, and JCN shall cooperate in the preparation and, where
appropriate, filing of, applications with all Regulatory Authorities having
jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by this Agreement seeking the
requisite Consents necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. To the extent required by the HSR Act, each of the Parties will
promptly file with the United States Federal Trade Commission and the United
States Department of Justice the notification and report form required for the
transactions contemplated hereby and any supplemental or additional information
which may reasonably be requested in connection therewith pursuant to the HSR
Act and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the HSR
Act. The Parties shall deliver to each other copies of all filings,
correspondence and orders to and from all Regulatory Authorities in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Parties agree that the
consummation of the Merger does not require any filings or approvals under the
HSR Act.

       8.4 Filings with State Offices. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement, Sub shall execute and file the Articles of Merger
with the Secretary of State of the State of Missouri and the Articles of Merger
with the Department of Assessment and Taxation of the State of Maryland in
connection with the Closing.

       8.5 Agreement as to Efforts to Consummate. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, each Party agrees to use, and to cause its
Subsidiaries to use, its reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary,

                                       36





proper, or advisable under applicable Laws to consummate and make effective, as
soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including using its reasonable
efforts to lift or rescind any Order adversely affecting its ability to
consummate the transactions contemplated herein and to cause to be satisfied the
conditions referred to in Article 9; provided, that nothing herein shall
preclude either Party from exercising its rights under this Agreement. Each
Party shall use, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to use, its reasonable
efforts to obtain all Consents necessary or desirable for the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

       8.6 Investigation and Confidentiality.

              (a) Prior to the Effective Time, each Party shall keep the other
Party advised of all material developments relevant to its business and to
consummation of the Merger and shall permit the other Party to make or cause to
be made such investigation of the business and properties of it and its
Subsidiaries and of their respective financial and legal conditions as the other
Party reasonably requests, provided that such investigation shall be reasonably
related to the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not interfere
unnecessarily with normal operations. No investigation by a Party shall affect
the representations and warranties of the other Party.

              (b) In addition to the Parties' respective obligations under the
Confidentiality Agreement, which is hereby reaffirmed and adopted, and
incorporated by reference herein, each Party shall, and shall cause its advisers
and agents to, maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information
furnished to it by the other Party concerning its and its Subsidiaries'
businesses, operations, and financial positions and shall not use such
information for any purpose except in furtherance of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated prior to the
Effective Time, each Party shall promptly return or certify the destruction of
all documents and copies thereof, and all work papers containing confidential
information received from the other Party.

              (c) Each Party agrees to give the other Party notice as soon as
practicable after any determination by it of any fact or occurrence relating to
the other Party which it has discovered through the course of its investigation
and which represents, or is reasonably likely to represent, either a material
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the other Party
or which has had or is reasonably likely to have a JCN Material Adverse Effect
or a Highwoods Material Adverse Effect, as applicable. Each party hereby
represents and warrants that it knows of no such fact or occurrence as of the
date of this Agreement.

       8.7 Press Releases. Prior to the Effective Time, JCN and Highwoods shall
consult with each other as to the form and substance of any press release or
other public disclosure materially related to this Agreement or any other
transaction contemplated hereby; provided, that nothing in this Section 8.7
shall be deemed to prohibit any Party from making any disclosure which its
counsel deems necessary or advisable in order to satisfy such Party's disclosure
obligations imposed by Law.

                                       37





       8.8 Certain Actions. (a) Except with respect to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, no JCN Entity nor any officer or director
thereof nor any Representatives thereof retained by any JCN Entity shall
directly or indirectly solicit any Acquisition Proposal by any Person. Except to
the extent the Board of Directors of JCN, after having consulted with and
considered the advice of outside counsel, reasonably determines in good faith
that the failure to take such actions would constitute a breach of fiduciary
duties of the members of such Board of Directors to JCN's shareholders under
applicable law, no JCN Entity or any officer or director or Representative
thereof shall furnish any non-public information that it is not legally
obligated to furnish, negotiate with respect to, or enter into any Contract with
respect to, any Acquisition Proposal. JCN may communicate information about such
an Acquisition Proposal to its shareholders if and to the extent that it is
required to do so in order to comply with its legal obligations as advised by
outside counsel. JCN shall promptly advise Highwoods following the receipt of
any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry concerning a possible Acquisition
Proposal and the details thereof, and advise Highwoods of any developments with
respect to such Acquisition Proposal or inquiry promptly upon the occurrence
thereof. JCN shall (i) immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing
activities, discussions or negotiations with any Persons conducted heretofore
with respect to any of the foregoing, and (ii) use its reasonable efforts to
cause all of its Affiliates and Representatives not to engage in any of the
foregoing. JCN also agrees to take reasonable efforts to prevent any employee of
any JCN Entity from committing any of the foregoing acts.

              (b) During the period from the date of this Agreement through the
Effective Time (or earlier termination hereof), none of the JCN Entities shall
terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any confidentiality or
standstill agreement to which it is a party. During such period, the JCN
Entities shall enforce, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law,
the provisions of any such agreement, including, but not limited to, by
obtaining injunctions to prevent any breaches of any such agreements and to
enforce specifically the terms and provisions thereof in any court having
jurisdiction.

       8.9 Tax Treatment. Each of the Parties undertakes and agrees to use its
reasonable efforts to cause the Merger, and to take no action which would cause
the Merger not, to qualify for or as a "reorganization" within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for federal income tax purposes,
including obtaining letters or other written instruments evidencing investment
intent from the requisite number of JCN Shareholders.

       8.10 State Takeover Laws. Each JCN Entity shall take all necessary steps
to exempt the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from, or if necessary
to challenge the validity or applicability of, any applicable Takeover Law,
including Section 351.459 of the GBCL.

       8.11 Charter Provisions. Each JCN Entity shall take all necessary action
to ensure that the entering into of this Agreement and the consummation of the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not result
in the grant of any rights to any Person under the Certificate of Incorporation,
Bylaws or other governing instruments of any JCN Entity or restrict

                                       38





or impair the ability of Highwoods or any of its Subsidiaries to vote, or
otherwise to exercise the rights of a shareholder with respect to, shares of any
JCN Entity that may be directly or indirectly acquired or controlled by them.

       8.12 Agreement of Affiliates. JCN has disclosed in Section 8.12 of the
JCN Disclosure Memorandum all Persons it reasonably believes are an "affiliate"
of JCN for purposes of Rule 145 under the 1933 Act. JCN shall use its reasonable
efforts to cause each such Person to deliver to Highwoods not later than 30 days
prior to the Effective Time, a written agreement providing that such Person will
not sell, pledge, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the shares of Highwoods
Common Stock to be received by such Person upon consummation of the Merger
except in compliance with applicable provisions of the 1933 Act and the rules
and regulations thereunder. Highwoods shall not be required to maintain the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the 1933 Act for the purposes
of resale of Highwoods Common Stock by such affiliates who do not enter into
such written agreements.

       8.13 Employee Benefits and Contracts. Following the Effective Time,
Highwoods shall provide generally to officers and employees of the JCN Entities
employee benefits under employee benefit and welfare plans (other than stock
option or other plans involving the potential issuance of Highwoods Common
Stock), on terms and conditions which when taken as a whole are substantially
similar to those currently provided by the Highwoods Entities to their similarly
situated officers and employees. For purposes of participation, vesting and
(except in the case of Highwoods retirement plans) benefit accrual under
Highwoods' employee benefit plans, the service of the employees of the JCN
Entities prior to the Effective Time shall be treated as service with a
Highwoods Entity participating in such employee benefit plans. Highwoods also
shall cause the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries to honor in
accordance with their terms all employment, severance, consulting and other
compensation Contracts disclosed in Section 8.13 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum to Highwoods between any JCN Entity and any current or former
director, officer, or employee thereof, and all provisions for vested benefits
or other vested amounts earned or accrued through the Effective Time under the
JCN Benefit Plans.

       8.14 Indemnification.

                    (a) For a period of six years after the Effective Time,
Highwoods shall, and shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, indemnify, defend
and hold harmless the present and former directors, officers, employees and
agents of the JCN Entities (each, an "Indemnified Party") against all
Liabilities arising out of actions or omissions arising out of the Indemnified
Party's service or services as directors, officers, employees or agents of any
JCN Entity or, at any JCN Entity's request, of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise occurring at or prior to the Effective
Time (including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) to the fullest
extent permitted under Missouri Law and by the Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws and any other organizational instruments of the applicable JCN Entity as
in effect on the date hereof, including provisions relating to advances of
expenses incurred in the defense of any Litigation and whether or not any
Highwoods Entity is insured against any such

                                       39





matter. Without limiting the foregoing, in any case in which approval by the
Surviving Corporation is required to effectuate any indemnification, the
Surviving Corporation shall direct, at the election of the Indemnified Party,
that the determination of any such approval shall be made by independent counsel
mutually agreed upon between Highwoods and the Indemnified Party.

                    (b) Highwoods shall, or shall cause the Surviving
Corporation to, use its reasonable efforts (and JCN shall cooperate prior to the
Effective Time in these efforts) to maintain in effect for a period of three
years after the Effective Time JCN's existing directors' and officers' liability
insurance policy (provided that Highwoods may substitute therefor (i) policies
of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which
are substantially no less advantageous or (ii) with the consent of JCN given
prior to the Effective Time, any other policy) with respect to claims arising
from facts or events which occurred prior to the Effective Time and covering
persons who are currently covered by such insurance; provided, that neither
Highwoods nor the Surviving Corporation shall be obligated to make aggregate
premium payments for such three-year period in respect of such policy (or
coverage replacing such policy) which exceed, for the portion related to JCN's
directors and officers, 200% of the annual premium payments on JCN's current
policy in effect as of the date of this Agreement (the "Maximum Amount"). If the
amount of the premiums necessary to maintain or procure such insurance coverage
exceeds the Maximum Amount, Highwoods shall use its reasonable efforts to
maintain the most advantageous policies of directors' and officers' liability
insurance obtainable for a premium equal to the Maximum Amount.

                    (c) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification
under paragraph (a) of this Section 8.14, upon learning of any such Liability or
Litigation, shall promptly notify Highwoods thereof. In the event of any such
Litigation (whether arising before or after the Effective Time), (i) Highwoods
or the Surviving Corporation shall have the right (but only subsequent to the
Effective Time) to assume the defense thereof and neither Highwoods nor the
Surviving Corporation shall be liable to such Indemnified Parties for any legal
expenses of other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by such
Indemnified Parties in connection with the defense thereof, except that if
Highwoods or the Surviving Corporation elects not to assume such defense or
counsel for the Indemnified Parties advises that there are substantive issues
which raise conflicts of interest between Highwoods or the Surviving Corporation
and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel
satisfactory to them, and Highwoods or the Surviving Corporation shall pay all
reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties
promptly as statements therefor are received; provided, that Highwoods and the
Surviving Corporation shall be obligated pursuant to this paragraph (c) to pay
for only one firm of counsel for all Indemnified Parties in any jurisdiction,
(ii) the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the defense of any such
Litigation, and (iii) neither Highwoods nor the Surviving Corporation shall be
liable for any settlement effected without its prior written consent, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided further that neither
Highwoods nor the Surviving Corporation shall have any obligation hereunder to
any Indemnified Party when and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall
determine, and such determination shall have become


                                       40





final, that the indemnification of such Indemnified Party in the manner
contemplated hereby is prohibited by applicable Law.

                    (d) If Highwoods or the Surviving Corporation or any
successors or assigns shall consolidate with or merge into any other Person and
shall not be the continuing or surviving Person of such consolidation or merger
or shall transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, then and
in each case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns
of Highwoods or the Surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth
in this Section 8.14.

                    (e) The provisions of this Section 8.14 are intended to be
for the benefit of and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and their
respective heirs and representatives.

       8.15 Tenant Estoppels. JCN shall endeavor to use reasonable commercial
efforts to obtain prior to the Effective Date, tenant estoppel certificates for
the 100 largest Leases (based on gross rental payments) with respect to the JCN
Properties in form reasonably acceptable to Highwoods.

       8.16 Maintenance of Organizational Structure. Highwoods acknowledges that
its present operating structure enables a level of operational flexibility that
facilitates the growth of Highwoods and its business. Highwoods shall not alter
its current operating structure in any material respect, except to the extent
the Board of Directors of Highwoods determines in good faith that such
alteration is in the best interests of the shareholders of Highwoods.

       8.17 Maintenance of Plaza Redevelopment Plan. Highwoods acknowledges the
economic and social significance of the Country Club Plaza district (the
"Plaza") to Kansas City, Missouri and surrounding communities, and further
acknowledges the importance of the development and redevelopment of the Plaza by
the JCN Entities. From and after the Effective Time, Highwoods shall continue to
pursue each portion of the Plaza redevelopment plan unless the economics of any
single portion of the redevelopment plan, or changes in circumstances beyond the
reasonable control of Highwoods, causes the Board of Directors of Highwoods to
determine in good faith, after consideration of available alternatives, that
such redevelopment plan or portion thereof is contrary to the best interests of
the shareholders of Highwoods.

       8.18 Maintenance of Charitable Contributions. From and after the
Effective Time, Highwoods shall make annual charitable contributions and provide
community support in the geographic areas in which the business of JCN is
currently operated, at levels substantially comparable to or greater than the
levels of charitable contributions and community support provided by JCN
Entities within such areas during calendar year 1996 and the period from January
1, 1997 through the date of this Agreement.

       8.19 Maintenance of Merchant Support. From and after the Effective Time,
Highwoods shall provide annual financial assistance and marketing support to
merchants' associations relating to properties currently owned or operated by
any JCN Entity, at levels substantially comparable


                                       41





to or greater than the levels of such support provided by JCN Entities during
calendar year 1996 and the period from January 1, 1997 through the date of this
Agreement.

       8.20 Member of Board of Directors. Highwoods shall appoint to its Board
of Directors an individual (who would qualify as an independent director under
Highwoods' Articles of Incorporation and bylaws) designated by JCN's Board of
Directors, which designee shall be reasonably acceptable to the Highwoods Board
of Directors to serve until the next annual shareholders meeting, at which time
the Highwoods Board of Directors will nominate and recommend such designee for a
three-year term on Highwoods Board of Directors.

                                    ARTICLE 9
                CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS TO CONSUMMATE

       9.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party. The respective obligations
of each Party to perform this Agreement and consummate the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions, unless waived by both Parties pursuant to Section 11.6:

              (a) Shareholder Approval. The shareholders of JCN shall have
approved this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Merger, as and to the extent required by Law, by the
provisions of any governing instruments, or by the rules of the NASD, if
applicable.

              (b) Regulatory Approvals. All Consents of, filings and
registrations with, and notifications to, all Regulatory Authorities required
for consummation of the Merger shall have been obtained or made and shall be in
full force and effect and all waiting periods required by Law shall have
expired.

              (c) Third Party Consents and Approvals. Each Party shall have
obtained any and all Consents required for consummation of the Merger (other
than those referred to in Section 9.1(b)), which as to JCN, the parties agree
shall include only those Consents set forth in Section 9.1 of the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum. In the event such third party does not make such payment within ten
days of demand therefor by Highwoods, the payment shall be an obligation of JCN
and shall be paid by JCN within two business days of notice to JCN by Highwoods.
In addition to the Consents set forth in Section 9.1 to the JCN Disclosure
Memorandum, to the extent required by the applicable contract, mortgage,
document or other instrument, JCN shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
obtain the consent of (i) any lender to JCN and (ii) any other party reasonably
identified by Highwoods. No Consent so obtained which is necessary to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby shall be conditioned or restricted in a
manner which in the reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors of Highwoods
would so materially adversely impact the economic or business benefits of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement that, had such condition or
requirement been known, such Party would not, in its reasonable judgment, have
entered into this Agreement.


                                       42





              (d) Legal Proceedings. No court or governmental or regulatory
authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated,
enforced or entered any Law or Order (whether temporary, preliminary or
permanent) or taken any other action which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

              (e) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall be
effective under the 1933 Act, no stop orders suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement shall have been issued, no action, suit, proceeding or
investigation by the SEC to suspend the effectiveness thereof shall have been
initiated and be continuing, and all necessary approvals under state securities
Laws or the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act relating to the issuance or trading of the
shares of Highwoods Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger shall have been
received.

              (f) Exchange Listing. The shares of Highwoods Common Stock
issuable pursuant to the Merger shall have been approved for listing on the
NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.

       9.2 Conditions to Obligations of Highwoods. The obligations of Highwoods
to perform this Agreement and consummate the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions,
unless waived by Highwoods pursuant to Section 11.6(a):

              (a) Representations and Warranties. For purposes of this Section
9.2(a), the accuracy of the representations and warranties of JCN set forth in
this Agreement shall be assessed as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
Effective Time with the same effect as though all such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of the Effective Time (provided that
representations and warranties which are confined to a specified date shall
speak only as of such date). The representations and warranties set forth in
Section 5.3 shall be true and correct (except for inaccuracies which are de
minimus in amount). The representations and warranties set forth in Sections
5.18, 5.19, and 5.20 shall be true and correct in all material respects. No
representation or warranty of JCN set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed
untrue or incorrect, and no JCN Entity shall be deemed to have breached a
representation or warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact,
circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually or
taken together with other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent with any
other representation or warranty has had, or is expected to have, a JCN Material
Adverse Effect; provided that, for purposes of this sentence only, those
representations and warranties which are qualified by references to "material"
or "Material Adverse Effect" or to the "Knowledge" of any Person shall be deemed
not to include such qualifications.

              (b) Performance of Agreements and Covenants. Each and all of the
agreements and covenants of JCN to be performed and complied with pursuant to
this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby prior to the
Effective Time shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material
respects, as of the Effective Time.



                                       43





              (c) Certificates. JCN shall have delivered to Highwoods (i) a
certificate, dated as of the Effective Time and signed on its behalf by its
chief executive officer and its chief financial officer, to the effect that the
conditions set forth in Section 9.1 as relates to JCN and in Section 9.2(a) and
9.2(b) have been satisfied, and (ii) certified copies of resolutions duly
adopted by JCN's Board of Directors and shareholders evidencing the taking of
all corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, all in such reasonable detail as Highwoods and its counsel
shall request.

              (d) Opinion of Counsel. Highwoods shall have received an opinion
of Blackwell Sanders Matheny Weary & Lombardi L.L.P., counsel to JCN, dated as
of the Closing, in form reasonably satisfactory to Highwoods, as to the matters
set forth in Exhibit 1.

              (e) Accountant's Letters. Highwoods shall have received from KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP letters dated not more than five days prior to (i) the date of
the Proxy Statement and (ii) the Effective Time, with respect to certain
financial information regarding JCN, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Highwoods, which letters shall be based upon customary specified
procedures undertaken by such firm in accordance with Statement of Auditing
Standard Nos. 72 and 75.

              (f) Rights Agreement. Neither this Agreement and any agreements
related hereto nor consummation of the Merger shall have caused or shall cause
any of the JCN Rights to become non-redeemable or exercisable for capital stock
of Highwoods or JCN.

              (g) Shareholders' Equity. JCN's shareholders' equity as of the
Closing shall not be less than JCN's shareholders' equity as of March 31, 1997,
excluding for purposes of the calculation of such shareholders' equity the
effects of (i) all costs, fees and charges, including fees and charges of JCN's
accountants, counsel and financial advisors, whether or not accrued or paid,
that are related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) any
reductions in JCN's shareholders' equity resulting from any actions or changes
in policies of JCN taken at the request of Highwoods.

              9.3 Conditions to Obligations of JCN. The obligations of JCN to
perform this Agreement and consummate the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions,
unless waived by JCN pursuant to Section 11.6(b):

              (a) Representations and Warranties. For purposes of this Section
9.3(a), the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Highwoods set
forth in this Agreement shall be assessed as of the date of this Agreement and
as of the Effective Time with the same effect as though all such representations
and warranties had been made on and as of the Effective Time (provided that
representations and warranties which are confined to a specified date shall
speak only as of such date). The representations and warranties of Highwoods set
forth in Section 6.15


                                       44





shall be true and correct in all material respects. No representation or
warranty of Highwoods set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed untrue or
incorrect, and no Highwoods Entity shall be deemed to have breached a
representation or warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact,
circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually or
taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent with
any other representation or warranty has had, or is expected to have, a
Highwoods Material Adverse Effect; provided that, for purposes of this sentence
only, those representations and warranties which are qualified by references to
"material" or "Material Adverse Effect" or to the "Knowledge" of any Person
shall be deemed not to include such qualifications.

              (b) Performance of Agreements and Covenants. Each and all of the
agreements and covenants of Highwoods to be performed and complied with pursuant
to this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby prior to the
Effective Time shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material
respects.

              (c) Certificates. Highwoods shall have delivered to JCN (i) a
certificate, dated as of the Effective Time and signed on its behalf by its
chief executive officer and its chief financial officer, to the effect that the
conditions set forth in Section 9.1 as relates to Highwoods and in Section
9.3(a) and 9.3(b) have been satisfied, and (ii) certified copies of resolutions
duly adopted by Highwoods' Board of Directors and Sub's Board of Directors and
sole shareholder evidencing the taking of all corporate action necessary to
authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, all in such reasonable
detail as JCN and its counsel shall request.

              (d) Opinion of Counsel. JCN shall have received an opinion of (i)
Alston & Bird LLP, counsel to Highwoods, dated as of the Effective Time, in form
reasonably acceptable to JCN, as to the matters set forth in Exhibit 2 and (ii)
a tax opinion of Blackwell Sanders Matheny Weary & Lombardi, L.L.P., to the
effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and that JCN shareholders receiving
only Highwoods Common Stock will incur no income tax liability.

              (e) Fairness Opinion. JCN shall not have received notice from
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. prior to the date of the Proxy
Statement, indicating withdrawal of its prior opinion that the consideration to
be received by JCN shareholders in connection with the Merger is fair, from a
financial point of view, to such shareholders and shall have received an update
to such opinion immediately prior to the shareholder meeting at which approval
of this Agreement will be considered.

              (f) Exchange Agent Certification. The Exchange Agent shall have
delivered to JCN a certificate, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect
that the Exchange Agent has received from Highwoods appropriate instructions and
authorization for the Exchange Agent to issue a sufficient number of shares of
Highwoods Common Stock in exchange for outstanding shares of JCN Common Stock
and that Highwoods has deposited with the Exchange Agent


                                       45





sufficient funds to pay a reasonable estimate of the cash payments necessary to
make all fractional share payments as required by Section 3.6.

                                   ARTICLE 10
                                   TERMINATION

       10.1 Termination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
and notwithstanding the approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of JCN,
this Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned at any time prior to
the Effective Time:

              (a)   By mutual consent of Highwoods and JCN; or

              (b) By either Party (provided that the terminating Party is not
then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or other
agreement contained in this Agreement) in the event of a material breach by the
other Party of any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement which
cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of written
notice to the breaching Party of such breach and which breach is reasonably
likely, in the opinion of the non-breaching Party, to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a JCN Material Adverse Effect or a Highwoods Material Adverse
Effect, as applicable, on the breaching Party; or

              (c) By either Party (provided that the terminating Party is not
then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or other
agreement contained in this Agreement) in the event of a material breach by the
other Party of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement which
cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of written
notice to the breaching Party of such breach; or

              (d) By either Party (provided that the terminating Party is not
then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or other
agreement contained in this Agreement) in the event (i) any Consent of any
Regulatory Authority required for consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby shall have been denied by final nonappealable
action of such authority or if any action taken by such authority is not
appealed within the time limit for appeal, or (ii) the shareholders of JCN fail
to vote their approval of the matters relating to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby at the JCN Shareholders Meeting where such
matters were presented to such shareholders for approval and voted upon; or

              (e) By either Party in the event that the Merger shall not have
been consummated by June 30, 1998, if the failure to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby on or before such date is not caused by any breach of this
Agreement by the Party electing to terminate pursuant to this Section 10.1(e);
or

              (f) By Highwoods or JCN, in the event that the Board of Directors
of JCN shall have failed to recommend to its shareholders the approval of the
Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (to the exclusion of
any other Acquisition Proposal), or shall have resolved not to recommend to its
shareholders the approval of the Merger, or shall have affirmed, recommended or
authorized entering into any other Acquisition Proposal or other transaction
involving a merger, share exchange, consolidation or transfer of substantially
all of the Assets of JCN, or shall fail to call and hold a JCN Shareholders
Meeting for purposes of voting on the approval of the Merger and the transaction
contemplated hereby.

       10.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination and
abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1, this Agreement shall
become void and have no effect, except that (i) the provisions of this Section
10.2 and Article 11 and Section 8.6(b) shall survive any such termination and
abandonment, and (ii) a termination pursuant to Sections 10.1(b) or 10.1(c)
shall not relieve the breaching Party from Liability for an uncured willful
breach of a representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement giving rise to such
termination.

       10.3 Non-Survival of Representations and Covenants. The respective
representations, warranties, obligations, covenants, and agreements of the
Parties shall not survive the Effective Time except this Section 10.3 and
Articles 1, 2, 3, 4 and 11 and Sections 8.13 and 8.14.

                                   ARTICLE 11
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

       11.1 Definitions.

              (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms set
forth below shall have the following meanings:

                    "1933 Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.

                    "1934 Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.

                    "Acquisition Proposal" with respect to a Party shall mean
any tender offer or exchange offer or any proposal for a merger, acquisition of
all of the stock or assets of, or other business combination involving the
acquisition of such Party or any of its Subsidiaries or the


                                       46



acquisition of a substantial equity interest in, or a substantial portion of the
assets of, such Party or any of its Subsidiaries.

                    "Affiliate" of a Person shall mean: (i) any other Person
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlling,
controlled by or under common control with such Person; (ii) any officer,
director, partner, employer, or direct or indirect beneficial owner of any 10%
or greater equity or voting interest of such Person.

                    "Agreement" shall mean this Agreement and Plan of Merger,
including the Exhibits delivered pursuant hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.

                    "Articles of Merger" shall mean, collectively, the Articles
of Merger to be executed by JCN and Sub and filed with the Secretary of State of
the State of Missouri relating to the Merger as contemplated by Section 1.1, and
the Articles of Merger to be executed by JCN and Sub and filed with the
Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland relating to the
Merger as contemplated by Section 1.1.

                    "Assets" of a Person shall mean all of the assets,
properties, businesses and rights of such Person of every kind, nature,
character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or
intangible, accrued or contingent, or otherwise relating to or utilized in such
Person's business, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, whether or not
carried on the books and records of such Person, and whether or not owned in the
name of such Person or any Affiliate of such Person and wherever located.

                    "Cash Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.2.

                    "Closing Date" shall mean the date on which the Closing
occurs.

                    "Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean that certain
Confidentiality Agreement, dated November 24, 1997, between JCN and Highwoods.

                    "Consent" shall mean any consent, approval, authorization,
clearance, exemption, waiver, or similar affirmation required from any Person
pursuant to any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit.

                    "Contract" shall mean any written or oral agreement,
arrangement, authorization, commitment, contract, indenture, instrument, lease,
obligation, plan, practice, restriction, understanding, or undertaking of any
kind or character, or other document to which any Person is a party or that is
binding on any Person or its capital stock, Assets or business.


                                       47



                    "Default" shall mean (i) any breach or violation of, default
under, contravention of, or conflict with, any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit,
(ii) any occurrence of any event that with the passage of time or the giving of
notice or both would constitute a breach or violation of, default under,
contravention of, or conflict with, any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit, or
(iii) any occurrence of any event that with or without the passage of time or
the giving of notice would give rise to a right of any Person to exercise any
remedy or obtain any relief under, terminate or revoke, suspend, cancel, or
modify or change the current terms of, or renegotiate, or to accelerate the
maturity or performance of, or to increase or impose any Liability under, any
Contract, Law, Order, or Permit.

                    "Dissenting Shares" shall mean those shares of JCN Common
Stock as to which the holders thereof elect to exercise their dissenter's rights
in accordance with and as contemplated by Section 351.455 of the GBCL and as
provided for in Section 3.5 hereof.

                    "Environmental Laws" shall mean all Laws relating to
pollution or protection of human health and the environment (including ambient
air, surface water, ground water, land surface, or subsurface strata) and which
are administered, interpreted, or enforced by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency or state and local agencies with jurisdiction over, and
including published court decisions interpreting the foregoing pollution or
protection of the environment, including the Comprehensive Environmental
Response Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.
("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
6901 et seq. ("RCRA"), and other Laws relating to emissions, discharges,
releases, or threatened releases of any Hazardous Material, or otherwise
relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, transport, or handling of any Hazardous Material.

                    "Equity Rights" shall mean all arrangements, calls,
commitments, Contracts, options, rights to subscribe to, scrip, understandings,
warrants, or other binding obligations of any character whatsoever relating to,
or securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of the
capital stock of a Person or by which a Person is or may be bound to issue
additional shares of its capital stock or other Equity Rights.

                    "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended.

                    "Exhibits" 1 through 2, inclusive, shall mean the Exhibits
so marked, copies of which are attached to this Agreement. Such Exhibits are
hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof, and may be
referred to in this Agreement and any other related instrument or document
without being attached hereto.

                    "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied during the periods involved.

                    "GBCL" shall mean the General and Business Corporation Law
of Missouri.

                                       48



                    "Hazardous Material" shall mean (i) any hazardous substance,
hazardous material, hazardous waste, regulated substance, or toxic substance (as
those terms are defined by any applicable Environmental Laws) and (ii) any
chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, petroleum, petroleum products, or oil (and
specifically shall include asbestos requiring abatement, removal, or
encapsulation pursuant to any Environmental Law and any polychlorinated
biphenyls).

                    "Highwoods Capital Stock" shall mean, collectively, the
Highwoods Common Stock, the Highwoods Preferred Stock and any other class or
series of capital stock of Highwoods.

                    "Highwoods Common Stock" shall mean the $.01 par value
common stock of Highwoods.

                    "Highwoods Disclosure Memorandum" shall mean the written
information entitled "Highwoods Properties, Inc. Disclosure Memorandum"
delivered prior to the date of this Agreement to JCN describing in reasonable
detail the matters contained therein and, with respect to each disclosure made
therein, specifically referencing each Section of this Agreement under which
such disclosure is being made. Information disclosed with respect to one Section
shall not be deemed to be disclosed for purposes of any other Section not
specifically referenced with respect thereto.

                    "Highwoods Entities" shall mean, collectively, Highwoods and
all Highwoods Subsidiaries.

                    "Highwoods Financial Statements" shall mean (i) the
consolidated balance sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of
Highwoods as of September 30, 1997, and as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash
flows (including related notes and schedules, if any) for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997, and for each of the three fiscal years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, as filed by Highwoods in SEC Documents, and (ii) the
consolidated balance sheets of Highwoods (including related notes and schedules,
if any) and related statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity,
and cash flows (including related notes and schedules, if any) included in SEC
Documents filed with respect to periods ended subsequent to September 30, 1997.

                    "Highwoods Material Adverse Effect" shall mean an event,
change or occurrence which, individually or together with any other event,
change or occurrence, has a material adverse impact on (i) the financial
position, business, or results of operations of Highwoods and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of Highwoods to perform its obligations
under this Agreement or to consummate the Merger or the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

                    "Highwoods Preferred Stock" shall mean, collectively, the 8
5/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of which 125,000 shares are
outstanding and the 8% Series


                                       49




B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of which 6,900,000 shares are
outstanding, of Highwoods.

                    "Highwoods Rights Agreement" shall mean that certain
Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated October 4, 1997, between Highwoods and
First Union National Bank, as Rights Agent.

                    "Highwoods Rights" shall mean the preferred stock purchase
rights issued pursuant to the Highwoods Rights Agreement.

                    "Highwoods Stock Plans" shall mean the existing stock option
and other stock-based compensation plans of Highwoods designated as follows: the
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan; the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and
the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

                    "Highwoods Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries of
Highwoods, which shall include Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership and the
other Highwoods Subsidiaries described in Section 6.4 and any corporation or
other organization acquired as a Subsidiary of Highwoods in the future and held
as a Subsidiary by Highwoods at the Effective Time.

                    "HSR Act" shall mean Section 7A of the Clayton Act, as added
by Title II of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                    "Intellectual Property" shall mean copyrights, patents,
trademarks, service marks, service names, trade names, applications therefor,
technology rights and licenses, computer software (including any source or
object codes therefor or documentation relating thereto), trade secrets,
franchises, know-how, inventions, and other intellectual property rights.

                    "Internal Revenue Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                    "JCN Common Stock" shall mean the $.01 par value common
stock of JCN.

                    "JCN Disclosure Memorandum" shall mean the written
information entitled "J.C. Nichols Company Disclosure Memorandum" delivered
prior to the date of this Agreement to Highwoods describing in reasonable detail
the matters contained therein and, with respect to each disclosure made therein,
specifically referencing each Section of this Agreement under which such
disclosure is being made. Information disclosed with respect to one Section
shall not be deemed to be disclosed for purposes of any other Section not
specifically referenced with respect thereto.


                                       50





                    "JCN Entities" shall mean, collectively, JCN and all JCN
Subsidiaries.

                    "JCN Financial Statements" shall mean (i) the consolidated
balance sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of JCN as of
September 30, 1997, and as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows (including
related notes and schedules, if any) for the nine months ended September 30,
1997, and for each of the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and
1994, as filed by JCN in SEC Documents, and (ii) the consolidated balance sheets
of JCN (including related notes and schedules, if any) and related statements of
operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows (including related
notes and schedules, if any) included in SEC Documents filed with respect to
periods ended subsequent to September 30, 1997.

                    "JCN Material Adverse Effect" shall mean an event, change or
occurrence which, individually or together with any other event, change or
occurrence, has a material adverse impact on (i) the financial position,
business, or results of operations of JCN and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, or (ii) the ability of JCN to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or to consummate the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

                    "JCN Rights" shall mean the common stock purchase rights
issued pursuant to the JCN Rights Agreement.

                    "JCN Rights Agreement" shall mean that certain Shareholders
Rights Agreement, dated July 28, 1997, between JCN and American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, as Rights Agent.

                    "JCN Stock Plans" shall mean the existing stock option and
other stock-based compensation plans of JCN designated as follows: the Amended
and Restated 1996 Stock Option Plans.

                    "JCN Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries of JCN, which
shall include the JCN Subsidiaries described in Section 5.4 and any corporation
or other organization acquired as a Subsidiary of JCN in the future and held as
a Subsidiary by JCN at the Effective Time; provided, however, that neither
KH/JCN L.L.C., a Missouri limited liability company, nor the ESOT shall be
deemed a JCN Subsidiary.

                    "Knowledge" as used with respect to a Person (including
references to such Person being aware of a particular matter) shall mean those
facts that are known or should reasonably have been known after due inquiry by
the chairman, president, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer,
chief operating officer, general counsel, any assistant or deputy general
counsel, or any senior, executive or other vice president of such Person and the
Knowledge of any such persons obtained or which would have been obtained from a
reasonable investigation.


                                       51





                    "Law" shall mean any code, law, ordinance, regulation,
reporting or licensing requirement, rule, or statute applicable to a Person or
its Assets, Liabilities, or business, including those promulgated, interpreted
or enforced by any Regulatory Authority.

                    "Lease" shall mean any lease of more than 10,000 rentable
square feet in effect as of the date hereof and as to which JCN is the lessor.

                    "Liability" shall mean any direct or indirect, primary or
secondary, liability, indebtedness, obligation, penalty, cost or expense
(including costs of investigation, collection and defense), claim, deficiency,
guaranty or endorsement of or by any Person (other than endorsements of notes,
bills, checks, and drafts presented for collection or deposit in the ordinary
course of business) of any type, whether accrued, absolute or contingent,
liquidated or unliquidated, matured or unmatured, or otherwise.

                    "Lien" shall mean any conditional sale agreement, default of
title, easement, encroachment, encumbrance, hypothecation, infringement, lien,
mortgage, pledge, reservation, restriction, security interest, title retention
or other security arrangement, or any adverse right or interest, charge, or
claim of any nature whatsoever of, on, or with respect to any property or
property interest, other than (i) liens for current property Taxes not yet due
and payable, and (iii) liens which do not materially impair the use of or title
to the Assets subject to such lien.

                    "Litigation" shall mean any action, arbitration, cause of
action, claim, complaint, criminal prosecution, governmental or other
examination or investigation, hearing, administrative or other proceeding to
which a Party is a party or of which a Party's, business or Assets (including
Contracts related to it) are the subject, or relating in any way to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                    "Material" for purposes of this Agreement shall be
determined in light of the facts and circumstances of the matter in question;
provided that any specific monetary amount stated in this Agreement shall
determine materiality in that instance.

                    "MGCL" shall mean the Maryland General Corporation Law.

                    "NASD" shall mean the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.

                    "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

                    "Operating Property" shall mean any property owned, leased,
or operated by the Party in question or by any of its Subsidiaries and, where
required by the context, includes the owner or operator of such property, but
only with respect to such property.


                                       52





                    "Order" shall mean any administrative decision or award,
decree, injunction, judgment, order, quasi-judicial decision or award, ruling,
or writ of any federal, state, local or foreign or other court, arbitrator,
mediator, tribunal, administrative agency, or Regulatory Authority.

                    "Participation Facility" shall mean any facility or property
in which the Party in question or any of its Subsidiaries participates in the
management and, where required by the context, said term means the owner or
operator of such facility or property, but only with respect to such facility or
property.

                    "Party" shall mean either JCN or Highwoods, and "Parties"
shall mean both JCN and Highwoods.

                    "Permit" shall mean any federal, state, local, and foreign
governmental approval, authorization, certificate, easement, filing, franchise,
license, notice, permit, or right to which any Person is a party or that is or
may be binding upon or inure to the benefit of any Person or its securities,
Assets, or business.

                    "Per Share Cash Consideration" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.2.

                    "Per Share Stock Consideration" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1.

                    "Person" shall mean a natural person or any legal,
commercial or governmental entity, such as, but not limited to, a corporation,
general partnership, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability
company, trust, business association, group acting in concert, or any person
acting in a representative capacity.

                    "Proxy Statement" shall mean the proxy statement used by JCN
to solicit the approval of its shareholders of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, which shall include the prospectus of Highwoods relating to the
issuance of the Highwoods Common Stock to holders of JCN Common Stock.

                    "Registration Statement" shall mean the Registration
Statement on Form S4, or other appropriate form, including any pre-effective or
post-effective amendments or supplements thereto, filed with the SEC by
Highwoods under the 1933 Act with respect to the shares of Highwoods Common
Stock to be issued to the shareholders of JCN in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


                                       53





                    "Regulatory Authorities" shall mean, collectively, the SEC,
the NYSE, the NASD, the Federal Trade Commission, the United States Department
of Justice, and all other federal, state, county, local or other governmental or
regulatory agencies, authorities (including self-regulatory authorities),
instrumentalities, commissions, boards or bodies having jurisdiction over the
Parties and their respective Subsidiaries.

                    "Representative" shall mean any investment banker, financial
advisor, attorney, accountant, consultant, or other representative engaged by a
Person.

                    "SEC Documents" shall mean all forms, proxy statements,
registration statements, reports, schedules, and other documents filed, or
required to be filed, by a Party or any of its Subsidiaries with any Regulatory
Authority pursuant to the Securities Laws.

                    "Securities Laws" shall mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Advisors Act of 1940,
as amended, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and
regulations of any Regulatory Authority promulgated thereunder.

                    "Sub Common Stock" shall mean the $.01 par value common
stock of Sub.

                    "Subsidiaries" shall mean all those corporations,
associations, or other business entities of which the entity in question either
(i) owns or controls 50% or more of the outstanding equity securities either
directly or through an unbroken chain of entities as to each of which 50% or
more of the outstanding equity securities is owned directly or indirectly by its
parent (provided, there shall not be included any such entity the equity
securities of which are owned or controlled in a fiduciary capacity), (ii) in
the case of partnerships, serves as a general partner, (iii) in the case of a
limited liability company, serves as a managing member, or (iv) otherwise has
the ability to elect a majority of the directors, trustees or managing members
thereof.

                    "Surviving Corporation" shall mean Sub as the surviving
corporation resulting from the Merger.

                    "Tax Return" shall mean any report, return, information
return, or other information required to be supplied to a taxing authority in
connection with Taxes, including any return of an affiliated or combined or
unitary group that includes a Party or its Subsidiaries.

                    "Tax" or "Taxes" shall mean any federal, state, county,
local, or foreign taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts, duties, or other
assessments, including income, gross receipts, excise, employment, sales, use,
transfer, license, payroll, franchise, severance, stamp, occupation, windfall
profits, environmental, federal highway use, commercial rent, customs duties,
capital stock, paid-up capital, profits, withholding, Social Security, single
business and


                                       54





unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, registration, ad
valorem, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax or
governmental fee of any kind whatsoever, imposed or required to be withheld by
the United States or any state, county, local or foreign government or
subdivision or agency thereof, including any interest, penalties, and additions
imposed thereon or with respect thereto.

                    (b) The terms set forth below shall have the meanings
ascribed thereto in the referenced sections:

       Business Combination                              Section 11.2
       Cash Election Shares                              Section 3.2
       Closing                                           Section 1.2
       Dissenting Share Amount                           Section 4.2
       Effective Time                                    Section 1.3
       Election Deadline                                 Section 3.2
       Election Form                                     Section 3.2
       ERISA Affiliate                                   Section 5.13(c)
       ESOT                                              Section 7.2(l)
       Exchange Agent                                    Section 3.2
       Exchange Fund                                     Section 4.1(a)
       Exchange Ratio                                    Section 3.1(c)
       Highwoods Benefit Plans                           Section 6.13(a)
       Highwoods ERISA Plan                              Section 6.13(a)
       Highwoods Option Amount                           Section 3.2(ii)
       Highwoods Pension Plan                            Section 6.13(a)
       Highwoods SEC Reports                             Section 6.5(a)
       JCN Benefit Plans                                 Section 5.13(a)
       JCN Contracts                                     Section 5.14
       JCN ERISA Plan                                    Section 5.13(a)
       JCN Options                                       Section 3.7(a)
       JCN Pension Plan                                  Section 5.13(a)
       JCN Retained Shares                               Section 3.2
       JCN Non-Retained Shares                           Section 3.2
       JCN Properties                                    Section 5.9(a)
       JCN Permitted Encumbrances                        Section 5.9(a)
       JCN SEC Reports                                   Section 5.5(a)
       JCN Shareholders Meeting                          Section 3.2
       Leases                                            Section 5.9(b)
       Mailing Date                                      Section 3.2
       Maximum Amount                                    Section 8.14
       Maximum Cash Election Amount                      Section 3.2(i)
       Maximum Share Amount                              Section 3.2


                                       55





       Merger                                            Section 1.1
       New Certificates                                  Section 4.1(a)
       No Election Shares                                Section 3.2
       Old Certificates                                  Section 3.2
       Record Date                                       Section 3.2
       Takeover Laws                                     Section 5.19

              (c) Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed to include
the plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words "include,"
"includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed
followed by the words "without limitation."

       11.2 Expenses.

              (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 11.2, each of the
Parties shall bear and pay all direct costs and expenses incurred by it or on
its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including
filing, registration and application fees, printing fees, and fees and expenses
of its own financial or other consultants, investment bankers, accountants, and
counsel.

              (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing,

                           (i) if this Agreement is terminated by Highwoods
              pursuant to any of Sections 10.1(b), 10.1(c) or 10.1(f); or

                           (ii) if the Merger is not consummated as a result of
              the failure of JCN to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in
              Section 9.2,

       then JCN shall promptly pay Highwoods the sum of $2,500,000, which amount
represents the costs and expenses of Highwoods (including reasonable costs of
counsel, investment bankers, actuaries and accountants).

              (c)   Notwithstanding the foregoing,

                    (i) if this Agreement is terminated by JCN pursuant to
              either of Sections 10.1(b) or 10.1(c); or

                    (ii) if the Merger is not consummated as a result of the
              failure of Highwoods to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in
              Section 9.3,

       then Highwoods shall promptly pay JCN $2,500,000, which amount represents
the costs and expenses of JCN (including reasonable costs of counsel, investment
bankers, actuaries and accountants).



                                       56





              (d) In addition to the foregoing, if within twelve (12) months
following:

                    (i) any termination of this Agreement by Highwoods pursuant
              to Sections 10.1(b), 10.1(c), or 10.1(f); or

                    (ii) failure to consummate the Merger by reason of any
              failure of JCN to satisfy the conditions enumerated in Section
              9.2; or

       any third-party shall acquire, merge with, combine with, purchase more
than 40% of the Assets of, or engage in any other business combination with, or
purchase any equity securities involving the acquisition of 50% or more of the
voting stock of JCN or a transaction which results in a Person owning 50% or
more of the voting stock of JCN, or enter into any binding agreement to do any
of the foregoing (collectively, a "Business Combination"), such third-party that
is a party to the Business Combination shall pay to Highwoods, prior to the
earlier of consummation of the Business Combination or execution of any letter
of intent or definitive agreement with JCN or any JCN Entity relating to such
Business Combination, an amount in cash equal to the sum of

              (x) $ 14,700,000, plus

              (y) the amount described in subsection (b) of this Section 11.2
(if not previously paid to Highwoods);

       provided, however, that in the event: (i) there has been no Business
Combination consummated or a letter of intent or definitive agreement relating
to a Business Combination entered into at or prior to the time of the JCN
Shareholders Meeting, (ii) this Agreement is terminated or terminable by
Highwoods under Section 10.1(f), and (iii) within 12 months of such meeting or
such termination, a Business Combination is consummated, then such third party
shall pay to Highwoods, at the time of consummation of the Business Combination,
an amount in cash equal to the sum of

              (xx) $7,350,000; plus

              (yy) the amount described in subsection (b) of this Section 11.2
(if not previously paid to Highwoods);

       which payments represent additional compensation for Highwoods' loss as
the result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement not being
consummated. In the event such third-party shall refuse to pay such amounts
within ten days of demand therefor by Highwoods, the amounts shall be an
obligation of JCN and shall be paid by JCN within two business days of notice to
JCN by Highwoods. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if: (i)
Highwoods would not have had the right to terminate this Agreement under Section
10.1(f) above, and (ii) JCN has not intentionally taken any action reasonably
likely to afford Highwoods the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
10.1(b) or 10.1(c) or JCN has not intentionally failed to


                                       57





satisfy any of the conditions set forth in Section 9.2, then no payments shall
be due to Highwoods pursuant to this Section 11.2(d).


       (e)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, if

              (i) this Agreement is not terminable by Highwoods pursuant to
Section 10.1(f); and

              (ii) this Agreement is terminated by either Party pursuant to
Section 10.1(d)(ii);and

              (iii) at the time of the JCN Shareholders Meeting there is public
knowledge of an identifiable third party's financially superior proposal to
purchase all of the then outstanding JCN Common Stock; and

              (iv) the proposal by such third party referred to in clause (iii)
above is accepted and closes within 12 months of the date of this Agreement,

              then the third party making such proposal shall pay to Highwoods,
upon consummation of the transaction, the sum of $2,500,000, which amount
represents the costs and expenses of Highwoods (including reasonable costs of
counsel, investment bankers, actuaries and accountants). In the event such third
party does not make such payment within ten days of demand therefor by
Highwoods, the payment shall be an obligation of JCN and shall be paid by JCN
within two business days of notice to JCN by Highwoods.

       11.3 Brokers and Finders. Except for Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter,
Discover & Co. as to JCN and except for J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as to
Highwoods, each of the Parties represents and warrants that neither it nor any
of its officers, directors or employees has employed any broker or finder or
incurred any Liability for any financial advisory fees, investment bankers'
fees, brokerage fees, commissions, or finders' fees in connection with this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a claim by
any broker or finder based upon his or its representing or being retained by or
allegedly representing or being retained by JCN or by Highwoods, each of JCN and
Highwoods, as the case may be, agrees to indemnify and hold the other Party
harmless of and from any Liability in respect of any such claim.

       11.4 Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
this Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein)
constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements or
understandings with respect thereto, written or oral (except, as to Section
8.6(b), for the Confidentiality Agreement). Nothing in this Agreement expressed
or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person, other than the Parties or
their respective successors, any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities
under or by reason of this Agreement, other than as provided in Sections 8.13
and 8.14.



                                       58





       11.5 Amendments. To the extent permitted by Law, this Agreement may be
amended by a subsequent writing signed by each of the Parties upon the approval
of each of the Parties, whether before or after shareholder approval of this
Agreement has been obtained; provided, that after any such approval by the
holders of JCN Common Stock, there shall be made no amendment that reduces or
modifies in any material respect the consideration to be received by holders of
JCN Common Stock.

       11.6 Waivers.

              (a) Prior to or at the Effective Time, Highwoods, acting through
its Board of Directors, chief executive officer or other authorized officer,
shall have the right to waive any Default in the performance of any term of this
Agreement by JCN, to waive or extend the time for the compliance or fulfillment
by JCN of any and all of its obligations under this Agreement, and to waive any
or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of Highwoods under this
Agreement, except any condition which, if not satisfied, would result in the
violation of any Law. No such waiver shall be effective unless in writing signed
by a duly authorized officer of Highwoods.

              (b) Prior to or at the Effective Time, JCN, acting through its
Board of Directors, chief executive officer or other authorized officer, shall
have the right to waive any Default in the performance of any term of this
Agreement by Highwoods, to waive or extend the time for the compliance or
fulfillment by Highwoods of any and all of its obligations under this Agreement,
and to waive any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of JCN
under this Agreement, except any condition which, if not satisfied, would result
in the violation of any Law. No such waiver shall be effective unless in writing
signed by a duly authorized officer of JCN.

              (c) The failure of any Party at any time or times to require
performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right of such
Party at a later time to enforce the same or any other provision of this
Agreement. No waiver of any condition or of the breach of any term contained in
this Agreement in one or more instances shall be deemed to be or construed as a
further or continuing waiver of such condition or breach or a waiver of any
other condition or of the breach of any other term of this Agreement.

       11.7 Assignment. Except as expressly contemplated hereby, neither this
Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be
assigned by any Party hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without
the prior written consent of the other Party. Subject to the preceding sentence,
this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable
by the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

       11.8 Notices. All notices or other communications which are required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered by hand, by
facsimile transmission, by registered or certified mail, postage pre-paid, or by
courier or overnight carrier, to the persons


                                       59





at the addresses set forth below (or at such other address as may be provided
hereunder), and shall be deemed to have been delivered as of the date so
delivered:

              JCN:

                      J.C. Nichols Company
                      310 Ward Parkway
                      Kansas City, Missouri 64112
                      Telecopy Number:  (816) 561-3456

                      Attention: Barrett Brady

              Copy to Counsel:

                      Blackwell Sanders Matheny Weary & Lombardi L.L.P.
                      Two Pershing Square, Suite 1100
                      Kansas City, Missouri 64108
                      Telecopy Number:  (816) 983-8080

                      Attention: Steve Carman

              and to:

                      Weil, Gotshal & Manges L.L.P.
                      767 Fifth Avenue
                      New York, New York  10153
                      Telecopy Number:  (212) 310-8007

                      Attention:  Steve Jacobs

              Highwoods:

                      Highwoods Properties, Inc.
                      3100 Smoketree Court, Suite 600
                      Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
                      Telecopy Number:  (919) 876-6929

                      Attention: Mack D. Pridgen, III,
                      Vice President and General Counsel

              Copy to Counsel:

                      Alston & Bird LLP
                      3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 310
                      Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
                      Telecopy Number:  (919) 881-3175

                      Attention: Brad S. Markoff





                                       60






       11.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the Laws of the State of Missouri, without regard to any
applicable conflicts of Laws.

       11.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

       11.11 Captions; Articles and Sections. The captions contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not part of this Agreement.
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to particular Articles or Sections
shall mean and refer to the referenced Articles and Sections of this Agreement.

       11.12 Interpretations. Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or
ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against any party, whether under
any rule of construction or otherwise. No party to this Agreement shall be
considered the draftsman. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement
has been reviewed, negotiated, and accepted by all parties and their attorneys
and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the
words used so as fairly to accomplish the purposes and intentions of all parties
hereto.

       11.13 Enforcement of Agreement. The Parties hereto agree that irreparable
damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement was
not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached.
It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state
having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they
are entitled at law or in equity.

       11.14 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this
Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted
to be only so broad as is enforceable.



                                       61





              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement
to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers as of the day and
year first above written.

                                        HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.


                                        By: /s/ Ronald P. Gibson
                                            ______________________________
                                            President


                                        JACKSON ACQUISITION CORP.


                                        By: /s/ Ronald P. Gibson
                                            ______________________________
                                            President


                                        J.C. NICHOLS COMPANY


                                        By: /s/ Barrett Brady
                                            ______________________________
                                            President






                                       62







                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                            <C>

                                                                                                               Page

  ARTICLE 1 TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER......................................................................1
         1.1      Merger..........................................................................................1
         1.2      Time and Place of Closing.......................................................................1
         1.3      Effective Time..................................................................................2

  ARTICLE 2 TERMS OF MERGER.......................................................................................2
         2.1      Charter.........................................................................................2
         2.2      Bylaws..........................................................................................2
         2.3      Directors and Officers..........................................................................2

  ARTICLE 3 MANNER OF CONVERTING SHARES...........................................................................2
         3.1      Conversion of Shares............................................................................2
         3.2      Cash Election...................................................................................3
         3.3      Anti-Dilution Provisions........................................................................6
         3.4      Shares Held by JCN or Highwoods.................................................................6
         3.5      Dissenting Shareholders.........................................................................6
         3.6      Fractional Shares...............................................................................7
         3.7      Conversion of Stock Options.....................................................................7
         3.8      Extraordinary Dividend..........................................................................8

ARTICLE 4 EXCHANGE OF SHARES......................................................................................9
         4.1      Exchange Procedures.............................................................................9
         4.2      Rights of Former JCN Shareholders..............................................................10

ARTICLE 5 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF JCN..................................................................10
         5.1      Organization, Standing, and Power..............................................................11
         5.2      Authority of JCN; No Breach By Agreement.......................................................11
         5.3      Capital Stock..................................................................................12
         5.4      JCN Subsidiaries...............................................................................12
         5.5      SEC Filings; Financial Statements..............................................................13
         5.6      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................................................14
         5.7      Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................................................14
         5.8      Tax Matters....................................................................................14
         5.9      Assets.........................................................................................15
         5.10     Environmental Matters..........................................................................16
         5.11     Compliance with Laws...........................................................................17
         5.12     Labor Relations................................................................................17
         5.13     Employee Benefit Plans.........................................................................18
         5.14     Material Contracts.............................................................................19
         5.15     Legal Proceedings..............................................................................20
         5.16     Reports........................................................................................20


                                        i





         5.17     Statements True and Correct....................................................................21
         5.18     Tax and Regulatory Matters.....................................................................21
         5.19     State Takeover Laws............................................................................22
         5.20     Charter Provisions.............................................................................22
         5.21     Rights Agreement...............................................................................22
         5.22     Opinion of Financial Advisor...................................................................22
         5.23     Board Recommendation...........................................................................22

  ARTICLE 6 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HIGHWOODS..........................................................22
         6.1      Organization, Standing, and Power..............................................................22
         6.2      Authority; No Breach By Agreement..............................................................23
         6.3      Capital Stock..................................................................................24
         6.4      Highwoods Subsidiaries.........................................................................24
         6.5      SEC Filings; Financial Statements..............................................................25
         6.6      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................................................25
         6.7      Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................................................26
         6.8      Tax Matters....................................................................................26
         6.9      Assets.........................................................................................26
         6.10     Environmental Matters..........................................................................26
         6.11     Compliance with Laws...........................................................................27
         6.12     Labor Relations................................................................................28
         6.13     Employee Benefit Plans.........................................................................28
         6.14     Legal Proceedings..............................................................................29
         6.15     Reports........................................................................................30
         6.16     Statements True and Correct....................................................................30
         6.17     Authority of Sub...............................................................................31
         6.18     Tax and Regulatory Matters.....................................................................31
         6.19     Rights Agreement...............................................................................31

  ARTICLE 7 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING CONSUMMATION.............................................................31
         7.1      Affirmative Covenants of JCN...................................................................31
         7.2      Negative Covenants of JCN......................................................................32
         7.3      Covenants of Highwoods.........................................................................34
         7.4      Adverse Changes in Condition...................................................................34
         7.5      Reports........................................................................................35

  ARTICLE 8 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS................................................................................35
         8.1      Registration Statement; Proxy Statement; Shareholder Approval..................................35
         8.2      Exchange Listing...............................................................................36
         8.3      Applications; Antitrust Notification...........................................................36
         8.4      Filings with State Offices.....................................................................36
         8.5      Agreement as to Efforts to Consummate..........................................................36
         8.6      Investigation and Confidentiality..............................................................37


                                       ii





         8.7      Press Releases.................................................................................37
         8.8      Certain Actions................................................................................38
         8.9      Tax Treatment..................................................................................38
         8.10     State Takeover Laws............................................................................38
         8.11     Charter Provisions.............................................................................38
         8.12     Agreement of Affiliates........................................................................39
         8.13     Employee Benefits and Contracts................................................................39
         8.14     Indemnification................................................................................39
         8.15     Tenant Estoppels...............................................................................41
         8.16     Maintenance of Organizational Structure........................................................41
         8.17     Maintenance of Plaza Redevelopment Plan........................................................41
         8.18     Maintenance of Charitable Contributions........................................................41
         8.19     Maintenance of Merchant Support................................................................41
         8.20     Member of Board of Directors...................................................................42

  ARTICLE 9 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS TO CONSUMMATE....................................................42
         9.1      Conditions to Obligations of Each Party........................................................42
         9.2      Conditions to Obligations of Highwoods.........................................................43
         9.3      Conditions to Obligations of JCN...............................................................44

  ARTICLE 10 TERMINATION.........................................................................................46
         10.1     Termination....................................................................................46
         10.2     Effect of Termination..........................................................................47
         10.3     Non-Survival of Representations and Covenants..................................................47

  ARTICLE 11 MISCELLANEOUS.......................................................................................47
         11.1     Definitions....................................................................................47
         11.2     Expenses.......................................................................................57
         11.3     Brokers and Finders............................................................................59
         11.4     Entire Agreement...............................................................................59
         11.5     Amendments.....................................................................................60
         11.6     Waivers........................................................................................60
         11.7     Assignment.....................................................................................60
         11.8     Notices........................................................................................60
         11.9     Governing Law..................................................................................62
         11.10    Counterparts...................................................................................62
         11.11    Captions; Articles and Sections................................................................62
         11.12    Interpretations................................................................................62
         11.13    Enforcement of Agreement.......................................................................62
         11.14    Severability...................................................................................62

</TABLE>


                                       iii






                                LIST OF EXHIBITS


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

  1.                                Matters as to which Blackwell Sanders
                                    Matheny Weary & Lombardi will opine (ss.
                                    9.2(d)).

  2.                                Matters as to which Alston & Bird LLP will
                                    opine (ss.9.3(d)).




                                                                       Exhibit 1

              MATTERS AS TO WHICH BLACKWELL SANDERS MATHENY WEARY &
                             LOMBARDI LLP WILL OPINE



         1. JCN is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Missouri, with full corporate power and
authority to carry on the business in which it is engaged and to own and use its
Assets.

         2. The authorized capital stock of JCN consists of shares of
________________________ JCN Common Stock, of which __________________ shares
were issued and outstanding as of ____________________, 19__. Subsequent to
September 1995, no shares of JCN Common Stock have been issued in violation of
any statutory preemptive rights of shareholders, and all shares issued since
such date were duly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable under the
Missouri Business Corporation Act. To our knowledge, except as set forth above
or as disclosed in Section 5.3 of the JCN Disclosure Memorandum, as of , 19___
there were no shares of capital stock or other equity securities of JCN
outstanding and no outstanding Equity Rights relating to the capital stock of
JCN.

         3. The execution and delivery of the Agreement and compliance with its
terms do not and will not violate or contravene any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of JCN or, to our knowledge but without any independent
investigation, result in any conflict with, breach of, or default or
acceleration under any Law or Order to which JCN is a party or by which JCN is
bound, except as may be disclosed in the JCN Disclosure Memorandum.

         4. The Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
JCN and, assuming valid authorization, execution and delivery by Highwoods and
Sub, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of JCN enforceable in accordance
with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally, provided, however, that we express no opinion as to the availability
of the equitable remedy of specific performance.





                                                                       Exhibit 2

                MATTERS AS TO WHICH ALSTON & BIRD LLP WILL OPINE


         1. Highwoods is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland with full corporate power
and authority to carry on the business in which it is engaged, and to own and
use its Assets.

         2. Sub is a corporation duly organized and validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Maryland with full corporate power and
authority to carry on the business in which it is engaged, and to own and use
its Assets.

         3. The execution and delivery of the Agreement and compliance with its
terms do not and will not violate or contravene any provision of the Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Highwoods or, to our knowledge
but without any independent investigation, any Law or Order to which Highwoods
is a party or by which Highwoods is bound. The adoption of the Agreement and
compliance with its terms do not and will not violate or contravene any
provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Sub or, to our knowledge
but without any independent investigation, any Law or Order to which Sub is a
party or by which Sub is bound.

         4. The Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
Highwoods and Sub, and assuming valid authorization, execution and delivery by
JCN, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Highwoods and Sub enforceable
in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally, provided, however, that we express no opinion as to the
availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance.

         5. The shares of Highwoods Common Stock to be issued to the
shareholders of JCN as contemplated by the Agreement have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and when properly issued and delivered
following consummation of the Merger will be fully paid and non-assessable under
the General Corporation Law of Maryland.





                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT


     THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT is made as of the 28th day of August, 1997, by and
among Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the "Company"), a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of Maryland and UBS Limited, an English corporation ("UBS
Limited") and Union Bank of Switzerland, London Branch, acting through its agent
UBS Securities LLC ("UBS-LB") (UBS Limited and UBS-LB being hereinafter
collectively called the "UBS Parties" and sometimes individually, a UBS Party").

     IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Purchase
Agreement, the Company and the UBS Parties agree as follows:

     SECTION 1. Authorization of Sale of the Shares. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Purchase Agreement, the Company has authorized the sale to
UBS Limited of up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of common stock (the
"Common Shares"), $.01 par value per share (the "Purchase Shares"), of the
Company. In addition, the Company may issue to UBS-LB additional Common Shares
in settlement of certain of its obligations under the Forward Stock Purchase,
dated August 28, 1997 (the "Forward Stock Purchase Agreement"), between the
Company and UBS-LB (the "Additional Shares"). The Purchase Shares and the
Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively called the "Shares".

     SECTION 2. Agreement to Sell and Purchase the Purchase Shares. Subject to
the terms and conditions of this Purchase Agreement, on the Closing Date (as
defined in Section 3 hereof), the Company will sell to UBS Limited the Purchase
Shares, the number of which shall equal 1,800,000, for a per share purchase
price equal to the Closing Price. The "Closing Price" shall equal the closing
price reported on the New York Stock Exchange for a Common Share on the business
day immediately preceding the Closing Date.

     SECTION 3. Delivery of the Shares at the Closing.

     3.1. Closing. The completion of the purchase and sale of the Purchase
Shares (the "Closing") shall occur as soon as practicable, on such date to be
agreed upon by the Company and the UBS Parties (hereinafter, the "Closing
Date").

     3.2. Conditions. At Closing, the Company shall deliver to the UBS Limited
one or more stock certificates registered in the name of UBS Limited
representing the number of Purchase Shares set forth in Section 2 above.

     The Company's obligation to complete the purchase and sale of the Purchase
Shares and deliver such stock certificate(s) to UBS Limited at the Closing shall
be subject to the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived
by the Company: (i) receipt by the Company of Federal Funds (or other mutually
agreed upon form of payment) in the full 

<PAGE>

amount of the purchase price for the Purchase Shares being purchased hereunder,
(ii) the accuracy in all material respects, as of the Closing Date, of the
representations and warranties made by the UBS Parties herein and the
fulfillment of in all material respects those undertakings of the UBS Parties
therein to be fulfilled prior to the Closing, (iii) the Forward Stock Purchase
Agreement shall have been fully executed by the parties thereto and (iv) receipt
by the Company of a cross-receipt with respect to the Purchase Shares executed
by UBS Limited and a certificate by an officer or authorized representative of
UBS Limited to the effect that the representations and warranties of UBS Limited
set forth in Section 5 hereof are true and correct as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Closing Date.

     UBS Limited's obligation to accept delivery of such stock certificate(s)
and to pay for the Purchase Shares evidenced thereby shall be subject to the
following conditions: (i) the accuracy in all material respects, as of the
Closing Date, of the representations and warranties made by the Company herein
and the fulfillment in all material respects, as of the Closing Date, of those
undertakings of the Company to be fulfilled prior to Closing; and (ii) the UBS
Parties shall have received all opinions and certificates to be delivered
pursuant to this Agreement.

     SECTION 4. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Company. The
Company hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, the UBS Parties
as follows:

     4.1. Organization and Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Maryland and
has all requisite corporate power and authority to conduct its business as
currently conducted.

     4.2. Authorized Capital Stock. The Company has authorized and outstanding
capital stock as set forth in the Most Recent Financial Statements (as defined
below); the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's Common Shares have
been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable, have
been issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws, were not
issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive rights or other rights to
subscribe for or purchase securities, and conform to the description thereof
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. Other than as described
in the Company's SEC Filings (as defined below), the Company does not have
outstanding any options to purchase, or any preemptive rights or other rights to
subscribe for or to purchase, any securities or obligations convertible into, or
any contracts or commitments to issue or sell, shares of its capital stock or
any such options, rights, convertible securities or obligations. The description
of the Company's stock, stock bonus and other stock plans or arrangements and
the options or other rights granted and exercised thereunder in the Company's
SEC Fillings accurately and fairly presents the information required to be shown
with respect to such plans, arrangements, options and rights.

     4.3. Issuance, Sale and Delivery of the Shares. The Purchase Shares to be
sold by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued, delivered and
paid for in the manner set forth in this Agreement, will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will conform to the
description thereof incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. The
Additional Shares, if and when issued pursuant to the Forward Stock Purchase
Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and will 


                                       2
<PAGE>

conform to the description thereof incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement. None of the Shares when issued and delivered to the UBS Parties shall
be subject to any lien, security interest, claim, charge or encumbrance of any
nature. Other than the UBS Parties, no shareholder of the Company has any right,
which has not been waived or has not expired by reason of lapse of time
following notification of the Company's intent to file the Registration
Statement (as defined below), to require the Company to register the sale of any
shares owned by such shareholder under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), in the Registration Statement. No further approval or
authority of the shareholders or the Board of Directors of the Company will be
required for the issuance and/or sale of the Shares to be sold by the Company as
contemplated herein or in the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement, except such as
shall have been obtained on or before the Closing Date. The issuance and/or sale
of the Shares to the UBS Parties by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or
the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement (as the case may be), the compliance by the
Company with the other provisions of this Agreement or the Forward Stock
Purchase Agreement and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby do not require the consent, approval, authorization,
registration or qualification of or with any governmental authority, except such
as shall have been obtained on or before the Closing Date other than the
registration of the resale of the Shares by the UBS Parties with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and any required Blue Sky filings within the
States. The Company meets and will continue to meet the requirements for use of
Form S-3 under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Rules and Regulations"). The Company has filed and will file
all documents which it is required to file under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and all such documents (the "Company's SEC
Filings") comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, and none of such
documents, when so filed, contained or will contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and any documents so
filed and incorporated by reference subsequent to the effective date of the
Registration Statement shall, when they are filed with the SEC, conform in all
material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and
Regulations and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as
applicable. No Registration Statement filed in respect of any of the Shares,
when so filed, contained or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.

     4.4. Due Execution, Delivery and Performance of the Agreement. The Company
has full legal right, power and authority to enter into the Purchase Agreement
and the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement and perform the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. The Purchase Agreement and the Forward Stock
Purchase Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Company. The making and performance of the Purchase Agreement and the Forward
Stock Purchase Agreement by the Company and the consummation of the transactions
herein and therein contemplated will not violate any provision of the articles
of incorporation or bylaws, or other organizational documents, of the Company,
and will not conflict with, result in the breach or violation of, or constitute,
either by itself or upon notice or 


                                       3
<PAGE>

the passage of time or both, a default under any material agreement, mortgage,
deed of trust, lease, franchise, license, indenture, permit or other instrument
to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or its properties may be
bound or affected, any statute or any authorization, judgment, decree, order,
rule or regulation of any court or any regulatory body, administrative agency or
other governmental body applicable to the Company or any of its properties. No
consent, approval, authorization or other order of any court, regulatory body,
administrative agency or other governmental body is required for the execution
and delivery of this Agreement, the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except in
connection with the filing of any Registration Statements pursuant to Section 7
below or for compliance with the Blue Sky laws applicable to the offering of the
Shares. Upon the execution and delivery hereof, each of the Purchase Agreement
and the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement will constitute the valid and binding
obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' and contracting
parties' rights generally and except as enforceability may be subject to general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law) and except as the indemnification agreements
of the Company in Section 7.5 hereof may be legally unenforceable.

     4.5. Accountants. The Company's independent certified public accountants,
who have expressed their opinion with respect to the Most Recent Financial
Statements (as defined below) are independent accountants as required by the
Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations. The Company shall cause the
independent certified public accountants to deliver, on the effective date of
Registration Statement, and at the time of sale pursuant to the Registration
Statement of Shares, a letter stating that such accountants are independent
public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and otherwise in
customary form and covering such financial and accounting matters as are
customarily covered by letters of independent certified public accountants
delivered in connection with underwritten public offerings of equity securities.

     4.6. No Defaults. Except as to defaults, violations and breaches which
individually or in the aggregate would not be material to the Company, the
Company is not in violation or default of any provision of its articles of
incorporation or bylaws, or other organizational documents, or is not in breach
of or default with respect to any provision of any agreement, judgment, decree,
order, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, franchise, license, indenture, permit or
other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties
are bound; and there does not exist any state of fact which constitutes an event
of default on the part of the Company as defined in such documents or which,
with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such an event of default
except such defaults which individually or in the aggregate would not be
material to the Company.

     4.7. Contracts. Neither the Company, nor to the best of the Company's
knowledge, any other party is in breach of or default under any of such
contracts to which the Company is a party except such breach or default which
individually or in the aggregate would not be material to the Company.



                                       4
<PAGE>

     4.8. No Actions. There are no legal or governmental actions, suits or
proceedings pending or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, threatened to
which the Company is or may be a part or of which property owned or leased by
the Company is or may be the subject, or related to environmental or
discrimination matters, which actions, suits or proceedings might, individually
or in the aggregate, prevent or adversely affect the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or result in a material adverse change in the condition
(financial or otherwise), of the properties, business, results of operations or
prospects of the Company, and no labor disturbance by the employees of the
Company exists or is imminent which might be expected to affect adversely such
condition, properties, business, results of operations or prospects. The Company
is neither a party nor subject to the provisions of any material injunction,
judgment, decree or order of any court, regulatory body administrative agency or
other governmental body.

     4.9. Properties. The Company has good and marketable title to all the
properties and assets reflected as owned by it in the financial statements
included in the Most Recent Financial Statements, subject to no lien, mortgage,
pledge, charge or encumbrance of any kind except (i) those, if any, reflected in
such financial statements or the Company's SEC Filings, or (ii) those which are
not material in amount and do not adversely affect the use made and promised to
be made of such property by the Company. The Company holds its leased properties
under valid and binding leases, with such exceptions as are not materially
significant in relation to the business of the Company. The Company owns or
leases all such properties as are necessary to its operations as now conducted.

     The Company qualified as a real estate investment trust under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to its taxable years ended
December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996, and is organized in
conformity with the requirements for qualification as a real estate investment
trust, and its manner of operation has enabled it to meet the requirements for
qualification as a real estate investment trust as of the date hereof, and its
proposed manner of operation will enable it to meet the requirements for
qualification as a real estate investment trust in the future.

     4.10. No Material Change. Since the date of the Most Recent Financial
Statements, and except as otherwise disclosed in the Company's SEC Filings as of
the Closing Date or in writing to the UBS Parties (i) the Company has not
incurred any material liabilities or obligations, indirect, or contingent, or
entered into any material verbal or written agreement or other transaction which
is not in the ordinary course of business (it being agreed that for purposes of
this sentence the Company's ordinary course of business shall include the
acquisition, directly indirectly, of real estate properties or businesses of a
type that may be owned by a "real estate investment trust" (as defined under the
Internal Revenue Code) or which could reasonably be expected to result in a
material reduction in the future earnings of the Company; (ii) the Company has
not sustained any material loss or interference with its businesses or
properties from fire, flood, windstorm, accident or other calamity, whether or
not covered by insurance; (iii) the Company is not in default in the payment of
principal or interest on any outstanding debt obligations; (iv) there has not
been any change in the capital stock of the Company (other than the sale of the
Purchase Shares hereunder and the sale of Common Stock under the Company's


                                       5
<PAGE>

Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan), or indebtedness material to the
Company (other than in the ordinary course of business); and (v) there has not
been any material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
business, properties, results of operations or prospects of the Company.

     4.11. Intellectual Property. The Company believes it has sufficient
trademarks, trade names, patent rights, copyrights, licenses, approvals and
governmental authorizations to conduct its businesses as now conducted; and the
Company has no knowledge of any material infringement by it of trademark, trade
name rights, patent rights, copyrights, licenses, trade secrets or other similar
rights of others, and no claim has been made against the Company regarding
trademark, trade name, patent, copyright, license, trade secrecy or other
infringement which could have a material adverse effect on the condition
(financial or otherwise), business, results of operations or prospects of the
Company.

     4.12. Compliance. The Company has not been advised, and has no reason to
believe, that it is not conducting business in compliance with all applicable
laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdictions in which it is conducting
business, including, without limitation, all applicable local, state and federal
environmental laws and regulations; except where failure to be so in compliance
would not materially adversely affect the condition (financial or otherwise),
business, results of operations or prospects of the Company.

     4.13. Taxes. The Company has filed all necessary federal, state and foreign
income and franchise tax returns and has paid or accrued all taxes shown as due
thereon, and the Company has no knowledge of any tax deficiency which has been
or might be asserted or threatened against the Company which could materially
adversely affect the business condition (financial or otherwise), results of
operations or prospects of the Company.

     4.14. Transfer Taxes. On the Closing Date, all stock transfer or other
taxes (other than income taxes) which are required to be paid in connection with
the sale and transfer of the Purchase Shares to be sold to UBS Limited hereunder
will be, or will have been, fully paid or provided for by the Company and all
laws imposing such taxes will be or will have been fully complied with.

     4.15. Investment Company. The Company is not required to register as an
"investment company" as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

     4.16. Offering Materials. The Company has not distributed and will not
distribute prior to the Closing Date any offering material in connection with
the offering and sale of the Purchase Shares other than the documents provided
to the UBS Parties pursuant to Section 4.18, except as set forth at Section 5.5.

     4.17. Insurance. The Company maintains insurance (or insurance is
maintained on its behalf) of the types and in the amounts generally deemed
adequate under customary industry standards for its business, including, but not
limited to, insurance covering all real and 


                                       6
<PAGE>

personal property owned or leased by the Company against theft, damage,
destruction, acts of vandalism and all other risks customarily insured against,
all of which insurance is in full force and effect.

     4.18. SEC Filings. The Company represents and warrants that the information
contained in the following documents, which the Company has furnished to the UBS
Parties, or will furnish prior to the Closing, is or will be true and correct in
all material respects as of their respective filing dates:

     (a)  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, which
          Annual Report includes the Company's most recently available audited
          financial statements together with the report thereon of the
          independent certified public accountants (the "Most Recent Financial
          Statements");

     (b)  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1997
          and June 30, 1997;

     (c)  the Company's proxy statements on Form 14A relating to (i) the most
          recent Annual Meeting of the Company's Shareholders and (ii) any
          Special Meetings of the Company's Shareholders which occurred during
          the 12-month period prior to the date hereof or for which a meeting
          date has been fixed and a proxy statement distributed; and

     (d)  all other documents, if any, filed by or with respect to the Company
          with the SEC since January 1, 1997 pursuant to Sections 13, 15(d) or
          16(a) of the Exchange Act; and

     (e)  a covenant compliance certification stating that the Company and its
          subsidiaries are not in default under the $280 million unsecured
          revolving line of credit from a syndicate of lenders, evidenced by
          that certain Credit Agreement by and among Highwoods/Forsyth Limited
          Partnership as borrower, the Company and certain subsidiaries as
          guarantors, the lenders named therein, NationsBank, N.A. as
          administrative agent and First Union National Bank as documentation
          agent.

     4.19. Legal Opinion. Prior to the Closing, counsel to the Company will
deliver its legal opinion to the UBS Parties in substantially the form of
Exhibit A hereto.

     4.20 ERISA. The Company and its affiliates are in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder ("ERISA"). Neither a Reportable Event (as defined under
ERISA) nor a Prohibited Transaction (as defined under ERISA) has occurred with
respect to any Plan (as defined below) of the Company and/or its affiliates; no
notice of intent to terminate a Plan has been filed nor has any Plan been
terminated


                                       7
<PAGE>

within the past five years; no circumstance exists which constitutes grounds
under Section 402 of ERISA entitling the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
("PBGC") to institute proceedings to terminate, or appoint a trustee to
administer, a Plan, nor has the PBGC instituted any such proceedings; the
Company and its affiliates have not completely or partially withdrawn under
Sections 4201 or 4202 of ERISA from any Multiemployer Plan (as defined therein);
the Company and its affiliates have met the minimum funding requirements of
Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and
Section 302 of ERISA with respect to each Plan and there is no unfunded current
liability (as defined below) with respect to any Plan; the Company and its
affiliates have not incurred any liability to the PBGC under ERISA (other than
for the payment of premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA); no part of the funds
to be used by the Company in satisfaction of its obligations under this Purchase
Agreement or the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement constitute "plan assets" of
any "employee benefit plan" within the meaning of ERISA or of any "plan" within
the meaning of Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code, as interpreted by the Internal
Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor in rules, regulations, releases
and bulletins or as interpreted under applicable case law. As used below, "Plan"
means an "employee benefit plan" or "plan" as described in Section 3(3) of
ERISA; and "unfunded current liability" has the meaning provided in Section
302(d)(8)(A) of ERISA.

     4.21. Certificate. A certificate of the Company executed by the Chairman of
the Board or President and the chief financial or accounting officer of the
Company, to be dated the Closing Date in form and substance satisfactory to the
UBS Parties to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Company
set forth in this Section 4 are true and correct as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Closing Date, and the Company has complied with all the
agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or
satisfied on or prior to such Closing Date.

     4.23 Environmental Protection. To the Company's knowledge, except as
disclosed in the Company's SEC Filings, none of the Company's or its affiliates'
properties contain any Hazardous Materials that, under any Environmental Law,
(i) would impose liability on the Company or any affiliate that is likely to
have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business,
results of operations, or prospects, of the Company or (ii) is likely to result
in the imposition of a lien on any assets owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company. To the Company's knowledge, neither it nor any affiliate is subject to
any existing, pending or threatened investigation or proceeding by any
governmental agency or authority with respect or pursuant to any Environmental
Law, except any which, if adversely determined, would not have a material
adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business, results of
operations or prospects of the Company. As used herein, "Environmental Laws"
mean all federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health and safety
laws, codes and ordinances and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
including, without limitation laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases
or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial,
toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including, without
limitation, air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata)
or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants,
chemicals, or industrial, solid, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes; and
"Hazardous Material" includes, without limitation, (i) all substances which are
designated


                                       8
<PAGE>

pursuant to Section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
("FWPCA"), 33 U.S.C ss.1251 et seq.; (ii) any element, compound, mixture,
solution, or substance which is designated pursuant to Section 102 of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"),
42 U.S.C. ss.9601 et seq.; (iii) any hazardous waste having the characteristics
which are identified under or listed pursuant to Section 3001 of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), 42 U.S.C. ss.6901 et seq.; (iv) any
toxic pollutant listed under Section 307(a) of the FWPCA; (v) any hazardous air
pollutant which is listed under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C.
ss.7401 et seq.; (vi) any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture
with respect to which action has been taken pursuant to Section 7 of the Toxic
Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. ss.2601 et seq.; and (vii) petroleum,
petroleum products, petroleum by-products, petroleum decomposition by-products,
and waste oil.

     SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the UBS Parties.

     5.1. Investment. UBS Limited and/or UBS-LB represents and warrants to, and
covenants with, the Company that: (i) UBS Limited, taking into account the
personnel and resources it can practically bring to bear on the purchase of the
Purchase Shares contemplated hereby, is knowledgeable, sophisticated and
experienced in making, and is qualified to make, decisions with respect to
investments in shares presenting an investment decision like that involved in
the purchase of the Purchase Shares, including investments in securities issued
by the Company, and has requested, received, reviewed and considered all
information it deems relevant in making an informed decision to purchase the
Purchase Shares; (ii) UBS Limited is acquiring the number of Purchase Shares set
forth in Section 2 above in the ordinary course of its business and for its own
account for investment (as defined for purposes of the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the regulations thereunder) only and with
no present intention of distributing any of such Purchase Shares or any
arrangement or understanding with any other persons regarding the distribution
of such Shares (this representation and warranty not limiting the rights of
either UBS Party to sell pursuant to any Registration Statement); (iii) neither
UBS Party will, directly or indirectly, sell or otherwise dispose of (or solicit
any offers to purchase or otherwise acquire) any of the Shares except in
compliance with the Securities Act, the Rules and Regulations and any applicable
state securities or blue sky laws or pursuant to an available exemption or
exclusion therefrom; (iv) each UBS Party has completed or caused to be completed
the Registration Statement Questionnaire and the Stock Certificate
Questionnaire, both attached hereto as Appendix I, for use in preparation of the
Registration Statement and the answers thereto are true and correct to the best
knowledge of the UBS Parties as of the date hereof and will be true and correct
as of the effective date of the Registration Statement; (v) the UBS Parties
have, in connection with their decision to purchase the number of Purchase
Shares set forth in Section 2 above, relied solely upon the documents identified
in Section 4.18, the information referred to in Section 5.5 and the
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein; (vi) each of the
UBS Parties is an "accredited investor" within the meaning of Rule 501 of
Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act; (vii) the UBS Parties do not
directly or indirectly have an interest of five percent or more of the Common
Shares outstanding as shown in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 1997 and (viii) the Purchaser understands that the
Shares will contain a legend to the following effect:



                                       9
<PAGE>

                  THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
                  REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. THE SHARES HAVE
                  BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED
                  OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
                  STATEMENT FOR THESE SHARES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR
                  AN OPINION OF THE COMPANY'S COUNSEL THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT
                  REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT.

     5.2. Resale. Each UBS Party acknowledges and agrees that the Shares are not
transferable on the books of the Company unless the certificate submitted to the
transfer agent evidencing the Shares is accompanied by a separate officer's
certificate: (i) in the form of Appendix II hereto, (ii) executed by an officer
of, or other authorized person designated by, the UBS Parties, and (iii) to the
effect that (A) the Shares have been sold in accordance with the Registration
Statement, the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations and any applicable
state securities or blue sky laws or pursuant to valid exemptions or exclusions
therefrom and (B) the requirement under the Securities Act of delivering a
current prospectus has been satisfied. Each UBS Party acknowledges that there
may occasionally be times when the Company must suspend the right of the UBS
Parties to effect sales of the Shares through use of the Prospectus forming a
part of the Registration Statement until such time as an amendment to the
Registration Statement has been filed by the Company and declared effective by
the SEC, or until such time as the Company has filed an appropriate report with
the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act (each, a "Black-out Period"); provided that
no Black-out Period shall exceed 60 consecutive days and such Black-out Periods
shall not during any 12-month period exceed 120 days in the aggregate. Each UBS
Party hereby covenants that it will not sell any Shares pursuant to said
Prospectus during the period commencing at the time at which the Company gives
the UBS Parties written notice of the suspension of the use of said Prospectus
and ending at the time the Company gives the UBS Parties written notice that the
UBS Parties may thereafter effect sales pursuant to said Prospectus. Each UBS
Party further covenants to notify the Company promptly of the sale of all of its
Shares.

     5.3. Due Execution, Delivery and Performance of this Agreement. The UBS
Parties further represent and warrant to, and covenant with, the Company that
(i) each UBS Party has full right, power, authority and capacity to enter into
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and has
taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement, and (ii) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
this Agreement shall constitute a valid and binding obligation of the UBS
Parties enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may
be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
similar laws affecting creditors' and contracting parties' rights generally and
except as enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law) and except as the indemnification agreements of the UBS
Parties in Section 7.3 hereof may be legally unenforceable.



                                       10
<PAGE>

     5.4 Residence of UBS Limited. UBS Limited is organized under the laws of
England and has its principal place of business in London.

     5.5 Pending Acquisition. UBS Limited represents and warrants to the Company
that: (i) UBS Limited has been informed by the Company of a non-public material
pending acquisition (the "Transaction"), which is the subject of a letter of
intent between the Company and certain sellers dated as of August 14, 1997, and
that UBS Limited has had the opportunity to discuss fully the Transaction with
the Company's officers; (ii) UBS Limited has been informed by the Company that
(x) such discussions and any written material regarding the Transaction contain
forward-looking statements and (y) actual results could differ materially from
those contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors such as
increased development of office space in the Company's markets or changes in the
financial condition of the Company's tenants or other factors detailed in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 1996,
(iii) no UBS Party will disclose any information regarding the Transaction and
(iv) no UBS Party will trade in securities of the Company (other than the
purchase of the Shares contemplated hereby) until two business days after the
Company has made a public announcement regarding the Transaction.

     SECTION 6. Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
Notwithstanding any investigation made by any party to this Purchase Agreement,
all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Company,
and the UBS Parties herein and in the certificates for the Shares delivered
pursuant hereto shall survive the execution of this Purchase Agreement, the
Forward Stock Purchase Agreement, the delivery to UBS Limited of the Purchase
Shares being purchased and the payment therefor.

     SECTION 7. Registration of the Shares; Compliance with the Securities Act.

     7.1. Registration Procedures and Expenses. The Company shall:

     (a)  as soon as practicable after the Closing, prepare and file with the
          SEC a Registration Statement (as defined below) covering the resale by
          the UBS Parties, from time to time, of up to a number of Shares equal
          to 130% of the number of Purchase Shares through the facilities of the
          New York Stock Exchange, the automated quotation system of The Nasdaq
          Stock Market or the facilities of any other national securities
          exchange on which the Company's common stock is then traded or in
          privately negotiated transactions (the "Initial Registration
          Statement"). If the total number of Shares exceeds the number of
          Shares covered by the Initial Registration Statement, then the Company
          shall prepare and file with the SEC such additional Registration
          Statement or Statements as shall be necessary to cover the resale by
          UBS-LB of such excess Shares in the same manner as contemplated by the
          Initial Registration Statement for the Shares covered thereby (each,
          an "Additional Registration Statement"); provided that prior to
          issuing any such excess Shares to UBS-LB, the Company shall cause such
          Registration Statement to have become effective. For purposes of 


                                       11
<PAGE>

          this Purchase Agreement, "Registration Statement" means a registration
          statement under the Securities Act on Form S-3 covering the resale by
          one or both UBS Parties of up to a specified number of Shares, filed
          and maintained effective by the Company pursuant to the provisions of
          this Section 7, including the Prospectus (as defined below) contained
          therein, any amendments and supplements to such registration
          statement, including all post-effective amendments thereto, and all
          exhibits and all material incorporated by reference into such
          registration statement;

     (b)  use all reasonable best efforts to cause the SEC to notify the Company
          of the SEC's willingness to declare the Initial Registration Statement
          effective within 60 days after the Registration Statement is filed by
          the Company; provided that the Company will use its best efforts to
          cause such Initial Registration Statement to become effective no later
          than 90 days after the Closing Date;

     (c)  prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to the
          Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith
          (the "Prospectus") as may be necessary to keep the Registration
          Statement effective until the date on which the Shares may be resold
          by the UBS Parties without registration, by reason of Rule 144(k)
          under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect;

     (d)  furnish to the UBS Parties with respect to the Shares registered under
          the Registration Statement (and to each underwriter, if any, of such
          Shares) such reasonable number of copies of Prospectuses, including
          any supplements and amendments thereto, an opinion from counsel to the
          Company covering the matters set forth on Exhibit B hereto and such
          other documents as the UBS Parties may reasonably request, in order to
          facilitate the public sale or other disposition of all or any of the
          Shares by the UBS Parties;

     (e)  use its best efforts to prevent the happening of any event that would
          cause such Registration Statement to contain a material misstatement
          or omission or to be not effective and usable for resale of the Shares
          during the period that such Registration Statement is required to be
          effective and usable; provided that this paragraph (e) shall in no way
          limit the Company's right to suspend the right of the UBS Parties to
          effect sales under the Registration Statement during any Black-out
          Period as specified at Section 5.2 above.

     (f)  file documents required of the Company for normal blue sky clearance
          in states specified in writing by the UBS Parties, provided, however,
          that the Company shall not be required to qualify to do business or
          consent to


                                       12
<PAGE>

          service of process in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so
          qualified or has not so consented; and

     (g)  bear all expenses in connection with the procedures in paragraphs (a)
          through (f) of this Section 7.1 and the registration of the Shares
          pursuant to the Registration Statement, including the fees and
          expenses of counsel or other advisers to the UBS Parties, other than
          underwriting discounts, brokerage fees and commissions incurred by the
          UBS Parties, if any.

     7.2. Covenants in Connection With Registration.

     (a) The Company hereby covenants with the UBS Parties that (i) it shall not
file any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement
thereto, unless a copy thereof shall have been first submitted to the UBS
Parties and the UBS Parties did not object thereto in good faith (provided that
if the UBS Parties do not object within two business days of receiving any such
material, they shall be deemed to have no objection thereto); (ii) it shall
immediately notify the UBS Parties of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order
suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation of
any proceedings for such purpose; (iii) it shall make every reasonable effort to
obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such
Registration Statement at the earliest possible moment; (iv) it shall notify the
UBS Parties of the receipt of any notification with respect to the suspension of
the qualification of the Shares for sale under the securities or blue sky laws
of any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose; and
(v) it shall as soon as practicable notify the UBS Parties in writing of the
existence of any fact which results in any Registration Statement, any amendment
or post-effective amendment thereto, the Prospectus, any prospectus supplement,
or any document incorporated therein by reference containing an untrue statement
of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and shall
prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement
or the Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any
other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of
the Shares, the Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading; provided that this clause (v) shall in no way limit the
Company's right to suspend the right of the UBS Parties to effect sales under
the Registration Statement during any Black-out Period as specified at Section
5.2 above.

     (b) The UBS Parties shall notify the Company at least two business days
prior to the date on which it intends to commence effecting any resales of
Shares under a Registration Statement and if the Company does not, within such
two-day period, advise the UBS Parties of the existence of any facts of the type
referred to in Section 7.2(a)(iv) above, then the Company shall be deemed to
have certified and represented to the UBS Parties that no such facts then exist
and the UBS Parties may rely on such certificate and representation in making
such sales. The preceding sentence shall in no way limit the Company's
obligations under Section 7.2(a) above.

                                       13
<PAGE>

     7.3. Extension of Required Effectiveness. In the event that the Company
shall give any notice required by Section 7.2(a)(v) hereof, the period during
which the Company is required to keep such Registration Statement effective and
useable shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and
including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when
the UBS Parties are advised in writing by the Company that the use of the
Prospectus may be resumed.

     7.4. Transfer of Shares After Registration. Each UBS Party agrees that it
will not effect any disposition of the Shares or its right to purchase the
Shares that would constitute a sale within the meaning of the Securities Act or
pursuant to any applicable state securities or blue sky laws except as
contemplated in each Registration Statement referred to in Section 7.1 or except
pursuant to any exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act (including, without limitation, Rule 144 promulgated thereunder and any
successor thereto) and that it will promptly notify the Company of any changes
in the information set forth in any such Registration Statement regarding the
UBS Parties or its Plan of Distribution.

     7.5. Indemnification. For the purpose of this Section 7.5, the term
"Registration Statement" shall include any final prospectus, exhibit, supplement
or amendment included in or relating to any Registration Statement referred to
in Section 7.1.

     (a) Indemnification by Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless the UBS Parties and each person, if any, who controls either UBS Party
within the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, joint or several, to which the UBS Parties or such
controlling person may become subject (including in settlement of any
litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the
Company), insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arise out of or are based upon
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in any Registration Statement, including the Prospectus, financial statements
and schedules, and all other documents filed as a part thereof, as amended at
the time of effectiveness of such Registration Statement, including any
information deemed to be a part thereof as of the time of effectiveness pursuant
to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A, or pursuant to Rule 434, of the Rules and
Regulations, or the Prospectus, in the form first filed with the SEC pursuant to
Rule 424(b) of the Regulations, or filed as part of such Registration Statement
at the time of effectiveness if no Rule 424(b) filing is required, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission
or alleged omission to state in any of them a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements in any of them not
misleading, and will reimburse each UBS Party and each such controlling person
for any legal and other expenses as such expenses are reasonably incurred by the
UBS Parties or such controlling person in connection with investigating,
defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, expense or action. The Company will also indemnify selling brokers,
dealers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the sale
or resale of the Shares, their officers, directors and partners and each person
who controls any such person within the meaning of the Securities Act, provided,
however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense arises out of or is based
upon an untrue statement 


                                       14
<PAGE>

or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such
Registration Statement, such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto
in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company (i) by or on behalf of the UBS Parties expressly for use therein or (ii)
any statement or omission in any Prospectus that is corrected in any subsequent
Prospectus that was delivered to a UBS Party prior to the pertinent sale or
sales by such UBS Party and not delivered by such UBS Party in connection with
such sale or sales.

     (b) Indemnification by UBS Parties. The UBS Parties will indemnify and hold
harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed any
Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, joint and several, to which the Company, each of its
directors, each of its officers who signed any Registration Statement or any
controlling person may become subject (including in settlement of any
litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the UBS
Parties) insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arise out of or are based upon
any untrue or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in such
Registration Statement, such Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto,
or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the
extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission was made in such Registration Statement, such Prospectus, or
any amendment or supplement thereto, in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the UBS Parties
expressly for use therein, and will reimburse the Company, each of its
directors, each of its officers who signed such Registration Statement and each
controlling person for any legal and other expense reasonably incurred by the
Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed such
Registration Statement or controlling person in connection with investigating,
defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, expense or action.

     (c) Proceedings. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 7.5 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party
will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party
under this Section 7.5 notify the indemnifying party in writing of the
commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will
not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party for
contribution or otherwise than under the indemnity agreement contained in this
Section 7.5 or to the extent it is not prejudiced as a proximate result of such
failure. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party and
such indemnified party seeks or intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying
party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in, and, to the
extent that it may wish, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly
notified, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to
such indemnified party; provided, however, if the defendants in any such action
include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the
indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict
between the positions of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in
conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses
available to it 


                                       15
<PAGE>

and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those
available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have
the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to
otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such
indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party
to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense of such
action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party
will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 7.5 for any
reasonable legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified
party in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party
shall have employed such counsel in connection with the assumption of legal
defenses in accordance with the proviso to the preceding sentence (it being
understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall be not liable for the
expenses of more than one separate counsel, approved by such indemnifying party
in the case of paragraph (a), representing the indemnified parties who are
parties to such action) or (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the
indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of
action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the
expense of the indemnifying party.

     (d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7.5
is required by its terms but is for any reason held to be unavailable to or
otherwise insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under paragraphs
(a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7.5 in respect of any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses referred to herein, then each applicable indemnifying
party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party
as a result of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to
herein in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
received by the Company and the UBS Parties from the purchase and sale of the
Shares and the relative fault of the Company and the UBS Parties in connection
with the statements or omissions or inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties in this Agreement which resulted in such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The respective relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the
UBS Parties on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the
amount paid by the UBS Parties to the Company pursuant to this Agreement for the
Shares purchased by the UBS Parties that were sold pursuant to any Registration
Statement bears to the difference (the "Difference") between the amount the UBS
Parties paid for the Shares that were sold pursuant to such Registration
Statement and the amount received by the UBS Parties from such sale. The
relative fault of the Company and the UBS Parties shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
or the inaccurate or the alleged inaccurate representation and/or warranty
relates to information supplied by the Company or by the UBS Parties and the
parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to
correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a
party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses
referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set
forth in paragraph (c) of this Section 7.5 any reasonable legal or other fees or
expenses incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending
any action or claim. The provisions set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section
7.5 with respect to notice of commencement of any action shall apply if a claim
for contribution is to be made under this paragraph (d); provided, however, that

                                       16
<PAGE>

no additional notice shall be required with respect to any action for which
notice has been given under paragraph (c) for purposes of indemnification. The
Company and the UBS Parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 7.5 were determined solely by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 7.5, the UBS Parties shall not be required to
contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the aggregate proceeds
received by the UBS Parties from the transactions contemplated hereby exceeds
the amount of any damages that the UBS Parties has otherwise been required to
pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning
of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

     7.6. Termination of Conditions and Obligations. The conditions precedent
imposed by Section 5 or this Section 7 upon the transferability of the Shares
shall cease and terminate as to any particular number of the Purchase Shares
upon the passage of twenty-four months from the purchase of such Shares by UBS
Limited, as to any particular number of the Additional Shares upon the passage
of twenty-four months from the issuance of such Shares to UBS-LB or as to any
particular number of the Shares at such time as an opinion of counsel
satisfactory to the Company shall have been rendered to the effect that such
conditions are not necessary in order to comply with the Securities Act. At such
time, the Company's obligation to maintain an effective Registration Statement
with respect to such Shares shall cease.

     7.7. Information Available. So long as any Registration Statement covering
the resale of any Shares owned by either UBS Party is effective, the Company
will furnish to the UBS Parties:

     (a)  as soon as practicable after available, one copy of (i) its Annual
          Report to Shareholders, (ii) its Annual Report on Form 10-K, (iii) its
          Quarterly Reports to Shareholders, (iv) its quarterly reports on Form
          10-Q, (v) a full copy of the particular Registration Statement
          covering the Shares (the foregoing, in each case, excluding exhibits)
          and (vi) upon request, any or all other public filings under the
          Exchange Act by the Company; and

     (b)  upon the reasonable request of either UBS Party, a reasonable number
          of copies of the Prospectuses to supply to any other party requiring
          such Prospectuses;

and the Company, upon the reasonable request of the UBS Parties, will meet with
the UBS Parties or a representative thereof at the Company's headquarters to
discuss all information relevant for disclosure in such Registration Statement
covering the Shares, subject to appropriate confidentiality limitations.

     7.8 Non-Exclusivity. The rights and remedies provided under Section 7.5
hereof shall not be in limitation or exclusion of any other rights or remedies
available to a party, whether 


                                       17
<PAGE>

by agreement, at law, in equity or otherwise, with respect to the inaccuracy of
any representation or warranty by, or the breach of any covenant of, the other
party made herein or in the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement.

     7.9 Notice Requirement. The Company covenants and agrees that it will
notify the UBS Parties at any time it becomes aware that as a result of a change
in the Company's capital stock the UBS Parties beneficially hold more than 4.9%
of the Company's Common Shares.

     7.10 Transfer of Shares. The Company covenants and agrees to use its best
efforts to cause the transfer agent to effect promptly any transfer of the
Shares requested by the UBS Parties and to cause the transfer agent to remove
promptly the restrictive legend from the Shares upon presentation to the
transfer agent of all necessary documentation.

     SECTION 8. Registration Exemptions. For so long as the Company is subject
to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act, the
Company covenants that it will file the reports required to be filed by it under
the Securities Act and Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder.

     SECTION 9. Broker's Fee. Other than any fees payable under or in connection
with the Forward Stock Purchase Agreement, each of the parties hereto hereby
represents that, on the basis of any actions and agreements by it, there are no
brokers or finders entitled to compensation in connection with the sale or
issuance of the Shares to the UBS Parties.

     SECTION 10. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be mailed by first-class
registered or certified airmail, by telegram or telecopy or sent by nationally
recognized overnight express courier postage prepaid, and shall be deemed given
when so mailed or for telecopies, when transmitted and receipt confirmed, and
shall be delivered as addressed as follows:

                  (a)      if to the Company, to:

                           3100 Smoketree Court
                           Suite 600
                           Raleigh, North Carolina  27604
                           Attn:  Mark D. Pridgen, III

                           with a copy so mailed to:

                           Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
                           2800 Two Hanover Square
                           Raleigh, North Carolina  27601
                           Attn:  Brad S. Markoff

                                       18
<PAGE>

                           or to such other person at such other place as the 
                           Company shall designate to the UBS Parties in
                           writing; and

                  (b)      if to the UBS Parties, c/o UBS Securities, LLC, 299
                           Park Avenue, New York, New York 10171, or at such
                           other address or addresses as may have been furnished
                           to the Company in writing.

     SECTION 11. Changes. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except
pursuant to an instrument in writing signed by the Company and the UBS Parties.

     SECTION 12. Headings. The headings of the various sections of this
Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be
deemed to be part of this Agreement.

     SECTION 13. Severability. In case any provision contained in this Agreement
should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall
not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

     SECTION 14. Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

     14.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York (without regard to the conflicts of law
principles thereof) and of the federal law of the United States of America.

     14.2 The Company (i) hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of, and
agrees that any suit shall be brought in, the state and federal courts located
in the City and County of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or other
proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby and (ii) hereby waives to the extent not prohibited by
applicable law, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or
otherwise, in any such proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally
to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or
immune from attachment or execution, that any such proceeding brought in one of
the above-named courts is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of
any such proceeding brought in one of the above-named courts is improper, or
that this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced
in or by such court.

     SECTION 15. Transfer to Affiliate. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, UBS Limited may transfer the Purchase Shares to any affiliate of UBS
Limited, together with all of UBS Limited's rights hereunder; provided that (i)
such affiliate shall assume and be subject to all of UBS Limited's obligations
hereunder; (ii) such affiliate shall be an "accredited investor" within the
meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act; and
(iii) such transfer shall be consistent with the investment representations set
forth at Section 5.1 hereto. In the event of such an assignment, such affiliate
shall in all respects be substituted for UBS Limited as a party hereto.



                                       19
<PAGE>

     SECTION 16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute but one instrument, and shall become effective
when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party hereto and
delivered to the other parties.

     SECTION 17. Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES
ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO JURY TRIAL IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.



                                       20
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year first
above written.


                                           Highwood Properties, Inc.


                                           By:________________________________
                                              Name:
                                              Title:


                                           UBS Limited


                                           By:________________________________
                                              Name:
                                              Title:


                                           By:________________________________
                                              Name:
                                              Title:

                                           Union Bank of Switzerland
                                           London Branch


                                           By:________________________________
                                              Name:
                                              Title:


                                           By:________________________________
                                              Name:
                                              Title:



                                       21
<PAGE>


                                                                      Appendix I
                                                                    (one of two)




                         STOCK CERTIFICATE QUESTIONNAIRE



     Pursuant to Section 3 of the Agreement, please provide us with the
following information:


1.   The exact name that your Shares are to be registered in (this is the name
     that will appear on your stock certificate(s)). You may use a nominee name
     if appropriate:                                ____________________________

2.   All relationships between each UBS Party and the Registered Holder listed
     in response to Item 1 above:
                                                    ____________________________

                                                    ____________________________

                                                    ____________________________

3.   The mailing address of the Registered Holder listed in response to item 1
     above:
                                                    ____________________________

                                                    ____________________________

                                                    ____________________________

                                                    ____________________________

4.   The Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number of the Registered
     Holder listed in response to item 1 above:
                                                    ____________________________

<PAGE>



                                                                      Appendix I
                                                                    (two of two)


                      REGISTRATION STATEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

     In connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, please
provide us with the following information:

          1. Pursuant to the "Selling Shareholders" section of the Registration
     Statement, please state your or your organization's name exactly as it
     should appear in the Registration Statement:

          2. Please provide the number of shares that you or your organization
     will own immediately after Closing, including those Shares purchased by you
     or your organization pursuant to this Purchase Agreement and those shares
     purchased by you or your organization through other transactions:

          3. Have you or your organization had any position, office or other
     material relationship within the past three years with the Company or its
     affiliates?


                  _____ Yes                          _____ No

          If yes, please indicate the nature of any such relationships below:


 ______________________________________________________________________________

 ______________________________________________________________________________

 ______________________________________________________________________________

<PAGE>


APPENDIX II

Attention:

                   PURCHASER'S CERTIFICATE OF SUBSEQUENT SALE

     The undersigned, [an officer of, or other person duly authorized by]
_______________________________________ hereby certifies that he/she [fill in
official name of individual or institution] [said institution] is the Purchaser
of the shares evidenced by the attached certificate, and as such, sold such
shares on _______ in accordance with Registration Statement 
          [date]
number ___________________________________________________________________,
       [fill in the number of or otherwise identify Registration Statement]

the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any applicable state securities or
blue sky laws and the requirement of delivering a current prospectus by the
Company has been complied with in connection with such sale.

Print or Type:

                  Name of Purchaser
                    (Individual or
                    Institution):           ____________________________________

                  Name of Individual
                    representing
                    Purchaser (if an
                    Institution)            ____________________________________

                  Title of Individual
                    representing
                    Purchaser (if an
                    Institution):           ____________________________________

Signature by:

                  Individual Purchaser
                    or Individual repre-
                    senting Purchaser:      ____________________________________




<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT A

               [Form of Closing Opinion of Counsel to the Company]








                                                                 August __, 1997


Union Bank of Switzerland
   London Branch
[Address]


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to Highwood Properties, Inc., a Maryland real
estate investment trust (the "Company"), in connection with (i) the issuance and
sale by the Company of [Number] shares of the Company's common stock, par value
$.01 per share ("Common Shares"), pursuant to that certain Purchase Agreement,
dated August __, 1997 (the "Purchase Agreement"), by and between the Company and
Union Bank of Switzerland, London Branch, acting through its agent UBS
Securities LLC, (the "Purchaser") and (ii) the forward stock purchase
transaction evidenced by the letter agreement, dated August __, 1997 (the
"Confirmation") between the Company and the Purchaser. This opinion is being
rendered to you pursuant to Section 4.17 of the Purchase Agreement in connection
with the Closing of the sale of the Shares. Capitalized terms not otherwise
defined in this opinion have the meaning given them in the Purchase Agreement.

     In connection with the opinions expressed herein we have made such
examination of matters of law and of fact as we considered appropriate or
advisable for purposes hereof. As to matters of fact material to the opinions
expressed herein, we have relied upon the representations and warranties as to
factual matters contained in and made by the Company pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement and upon certificates and statements of government officials and of
officers of the Company. We have also examined originals or copies of such
corporate documents or records of the Company as we have considered appropriate
for the opinions expressed herein. We have assumed for the purposes of this
opinion that the signatures on documents and instruments examined by us are
authentic, that each document is what it purports to be, and that all documents
submitted to us as copies conform with the originals, which facts we have not
independently verified.

                                  
<PAGE>



Union Bank of Switzerland
  London Branch
[Date]
Page 2



     In rendering this opinion we have also assumed that the Purchase Agreement
and the Confirmation have each been duly and validly executed and delivered by
the other parties to such agreements and constitute valid, binding and
enforceable obligations of such other parties.

     In our capacity as counsel to the Company, we have examined, among other
things, originals, or copies identified to our satisfaction as being true
copies, of the following: [List]

     This opinion relates solely to the laws of the State of _________, and the
federal securities law of the United States, and we express no opinion with
respect to the effect or applicability of the laws in other areas or of other
jurisdictions.

     Our opinion in paragraph 4 below is subject to the effect of bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or
affecting creditors' rights generally and we express no opinion with respect to
the application of equitable principles in any proceeding, whether at law or in
equity.

     Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations, exceptions,
qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that as
of the date hereof:

     1. The Company is a real estate investment trust duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland, and the
Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties
and to conduct its business as presently conducted.

     2. The Purchase Shares and the Additional Shares have been duly authorized
and, when issued and delivered by the Company in accordance with and subject to
the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation (as the case may be),
will be validly issued, nonassessable and fully paid, and are not subject to any
preemptive or similar rights.

     3. The Company has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform
the Purchase Agreement and the Confirmation, including issuing, selling and
delivering the Purchase Shares and Additional Shares as contemplated thereby.

     4. Each of the Purchase Agreement and the Confirmation have been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and is a valid and binding
obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

     5. The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the
Company of its obligations under, the Purchase Agreement and the Confirmation
will not contravene any provision of applicable law or the declaration of trust
or bylaws of the Company, or, to the best of our knowledge, any judgment order
or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the
Company or any of its property, or, to the best of our 


                                       23
<PAGE>



Union Bank of Switzerland
  London Branch
[Date]
Page 3


knowledge, constitute a breach or default under any agreement or other
instrument binding upon the Company and filed as an exhibit to the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     6. No consent, approval, authorization or order of or qualification with
any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the Company
of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement and the Confirmation, except
such as may be required by the securities or blue sky laws of the various states
(on which we express no opinion) in connection with the purchase and sale of the
Shares and except such as may be required in connection with providing the
registration statements contemplated by the Purchase Agreement or the
Confirmation.

     7. To the best of our knowledge, and except as disclosed in the Company's
public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, there is no action,
suit or proceeding pending or threatened in writing against the Company, at law
or in equity, or before any court or governmental agency or instrumentality
which, if resolved against the Company, may materially adversely affect the
financial or business condition of the Company or would prevent the Company from
entering into or performing its obligations under the Purchase Agreement or the
Confirmation.

     8. The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to legal matters
in all material respects under the heading ["Capitalization"] in the Company's
public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the form of
certificate used to evidence the Shares complies in all material respects with
all applicable statutory requirements. The outstanding shares of Common Stock of
the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, and are, to our
knowledge, fully paid and nonassessable.

     [While we have not verified, and are not passing upon and do not assume any
responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements
contained in the Registration Statement or Final Prospectus, we have
participated in reviews and discussions in connection with the preparation of
the Registration Statement and Final Prospectus, and advise you that, in the
course of such reviews and discussions, nothing has come to our attention which
would lead us to believe (i) that the Registration Statement at the time it
became effective (except for the financial statements and the notes thereto and
the other financial data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to
which we express no belief) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading or (ii) that the Final Prospectus on the date thereof or on the date
of this opinion (except for the financial statements and the notes thereto and
the other financial data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to
which we express no belief) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.]




                                       24
<PAGE>



Union Bank of Switzerland
  London Branch
[Date]
Page 4

     Our opinions expressed above are specifically subject to the following
limitations, exceptions, qualifications and assumptions:

     (A) We are not called upon to express, and do not express, any view,
opinion or belief as to the financial statements, schedules, statistical data
and other financial data contained in any filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

     (B) We express no opinion as to the Company's compliance or noncompliance
with applicable federal or state antitrust statutes, laws, rules and
regulations.

     (C) We express no opinion concerning the past, present or future fair
market value of any securities.

     This opinion is rendered solely for your benefit in connection with the
Purchase Agreement and the Confirmation and may not be delivered to, quoted or
relied upon by any person other than you, or for any other purpose, without our
prior written consent. Our opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth
above and we render no opinion, whether by implication or otherwise, as to any
other matters relating to the Company. We assume no obligation to advise you of
facts, circumstances, events or developments which hereinafter may be brought to
our attention and which may alter, affect or modify the opinions expressed
herein.

                                 Very truly yours,



                                 Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.




<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT B

             Opinion Matters for Additional Registration Statements

[opinion paragraphs to be delivered in connection with resale registration
statements]

     1. The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland, and the Company has the
requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and to conduct is
business as presently conducted.

     2. The Additional Shares have been duly authorized and are validly issued,
nonassessable and fully paid, and are not subject to any preemptive or similar
rights.

     3. The Registration Statement has been declared effective under the
Securities Act; to our knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose
have been instituted or threatened; and the Registration Statement, the Final
Prospectus, and each amendment thereof or supplement thereto (except for the
financial statements, schedules and the notes thereto and the other financial
data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which we express no
opinion) comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the respective rules of the Commission
thereunder.

     While we have not verified, and are not passing upon and do not assume any
responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements
contained in the Registration Statement or Final Prospectus, we have
participated in reviews and discussions in connection with the preparation of
the Registration Statement and Final Prospectus, and advise you that, in the
curse of such reviews and discussions, nothing has come to our attention which
would lead us to believe (i) that the Registration Statement at the time it
became effective (except for the financial statements and the notes thereto and
the other financial data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to
which we express no belief) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading or (ii)that the Final Prospectus on the date thereof or on the date
of this opinion (except for the financial statements and the notes thereto and
the other financial data included or incorporated by reference therein, as to
which we express no belief) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.




            
                             Forward Stock Purchase

                                                          28-Aug-97, 03:51:24 PM

To:               Highwoods Properties, Inc.
                  3100 Smoketree Court
                  Suite 600
                  Raleigh, NC  27604

Attn:             Mr.  Carmen Liuzzo

From:             Union Bank of Switzerland, London Branch
                  c/o UBS Securities LLC, as agent
                  299 Park Avenue
                  New York, NY  10171

Date:             25 August 1997

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The purpose of this letter agreement (this "Confirmation") is to confirm the
terms and conditions of the Transaction entered into between us on the Trade
Date specified below (the "Transaction"). This Confirmation constitutes a
"Confirmation" as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.

The definitions and provisions contained in the 1991 ISDA Definitions (as
published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.) are
incorporated into this Confirmation. In the event of any inconsistency between
those definitions and provisions and this Confirmation, this Confirmation will
govern. References herein to the "Transaction" shall be deemed to be references
to a "Swap Transaction" for the purposes of the 1991 ISDA Definitions.

This Confirmation evidences a complete binding agreement between you and us as
to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. In addition,
you and we agree to use all reasonable efforts promptly to negotiate, execute
and deliver an agreement in the form of the ISDA Master Agreement
(Multicurrency-Cross Border) (the "ISDA Form"), with such modifications as you
and we will in good faith agree. Upon the execution by you and us of such an
agreement, this Confirmation will supplement, form a part of, and be subject to
that agreement. All provisions contained or incorporated by reference in that
agreement upon its execution will govern this Confirmation except as expressly
modified below. Until we execute and deliver that agreement, this Confirmation,
together with all other documents referring to the ISDA Form (each a
"Confirmation") confirming transactions (each a "Transaction") entered into
between us (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in a Confirmation), shall
supplement, form a part of, and be subject to an agreement in the form of the
ISDA Form as if we had executed an agreement in such form m(but without any
Schedule) on the Trade Date of the firm such Transaction between us. In the
event of any inconsistency between the provisions of that agreement and this
Confirmation, this Confirmation will prevail for the purpose of this
Transaction.

The Agreement and each Confirmation thereunder will be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to choice
of law doctrine.


<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

I.   The Transaction

This Transaction is a commitment by Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the "Company")
to purchase, and Union Bank of Switzerland, London Branch ("UBS") acting through
UBS Securities LLC as its agent for each purchase or sale of Securities ("UBS
LLC") to sell, common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share,
of the Company ("Common Shares") up to an aggregate of 1,800,000, in exchange
for cash or Common Shares of the Company on the terms more particularly
specified herein (the "Confirmation").

II.  Settlement

A.   Notice and Settlement Amount

1.   The Company may on any Exchange Trading Day up to and including the
     Maturity Date, upon the giving of five (5) Business Days telephonic notice
     to UBS, settle all or part of this Transaction. Such notice shall specify:

               (i) the number of Underlying Shares subject to such settlement
               (the "Settlement Shares"),

               (ii) the settlement method (Cash, Stock or Net Stock Settlement,
               as such methods are described below), and

               (iii) the date upon which such settlement shall begin ("Day S"),
               which must be an Exchange Trading Day; provided however, that if
               in UBS' reasonable judgment the settlement of the Settlement
               Shares would potentially violate or contravene any legal or
               regulatory prohibition or requirement applicable to UBS or cause
               UBS to contravene any established UBS corporate policy or
               compliance policy (other than any corporate policy limiting the
               amount of UBS's investment in another entity), then UBS shall at
               least three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed Day S, notify
               the Company telephonically (confirmed by writing) of any such
               impediment and its estimate of the period during which such
               impediment will preclude UBS' ability to settle all or part of
               this Transaction, in which case the Company may upon telephonic
               notice to UBS at least one (1) Exchange Trading Day prior to the
               proposed Day S withdraw its settlement notice.

     Such notice shall be effective only if the notice requirements specified
     above are fulfilled, provided, that if no settlement method is specified,
     then the settlement method shall be deemed to be Cash Settlement.

     In the case of any partial settlement ("Partial Settlement"), following
     such settlement the number of Underlying Shares to which this Transaction
     shall relate shall be adjusted by subtracting the number of Settlement
     Shares from the number of Underlying Shares to which the Transaction
     related (as the same may have been adjusted prior to such Partial
     Settlement) immediately prior to such partial settlement. The Settlement
     Shares shall not be subject to forward accretion and shall be treated
     separately from the remaining Underlying Shares, during any Unwind Period.

2.   On Day S, the Settlement Price for the Settlement Shares and the Settlement
     Amount shall be determined for Day S.

3.   The Settlement Amount shall be settled pursuant to the settlement method
     (B, C, or D of this Article II) selected by the Company in its sole
     discretion.

4.   If settlement with respect to the Settlement Shares (this section does not
     apply for Interim Net Stock Settlement) shall occur on or before the 180th
     day following the Effective Date, then the Settlement Price for purposes of
     such settlement shall be increased by any positive amount, calculated by
     UBS as follows:

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

            Spread x Forward Price x (180 - calendar days since Trade Date)
                                     --------------------------------------
                                                       360

5.   It shall be a condition precedent to any right of the Company to elect
     Stock Settlement (II. C. below) or Net Stock Settlement (II. D. below),
     that the Company must (i) notify UBS of such election at least 5 Business
     Days prior to Day S and (ii) prior to Day S, cause to be filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and cause to become
     effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
     Act") a resale registration statement covering all Common Shares to be
     delivered by the Company to UBS LLC for the account of UBS in effecting
     such Stock Settlement or Net Stock Settlement, such registration statement
     to include one or more preliminary prospectuses, prospectuses, and any
     amendments and supplements thereto such that any preliminary prospectus or
     prospectus, as amended or supplemented, shall not contain any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
     be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
     misleading in light of the circumstances under which they are made The
     Company further agrees that it will cause any such Registration Statement
     to remain in effect until the earliest of the date on which (i) all Common
     Shares issued pursuant hereto and not required to be delivered to the
     Company hereunder have been sold by UBS LLC for the account of UBS and UBS
     agrees to notify the Company of such fact, within two (2) Business Days of
     its occurrence, (ii) UBS LLC for the account of UBS is able to sell the
     Common Shares subject thereto under Rule 144(k), or (iii) UBS has advised
     the Company that it no longer requires that such registration statement be
     effective.

B.   Cash Settlement

     The Company shall settle by delivering cash in an amount equal to the
     Settlement Amount in exchange for the Settlement Shares ("Cash Settlement")
     on the Exchange Trading Day immediately succeeding Day S. UBS LLC for the
     account of UBS shall deliver the Settlement Shares to the Company on the
     Exchange Trading Day immediately succeeding Day S upon receipt of such Cash
     Settlement.

C.   Stock Settlement

     If the Company elects to meet its payment obligations by delivering Common
     Shares in exchange for the Settlement Shares ("Stock Settlement"), the
     number of Common Shares to be delivered (the "Stock Settlement Shares")
     shall be equal to (a) the Settlement Amount divided by (b) the Stock
     Settlement Unwind Price. The mechanics for settlement are set forth in II.
     E.2. below and Article V.

D.   Net Stock Settlement

     If the Company determines that it will elect to meet its payment
     obligations under II.A. or its delivery obligations under III.A. on a net
     stock basis ("Net Stock Settlement"), the number of net stock settlement
     shares (the "Net Stock Settlement Shares") shall equal:

          i) the number of Settlement Shares, times

          ii) the Settlement Price minus the Stock Settlement Unwind Price,
          divided by

          iii) the Stock Settlement Unwind Price.

     If such calculation yields a negative number, this shall indicate the
     number of Common Shares to be delivered from UBS LLC for the account of UBS
     to the Company. The mechanics for settlement are set forth in II. E. below
     and Article V.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

E.   Stock and Net Stock Settlement Mechanics

     1.   Preliminary Stock Settlement. If the Company has chosen Stock
          Settlement, the Company shall deliver to UBS LLC for the account of
          UBS, by 11:00 a.m. on Day S, that number of Common Shares, registered,
          for resale under an effective registration statement (the "Preliminary
          Stock Settlement Shares"), equal to the product of (i)(a) the
          Settlement Amount divided by (b) the closing price of the Common
          Shares on the Exchange Trading Day immediately preceding Day S, times
          (ii) 110%. Upon receipt of the Preliminary Stock Settlement Shares,
          UBS will deposit the Settlement Shares in the Company's Margin
          Account.

     2.   Preliminary Net Stock Settlement. If the Company has chosen Net Stock
          Settlement and if the Settlement Price exceeds the closing price of
          the Common Shares on the Exchange Trading Day immediately preceding
          Day S, the Company shall deliver to UBS LLC for the account of UBS by
          11:00 a.m. on Day S, that number of Common Shares (the "Preliminary
          Net Stock Settlement Shares) equal to (i)(a) the number of Settlement
          Shares times (b) the difference between the Settlement Price and the
          closing price of the Common Shares on the Exchange Trading Day
          immediately preceding Day S divided by (ii) the closing price of the
          Common Shares on the Exchange Trading Day immediately preceding Day S
          times (iii) 125%. If the closing price of the Common Shares on the
          Exchange Trading Day immediately preceding Day S exceeds the
          Settlement Price, the Company shall not be required to deliver any
          shares to UBS LLC for the account of UBS under this subsection II.E.2.

     3.   By 11:00 a.m. on every fifth (5th) Exchange Trading Day during the
          Unwind Period and on the Business Day following the final Exchange
          Trading Day of the Unwind Period:

          (a) For Stock Settlement:

          Stock Settlement Shares shall be calculated as if such Exchange
          Trading Day were Day S, except that (a) there shall be no adjustment
          to the Settlement Amount and (b) for purposes of calculating the Stock
          Settlement Unwind Price, the Unwind Period shall be deemed to have
          ended on the Exchange Trading Day on which the calculation is made.

          (i) if Stock Settlement Shares are greater than the sum of (a)
          Preliminary Stork Settlement Shares plus (b) any shares previously
          delivered pursuant to this settlement under this subparagraph (i),
          then the Company shall deliver that number of registered, freely
          tradable Common Shares equal to the difference between Stock
          Settlement Shares and Preliminary Stock Settlement Shares to UBS LLC
          for the account of UBS, and

          (ii) on the final day of the Unwind Period, if the sum of (a)
          Preliminary Stock Settlement Shares plus (b) any shares previously
          delivered pursuant to this settlement under this subparagraph (i) are
          greater than Stock Settlement Shares, then UBS LLC, for the account of
          UBS, shall deliver Common Shares equal to the difference between the
          sum of (a) and (b) above and Stock Settlement Shares to the Company's
          Margin Account,

          (b) For Net Stock Settlement:

          Net Stock Settlement Shares shall be calculated as if such Exchange
          Trading Day were Day S except that (a) there shall be no adjustment to
          the Settlement Amount and (b) for purposes of calculating the Stock
          Settlement Unwind Price, the Unwind Period shall be deemed to have
          ended on the Exchange Trading Day on which the calculation is made.

          (i) if Net Stock Settlement Shares are greater than the sum of (a)
          Preliminary Net Stock Settlement Shares plus (b) any shares previously
          delivered pursuant to this settlement under this subparagraph (i),
          then the Company shall deliver Common Shares (which Common Shares may
          be delivered 



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

          from its Margin Account) registered for resale under an effective
          registration statement equal in number to the difference between Net
          Stock Settlement Shares and the sum of (a) and (b) to UBS LLC for the
          account of UBS, or

          (ii) on the final day of the Unwind Period, if the sum of a)
          Preliminary Net Stock Settlement Shares plus b) any shares previously
          delivered pursuant to this settlement under this subparagraph (i) are
          greater than Net Stock Settlement Shares, UBS LLC for the account of
          UBS shall deliver Common Shares equal in number to the difference
          between sum of (a) and (b) above and Net Stock Settlement Shares to
          the Company's Margin Account.

     4.   The Company shall cause all shares delivered by it to UBS LLC for the
          account of UBS to be fully and effectively registered under the
          Securities Act.

     5.   On the Exchange Trading Day following the final Exchange Trading Day
          of the Unwind Period, UBS LLC for the account of UBS shall release
          claims to Common Shares held in the Company's Margin Account,
          including any Underlying Shares delivered pursuant to Stock Settlement
          (II. E. 1. above), and deliver all such Common Shares to the Company
          with the dollar value of all fractional shares settled in cash.

     6.   In the event of Stock or Net Stock Settlement (this section does not
          apply for Interim Net Stock Settlement), the Company shall pay an
          unwind accretion fee, in cash or stock, calculated in accordance with
          the following formula:

      Settlement Amount x (days in Unwind Period) x [1 month USD LIBOR + Spread]
                           ---------------------     --------------------------
                                     2                           360

     7.   In the event of Stock or Net Stock Settlement (this section does not
          apply for Interim Net Stock Settlement), the Company shall pay a
          placement fee to UBS LLC for the account of UBS calculated as:

          Settlement Amount x 0.50%

III. Interim Net Stock Settlement

A.   On each Reset Date, if the Forward Price exceeds the closing price of the
     Common Shares on such Reset Date, on the Business Day following the Fifth
     Exchange Trading Day thereafter the Company shall deliver Common Shares
     registered for resale by URS to UBS LLC (if the Company is restricted by
     law or regulation or self-regulatory requirements or related policies and
     procedures, whether or not such requirements, policies or procedures are
     imposed by law directly or have been voluntarily adopted by the Company to
     insure compliance with applicable laws or in its reasonable judgment is
     otherwise unable or unwilling to deliver registered Common Shares, see
     III.B. below) for the account of UBS equal to the Interim Settlement
     Shares.

B.   In the event that the Company fails to deliver registered shares pursuant
     to Paragraph III.A. due to an inability described in such paragraph, the
     Company shall deliver cash collateral in an amount equal to the market
     value of the Interim Settlement Shares specified in III.A. to a collateral
     account at UBS. Such collateral account will earn interest at USD LIBOR for
     a designated maturity of 1 month, adjusted for any interest breakage costs
     (whether positive or negative). All other aspects of Interim Net Stock
     Settlement shall be unaffected. At the Company's option, upon delivering an
     effective resale registration statement to UBS LLC for the account of UBS,
     the Company may deliver freely salable registered shares to UBS equal in
     salable market value, based on closing market prices during a commercially
     reasonable valuation period, to the value of the collateral held in the
     collateral account at UBS. On the day after the last day of such
     commercially reasonable valuation period, UBS shall release all claims to
     collateral held in the collateral account and deliver such amounts to the
     Company.



                                      -5-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

C.   If the Company fails to deliver an effective resale registration statement
     within 90 days of the Trade Date, until an effective resale registration
     statement is provided and an Interim Net Stock Settlement can be effected,
     the Company shall deliver cash collateral in an amount calculated as
     specified in III.A. to a collateral account at UBS. Such collateral account
     will earn interest at USD LIBOR for a designated maturity of 1 month,
     adjusted for any interest breakage costs. Monitoring of the Transaction on
     a cash collateral basis (using standards set forth above) shall be effected
     bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) until an Interim Net Settlement can be effected
     or the transaction is settled on a Cash Settlement basis. At the Company's
     option, upon delivering an effective resale registration statement to UBS
     LLC for the account of UBS, the Company may deliver freely salable
     registered shares to UBS equal in salable market value, based on closing
     market prices during a commercially reasonable valuation period, to the
     value of the collateral held in the collateral account at UBS. On the day
     after the last day of .such commercially reasonable valuation period, UBS
     shall release all claims to collateral held in the collateral account and
     deliver such amounts to the Company.

IV.  Definitions

For the purposes of this Confirmation, the following terms shall have the
meanings set opposite:

Ability to Settle in Stock:   As of the date hereof, the Company has not, and
                              after the date hereof, the Company will not, enter
                              into any obligation that would contractually
                              prohibit the Company from Stock Settlement of any
                              shares under this Agreement.

Adjustment to Forward Price:  In the event of:

                              (a) a subdivision, consolidation or
                              reclassification of the Common Shares, or a free
                              distribution or dividend of any Common Shares to
                              all existing holders of Common Shares by way of
                              bonus, capitalization or similar issue;

                              (b) a distribution or dividend to all existing
                              holders of Common Shares of (i) additional Common
                              Shares or (ii) other share capital or securities
                              granting right to payment of dividends and/or the
                              proceeds of liquidation of the Company equally or
                              proportionally with such payments to holders of
                              Common Shares or (iii) and other type of
                              securities, warrants or other assets, in any case
                              for payment (cash or otherwise) at less than the
                              prevailing market price; or

                              (c) any other event that has a diluting or
                              concentrative effect on the value of the
                              Underlying Shares, an adjustment shall thereupon
                              be effected to the Forward Price and/or the
                              Underlying Shares at the time of such event with
                              the intent that following such adjustment, the
                              value of this Transaction is economically
                              equivalent to the value immediately prior to the
                              occurrence of the event causing the adjustment.

Calculation Agent:            UBS, whose calculations and determinations shall
                              be made in a commercially reasonable manner and
                              shall be binding absent manifest error.

Compounding Period:           Means each period commencing on and including:

                              (i) in the case of the first Compounding Period,
                              the Effective Date and ending on but excluding the
                              first Reset Date, and

                              (ii) for each period thereafter, a Reset Date and
                              ending on (but excluding) the next following Reset
                              Date.

Daycount:                     Actual/360


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

Dividend Amount:              Means, on each Reset Date, or Early Termination
                              Date, or Maturity Date, an amount in U.S. Dollars
                              equal to:

                              (i) the sum of all cash distributions paid on a
                              single Common Share during the relevant
                              Compounding Period; plus

                              (ii) an amount representing interest that could
                              have been earned on such distributions at a USD
                              LIBOR having a Designated Maturity of 1 month for
                              the period from the date that such distributions
                              would have been received by a holder of such
                              Common Shares until such Reset Date.

                              Separately, and not included in Dividend Amount,
                              all cash dividends, having gone ex-dividend but
                              not paid prior to the end of the final Compounding
                              Period for any settlement, on a number of shares
                              equal to the Underlying Shares, or on a reduced
                              number shares during an Unwind Period, will be
                              paid to the Company by UBS LLC for the account of
                              UBS on the Business Day after the relevant
                              dividend payment date declared by the Company's
                              Board of Directors.

Effective Date:               25 August 1997

Exchange Trading Day:         Each day on which the Relevant Exchange is open
                              for trading.

Forward Price:                On any day, the Forward Price shall be determined
                              for such day by:

                              a) (i) compounding the Initial Price for each
                              Compounding Period at the USD LIBOR rate plus
                              Spread for a Designated Maturity of 3 months or
                              the Designated Maturity which corresponds to the
                              Compounding Period if less than 3 months
                              (Actual/360 day count fraction) to such Reset Date
                              and

                              (ii) subtracting the Dividend Amount at that date,

                              and

                              b) provided however that if the Company delivers
                              shares pursuant to III., the Forward Price for
                              purposes of determining the Initial Price for the
                              next Reset Date, shall be adjusted to a price
                              equal to the closing price of the Common Shares on
                              the Exchange Trading Day immediately prior to the
                              current Reset Date, Early Termination Date or
                              Maturity Date adjusted up for any positive result
                              or down for any negative result of the following
                              formula:

                              (ii) the Interim Settlement Amount

                              minus,

                              (i) (a) Interim Settlement Shares times (b) the
                              average closing price of the Common Shares on the
                              five (5) Exchange Trading Days immediately
                              following the receipt of shares by UBS pursuant to
                              III. above.

                              such result divided by,

                              (iii) the number of Underlying Shares.

Initial Price:                Means,


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

                              a) for the Compounding Period ending on the first
                              Reset Date, an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to
                              [closing price], and

                              b) for each subsequent Reset Date, the Forward
                              Price as calculated on or adjusted as of the prior
                              Reset Date.

Interim Settlement Amount:    On any day, the product of (a) the number of
                              Underlying, Shares, and (b) the amount by which
                              the Forward Price exceeds the closing price of the
                              Common Shares on the Exchange Trading Day
                              immediately prior to such day.

Interim Settlement Shares:    (i) 110% times (ii) Interim Settlement Amount
                              divided by (iii) the closing price of the Common
                              Shares on the Exchange Trading Day immediately
                              prior to such Reset Date.

Mandatory Unwind       Mandatory
Thresholds:            Unwind Thresholds                    Unwind Share Limit
                       -----------------                    ------------------
                          70.0% of current price           up to 25% of shares
                          65.0%                                    50%
                          62.5%                                    75%
                          60.0%                                    100%

Maturity Date:                One (1) year after the Effective Date, subject to
                              extension upon the written approval of UBS in its
                              sole discretion.

Relevant Exchange:            Means, with respect to any Exchange Trading Day,
                              the principal Stock Exchange on which the Common
                              Shares are traded on that day.

Reset Dates:                  25 November 1997, 25 February 1998, 25 May 1998,
                              25 August 1998.

Settlement Amount:            The product of the Settlement Price and the
                              Settlement Shares.

Settlement Disruption Event:  Means an event beyond the control of the parties
                              as a result of which The Depository Trust Company
                              ("DTC") or any successor depository cannot effect
                              a transfer of the Settlement Shares or the Common
                              Shares. If there is a Settlement Disruption Event
                              on a Valuation Date, then the transfer of the
                              Common Shares that would otherwise be due to be
                              made by UBS LLC for the account of UBS or the
                              transfer of the Common Shares that would otherwise
                              be due to be made by the Company, as applicable,
                              on that date shall take place on the first
                              succeeding Exchange Trading Dy on which settlement
                              can take place through DTC, provided that if such
                              a Settlement Disruption Event persists for five
                              consecutive Business Days, then the Party obliged
                              to deliver such Settlement Shares shall use its
                              best efforts to cause such Shares to be delivered
                              promptly thereafter to the other Party in any
                              commercially reasonable manner.

Settlement Price:             If Day S is a Reset Date, the Forward Price. If
                              Day S is not a Reset Date, the Forward Price
                              adjusted for LIBOR breakage adjustments (either
                              positive or negative) for the Settlement Shares
                              for the period from Day S to the next following
                              Reset Date. Any breakage adjustments shall be
                              calculated by the Calculation Agent in accordance
                              with normal industry standards.

Spread:                       0.75% per annum.

Stock Exchange:               Means the New York Stock Exchange, the American
                              Stock Exchange or



                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

                              NASDAQ.

Stock Settlement                   
Unwind Price:                 The daily average closing price of the Common
                              Shares for Exchange Trading Days during the Unwind
                              Period.

Trade Date:                   25 August 1997

Unwind Period:                In the event of Stock Settlement or Net Stock
                              Settlement, the 35 Exchange Trading Day period
                              (subject to change based on mutual agreement)
                              beginning on Day S; provided that UBS may extend
                              such period for such additional number of Exchange
                              Trading Days required to complete its hedging
                              activities in a commercially reasonable manner or
                              upon the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event.

Underlying Shares:            1,800,000 Common Shares of the Company (ticker
                              "HIW")

Valuation Date:               In the case of determining any Cash Settlement
                              value, Net Stock Settlement Shares or Stock
                              Settlement Shares, Day S, the day preceding Day S
                              and all Exchange Trading Days during the Unwind
                              Period; in the case of determining any Preliminary
                              Stock Settlement Shares or Preliminary Net Stock
                              Settlement Shares, the Exchange Trading Day
                              immediately preceding Day S.

Valuation Time:               4:00 pm EST, or in the event the Relevant Market 
                              closes early, such closing time.


V.   Certain Covenants and Other Provisions



                                      -9-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

Mandatory Unwind Event:       If at any time prior to the Maturity Date:

                              (i) the average closing price on the Relevant
                              Exchange of the Common Shares on an Exchange
                              Trading Days, other than a day on which a Market
                              Disruption Event has occurred, is equal to or less
                              than any of the Mandatory Unwind Thresholds, then
                              on the Mandatory Unwind Date the Parties agree to
                              settle, all or a portion of the Transaction, up to
                              the Unwind Share Limit for the corresponding
                              Mandatory Unwind Threshold settling such amounts
                              pursuant to Article II. above,

                              Once a Mandatory Unwind Event has occurred, if the
                              Common Shares trade below a lower Mandatory Unwind
                              Threshold at any time, the Parties agree to
                              settle, all or a portion of the Transaction, up to
                              the corresponding Unwind Share Limit.

                              Or,

                              (ii) if any of the following events occur:

                              (1) any Financial Covenant Default as more
                              particularly described in Exhibit A attached
                              hereto,

                              (2) any Event of Default under the outstanding
                              $280 million unsecured credit line, evidenced by
                              that certain Credit Agreement by and among
                              Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership as borrower
                              the Company and certain subsidiaries as
                              guarantors, the lenders named therein,
                              NationsBank, N.A. as administrative agent and
                              First Union National Bank of North Carolina as
                              documentation agent, dated September 27, 1996,

                              (3) any Event of Default under any other unsecured
                              lending agreement involving the Company,

                              (4) Bankruptcy or Insolvency, and/or

                              (5) any failure of the Company to post cash
                              collateral pursuant to III. B. herein.

                              then, UBS LLC for the account of UBS may, on
                              giving 5 Business Days notice to the Company
                              require all or part of the Transaction to be
                              settled early on such date (such date and amount
                              being "Day S" and "Settlement Shares" for the
                              purposes of the "Settlement" provisions above).
                              The Company may elect the method of settlement for
                              such early settlement in accordance with the
                              settlement provisions set forth herein.

                              however,

                              in the event (1) no resale Registration Statement
                              has been provided and declared effective prior to
                              Day S or (2) any resale Registration Statement so
                              provided and declared effective becomes, on Day S
                              or during an unwind period, the subject of a stop
                              order suspending its effectiveness or is the
                              subject of any proceeding for that purpose or any
                              such proceeding is threatened by the Commission,
                              then the Company at its sole option may choose to
                              (A) cash collateralize 125% of its obligation to
                              UBS in a manner similar to that described in
                              Section III.3., (B) effect Cash Settlement as to
                              all of the Settlement Shares in accordance with

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

                              Section II.B. hereof on the Exchange Trading Day
                              immediately succeeding the occurrence of one of
                              the events specified in (1) or (2) above or (C)
                              effect settlement with Common Shares that are not
                              subject to a resale Registration Statement to
                              allow UBS to unwind the Transaction and liquidate
                              any position it may hold in such unregistered
                              Settlement Shares by means of negotiated private
                              resales, to the extent and in the manner permitted
                              by applicable federal and state securities laws.
                              In recognition that such negotiated private
                              resales, if any, are likely to be completed at
                              prices reflective of a discount to the prevailing
                              open market prices for any freely tradable Common
                              Shares, the Company agrees to deliver such number
                              of supplemental Common Shares as UBS may
                              reasonably request to which UBS shall assign a
                              dollar price in order to approximate an aggregate
                              amount equal to the aggregate discount accepted by
                              UBS in connection with the resale of the
                              Settlement Shares or the Company shall pay an
                              amount to UBS equal to the aggregate discount
                              accepted by UBS in connection with the resale of
                              the Settlement Shares.

                              Upon receipt of full payment from the Company to
                              UBS LLC for the account of UBS, UBS LLC for the
                              account of UBS will promptly return all shares in
                              the Company's Margin Account to the Company.


Market Disruption Event:      The occurrence or existing or existence on any
                              Exchange Trading Day during the one-half hour
                              period that ends at the Valuation Time of any
                              suspension of or limitation imposed on trading on
                              (i) any of the Relevant Exchanges or (ii) any of
                              the Related Exchanges in options or futures
                              contracts on the Common Shares of the Company if,
                              in the reasonable determination of the Calculation
                              Agent, such suspension or limitation is material.
                              In the event that a Market Disruption Event occurs
                              or is continuing on a Valuation Date, then any
                              determination of the closing pricing of the Common
                              Shares shall be postponed to the first succeeding
                              Exchange Trading Day on which there is no Market
                              Disruption Event, provided that if there is a
                              Market Disruption Event on each of the five
                              Exchange Trading Days immediately following the
                              original Valuation Date that but for the Market
                              Disruption Event would have been a day on which
                              the closing price of the Common Shares would have
                              been determined, such fifth Exchange Trading Day
                              shall be deemed to be such Valuation Date
                              notwithstanding the Market Disruption Event and
                              the Calculation Agent shall, in consultation with
                              the Company, determine the closing price for that
                              Valuation Date based upon the last closing price
                              prior to such Market Disruption Event, and if
                              applicable, shall effect the settlement of the
                              Underlying Shares by using such last closing price
                              for the determination of the Settlement Amount
                              under Paragraph II.A.3. above.

                              The Calculation Agent shall within one (1 )
                              Business Day notify the other party of the
                              existence or occurrence of a Market Disruption
                              Event on any day that but for the occurrence or
                              existence of a Market Disruption Event would have
                              been a Valuation Date.

Regulatory Compliance:        Each party agrees that if the delivery of shares
                              upon settlement is subject to any restriction
                              imposed by a regulatory authority, it shall not be
                              an event of default, and the parties will
                              negotiate in good faith a procedure to effect
                              settlement of such shares in a manner which
                              complies with any relevant rules of such
                              regulatory authority and which is satisfactory in
                              form and substance to their respective counsel.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

Securities Law Compliance:    Each party agrees that it will comply, in
                              connection with this Transaction and all related
                              or contemporaneous sales and purchases of the
                              Company's Common Shares, with the applicable
                              provisions of the Securities Act, the Securities
                              Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and the
                              rules and regulations thereunder.

Settlement Stock Delivery:    Pursuant to the Stock Settlement and Net Stock
                              Settlement provisions under Section II. above, UBS
                              LLC for the account of UBS shal1 deliver all
                              Settlement Shares to the Company's Margin Account.
                              Such Common Shares will be owned by the Company,
                              and will serve as collateral until released by UBS
                              LLC for the account of UBS in accordance with the
                              settlement mechanics noted under II.E. above.

                              The Company covenants and agrees with UBS that
                              Common Shares delivered by the Company pursuant to
                              settlement events in accordance herewith will be
                              duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
                              nonassessable. The issuance of such Common Shares
                              will not require the consent, approval,
                              authorization, registration, or qualification of
                              any government authority, except such as shall
                              have been obtained on or before the delivery date
                              to UBS LLC for the account of UBS in connection
                              with any registration statement filed with respect
                              to any shares.

Stock Settlement Transfer:    All settlements shall occur through DTC or any
                              other mutually acceptable depository.

Solvency:                     Immediately following the execution of this
                              agreement, the Company will be solvent and able to
                              pay its debts as they mature, will have capital
                              sufficient to carry on business and all businesses
                              in which it engages, and will have assets which
                              will have a present fair market valuation greater
                              than the amount of all of its liabilities.

Trading Authorization:        The following individuals and /or any individual
                              authorized in writing by the Treasurer of the
                              Company are authorized by the Company to provide
                              trading instructions to UBS LLC for the account of
                              UBS with regard to this transaction.

                                            Ronald P.  Gibson
                                            Carman J.  Liuzzo
                                            Mack D.  Pridgen III


                                      -12-

<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

VI.  Delivery Instructions:

  Party A:                    Chase, NYC
                              UBS Securities LLC
                              ABA 021000021
                              A/C No. ###-##-####
                              Attn: GED




  Party B:



                              Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets
                              forth the terms of our agreement by executing the
                              copy of this Confirmation enclosed for that
                              purpose and returning it to Ms. Gale Herzing, 29th
                              Floor.

Yours faithfully,

Union Bank of Switzerland, London Branch

By: ________________________             By: _______________________________
Name:                                    Name:
Title:                                   Title:
Date:                                    Date:





Highwoods Properties Inc.



By: ____________________________         By: _____________________________
Name: Carman J. Liuzzo                   Name: Mack D. Pridgen III
Title: Vice President and Chief          Title: Vice President and 
       Financial Officer                        General Counsel
Date: August 28, 1997                    Date: August 28, 1997


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

                             Forward Stock Purchase

                                    Exhibit A
                               Financial Covenants

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Covenants *                                                             Test Period            Threshold
- ---------------------                                                             -----------            ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>                    <C>  
Adjusted NOI to Total Liabilities                                                 Rolling 4Q             >= 16 5%

Minimum Tangible Net Worth                                                        NA                     (1)

Total Liabilities to Total Market Capitalization                                  NA                     <= 45%

Total Liabilities to Total Property Assets at Cost                                NA                     <= 50%

EBITDA to Interest Expense (plus Capex)                                           Rolling 4Q             >= 2 20x

Unencumbered Assets to Unsecured Debt                                             Rolling 4Q             >= 2.25x

Secured Debt to Total Property Assets at Cost                                     Rolling 4Q             <= 30NO

Unencumbered Adjusted NOI to Unsecured Interest Expense                           Rolling 4Q             >= 2 25x

Unencumbered Adjusted NOI to Unsecured Debt                                       Rolling 4Q             >= 18%

Speculative Land to Improved Properties                                           Rolling 4Q             <= 3 .0%
</TABLE>

Any above capitalized terms shall be defined pursuant to the Company's $280
million Credit Agreement by and among Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership as
borrower, the Company and certain subsidiaries as guarantors, the lenders named
therein, NationsBank, N.A. as administrative agent and First Union National Bank
of North Carolina as documentation agent, dated September 27, 1996.

(1) Greater than or equal to the sum of (i) $700 million plus (ii) 85% of the
Net Cash Proceeds of any Equity Issuance subsequent to the Closing Date of the
Credit Agreement by and among Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership as borrower
the Company and certain subsidiaries as guarantors, the lenders named therein,
NationsBank, N A as administrative agent and First Union National Bank of North
Carolina as documentation agent, dated September 27, 1996.





* ($ millions where appropriate)


                                      -14-



                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                      among

                     HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
                                   as Borrower

                                       AND

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.,
     and certain Subsidiaries of the Borrower and Highwoods Properties, Inc.
                                  as Guarantors

                                       AND

                               NATIONSBANK, N.A.,
                              as Agent and a Lender

                                       AND

                  THE OTHER LENDERS IDENTIFIED HEREIN (IF ANY)



                          DATED AS OF December 15, 1997


<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
SECTION 1  DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS....................................1
1.1 Definitions................................................................1
1.2 Computation of Time Periods and Other Definitional Provisions..............8

SECTION 2  CREDIT FACILITIES. .................................................9
2.1 Revolving Loans............................................................9

SECTION 3  GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS.............................11
3.1 Interest..................................................................11
3.2 Place and Manner of Payments..............................................11
3.3 Prepayments...............................................................12
3.4 Unused Fees...............................................................12
3.5 Payment in full at Maturity...............................................13
3.6 Computations of Interest and Fees.........................................13
3.7 Pro Rata Treatment........................................................14
3.8 Sharing of Payments.......................................................14
3.9 Capital Adequacy..........................................................15
3.10 Inability To Determine Eurodollar Rate...................................15
3.11 Illegality to Make Eurodollar Loans......................................16
3.12 Changes in Requirements of Law...........................................16
3.13 Taxes....................................................................17
3.14 Indemnity as to Eurodollar Loans.........................................18

SECTION 4  GUARANTY...........................................................19
4.1 Guaranty of Payment.......................................................18
4.2 Obligations Unconditional.................................................19
4.3 Modifications.............................................................19
4.4 Waiver of Rights..........................................................20
4.5 Reinstatement.............................................................20
4.6 Remedies..................................................................20
4.7 Limitation of Guaranty....................................................21

SECTION 5  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT...............................................21
5.1 Closing Conditions........................................................21
5.2 Conditions to All Loans...................................................23

SECTION 6  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.....................................25

SECTION 7  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS..............................................25

SECTION 8  NEGATIVE COVENANTS.................................................26

                                       i

<PAGE>


SECTION 9  EVENTS OF DEFAULT..................................................26
9.2 Events of Default.........................................................27
9.3 Acceleration; Remedies....................................................27
9.4 Allocation of Payments After Event of Default.............................28

SECTION 10  AGENCY PROVISIONS.................................................29
10.1 Appointment..............................................................29
10.2 Delegation of Duties.....................................................29
10.3 Exculpatory Provisions...................................................29
10.4 Reliance on Communications...............................................30
10.5 Notice of Default........................................................30
10.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders..................................31
10.7 Indemnification..........................................................31
10.8 Agent in Its Individual Capacity.........................................32
10.9 Successor Agent..........................................................32

SECTION 11 MISCELLANEOUS......................................................33
11.1 Notices..................................................................32
11.2 Right of Set-Off.........................................................33
11.3 Benefit of Agreement.....................................................33
11.4 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative...........................................35
11.5 Payment of Expenses; Indemnification.....................................35
11.6 Amendments, Waivers and Consents.........................................36
11.7 Counterparts.............................................................36
11.8 Headings.................................................................37
11.9 Defaulting Lender........................................................37
11.10 Survival of Indemnification and 
       Representations and Warranties.........................................37
11.11  Governing Law..........................................................37
11.12  Arbitration............................................................37
11.13  Time...................................................................38
11.14  Severability...........................................................38
11.15  Entirety...............................................................38

                                       ii

<PAGE>


SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.1(a)            Commitment Percentages
Schedule 11.1              Notices

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 2.1(b)             Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit 2.1(d)             Form of Notice of Continuation/Conversion
Exhibit 2.1(f)             Form of Revolving Note
Exhibit 7.1(c)             Form of Officer's Certificate
Exhibit 7.16               Form of Joinder Agreement
Exhibit 11.3               Form of Assignment Agreement

                                      iii

<PAGE>


                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

     THIS  CREDIT  AGREEMENT,  dated  as of  December  15,  1997  (this  "Credit
Agreement"), is entered into by and among HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
a North Carolina limited  partnership (the  "Borrower"),  HIGHWOODS  PROPERTIES,
INC., a Maryland corporation ("Highwoods  Properties") (Highwoods Properties and
certain  Subsidiaries of the Borrower and Highwoods  Properties,  individually a
"Guarantor" and collectively the "Guarantors"),  the Lenders (as defined herein)
and NATIONSBANK, N.A., (the "Bank"), as Agent for the Lenders.

                                 R E C I T A L S

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a $150,000,000
credit facility for the purposes hereinafter set forth; and

     WHEREAS,  the Lenders  have agreed to make the  requested  credit  facility
available to the Borrower on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  IN  CONSIDERATION  of the  premises  and  other  good and
valuable  consideration,   the  receipt  and  sufficiency  of  which  is  hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    SECTION 1

                        DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     1.1 Definitions.

     As used  herein,  the  following  terms  shall  have  the  meanings  herein
specified  unless the context  otherwise  requires.  Defined  terms herein shall
include in the singular number the plural and in the plural the singular:

          "Additional  Credit  Party" means each Person that becomes a Guarantor
     under the Related Facility.

          "Adjusted   Base  Rate"  means  the  Base  Rate  plus  the  Applicable
     Percentage.

          "Adjusted   Eurodollar  Rate"  means  the  Eurodollar  Rate  plus  the
     Applicable Percentage.

          "Agent"  means  NationsBank,  N.A. (or any  successor  thereto) or any
     successor administrative agent appointed pursuant to Section 10.


<PAGE>


          "Affiliate" means a Person:  (a) which directly or indirectly  through
     one or more intermediaries controls or is controlled by, or is under common
     control of the Borrower or a Guarantor;  or (b) which  beneficially owns or
     holds  five  percent  (5%) or more of any  class of the  voting  stock of a
     Guarantor or more than five percent  (5%) of the  partnership  interests of
     the Borrower; or (c) of which five percent (5%) or more of the voting stock
     (or in the case of a Person which is not a  corporation,  five percent (5%)
     or  more of the  equity  interest)  is  beneficially  owned  or held by the
     Borrower or a Guarantor.

          "Applicable  Percentage"  means,  at any time, and with respect to all
     Eurodollar  Loans and Base Rate  Loans  then  outstanding,  the  applicable
     percentage as follows:

                   APPLICABLE                  APPLICABLE
                   PERCENTAGE                  PERCENTAGE
                 FOR EURODOLLAR                 BASE RATE
                     LOANS                        LOANS
                     -----                        -----
                     0.90%                         0%

          "Authorized  Officer" means the President,  Chief  Executive  Officer,
     Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer,  Secretary or Chairman of
     the Board of Highwoods Properties.

          "Bankruptcy  Code" means the Bankruptcy Code in Title 11 of the United
     States Code, as amended, modified, succeeded or replaced from time to time.

          "Base Rate" means,  for any day, the rate per annum (rounded  upwards,
     if necessary,  to the nearest  whole  multiple of 1/100 of 1%) equal to the
     greater of (a) the Federal  Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%
     or (b) the Prime  Rate in effect on such day.  If for any  reason the Agent
     shall have  determined  (which  determination  shall be  conclusive  absent
     manifest  error)  that it is unable  after due  inquiry  to  ascertain  the
     Federal  Funds Rate for any reason,  including  the inability or failure of
     the Agent to obtain  sufficient  quotations  in  accordance  with the terms
     hereof,  the Base Rate shall be determined  without regard to clause (a) of
     the first sentence of this definition until the  circumstances  giving rise
     to such  inability  no longer  exist.  Any change in the Base Rate due to a
     change in the Prime Rate or the Federal  Funds Rate shall be  effective  on
     the  effective  date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal  Funds
     Rate, respectively.

          "Base Rate Loan" means any Loan bearing  interest at a rate determined
     by reference to the Base Rate.

          "Borrower"  means  Highwoods/Forsyth  Limited  Partnership,   a  North
     Carolina limited  partnership,  together with any permitted  successors and
     assigns.

          "Business  Day"  means any day other  than a  Saturday  or Sunday or a
     legal  holiday in  Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  or a day on which  banking
     institutions are authorized by law or


                                       2
<PAGE>


     other governmental  action to close;  provided,  however, if the applicable
     day relates to the determination of the Eurodollar Rate, such day must also
     be a day upon  which  banks are open for the  transaction  of  business  in
     London,  England and dealings in U.S. dollar deposits are carried on in the
     London interbank market.

          "Closing Date" means the date hereof.

          "Commitments"  means the commitment of each Lender with respect to the
     Revolving Committed Amount.

          "Credit Documents" means, collectively, this Agreement and the Note.

          "Credit  Parties"  means the Borrower and the  Guarantors  and "Credit
     Party" means any one of them.

          "Credit  Party  Obligations"  means,  without  duplication  all of the
     obligations  of the Credit  Parties to the Lenders and the Agent,  whenever
     arising, under this Credit Agreement, the Notes, or any of the other Credit
     Documents to which the Borrower or any Guarantor is a party.

          "Default" means any event, act or condition which with notice or lapse
     of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

          "Defaulting  Lender"  means,  at any time,  any Lender  that,  (a) has
     failed  to make a Loan  required  pursuant  to the  terms  of  this  Credit
     Agreement,  (b) has failed to pay to the Agent or any Lender an amount owed
     by such Lender pursuant to the terms of this Credit Agreement (but only for
     so  long  as such  amount  has not  been  repaid)  or (c) has  been  deemed
     insolvent or has become subject to a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or
     to a receiver, trustee or similar official.

          "Dollars"  and "$" means  dollars  in lawful  currency  of the  United
     States of America.

          "Effective  Date" means the date on which the  conditions set forth in
     Section 5.1 shall have been fulfilled (or waived in the sole  discretion of
     the Lenders) and on which the initial Loans shall have been made.

          "Eligible Assignee" means (a) any Lender or Affiliate or subsidiary of
     a  Lender  and  (b)  any  other  commercial  bank,  financial  institution,
     institutional  lender or "accredited  investor" (as defined in Regulation D
     of the  Securities and Exchange  Commission)  with total assets of at least
     $10 billion and with a rating on their long term unsecured debt of at least
     BBB with S&P or its equivalent  and organized  under the laws of the United
     States or a state thereof.

          "Environmental   Claim"  means  any  investigation,   written  notice,
     violation,  written demand,  written allegation,  action, suit, injunction,
     judgment,  order,  consent decree,  penalty,  fine,  lien,  proceeding,  or
     written claim whether administrative, judicial, or private


                                       3
<PAGE>


     in nature  arising (a) pursuant  to, or in  connection  with,  an actual or
     alleged  violation of, any  Environmental  Law, (b) in connection  with any
     Hazardous Material, (c) from any assessment,  abatement, removal, remedial,
     corrective,  or other response action in connection  with an  Environmental
     Law or other order of a  Governmental  Authority  or (d) from any actual or
     alleged  damage,  injury,  threat,  or  harm  to  health,  safety,  natural
     resources, or the environment.

          "Environmental  Laws" means any current or future legal requirement of
     any  Governmental  Authority  pertaining  to (a) the  protection of health,
     safety,  and the  indoor  or  outdoor  environment,  (b) the  conservation,
     management, or use of natural resources and wildlife, (c) the protection or
     use of surface  water and  groundwater,  (d) the  management,  manufacture,
     possession, presence, use, generation, transportation,  treatment, storage,
     disposal, release, threatened release, abatement,  removal,  remediation or
     handling of, or exposure to, any  hazardous or toxic  substance or material
     or  (e)  pollution  (including  any  release  to  land  surface  water  and
     groundwater)   and  includes,   without   limitation,   the   Comprehensive
     Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended
     by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, 42 USC 9601 et
     seq., Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and
     Recovery Act of 1976 and  Hazardous  and Solid Waste  Amendment of 1984, 42
     USC 6901 et seq.,  Federal Water  Pollution  Control Act, as amended by the
     Clean  Water Act of 1977,  33 USC 1251 et seq.,  Clean Air Act of 1966,  as
     amended,  42 USC 7401 et seq., Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, 15 USC
     2601 et seq.,  Hazardous Materials  Transportation Act, 49 USC App. 1801 et
     seq., Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, 29 USC 651 et
     seq.,  Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 USC 2701 et seq.,  Emergency  Planning
     and Community  Right-to-Know  Act of 1986,  42 USC 11001 et seq.,  National
     Environmental  Policy Act of 1969, 42 USC 4321 et seq., Safe Drinking Water
     Act of 1974, as amended, 42 USC 300(f) et seq., any analogous  implementing
     or successor law, and any amendment, rule, regulation,  order, or directive
     issued thereunder.

          "Eurodollar  Loan"  means  a Loan  bearing  interest  based  at a rate
     determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate.

          "Eurodollar  Rate" means,  for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar
     Loan  comprising  part  of  the  same  borrowing  (including   conversions,
     extensions and renewals),  a per annum interest rate determined pursuant to
     the following formula:

          Eurodollar Rate = London Interbank Offered Rate 
                            ---------------------------------
                            1 - Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

          "Eurodollar  Reserve  Percentage"  means for any day, that  percentage
     (expressed  as a  decimal)  which  is in  effect  from  time to time  under
     Regulation D of the Board of Governors  of the Federal  Reserve  System (or
     any successor),  as such regulation may be amended from time to time or any
     successor  regulation,  as  the  maximum  reserve  requirement  (including,
     without  limitation,  any  basic,  supplemental,   emergency,  special,  or
     marginal reserves)  applicable with respect to Eurocurrency  liabilities as
     that term is defined in  Regulation  D (or  against  any other  category of
     liabilities that includes  deposits by reference to which the interest rate
     of  Eurodollar  Loans  is  determined),  whether  or not a  Lender  has any

                                       4
<PAGE>


     Eurocurrency  liabilities subject to such reserve requirement at that time.
     Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute Eurocurrency liabilities and
     as such shall be deemed subject to reserve requirements without benefits of
     credits for  proration,  exceptions  or offsets that may be available  from
     time  to  time  to  a  Lender.   The  Eurodollar  Rate  shall  be  adjusted
     automatically  on  and as of  the  effective  date  of  any  change  in the
     Eurodollar Reserve Percentage.

          "Event of Default" means any of the events or circumstances  described
     in Section 9.

          "Extension  of Credit"  means the making of any loans  (including  the
     extension of, or conversion into, a Eurodollar Loans).

          "Federal  Funds  Rate"  means for any day the rate per annum  (rounded
     upward,  if necessary,  to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) equal to the weighted
     average of the rates on overnight  Federal funds  transactions with members
     of the Federal  Reserve  System  arranged by Federal  funds brokers on such
     day, as published  by the Federal  Reserve Bank of New York on the Business
     Day  next  succeeding  such  day;  provided  that  (a) if such day is not a
     Business  Day,  the  Federal  Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on
     such  transactions  on the next  preceding  Business Day and (b) if no such
     rate is so published on such next preceding Business Day, the Federal Funds
     Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to the Agent on such day
     on such transactions as determined by the Agent.

          "Fee Letter" means that certain letter agreement,  dated as of Closing
     Date, between the Bank and the Borrower, as amended, modified, supplemented
     or replaced from time to time.

          "GAAP" means generally  accepted  accounting  principles in the United
     States applied on a consistent basis.

          "Governmental  Authority" means any Federal,  state, local, provincial
     or foreign court or  governmental  agency,  authority,  instrumentality  or
     regulatory body.

          "Guarantors" means Highwoods Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation,
     each of the  Subsidiaries  of Highwoods  Properties and the Borrower (other
     than the Non-Guarantor  Subsidiaries) and each Additional Credit Party that
     has executed a Joinder Agreement.

          "Interest  Payment  Date"  means  (a) as to Base  Rate  Loans,  on the
     fifteenth  (15th) day of each month and on the Revolving Loan Maturity Date
     and (b) as to Eurodollar Loans, on the last day of each applicable Interest
     Period and on the Revolving Loan Maturity Date.

          "Interest  Period"  means,  as to  Eurodollar  Loans,  a period of one
     month's  duration,  commencing,  in each case, on the date of the borrowing
     (including continuations and conversions thereof);  provided,  however, (a)
     if any Interest Period would end on a day which is not a Business Day, such
     Interest  Period  shall be extended  to the next  succeeding  Business  Day
     (except  that  when  the next  succeeding  Business  Day  falls in the next
     succeeding calendar month, then on the next preceding Business Day), (b) no
     Interest


                                       5
<PAGE>


     Period shall extend beyond the  Revolving  Loan Maturity Date and (c) where
     an  Interest  Period  begins  on a day for  which  there is no  numerically
     corresponding  day in the calendar month in which the Interest Period is to
     end,  such  Interest  Period  shall  end on the last  Business  Day of such
     calendar month.

          "Lender"  means any of the  Persons  identified  as a "Lender"  on the
     signature pages hereto,  and any Person which may become a Lender by way of
     assignment  in  accordance  with the  terms  hereof,  together  with  their
     successors and permitted assigns.

          "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation,  assignment, deposit
     arrangement, security interest, encumbrance, lien (statutory or otherwise),
     preference,  priority or charge of any kind, including, without limitation,
     any agreement to give any of the foregoing,  any conditional  sale or other
     title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature thereof.

          "Loan" or "Loans" mean revolving loans made hereunder.

          "London  Interbank Offered Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar
     Loan for the Interest Period applicable  thereto,  the rate of interest per
     annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing
     on  Telerate  Page 3750 (or any  successor  page) as the  London  interbank
     offered rate for deposits in Dollars at  approximately  11:00 A.M.  (London
     time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest  Period for
     a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided,  however, if more than
     one rate is specified on Telerate Page 3750, the  applicable  rate shall be
     the arithmetic mean of all such rates. If, for any reason, such rate is not
     available,  the term  "London  Interbank  Offered  Rate" shall  mean,  with
     respect to any Eurodollar Loan for the Interest Period applicable  thereto,
     the rate of interest  per annum  (rounded  upwards,  if  necessary,  to the
     nearest  1/100 of 1%)  appearing on Reuters  Screen LIBO Page as the London
     interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately  11:00 A.M.
     (London  time) two  Business  Days prior to the first day of such  Interest
     Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided, however, if
     more than one rate is specified on Reuters Screen LIBO Page, the applicable
     rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such rates.

          "Material  Adverse Effect" means a material  adverse effect on (a) the
     operations, financial condition, business or prospects of the Borrower or a
     Guarantor,  (b) the ability of the  Borrower or a Guarantor  to perform its
     respective  obligations  under this  Credit  Agreement  or any of the other
     Credit  Documents,  or (c) the  validity or  enforceability  of this Credit
     Agreement, any of the other Credit Documents, or the rights and remedies of
     the Lenders hereunder or thereunder taken as a whole.

          "Non-Excluded Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.13.

          "Non-Guarantor  Subsidiaries"  means AP Southeast  Portfolio Partners,
     L.P.,  AP-GP  Southeast  Portfolio  Partners,   L.P.,  a  Delaware  limited
     partnership,  Highwoods Realty GP Corp., a Delaware limited partnership and
     Forsyth-Carter Brokerage, L.L.C.


                                       6
<PAGE>


          "Note" or "Notes"  means the  Revolving  Loan Notes,  individually  or
     collectively, as appropriate.

          "Notice of Borrowing"  means a request by the Borrower for a Revolving
     Loan, in the form of Exhibit 2.1(b).

          "Notice of Continuation/Conversion" means a request by the Borrower to
     continue an existing Eurodollar Loan to a new Interest Period or to convert
     a  Eurodollar  Loan to a Base Rate Loan or a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar
     Loan, in the form of Exhibit 2.1(d).

          "Person"  means any  individual,  partnership,  joint  venture,  firm,
     corporation,   limited  liability  company,  association,  trust  or  other
     enterprise (whether or not incorporated), or any Governmental Authority.

          "Prime  Rate"  means the per annum rate of interest  established  from
     time to time  by the  Bank at its  principal  office  in  Charlotte,  North
     Carolina (or such other  principal  office of the Bank as  communicated  in
     writing to the Borrower  and the Lenders) as its Prime Rate.  Any change in
     the interest  rate  resulting  from a change in the Prime Rate shall become
     effective  as of 12:01 a.m. of the Business Day on which each change in the
     Prime Rate is  announced  by the Bank.  The Prime Rate is a reference  rate
     used by the Bank in determining  interest rates on certain loans and is not
     intended  to be the lowest  rate of interest  charged on any  extension  of
     credit to any debtor.

          "Related Credit Agreement" means that certain Credit Agreement between
     the Credit  Parties,  NationsBank,  N.A., as "Agent",  First Union National
     Bank of  North  Carolina,  as  "Documentation  Agent",  and  certain  other
     financial  institutions   identified  therein  as  "Lenders"  dated  as  of
     September  27, 1996,  as amended by (i) that certain  First  Amendment  and
     Restatement  of Credit  Agreement  dated as of May 27, 1997,  and (ii) that
     certain  letter  agreement  among such  parties  dated August 20, 1997 (the
     "Letter Agreement"), and as further amended, modified, extended or replaced
     from time to time.

          "Related Credit  Facilities"  means those credit  facilities  provided
     under the Related Credit Agreement.

          "Related  Credit  Facility  Lenders"  means those lenders party to the
     Related Credit Agreement.

          "Required Lenders" means all Lenders;  provided,  however, that if any
     Lender  shall be a  Defaulting  Lender at such  time  then such  Defaulting
     Lender shall be excluded from the determination of Required Lenders at such
     time.

          "Requirement  of  Law"  means,  as to  any  Person,  the  articles  or
     certificate  of  incorporation  and  by-laws  or  other  organizational  or
     governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation
     or final, non-appealable determination of an arbitrator or a court or other
     Governmental  Authority,  in each case  applicable  to or binding upon such
     Person or to which any of its material property is subject.


                                       7
<PAGE>


          "Revolving  Committed  Amount" means ONE HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS
     ($150,000,000).

          "Revolving Loan Commitment  Percentage"  means,  for each Lender,  the
     percentage  identified  as its  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  Percentage  on
     Schedule 1.1(a),  as such percentage may be modified in connection with any
     assignment made in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.3.

          "Revolving Loan Maturity Date" means June 30, 1998.

          "Revolving  Loans"  means the  Revolving  Loans  made to the  Borrower
     pursuant to Section 2.

          "Revolving  Note" or "Revolving  Notes" means the promissory  notes of
     the Borrower in favor of each of the Lenders evidencing the Revolving Loans
     provided   pursuant  to  Section  2,   individually  or  collectively,   as
     appropriate,   as  such   promissory   notes  may  be  amended,   modified,
     supplemented,  extended,  renewed  or  replaced  from  time to time  and as
     evidenced in the form of Exhibit 2.1f.

          "S&P"  means  Standard & Poor's  Ratings  Group,  a division of McGraw
     Hill,  Inc.,  or any successor or assignee of the business of such division
     in the business of rating securities.

          "Subsidiary"  means, as to any Person,  (a) any corporation  more than
     50% of whose  stock of any class or  classes  having  by the terms  thereof
     ordinary  voting  power  to  elect  a  majority  of the  directors  of such
     corporation  (irrespective  of  whether  or not at the  time,  any class or
     classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason
     of the  happening of any  contingency)  is at the time owned by such Person
     directly  or  indirectly  through  Subsidiaries,  and (b) any  partnership,
     association, joint venture or other entity in which such person directly or
     indirectly through  Subsidiaries has more than a 50% equity interest at any
     time.

          "Unused Commitment" means, for any period, the amount by which (a) the
     then applicable  aggregate Revolving Committed Amount exceeds (b) the daily
     average sum for such period of the outstanding  aggregate  principal amount
     of all Revolving Loans.

          "Unused Fee Percentage" means 0.15% per annum.

     1.2 Computation of Time Periods and Other Definitional Provisions.

     For purposes of computation of periods of time  hereunder,  the word "from"
means  "from and  including"  and the words "to" and  "until"  each mean "to but
excluding." References in this Agreement to "Articles",  "Sections", "Schedules"
or  "Exhibits"  shall be to Articles,  Sections,  Schedules or Exhibits of or to
this Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.


                                       8
<PAGE>


                                    SECTION 2

                                CREDIT FACILITIES

     2.1 Revolving Loans.

     (a) Revolving  Loan  Commitment.  Subject to the terms and  conditions  set
forth  herein,  each Lender  severally  agrees to make  revolving  loans (each a
"Revolving  Loan" and collectively  the "Revolving  Loans") to the Borrower,  in
Dollars, at any time and from time to time, during the period from and including
the Effective  Date to but not  including  the Revolving  Loan Maturity Date (or
such earlier  date if the  Revolving  Committed  Amount has been  terminated  as
provided herein); provided, however, that (i) the sum of the aggregate amount of
Revolving Loans outstanding shall not exceed the Revolving  Committed Amount and
(ii) with  respect to each  individual  Lender,  the  Lender's pro rata share of
outstanding  Revolving  Loans  shall not exceed  such  Lender's  Revolving  Loan
Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Committed Amount. Subject to the terms of
this Credit Agreement  (including  Section 3.3), the Borrower may borrow,  repay
and reborrow Revolving Loans.

     (b) Method of Borrowing  for Revolving  Loans.  By no later than 10:00 a.m.
(i) one Business Day prior to the  requested  borrowing of Revolving  Loans that
will be Base  Rate  Loans or (ii)  two  Business  Days  prior to the date of the
requested  borrowing  of  Revolving  Loans that will be  Eurodollar  Loans,  the
Borrower  shall  submit a written  Notice of  Borrowing  in the form of  Exhibit
2.1(b) to the Agent  (which  notice  may be by  telecopy  with the  original  to
follow) setting forth (A) the amount requested, (B) whether such Revolving Loans
shall accrue interest at the Adjusted Base Rate or the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate,
(C)  how  the  proceeds  from  such  Revolving   Loans  will  be  used  and  (D)
certification that the Borrower has complied in all respects with Section 5;

     (c) Funding of Revolving Loans. Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing,  the
Agent shall  promptly  inform the Lenders as to the terms  thereof.  Each Lender
shall make its Revolving Loan Commitment  Percentage of the requested  Revolving
Loans available to the Agent by 2:00 p.m. on the date specified in the Notice of
Borrowing by deposit, in Dollars, of immediately  available funds at the offices
of the Agent at its  principal  office in Charlotte,  North  Carolina or at such
other address as the Agent may designate in writing. The amount of the requested
Revolving  Loans will then be made  available  to the  Borrower  by the Agent by
crediting  the account of the Borrower on the books of such office of the Agent,
to the extent  the  amount of such  Revolving  Loans are made  available  to the
Agent.

     No Lender shall be responsible for the failure or delay by any other Lender
in its obligation to make Revolving Loans hereunder; provided, however, that the
failure of any Lender to fulfill its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any
other  Lender of its  obligations  hereunder.  Unless the Agent  shall have been
notified by any Lender  prior to the date of any such  Revolving  Loan that such
Lender  does not  intend  to make  available  to the Agent  its  portion  of the
Revolving  Loans to be made on such date,  the Agent may assume that such Lender
has made such amount available to the


                                       9
<PAGE>


Agent on the date of such Revolving  Loans,  and the Agent in reliance upon such
assumption,  may (in its sole  discretion  but without any  obligation to do so)
make available to the Borrower a  corresponding  amount.  If such  corresponding
amount is not in fact made  available  to the Agent,  the Agent shall be able to
recover such corresponding  amount from such Lender. If such Lender does not pay
such corresponding amount forthwith upon the Agent's demand therefor,  the Agent
will promptly notify the Borrower,  and the Borrower shall  immediately pay such
corresponding  amount to the Agent.  The Agent shall also be entitled to recover
from  the  Lender  or the  Borrower,  as the  case  may  be,  interest  on  such
corresponding  amount in  respect  of each day from the date such  corresponding
amount  was made  available  by the  Agent  to the  Borrower  to the  date  such
corresponding  amount is recovered by the Agent at a per annum rate equal to (i)
from the Borrower at the applicable rate for such Revolving Loan pursuant to the
Notice of Borrowing and (ii) from a Lender at the Federal Funds Rate.

     (d)   Continuations   and   Conversions.   Upon  receipt  of  a  Notice  of
Continuation/Conversion,  the Agent shall promptly  inform the Lenders as to the
terms thereof.  Subject to the terms of Section 5.2, the Borrower shall have the
option,  on any  Business  Day,  to  continue  existing  Eurodollar  Loans for a
subsequent  Interest Period, to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurodollar Loans or
to convert Eurodollar Loans into Base Rate Loans;  provided,  however,  that (i)
each such  continuation or conversion must be requested by the Borrower pursuant
to a written Notice of  Continuation/Conversion,  in the form of Exhibit 2.1(d),
in compliance with the terms set forth below, (ii) except as provided in Section
3.11,  Eurodollar  Loans may only be continued or converted into Base Rate Loans
on the last day of the Interest  Period  applicable  thereto,  (iii)  Eurodollar
Loans may not be continued nor may Base Rate Loans be converted into  Eurodollar
Loans during the existence and continuation of a Default or Event of Default and
(iv) any  request to  continue a  Eurodollar  Loan that fails to comply with the
terms hereof or any failure to request a  continuation  of a Eurodollar  Loan at
the end of an Interest Period shall  constitute a conversion to a Base Rate Loan
on  the  last  day of the  applicable  Interest  Period.  Each  continuation  or
conversion  must be  requested  by the Borrower no later than 11:00 a.m. (A) one
Business Day prior to a requested conversion of a Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate
Loan or (B) two Business Days prior to the date for a requested  continuation of
a Eurodollar  Loan or  conversion  of a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar  Loan, in
each case pursuant to a written Notice of  Continuation/Conversion  submitted to
the Agent.

     (e)  Minimum  Amounts.   Each  request  for  a  borrowing,   conversion  or
continuation  shall be subject to the requirements that (i) each Eurodollar Loan
shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 and in integral multiples of $500,000
in excess thereof,  (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall be in a minimum amount of the
lesser of $1,000,000  (and integral  multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof) or
the remaining amount available under the Revolving Committed Amount and (iii) no
more than five (5) Eurodollar  Loans shall be  outstanding  hereunder at any one
time.


                                       10
<PAGE>


     (f) Notes.  The Revolving Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by a
duly executed  promissory note of the Borrower to each applicable  Lender in the
face  amount  of its  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  Percentage  of the  Revolving
Committed Amount in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.1(f).

                                    SECTION 3

                     GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS

     3.1 Interest.

     (a)  Interest  Rate.  All Base Rate  Loans  shall  accrue  interest  at the
Adjusted  Base  Rate and all  Eurodollar  Loans  shall  accrue  interest  at the
Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.

     (b)  Default  Rate  of  Interest.  Upon  the  occurrence,  and  during  the
continuance,  of an  Event of  Default,  the  principal  of and,  to the  extent
permitted by law, interest on the Loans and any other amounts owing hereunder or
under  the  other  Credit  Documents  (including  without  limitation  fees  and
expenses) shall bear interest,  payable on demand,  at a per annum rate equal to
4%  plus  the  rate  which  would  otherwise  be  applicable  (or if no  rate is
applicable, then the rate for Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans plus four
percent (4%) per annum).

     (c) Late  Charges.  In the event any payment of interest  or  principal  is
delinquent  more than fifteen (15) days,  the Borrower will pay to the Agent for
the benefit of the Lenders a late charge of four  percent  (4%) of the amount of
the overdue  payment.  This  provision  for late charges  shall not be deemed to
extend the time for payment or be a "grace  period" or "cure  period" that gives
the Borrower a right to cure a Default or Event of Default.  Imposition  of such
late  charges is not  contingent  upon  giving of any notice or the lapse of any
cure period provided for in the Credit Agreement.

     (d)  Interest  Payments.  Interest  on Loans  shall be due and  payable  in
arrears on each Interest  Payment  Date. If an Interest  Payment Date falls on a
date which is not a Business Day, such Interest  Payment Date shall be deemed to
be the next succeeding Business Day, except that in the case of Eurodollar Loans
where the next  succeeding  Business Day falls in the next  succeeding  calendar
month, then on the next preceding Business Day.

     3.2 Place and Manner of Payments.

     All payments of principal, interest, fees, expenses and other amounts to be
made by a Credit  Party under this  Agreement  shall be received  not later than
12:00 noon on the date when due, in Dollars and in immediately  available funds,
by the Agent at its offices in  Charlotte,  North  Carolina.  Payments  received
after such time shall be deemed to have been  received on the next Business Day.
The  Borrower  shall,  at the time it makes any  payment  under this  Agreement,
specify to the Agent,  the Loans,  fees or other amounts payable by the Borrower
hereunder to which such payment is to be


                                       11
<PAGE>


applied (and in the event that it fails to specify, or if such application would
be inconsistent with the terms hereof, the Agent shall,  subject to Section 3.7,
distribute  such  payment to the  Lenders  in such  manner as the Agent may deem
appropriate). The Agent will distribute such payments to the Lenders on the date
received if any such  payment is received  prior to 12:00  p.m.;  otherwise  the
Agent  will  distribute  such  payment  to the  Lenders  on the next  succeeding
Business Day.  Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day
which is not a Business  Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next
succeeding  Business Day (subject to accrual of interest and fees for the period
of  such  extension),  except  that  in the  case of  Eurodollar  Loans,  if the
extension  would  cause the  payment to be made in the next  following  calendar
month,  then such payment shall instead be made on the next  preceding  Business
Day. If the Agent fails to timely forward  payment to a Lender it shall pay such
Lender interest at the Federal Funds Rate until such payment is made.

     3.3 Prepayments.

     (a)  Voluntary  Prepayments.  The  Borrower  shall have the right to prepay
Loans  in  whole  or in part  from  time to time  without  premium  or  penalty;
provided, however, that (i) Eurodollar Loans may only be prepaid on two Business
Days' prior written notice to the Agent and any  prepayment of Eurodollar  Loans
will be subject to Section 3.14 and (ii) each such partial  prepayment  of Loans
shall be in the minimum  principal amount of $100,000 and integral  multiples of
$100,000 in excess thereof.

     (b) Mandatory  Prepayments.  If at any time the sum of the aggregate amount
of Revolving  Loans  outstanding  exceeds the Revolving  Committed  Amount,  the
Borrower shall  immediately make a principal  payment to the Agent in the manner
and in an amount necessary to be in compliance with Section 2.1.

     (c) Application of Prepayments. All amounts required to be paid pursuant to
Section 3.3(b) shall be applied first to Base Rate Loans. If the amount required
to be paid under Section 3.3(b) exceeds the aggregate  amount of Base Rate Loans
outstanding,  such  excess  shall be applied  second to  Eurodollar  Loans.  All
prepayments hereunder shall be subject to Section 3.14.

     3.4 Unused Fees.

     In consideration of the Revolving  Committed Amount being made available by
the Lenders hereunder, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for the pro rata
benefit  of each  applicable  Lender  (based  on each  Lender's  Revolving  Loan
Percentage of the  Revolving  Committed  Amount),  a fee equal to the Unused Fee
Percentage on the Unused Commitment (the "Unused Fees"). The accrued Unused Fees
shall commence to accrue on the Closing Date, shall be calculated as of the last
day of December  1997 and March 1998 and the  Revolving  Loan  Maturity Date and
shall be due and payable in arrears on January 15 and April 15, 1998 (as well as
on the Revolving Loan Maturity Date and on any date that the Revolving Committed
Amount is reduced) for the immediately  preceding  calendar  quarter (or portion
thereof),  beginning  with the first of such  dates to occur  after the  Closing
Date.


                                       12
<PAGE>


     3.5 Payment in full at Maturity.

     On the  Revolving  Loan Maturity  Date,  the entire  outstanding  principal
balance of all Revolving  Loans,  together with accrued but unpaid  interest and
all other sums owing with  respect  thereto,  shall be due and  payable in full,
unless accelerated sooner pursuant to Section 9.

     3.6 Computations of Interest and Fees.

     (a) All  computations  of interest and fees hereunder  shall be made on the
basis of the actual  number of days  elapsed  over a year of 360 days.  Interest
shall  accrue  from  and  include  the date of  borrowing  (or  continuation  or
conversion) but exclude the date of payment.

     (b) It is the intent of the  Lenders  and the Credit  Parties to conform to
and contract in strict compliance with applicable usury law from time to time in
effect.  All agreements  between the Lenders and the Borrower are hereby limited
by the  provisions of this  paragraph  which shall override and control all such
agreements,  whether now  existing or hereafter  arising and whether  written or
oral. In no way, nor in any event or  contingency  (including but not limited to
prepayment  or  acceleration  of the  maturity  of any  obligation),  shall  the
interest taken, reserved, contracted for, charged, or received under this Credit
Agreement,  under the Notes or otherwise,  exceed the maximum nonusurious amount
permissible  under applicable law. If, from any possible  construction of any of
the Credit Documents or any other document,  interest would otherwise be payable
in excess of the maximum  nonusurious  amount,  any such  construction  shall be
subject  to the  provisions  of this  paragraph  and  such  documents  shall  be
automatically   reduced  to  the  maximum  nonusurious  amount  permitted  under
applicable  law,  without the  necessity of  execution  of any  amendment or new
document.  If  any  Lender  shall  ever  receive  anything  of  value  which  is
characterized  as interest on the Loans under  applicable  law and which  would,
apart from this provision,  be in excess of the maximum lawful amount, an amount
equal to the amount  which would have been  excessive  interest  shall,  without
penalty,  be applied to the reduction of the principal amount owing on the Loans
and not to the payment of  interest,  or  refunded to the  Borrower or the other
payor  thereof if and to the extent such amount which would have been  excessive
exceeds such unpaid  principal  amount of the Loans. The right to demand payment
of the Loans or any other indebtedness  evidenced by any of the Credit Documents
does not  include  the right to receive  any  interest  which has not  otherwise
accrued on the date of such  demand,  and the Lenders do not intend to charge or
receive any unearned interest in the event of such demand.  All interest paid or
agreed to be paid to the Lenders with respect to the Loans shall,  to the extent
permitted by  applicable  law, be  amortized,  prorated,  allocated,  and spread
throughout  the full stated term  (including  any renewal or  extension)  of the
Loans so that the amount of  interest on account of such  indebtedness  does not
exceed the maximum nonusurious amount permitted by applicable law.


                                       13
<PAGE>


     3.7 Pro Rata Treatment.

     Except  to  the  extent  otherwise  provided  herein  each  Revolving  Loan
borrowing,  each payment or prepayment of principal and/or interest of any Loan,
each payment of fees (other than the  Administrative  Fees retained by the Agent
for its own account), each reduction of the Revolving Committed Amount, and each
conversion or continuation of any Loan,  shall (except as otherwise  provided in
Section  3.11) be allocated  pro rata among the relevant  Lenders in  accordance
with the respective  Revolving Loan Commitment  Percentages of such Lenders (or,
if the  Commitments  of  such  Lenders  have  expired  or  been  terminated,  in
accordance with the respective  principal  amounts of the  outstanding  Loans of
such  Lenders);  provided  that,  if any  Lender  shall  have  failed to pay its
applicable pro rata share of any Revolving  Loan,  then any amount to which such
Lender would otherwise be entitled pursuant to this subsection (a) shall instead
be payable to the Agent  until the share of such Loan not funded by such  Lender
has been  repaid;  provided  further,  that in the event any amount  paid to any
Lender  pursuant  to this  subsection  (a) is  rescinded  or must  otherwise  be
returned by the Agent, each Lender shall,  upon the request of the Agent,  repay
to the Agent the amount so paid to such  Lender,  with  interest  for the period
commencing  on the date such payment is returned by the Agent until the date the
Agent receives such repayment at a rate per annum equal to, during the period to
but excluding  the date two Business Days after such request,  the Federal Funds
Rate, and thereafter, the Base Rate plus two percent (2%) per annum; and

     3.8 Sharing of Payments.

     The Lenders agree among  themselves  that,  except to the extent  otherwise
provided herein, in the event that any Lender shall obtain payment in respect of
any  Loan or any  other  obligation  owing  to such  Lender  under  this  Credit
Agreement  through  the  exercise  of  a  right  of  setoff,  banker's  lien  or
counterclaim, or pursuant to a secured claim under Section 506 of the Bankruptcy
Code or other  security or interest  arising  from,  or in lieu of, such secured
claim,  received by such Lender under any applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency or
other similar law or otherwise, or by any other means, in excess of its pro rata
share of such  payment as  provided  for in this Credit  Agreement,  such Lender
shall promptly pay in cash or purchase from the other Lenders a participation in
such  Loans  and  other  obligations  in  such  amounts,  and  make  such  other
adjustments from time to time, as shall be equitable to the end that all Lenders
share  such  payment  in  accordance  with their  respective  ratable  shares as
provided  for  in  this  Credit  Agreement.  The  Lenders  further  agree  among
themselves  that if payment to a Lender  obtained  by such  Lender  through  the
exercise of a right of setoff,  banker's  lien,  counterclaim  or other event as
aforesaid  shall be rescinded or must  otherwise be restored,  each Lender which
shall have shared the  benefit of such  payment  shall,  by payment in cash or a
repurchase of a participation theretofore sold, return its share of that benefit
(together with its share of any accrued  interest  payable with respect thereto)
to each Lender whose  payment shall have been  rescinded or otherwise  restored.
The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing  such a participation  may, to
the fullest extent permitted by law,  exercise all rights of payment,  including
setoff,  banker's lien or  counterclaim,  with respect to such  participation as
fully as if such  Lender were a holder of such Loan or other  obligation  in the
amount of such  participation.  Except as otherwise  expressly  provided in this
Credit Agreement,  if any Lender or an Agent shall fail to remit to the Agent or
any other Lender an amount payable by such Lender or such Agent to such Agent or
such other Lender pursuant to this Credit Agreement on the date when such amount
is due, such payments shall be made together with interest thereon for each date
from


                                       14
<PAGE>


the date such  amount is due until the date such amount is paid to such Agent or
such other Lender at a rate per annum equal to the Federal  Funds Rate. If under
any applicable bankruptcy,  insolvency or other similar law, any Lender receives
a secured  claim in lieu of a setoff to which this  Section  3.8  applies,  such
Lender shall, to the extent practicable,  exercise its rights in respect of such
secured claim in a manner  consistent  with the rights of the Lenders under this
Section 3.8 to share in the benefits of any recovery on such secured claim.

     3.9 Capital Adequacy.

     If, after the date hereof,  any Lender has determined  that the adoption or
the becoming  effective of, or any change in, or any change by any  Governmental
Authority,  central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration   thereof  in  the   interpretation  or  administration  of,  any
applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy,  or compliance by
such Lender, or its parent corporation,  with any request or directive regarding
capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority,
central bank or comparable  agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the
rate of return on such Lender's (or parent corporation's) capital or assets as a
consequence of its  commitments  or obligations  hereunder to a level below that
which such Lender, or its parent  corporation,  could have achieved but for such
adoption,  effectiveness,  change or compliance  (taking into consideration such
Lender's (or parent  corporation's)  policies with respect to capital adequacy),
then,  upon notice  from such  Lender to the  Borrower,  the  Borrower  shall be
obligated  to pay to such  Lender  such  additional  amount or  amounts  as will
compensate  such  Lender  on an  after-tax  basis  (after  taking  into  account
applicable deductions and credits in respect of the amount indemnified) for such
reduction.  Each  determination  by any such Lender of amounts  owing under this
Section shall,  absent  manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the parties
hereto. This covenant shall survive the termination of this Credit Agreement and
the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

     3.10 Inability To Determine Eurodollar Rate.

     If prior to the first day of any  Interest  Period,  the Agent  shall  have
determined in good faith (which  determination  shall be conclusive  and binding
upon the  Borrower)  that,  by reason of  circumstances  affecting  the relevant
market,  adequate  and  reasonable  means  do not  exist  for  ascertaining  the
Eurodollar  Rate for such  Interest  Period,  the Agent  shall give  telecopy or
telephonic notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders as soon as practicable
thereafter,  and will also give prompt  written notice to the Borrower when such
conditions no longer  exist.  If such notice is given (a) any  Eurodollar  Loans
requested to be made on the first day of such  Interest  Period shall be made as
Base Rate Loans, (b) any Loans that were to have been converted on the first day
of such Interest  Period to or continued as Eurodollar  Loans shall be converted
to or  continued  as Base Rate Loans and (c) any  outstanding  Eurodollar  Loans
shall be  converted,  on the first  day of such  Interest  Period,  to Base Rate
Loans.  Until such notice has been withdrawn by the Agent, no further Eurodollar
Loans shall be made or continued as such,  nor shall the Borrower have the right
to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Loans.


                                       15
<PAGE>


     3.11 Illegality to Make Eurodollar Loans.

     Notwithstanding  any other  provision  herein,  if the  adoption  of or any
change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation or application thereof
occurring  after the Closing  Date shall make it unlawful for any Lender to make
or maintain Eurodollar Loans as contemplated by this Credit Agreement,  (a) such
Lender shall promptly give written notice of such  circumstances to the Borrower
and the Agent (which notice shall be withdrawn  whenever such  circumstances  no
longer exist),  (b) the commitment of such Lender  hereunder to make  Eurodollar
Loans,  continue  Eurodollar  Loans  as such and  convert  a Base  Rate  Loan to
Eurodollar Loans shall forthwith be canceled and, until such time as it shall no
longer be unlawful for such Lender to make or maintain  Eurodollar  Loans,  such
Lender  shall  then  have a  commitment  only to make a Base  Rate  Loan  when a
Eurodollar  Loan is requested and (c) such Lender's  Loans then  outstanding  as
Eurodollar Loans, if any, shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on
the respective  last days or the then current  Interest  Periods with respect to
such  Loans or within  such  earlier  period  as  required  by law.  If any such
conversion of a Eurodollar Loan occurs on a day which is not the last day of the
then current  Interest  Period with respect  thereto,  the Borrower shall pay to
such Lender such amounts, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 3.14.

     3.12 Changes in Requirements of Law.

     If the  adoption  of or any  change  in  any  Requirement  of Law or in the
interpretation or application thereof applicable to any Lender, or compliance by
any Lender  with any  request or  directive  (whether or not having the force of
law) from any central bank or other  Governmental  Authority,  in each case made
subsequent  to the  Closing  Date (or,  if later,  the date on which such Lender
becomes a Lender):

          (a) shall subject such Lender to any tax of any kind  whatsoever  with
     respect  to any  Eurodollar  Loans  made  by it or its  obligation  to make
     Eurodollar  Loans,  or change the basis of  taxation  of  payments  to such
     Lender in respect thereof (except for Non-Excluded Taxes covered by Section
     3.13 (including  Non-Excluded Taxes imposed solely by reason of any failure
     of such Lender to comply with its  obligations  under Section  3.13(b)) and
     changes in taxes  measured by or imposed  upon the  overall net income,  or
     franchise  tax (imposed in lieu of such net income tax),  of such Lender or
     its applicable lending office, branch, or any affiliate thereof);

          (b) shall  impose,  modify or hold  applicable  any  reserve,  special
     deposit,  compulsory  loan or similar  requirement  against assets held by,
     deposits or other liabilities in or for the account of, advances,  loans or
     other  extensions of credit by, or any other  acquisition  of funds by, any
     office of such Lender which is not otherwise  included in the determination
     of the Eurodollar Rate hereunder; or

          (c) shall impose on such Lender any other condition (excluding any tax
     of any kind whatsoever);

and the result of any of the  foregoing  is to increase the cost to such Lender,
by an amount which such Lender deems to be material, of making, converting into,
continuing or maintaining Eurodollar


                                       16
<PAGE>


Loans or to reduce any amount receivable hereunder in respect thereof,  then, in
any such case, upon notice to the Borrower from such Lender,  through the Agent,
in  accordance  herewith,  the Borrower  shall be obligated to promptly pay such
Lender,  upon its demand,  any additional  amounts  necessary to compensate such
Lender on an after-tax  basis (after taking into account  applicable  deductions
and credits in respect of the amount  indemnified)  for such  increased  cost or
reduced  amount  receivable,  provided  that, in any such case, the Borrower may
elect to convert the Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender hereunder to Base Rate
Loans by giving the Agent at least one Business  Day's notice of such  election,
in which case the  Borrower  shall  promptly  pay to such  Lender,  upon demand,
without  duplication,  such  amounts,  if any,  as may be  required  pursuant to
Section 3.14. If any Lender  becomes  entitled to claim any  additional  amounts
pursuant to this Section  3.12, it shall  provide  prompt notice  thereof to the
Borrower,  through the Agent, certifying (x) that one of the events described in
this Section 3.12 has occurred and describing in reasonable detail the nature of
such event,  (y) as to the increased cost or reduced amount  resulting from such
event  and  (z) as to the  additional  amount  demanded  by  such  Lender  and a
reasonably detailed explanation of the calculation  thereof.  Such a certificate
as to any additional  amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.12 submitted by
such Lender,  through the Agent, to the Borrower shall be conclusive and binding
on the parties  hereto in the absence of manifest  error.  This  covenant  shall
survive the  termination  of this Credit  Agreement and the payment of the Loans
and all other amounts payable hereunder.

     3.13 Taxes.

     Except as provided  below in this Section  3.13,  all payments  made by the
Borrower under this Credit  Agreement and any Notes shall be made free and clear
of, and without  deduction or  withholding  for or on account of, any present or
future income, stamp or other taxes, levies,  imposts,  duties,  charges,  fees,
deductions  or  withholdings,  now  or  hereafter  imposed,  levied,  collected,
withheld  or  assessed  by any  court,  or  governmental  body,  agency or other
official,  excluding taxes measured by or imposed upon the overall net income of
any Lender or its applicable lending office, or any branch or affiliate thereof,
and all franchise taxes,  branch taxes,  taxes on doing business or taxes on the
overall capital or net worth of any Lender or its applicable  lending office, or
any  branch or  affiliate  thereof,  in each case  imposed in lieu of net income
taxes: (i) by the jurisdiction  under the laws of which such Lender,  applicable
lending office,  branch or affiliate is organized or is located, or in which its
principal  executive  office  is  located,  or  any  nation  within  which  such
jurisdiction is located or any political  subdivision thereof; or (ii) by reason
of any connection  between the  jurisdiction  imposing such tax and such Lender,
applicable  lending office,  branch or affiliate other than a connection arising
solely from such Lender having executed, delivered or performed its obligations,
or received  payment under or enforced,  this Credit  Agreement or any Notes. If
any such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts,  duties, charges, fees, deductions
or  withholdings  ("Non-Excluded  Taxes") are  required to be withheld  from any
amounts payable to an Agent or any Lender  hereunder or under any Notes, (A) the
amounts so payable to an Agent or such Lender  shall be  increased to the extent
necessary to yield to an Agent or such Lender (after payment of all Non-Excluded
Taxes) interest or any such other amounts  payable  hereunder at the rates or in
the amounts specified in this Credit Agreement and any Notes, provided, however,
that the  Borrower  shall be entitled to deduct and  withhold  any  Non-Excluded
Taxes and shall not be  required  to increase  any such  amounts  payable to any
Lender that is not organized under the laws of the United States of America or a
state thereof if such Lender fails to comply with the  requirements of paragraph
(b) of this Section 3.13 whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by the

                                       17
<PAGE>


Borrower,  and (B) as promptly as possible  after  requested the Borrower  shall
send to such Agent for its own account or for the account of such Lender, as the
case may be, a certified copy of an original  official  receipt  received by the
Borrower showing payment thereof.  If the Borrower fails to pay any Non-Excluded
Taxes  when due to the  appropriate  taxing  authority  or fails to remit to the
Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Borrower
shall indemnify the Agent and any Lender for any incremental taxes,  interest or
penalties  that may become payable by the Agent or any Lender as a result of any
such failure. The agreements in this subsection shall survive the termination of
this Credit Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable
hereunder.

     3.14 Indemnity as to Eurodollar Loans.

     The  Borrower  promises  to  indemnify  each Lender and to hold each Lender
harmless  from any loss or expense  which such  Lender may sustain or incur as a
consequence of (a) default by the Borrower in making a borrowing of,  conversion
into or continuation  of Eurodollar  Loans after the Borrower has given a notice
requesting the same in accordance with the provisions of this Credit  Agreement,
(b) default by the Borrower in making any prepayment of a Eurodollar  Loan after
the Borrower has given a notice  thereof in  accordance  with the  provisions of
this Credit  Agreement and (c) the making of a prepayment of Eurodollar Loans on
a day which is not the last day of an Interest Period with respect thereto. Such
indemnification  may include an amount equal to (i) the amount of interest which
would have accrued on the amount so prepaid,  or not so  borrowed,  converted or
continued, for the period from the date of such prepayment or of such failure to
borrow,  convert or continue to the last day of the applicable  Interest  Period
(or,  in the case of a failure to  borrow,  convert or  continue,  the  Interest
Period that would have  commenced  on the date of such  failure) in each case at
the applicable  rate of interest for such  Eurodollar  Loans provided for herein
(excluding,  however, the Applicable  Percentage included therein, if any) minus
(ii) the amount of interest (as  reasonably  determined  by such  Lender)  which
would have  accrued to such  Lender on such  amount by  placing  such  amount on
deposit for a comparable  period with leading banks in the interbank  Eurodollar
market.  The  agreements in this Section shall survive the  termination  of this
Credit  Agreement  and the  payment of the Loans and all other  amounts  payable
hereunder.

                                    SECTION 4

                                    GUARANTY

     4.1 Guaranty of Payment.

     Subject to Section 4.7 below,  each of the Guarantors  hereby,  jointly and
severally,  unconditionally  guarantees  to each Lender and the Agent the prompt
payment of the Credit  Party  Obligations  in full when due  (whether  at stated
maturity,  as  a  mandatory  prepayment,  by  acceleration  or  otherwise).  The
Guarantors  additionally,  jointly and severally,  unconditionally  guarantee to
each Lender, and the Agent the timely performance of all other obligations under
the  Credit  Documents.  This  Guaranty  is a  guaranty  of  payment  and not of
collection  and is a  continuing  guaranty  and shall apply to all Credit  Party
Obligations whenever arising.


                                       18
<PAGE>


     4.2 Obligations Unconditional.

     The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder are absolute and unconditional,
irrespective of the value, genuineness,  validity,  regularity or enforceability
of any of the Credit Documents, or any other agreement or instrument referred to
therein, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,  irrespective of any
other  circumstance  whatsoever  which  might  otherwise  constitute  a legal or
equitable  discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor.  Each Guarantor agrees
that this  Guaranty may be enforced by the Lenders  without the necessity at any
time of resorting to or exhausting  any other security or collateral and without
the  necessity  at any time of having  recourse to the Notes or any other of the
Credit Documents or any collateral,  if any, hereafter securing the Credit Party
Obligations or otherwise and each Guarantor hereby waives the right  (including,
without  limitation,  any rights under  Section  26-7 et seq. of North  Carolina
General  Statutes) to require the Lenders to proceed against the Borrower or any
other Person  (including a co-guarantor) or to require the Lenders to pursue any
other remedy or enforce any other right.  Each Guarantor  further agrees that it
shall have no right of  subrogation,  indemnity,  reimbursement  or contribution
against the Borrower or any other Guarantor of the Credit Party  Obligations for
amounts paid under this  Guaranty  until such time as the Lenders have been paid
in full, all Commitments  under the Credit Agreement have been terminated and no
Person or  Governmental  Authority shall have any right to request any return or
reimbursement of funds from the Lenders in connection with monies received under
the Credit  Documents.  Each  Guarantor  further  agrees that nothing  contained
herein  shall  prevent the  Lenders  from suing on the Notes or any of the other
Credit  Documents  or  foreclosing  its  security  interest  in or  Lien  on any
collateral, if any, securing the Credit Party Obligations or from exercising any
other rights available to it under this Credit  Agreement,  the Notes, any other
of the Credit  Documents,  or any other instrument of security,  if any, and the
exercise of any of the aforesaid  rights and the  completion of any  foreclosure
proceedings  shall  not  constitute  a  discharge  of  any  of  any  Guarantor's
obligations  hereunder;  it being the purpose and intent of each  Guarantor that
its obligations hereunder shall be absolute, independent and unconditional under
any and all  circumstances.  Neither  any  Guarantor's  obligations  under  this
Guaranty nor any remedy for the enforcement thereof shall be impaired, modified,
changed or released in any manner  whatsoever  by an  impairment,  modification,
change,  release or  limitation of the liability of the Borrower or by reason of
the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Borrower.  Each Guarantor waives any and all
notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the Credit Party
Obligations  and  notice of or proof of  reliance  of by any Agent or any Lender
upon  this  Guarantee  or  acceptance  of  this  Guarantee.   The  Credit  Party
Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created,
contracted or incurred,  or renewed,  extended,  amended or waived,  in reliance
upon  this  Guarantee.  All  dealings  between  the  Borrower  and  any  of  the
Guarantors,  on the one hand, and the Agent and the Lenders,  on the other hand,
likewise  shall be  conclusively  presumed  to have been had or  consummated  in
reliance upon this Guarantee.

     4.3 Modifications.

     Each  Guarantor  agrees  that  (a) all or any part of the  security  now or
hereafter  held for the Credit  Party  Obligations,  if any,  may be  exchanged,
compromised or surrendered from time to time; (b) the Lenders shall not have any
obligation to protect,  perfect,  secure or insure any such security  interests,
liens or  encumbrances  now or  hereafter  held,  if any,  for the Credit  Party
Obligations or the properties subject thereto;  (c) the time or place of payment
of the Credit Party Obligations may be 


                                       19
<PAGE>

changed or extended,  in whole or in part, to a time certain or  otherwise,  and
may be renewed or  accelerated,  in whole or in part;  (d) the  Borrower and any
other  party  liable  for  payment  under the  Credit  Documents  may be granted
indulgences  generally;  (e) any of the  provisions  of the  Notes or any of the
other  Credit  Documents  may be  modified,  amended  or  waived;  (f) any party
(including  any  co-guarantor)  liable for the  payment  thereof  may be granted
indulgences  or be released;  and (g) any deposit  balance for the credit of the
Borrower  or any  other  party  liable  for  the  payment  of the  Credit  Party
Obligations or liable upon any security therefor may be released, in whole or in
part, at, before or after the stated,  extended or  accelerated  maturity of the
Credit  Party  Obligations,  all  without  notice to or  further  assent by such
Guarantor, which shall remain bound thereon,  notwithstanding any such exchange,
compromise,   surrender,   extension,   renewal,   acceleration,   modification,
indulgence or release.

     4.4 Waiver of Rights.

     Each  Guarantor  expressly  waives  to  the  fullest  extent  permitted  by
applicable  law: (a) notice of acceptance of this Guaranty by the Lenders and of
all  extensions of credit to the Borrower by the Lenders;  (b)  presentment  and
demand for payment or  performance of any of the Credit Party  Obligations;  (c)
protest and notice of dishonor or of default (except as specifically required in
the Credit  Agreement)  with  respect to the Credit  Party  Obligations  or with
respect to any security therefor; (d) notice of the Lenders obtaining, amending,
substituting for, releasing, waiving or modifying any security interest, lien or
encumbrance,  if any, hereafter  securing the Credit Party  Obligations,  or the
Lenders'  subordinating,  compromising,  discharging  or releasing such security
interests,  liens or  encumbrances,  if any; (e) all other notices to which such
Guarantor  might  otherwise be entitled;  and (f) demand for payment  under this
Guaranty.

     4.5 Reinstatement.

     The   obligations  of  the  Guarantors   under  this  Section  4  shall  be
automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by
or on behalf  of any  Person in  respect  of the  Credit  Party  Obligations  is
rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Credit Party
Obligations,   whether  as  a  result  of  any   proceedings  in  bankruptcy  or
reorganization  or otherwise,  and each Guarantor  agrees that it will indemnify
the  Agent  and each  Lender on demand  for all  reasonable  costs and  expenses
(including,  without  limitation,  reasonable  fees of counsel)  incurred by the
Agent  or such  Lender  in  connection  with  such  rescission  or  restoration,
including  any such costs and expenses  incurred in defending  against any claim
alleging  that such payment  constituted a  preference,  fraudulent  transfer or
similar payment under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.

     4.6 Remedies.

     The Guarantors agree that, as between the Guarantors,  on the one hand, and
the Agent and the Lenders,  on the other hand, the Credit Party  Obligations may
be declared to be forthwith  due and payable as provided in Section 9 (and shall
be deemed to have  become  automatically  due and  payable in the  circumstances
provided in Section 9) notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition
preventing such  declaration (or preventing such Credit Party  Obligations  from
becoming automatically due and payable) as against any other Person and that, in
the event of such


                                       20
<PAGE>

declaration  (or such  Credit  Party  Obligations  being  deemed to have  become
automatically due and payable),  such Credit Party  Obligations  (whether or not
due and payable by any other Person) shall  forthwith  become due and payable by
the Guarantors.

     4.7 Limitation of Guaranty.

     Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein or in any of
the other Credit Documents, to the extent the obligations of any Guarantor shall
be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason (including, without
limitation,  because  of  any  applicable  state  or  federal  law  relating  to
fraudulent  conveyances  or transfers)  then the  obligations  of such Guarantor
hereunder  shall be limited to the  maximum  amount  that is  permissible  under
applicable law (whether federal or state and including,  without limitation, the
Bankruptcy Code).

                                    SECTION 5

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     5.1 Closing Conditions.

     The obligation of the Lenders to enter into this Credit  Agreement and make
the initial  Extension  of Credit is subject to  satisfaction  of the  following
conditions:

          (a) Executed Credit  Documents.  Receipt by the Agent of duly executed
     copies of: (i) this Credit  Agreement;  (ii) the Notes; and (iii) all other
     Credit Documents,  each in form and substance reasonably  acceptable to the
     Agent in its sole discretion.

          (b) Partnership Documents. Receipt by the Agent of the following:

               (i) Certificates of  Authorization.  Certificate of authorization
          of the general  partner of the  Borrower  (and each other Credit Party
          that  is a  partnership)  as of  the  Effective  Date,  approving  and
          adopting the Credit  Documents to be executed by the Borrower (or such
          other  Credit  Party)  and  authorizing  the  execution  and  delivery
          thereof.

               (ii) Partnership  Agreement.  Certified copies of the partnership
          agreement  of the  Borrower  (and each  other  Credit  Party that is a
          partnership), together with all amendments thereto.

               (iii) Certificates of Good Standing or Existence.  Certificate of
          good  standing or existence  for the  Borrower  (and each other Credit
          Party that is a  partnership)  issued as of a recent date by its state
          of  organization  and each other state where the failure to qualify or
          be in good standing could have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (c) Corporate Documents. Receipt by the Agent of the following:


                                       21
<PAGE>

               (i) Charter Documents.  Copies of the articles or certificates of
          incorporation or other charter documents of Highwoods  Properties (and
          each other  Credit Party that is a  corporation)  certified to be true
          and  complete  as of a  recent  date by the  appropriate  Governmental
          Authority of the state or other  jurisdiction of its incorporation and
          certified  by  a  secretary   or  assistant   secretary  of  Highwoods
          Properties  (and each other Credit Party that is a corporation)  to be
          true and correct as of the Effective Date.

               (ii) Bylaws.  A copy of the bylaws of Highwoods  Properties  (and
          each  other  Credit  Party  that  is  a  corporation)  certified  by a
          secretary or assistant  secretary of Highwoods  Properties  to be true
          and correct as of the Effective Date.

               (iii)  Resolutions.   Copies  of  resolutions  of  the  Board  of
          Directors of Highwoods Properties (and each other Credit Party that is
          a corporation) approving and adopting the Credit Documents to which it
          is a party,  the  transactions  contemplated  therein and  authorizing
          execution and delivery thereof,  certified by a secretary or assistant
          secretary of Highwoods Properties (and each other Credit Party that is
          a  corporation)  to be true and  correct and in force and effect as of
          the Effective Date.

               (iv) Good Standing.  Copies of (A) certificates of good standing,
          existence or its equivalent with respect to Highwoods  Properties (and
          each other  Credit  Party  that is a  corporation)  certified  as of a
          recent date by the appropriate  Governmental  Authorities of the state
          or other  jurisdiction of incorporation and each other jurisdiction in
          which the failure to so qualify and be in good  standing  could have a
          Material Adverse Effect and (B) to the extent available, a certificate
          indicating payment of all corporate  franchise taxes certified as of a
          recent date by the appropriate governmental taxing authorities.

               (v) Incumbency. An incumbency certificate of Highwoods Properties
          (and each other  Credit  Party that is a  corporation)  certified by a
          secretary  or  assistant  secretary  to be true and  correct as of the
          Effective Date.

          (d) Financial Statements.  Receipt by the Agent and the Lenders of the
     audited consolidated  financial statements of the Credit Parties,  dated as
     of December 31, 1996, and the unaudited  consolidated  financial statements
     of the Credit Parties dated as of September 30, 1997.

          (e)  Opinion  of  Counsel.  Receipt  by the  Agent of an  opinion,  or
     opinions  (which  shall cover,  among other  things,  authority,  legality,
     validity,  binding effect, and enforceability),  reasonably satisfactory to
     the Agent,  addressed to the Agent on behalf of the Lenders and dated as of
     the Effective Date, from legal counsel to the Credit Parties.

          (f) Evidence of Insurance. Receipt by the Agent of copies of insurance
     policies or  certificates  of  insurance of the Credit  Parties  evidencing
     liability and casualty  insurance 


                                       22
<PAGE>

     meeting the requirements set forth in the Credit Documents,  including, but
     not limited to,  naming the Agent as secondary  loss payee on behalf of the
     Lenders  subject only to a first priority loss payee clause relating to the
     Related Credit Facilities.

          (g) Material  Adverse  Effect.  There shall not have occurred a change
     since  December  31, 1996 that has had or could  reasonably  be expected to
     have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (h)  Litigation.  There  shall  not exist any  pending  or  threatened
     action, suit, investigation or proceeding against a Credit Party that would
     have or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (i)   Officer's   Certificates.   The  Agent  shall  have  received  a
     certificate or certificates executed by the general partner of the Borrower
     and the chief  financial  officer  of the  Highwoods  Properties  as of the
     Effective  Date  stating  that  (i)  each  of the  Borrower  and  Highwoods
     Properties  is  in  compliance   with  all  existing   material   financial
     obligations,  (ii) no action, suit,  investigation or proceeding is pending
     or  threatened  in any  court or  before  any  arbitrator  or  governmental
     instrumentality that purports to effect any Credit Party or any transaction
     contemplated by the Credit Documents,  if such action, suit,  investigation
     or proceeding could have or could be reasonably expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect,  (iii) the financial  statements and information  delivered
     pursuant to Section  5.1(d) are true and accurate in all material  respects
     and (iv) except for the  matters  noted in such  certificates,  immediately
     after giving effect to this Credit  Agreement,  the other Credit  Documents
     and all the  transactions  contemplated  therein to occur on such date, (A)
     each Credit  Party is Solvent,  (B) no Default or Event of Default  exists,
     (C) all  representations  and warranties  contained herein and in the other
     Credit Documents are true and correct in all material respects, and (D) the
     Credit  Parties  are in  compliance  with all  requirements  of the Related
     Credit Facilities.

          (j) Fees and Expenses.  Payment by the Credit  Parties of all fees and
     expenses  owed by them to the  Lenders  and the Agent,  including,  without
     limitation, payment to the Agent of the fees set forth in the Fee Letter.

          (k)  Other.   Receipt  by  the   Lenders  of  such  other   documents,
     instruments,  agreements or information as reasonably and timely  requested
     by any  Lender,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  information  regarding
     litigation, tax, accounting,  labor, insurance, pension liabilities (actual
     or contingent),  real estate leases,  material contracts,  debt agreements,
     property ownership and contingent liabilities of the Credit Parties.

     5.2 Conditions to All Loans.

     In  addition to the  conditions  precedent  stated  elsewhere  herein,  the
Lenders  shall not be  obligated  to make Loans (or  continue or convert  Loans)
unless:

          (a) Notice.  The Borrower  shall have delivered a Notice of Borrowing,
     duly executed and completed, by the time specified in Section 2.1.

                                       23
<PAGE>

          (b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
     made by the Credit  Parties in any Credit  Document are true and correct in
     all  material  respects  at and as if made as of such  date  except  to the
     extent they expressly relate to an earlier date;

          (c) No  Default.  No  Default or Event of  Default  shall  exist or be
     continuing either prior to or after giving effect thereto;

          (d) No Material  Adverse  Effect.  There shall not have  occurred  any
     Material Adverse Effect;

          (e)  Availability.  Immediately after giving effect to the making of a
     Revolving Loan (and the  application of the proceeds  thereof),  the sum of
     the Revolving Loans outstanding  shall not exceed the Revolving  Commitment
     Amount; and

          (f) Related Facility Conditions. All other conditions precedent to the
     obligation of the Related Facility Lenders to make a loan under the Related
     Credit Facility shall have been and remain satisfied;

provided  that the matters  referred to in the  certificate  required by Section
5.1(i)  hereto  shall not excuse a Lender from its  obligations  hereunder.  The
delivery of each Notice of Borrowing and each Notice of  Continuation/Conversion
shall  constitute  a  representation   and  warranty  by  the  Borrower  of  the
correctness of the matters specified in this Section 5.2.

                                    SECTION 6

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     6.1  Incorporation.  The  representations  and warranties  contained in the
Related Credit Agreement (the "Incorporated Representations") as in effect as of
the date  thereof are  incorporated  herein by  reference  as such  Incorporated
Representations  relate to the  Closing  Date,  this  Agreement  and the  credit
facilities  provided  hereunder with the same effect as if stated at length. The
Credit  Parties  affirm and  represent  and warrant to the Agent and the Lenders
that the  Incorporated  Representations  are true and  correct  in all  material
respects  as  of  the  date  hereof,   provided   that  (i)  such   Incorporated
Representations as incorporated  herein shall reflect that they are delivered to
and run in favor of the Agent and the Lenders hereunder,  and references therein
to the "Credit  Agreement" and "Credit  Documents"  shall be deemed for purposes
hereof to  include  this  Credit  Agreement  and the Credit  Documents  relating
hereto,   (ii)   any   amendments   or   modifications   to  such   Incorporated
Representations subsequent to the date hereof must be consented to in writing by
the Lenders hereunder,  and (iii) in the event that the Related Credit Agreement
shall be refinanced or replaced by another credit  agreement or shall  otherwise
expire or terminate, then the Incorporated Representations shall be as in effect
immediately prior to such refinancing,  replacement,  expiration or termination.
All capitalized terms used in such Incorporated  Representations  shall have the
meaning  ascribed thereto in the Related Credit 


                                       24
<PAGE>

Agreement,  but as such  meaning  would be  determined  relative  to this Credit
Agreement and the Credit Documents.

     6.2 Material  Adverse  Effect.  The financial  statements  delivered by the
Credit  Parties  pursuant to Section  5.1(d)  accurately  reflect the  financial
condition of the Credit  Parties as of the  respective  dates of such  financial
statements and there has been no material  change in the financial  condition of
the Credit Parties since  September 30, 1997 and no other change in the business
or assets of the Credit Parties which has resulted or could result in a Material
Adverse Effect.

                                    SECTION 7

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     7.1  Incorporation.  The  affirmative  covenants  contained  in the Related
Credit  Agreement  other than those set forth in all of Section 7.10 (other than
Section  7.10(c) which is  incorporated  hereby),  and Section 7.12 thereof (the
"Incorporated  Affirmative  Covenants")  as in effect as of the date thereof are
incorporated  herein by reference  as such  Incorporated  Affirmative  Covenants
relate to the Closing Date,  this Agreement and the credit  facilities  provided
hereunder with the same effect as if stated at length. The Credit Parties affirm
and  represent  and warrant to the Agent and the Lenders  that the  Incorporated
Affirmative  Covenants shall be as binding on the Credit Parties as if fully set
forth  herein,  provided  that (i) such  Incorporated  Affirmative  Covenants as
incorporated herein shall reflect that they are delivered to and run in favor of
the Agent and the  Lenders  hereunder,  and  references  therein to the  "Credit
Agreement" and "Credit Documents" shall be deemed for purposes hereof to include
this  Credit  Agreement  and the  Credit  Documents  relating  hereto,  (ii) any
amendments  or  modifications  to  such   Incorporated   Affirmative   Covenants
subsequent  to the date  hereof must be  consented  to in writing by the Lenders
hereunder,  and (iii) in the event that the Related  Credit  Agreement  shall be
refinanced or replaced by another credit  agreement or shall otherwise expire or
terminate,  then  the  Incorporated   Representations  shall  be  as  in  effect
immediately prior to such refinancing,  replacement,  expiration or termination.
Notwithstanding  the  above,  the prior  waivers  and  consents  affecting  such
Incorporated  Affirmative  Covenants  granted  pursuant to that Letter Agreement
constituting a portion of the Related Credit  Agreement shall also apply to such
Incorporated  Affirmative Covenants under this Credit Agreement. All capitalized
terms used in such  Incorporated  Affirmative  Covenants  shall have the meaning
ascribed thereto in the Related Credit  Agreement,  but as such meaning would be
determined relative to this Credit Agreement and the Credit Documents.





                                       25
<PAGE>

                                    SECTION 8

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     8.1 Incorporation.  The negative covenants  contained in the Related Credit
Agreement (the  "Incorporated  Negative  Covenants") as in effect as of the date
thereof are  incorporated  herein by  reference  as such  Incorporated  Negative
Covenants  relate to the Closing Date, this Agreement and the credit  facilities
provided  hereunder  with the same  effect as if stated at  length.  The  Credit
Parties  affirm and  represent and warrant to the Agent and the Lenders that the
Incorporated  Negative Covenants shall be as binding on the Credit Parties as if
fully set forth herein,  provided that (i) such Incorporated  Negative Covenants
as incorporated herein shall reflect that they are delivered to and run in favor
of the Agent and the Lenders  hereunder,  and references  therein to the "Credit
Agreement" and "Credit Documents" shall be deemed for purposes hereof to include
this  Credit  Agreement  and the  Credit  Documents  relating  hereto,  (ii) any
amendments or modifications to such Incorporated  Negative Covenants  subsequent
to the date hereof must be consented to in writing by the Lenders hereunder, and
(iii) in the event that the Related  Credit  Agreement  shall be  refinanced  or
replaced by another  credit  agreement or shall  otherwise  expire or terminate,
then the Incorporated Negative Covenants shall be as in effect immediately prior
to such refinancing, replacement, expiration or termination. Notwithstanding the
above,  the prior  waivers and consents  affecting  such  Incorporated  Negative
Covenants  granted pursuant to that Letter  Agreement  constituting a portion of
the Related  Credit  Agreement  shall also apply to such  Incorporated  Negative
Covenants  under  this  Credit  Agreement.  All  capitalized  terms used in such
Incorporated  Negative  Covenants shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the
Related Credit  Agreement,  but as such meaning would be determined  relative to
this Credit Agreement and the Credit Documents.

                                    SECTION 9

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     9.1  Incorporation.  The events of default  contained in the Related Credit
Agreement  (the  "Incorporated  Events of  Default") as in effect as of the date
thereof are  incorporated  herein by  reference as such  Incorporated  Events of
Default  relate to the Closing Date,  this  Agreement and the credit  facilities
provided  hereunder  with the same  effect as if stated at  length.  The  Credit
Parties  acknowledge  and  agree  that the  Incorporated  Events of  Default  as
incorporated herein shall reflect that they are for the benefit of the Agent and
the Lenders  hereunder,  and  references  therein to the "Credit  Agreement" and
"Credit  Documents"  shall be deemed for purposes  hereof to include this Credit
Agreement  and the Credit  Documents  relating  hereto,  (ii) any  amendments or
modifications  to such  Incorporated  Events of Default  subsequent  to the date
hereof must be  consented to in writing by the Lenders  hereunder,  and (iii) in
the event that the Related Credit  Agreement  shall be refinanced or replaced by
another  credit  agreement  or shall  otherwise  expire or  terminate,  then the
Incorporated  Events of Default shall be as in effect  immediately prior to such
refinancing,  replacement, expiration or termination. All capitalized terms used
in such  Incorporated  Events of Default shall have the meaning ascribed thereto
in the  Related  Credit  


                                       26
<PAGE>

Agreement,  but as such  meaning  would be  determined  relative  to this Credit
Agreement and the Credit Documents.

     9.2 Additional Events of Default.

     Except as set forth in the  proviso  of  Section  5.2,  an Event of Default
shall exist upon the occurrence of any of the following  specified  events (each
an "Event of Default"):

          (a) Payment. Any Credit Party shall default in the payment within five
     (5) days of when due of (i) any  principal  of any of the Loans or (ii) any
     interest on the Loans or (iii) any fees or other amounts  owing  hereunder,
     under any of the other Credit Documents or in connection herewith.

          (b) Breach of  Representations or Covenants.  (i) Any  representation,
     warranty or statement made or deemed to be made by any Credit Party herein,
     in any of the other Credit  Documents,  or in any statement or  certificate
     delivered  or required to be  delivered  pursuant  hereto or thereto  shall
     prove untrue in any material respect on the date as of which it was made or
     deemed to have been made or (ii) any Credit Party shall  default in the due
     performance  or observance of any covenant or the terms and  conditions set
     forth in the Credit Documents,  and such default shall continue  unremedied
     for the time period,  if any,  provided for in the  Incorporated  Events of
     Default.

          (c) Related Credit Agreement. An Event of Default (as defined therein)
     shall occur under the Related Credit Agreement.

     9.3 Acceleration; Remedies.

     Upon the  occurrence  of an Event of  Default,  and at any time  thereafter
(including  with respect to an Event of Default  under  section  9.2(c) any time
after such Event of Default (as defined therein) may be waived under the Related
Credit  Agreement)  unless and until such  Event of Default  has been  waived in
writing by the  Required  Lenders  hereunder  (or the Lenders as may be required
hereunder),  the Agent  shall,  upon the request and  direction  of the Required
Lenders,  (or if in the reasonable judgment of the Agent there is not sufficient
time to obtain the consent of the  Required  Lenders then on its own) by written
notice to the Borrower,  take any of the following  actions without prejudice to
the rights of the Agent or any Lender to enforce  its claims  against the Credit
Parties, except as otherwise specifically provided for herein:

          (a)  Termination of Commitments.  Declare the  Commitments  terminated
     whereupon the Commitments shall be immediately terminated.

          (b)  Acceleration  of Loans.  Declare the unpaid  principal of and any
     accrued interest in respect of all Loans and any and all other indebtedness
     or  obligations of any and every kind owing by a Credit Party to any of the
     Lenders hereunder to be due whereupon the same shall be immediately due and
     payable without presentment,  demand,  protest or other notice of any kind,
     all of which are hereby waived by the Credit Parties.

                                       27
<PAGE>

          (c)  Enforcement  of Rights.  Enforce any and all rights and interests
     created  and  existing  under  the  Credit  Documents,  including,  without
     limitation,  all rights and remedies  against the Guarantors and all rights
     of set-off.

Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if an Event of Default specified in Section 9.1
shall occur as a result of the  incorporation  of Section  9.1(f) of the Related
Credit  Agreement,  then the Commitments shall  automatically  terminate and all
Loans, all accrued interest in respect thereof,  all accrued and unpaid fees and
other   indebtedness  or  obligations  owing  to  the  Lenders  hereunder  shall
immediately  become due and  payable  without  the giving of any notice or other
action by the Agent or the  Lenders,  which  notice or other action is expressly
waived by the Credit Parties.

Notwithstanding  the fact that  enforcement  powers  reside  primarily  with the
Agent,  each  Lender has, to the extent  permitted  by law, a separate  right of
payment and shall be considered a separate "creditor" holding a separate "claim"
within  the  meaning  of  Section  101(5)  of the  Bankruptcy  Code or any other
insolvency statute.

     9.4 Allocation of Payments After Event of Default.

     Notwithstanding  any other provisions of this Credit  Agreement,  after the
occurrence  and during  the  continuance  of an Event of  Default,  all  amounts
collected  or  received  by the  Agent  or any  Lender  on  account  of  amounts
outstanding under any of the Credit Documents shall be paid over or delivered as
follows:

          FIRST,  to the  payment  of all  reasonable  out-of-pocket  costs  and
     expenses (including without limitation  reasonable  attorneys' fees) of the
     Agent in  connection  with  enforcing  the rights of the Lenders  under the
     Credit Documents;

          SECOND, to payment of any fees owed to the Agent;

          THIRD,  to the  payment  of all  reasonable  out-of-pocket  costs  and
     expenses,  (including,  without limitation,  reasonable attorneys' fees) of
     each of the  Lenders in  connection  with  enforcing  its rights  under the
     Credit Documents;

          FOURTH, to the payment of all accrued fees and interest payable to the
     Lenders hereunder;

          FIFTH,  to the  payment  of the  outstanding  principal  amount of the
     Loans;

          SIXTH,  to all other  obligations  which  shall  have  become  due and
     payable  under the  Credit  Documents  and not repaid  pursuant  to clauses
     "FIRST" through "FIFTH" above; and

          SEVENTH,  to the  payment of the  surplus,  if any,  to whoever may be
     lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.

In carrying  out the  foregoing,  (a) amounts  received  shall be applied in the
numerical  order  provided  until  exhausted  prior to  application  to the next
succeeding  category;  and (b) each of the Lenders 


                                       28
<PAGE>

shall  receive an amount  equal to its pro rata share  (based on the  proportion
that the then outstanding Loans, held by such Lender bears to the aggregate then
outstanding  Loans) of  amounts  available  to be  applied  pursuant  to clauses
"THIRD", "FOURTH," "FIFTH," and "SIXTH" above.

                                   SECTION 10

                                AGENCY PROVISIONS

     10.1 Appointment.

     Each Lender hereby  designates and appoints  NationsBank,  N.A. as Agent of
such Lender to act as specified herein and the other Credit Documents,  and each
such Lender hereby  authorizes the Agent, as the agent for such Lender,  to take
such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Credit  Agreement and the
other Credit  Documents  and to exercise  such powers and perform such duties as
are expressly  delegated by the terms hereof and of the other Credit  Documents,
together  with  such  other  powers  as  are  reasonably   incidental   thereto.
Notwithstanding  any provision to the contrary elsewhere herein and in the other
Credit  Documents,  the  Agent  shall not have any  duties or  responsibilities,
except  those  expressly  set  forth  herein  and  therein,   or  any  fiduciary
relationship   with  any   Lender,   and  no   implied   covenants,   functions,
responsibilities,  duties,  obligations or  liabilities  shall be read into this
Credit Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents,  or shall otherwise exist
against the Agent.  The provisions of this Section are solely for the benefit of
the Agent and the Lenders and none of the Credit  Parties  shall have any rights
as a third  party  beneficiary  of the  provisions  hereof.  In  performing  its
functions and duties under this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents,
the Agent  shall act solely as an agent of the  Lenders  and does not assume and
shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or  relationship of agency or
trust with or for any Credit Party.

     10.2 Delegation of Duties.

     The Agent may execute any of its duties hereunder or under the other Credit
Documents  by or through  agents or  attorneys-in-fact  and shall be entitled to
advice of counsel  concerning all matters  pertaining to such duties.  The Agent
shall not be  responsible  for the  negligence  or  misconduct  of any agents or
attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

     10.3 Exculpatory Provisions.

     Neither the Agent nor any of its officers,  directors,  employees,  agents,
attorneys-in-fact  or  affiliates  shall be (a) liable  for any action  lawfully
taken  or  omitted  to be  taken by it or such  Person  under  or in  connection
herewith or in connection with any of the other Credit Documents (except for its
or such Person's own gross negligence or willful  misconduct) or (b) responsible
in  any  manner  to  any  of  the   Lenders   for  any   recitals,   statements,
representations or warranties made by any of the Credit Parties contained herein
or in any of the other Credit Documents or in any certificate, report, document,
financial  statement or other written or oral statement  referred to or provided
for in, or received by an Agent under or in connection herewith or in connection
with the other Credit Documents,  or  enforceability or sufficiency  therefor of
any of the other Credit Documents, or for


                                       29
<PAGE>

any failure of the Borrower to perform its obligations  hereunder or thereunder.
The  Agent  shall  not be  responsible  to any  Lender  for  the  effectiveness,
genuineness,  validity,  enforceability,  collectibility  or sufficiency of this
Credit   Agreement,   or  any  of  the  other   Credit   Documents  or  for  any
representations,  warranties,  recitals or statements  made herein or therein or
made by the Borrower or any Credit Party in any written or oral  statement or in
any financial or other  statements,  instruments,  reports,  certificates or any
other  documents in  connection  herewith or therewith  furnished or made by the
Agent to the  Lenders or by or on behalf of the  Credit  Parties to the Agent or
any Lender or be  required  to  ascertain  or inquire as to the  performance  or
observance of any of the terms, conditions,  provisions, covenants or agreements
contained  herein or therein or as to the use of the proceeds of the Loans or of
the  existence  or possible  existence  of any Default or Event of Default or to
inspect the properties,  books or records of the Credit Parties.  The Agent is a
not trustee for the Lenders and owes no fiduciary duty to the Lenders. The Agent
shall administer the facility evidenced by the Credit Documents similar to other
credits in which the Agent holds 100% of the credit exposure.

     10.4 Reliance on Communications.

     The  Agent  shall be  entitled  to rely,  and shall be fully  protected  in
relying,  upon any note,  writing,  resolution,  notice,  consent,  certificate,
affidavit,  letter,  cablegram,  telegram,  telecopy, telex or teletype message,
statement,  order or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine
and  correct  and to have  been  signed,  sent or made by the  proper  Person or
Persons and upon advice and  statements  of legal  counsel  (including,  without
limitation,  counsel to any of the Credit Parties,  independent  accountants and
other experts  selected by the Agent with reasonable  care).  The Agent may deem
and treat the Lenders as the owner of its  interests  hereunder for all purposes
unless a written  notice of assignment,  negotiation  or transfer  thereof shall
have been filed with the Agent in  accordance  with Section  11.3(b).  The Agent
shall be fully  justified  in failing or refusing to take any action  under this
Credit  Agreement  or under any of the other  Credit  Documents  unless it shall
first  receive such advice or  concurrence  of the Required  Lenders as it deems
appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its  satisfaction by the Lenders
against any and all  liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason
of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Agent shall in all cases be
fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting,  hereunder or under any
of the other  Credit  Documents  in  accordance  with a request of the  Required
Lenders  (or to the  extent  specifically  provided  in  Section  11.6,  all the
Lenders)  and such  request  and any action  taken or  failure  to act  pursuant
thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders  (including  their  successors and
assigns).

     10.5 Notice of Default.

     An Agent shall not be deemed to have  knowledge or notice of the occurrence
of any Default or Event of Default  hereunder (other than Section 9.1(a)) unless
such Agent has received  notice from a Lender or a Credit Party referring to the
Credit  Document,  describing  such Default or Event of Default and stating that
such notice is a "notice of default." In the event that the Agent  receives such
a notice,  the Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders.  The Agent
shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall
be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders.



                                       30
<PAGE>

     10.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders.

     Each Lender  expressly  acknowledges  that  neither the Agent,  NationsBanc
Montgomery  Securities,  Inc.  ("NMSI")  nor any of their  officers,  directors,
employees, agents,  attorneys-in-fact or affiliates has made any representations
or warranties to it and that no act by the Agent,  NMSI or any affiliate thereof
hereinafter  taken,  including  any review of the  affairs of any Credit  Party,
shall be deemed to  constitute  any  representation  or warranty by the Agent or
NMSI to any Lender.  Each Lender  represents  to the Agent and NMSI that it has,
independently  and without  reliance upon the Agent or NMSI or any other Lender,
and based on such documents and information as it has deemed  appropriate,  made
its own appraisal of and investigation  into the business,  assets,  operations,
property, financial and other conditions,  prospects and creditworthiness of the
Credit  Parties and made its own decision to make its Loans  hereunder and enter
into  this  Credit  Agreement.   Each  Lender  also  represents  that  it  will,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent, NMSI or any other Lender, and
based on such  documents and  information  as it shall deem  appropriate  at the
time,  continue to make its own credit  analysis,  appraisals  and  decisions in
taking or not  taking  action  under  this  Credit  Agreement,  and to make such
investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, assets,
operations,   property,   financial   and  other   conditions,   prospects   and
creditworthiness of the Credit Parties.  The Agent shall promptly provide to the
Lenders  (a)  copies of all  notices of  Defaults  or Events of Default or other
notices  received in accordance  with Section 11.1,  (b) copies of all financial
statements,  certificates  and  other  information  sent  to it by the  Borrower
pursuant to Article 7, (c) any written  information  it receives  regarding  the
unsecured debt rating of Highwoods  Properties  and (d) such other  documents or
notices  received  by the Agent  pursuant to this  Agreement  and  requested  in
writing by a Lender.  Except for notices,  reports and other documents expressly
required to be  furnished to the Lenders by the Agent  hereunder,  the Agent and
NMSI shall not have any duty or  responsibility  to provide  any Lender with any
credit  or  other  information  concerning  the  business,  operations,  assets,
property,  financial or other conditions,  prospects or  creditworthiness of the
Credit Parties which may come into the  possession of the Agent,  NMSI or any of
their officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates.

     10.7 Indemnification.

     The Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent in its capacity as such but not in
its  capacity  as a Lender (to the extent not  reimbursed  by the  Borrower  and
without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), ratably  according to
their  respective  Commitments  (or if the  Commitments  have  expired  or  been
terminated,  in accordance with the respective  principal amounts of outstanding
Loans of the Lenders),  from and against any and all  liabilities,  obligations,
losses,  damages,  penalties,  actions,  judgments,  suits,  costs,  expenses or
disbursements  of any kind whatsoever  which may at any time (including  without
limitation  at  any  time  following   payment  in  full  of  the  Credit  Party
Obligations)  be imposed on,  incurred  by or  asserted  against an Agent in its
capacity as such in any way relating to or arising out of this Credit  Agreement
or the other Credit  Documents or any documents  contemplated  by or referred to
herein or  therein  or the  transactions  contemplated  hereby or thereby or any
action  taken or  omitted  by an Agent  under or in  connection  with any of the
foregoing;  provided  that no Lender  shall be  liable  for the  payment  of any
portion of such liabilities,  obligations,  losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments,  suits, costs, expenses or disbursements (i) resulting from the gross
negligence  or willful  misconduct  of the Agent,  (ii)  arising


                                       31
<PAGE>

solely from an internal or regulatory  matter relating only to the Agent (i.e. a
legal lending limit  violation by the Agent) or (iii) resulting from and related
solely to a dispute  between  the Agent and one or more  Lenders  in which it is
reasonably determined that the Agent did not prevail. If any indemnity furnished
to the Agent for any purpose shall, in the reasonable  judgment of the Agent, be
insufficient or become impaired, the Agent may call for additional indemnity and
cease, or not commence, to do the acts indemnified against until such additional
indemnity is furnished. The agreements in this Section shall survive the payment
of the Credit Party  Obligations  and all other  amounts  payable  hereunder and
under the other Credit Documents.

     10.8 Agent in Its Individual Capacity.

     The Agent and its  affiliates  may make loans to, accept  deposits from and
generally  engage in any kind of business  with the Borrower or any other Credit
Party as though  the Agent  were not the Agent  hereunder.  With  respect to the
Loans made and all obligations owing to it, the Agent shall have the same rights
and powers  under this Credit  Agreement as any Lender and may exercise the same
as though they were not the Agent,  and the terms  "Lender" and "Lenders"  shall
include the Agent in its individual capacity.

     10.9 Successor Agent.

     The Agent  may,  at any time,  resign  upon 20 days  written  notice to the
Lenders. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to
appoint a successor  Agent;  provided that if no successor Agent shall have been
appointed by the Required  Lenders,  and shall have accepted  such  appointment,
within 45 days after the notice of  resignation,  then the retiring  Agent shall
select a successor  Agent.  In either  case,  whether  selected by the  Required
Lenders or the retiring  Agent,  the successor  Agent must be either an existing
Lender  hereunder or a commercial  bank  organized  under the laws of the United
States of America or of any State  thereof and have total assets of at least $25
billion and a long term  unsecured  debt rating of at least BBB+ with S&P or its
equivalent.  Upon the acceptance of any  appointment as the Agent hereunder by a
successor,  such successor  Agent shall  thereupon  succeed to and become vested
with all the rights,  powers,  privileges and duties of the retiring Agent,  and
the retiring  Agent shall be discharged  from its duties and  obligations as the
Agent,  as  appropriate,  under  this  Credit  Agreement  and the  other  Credit
Documents and the  provisions of this Section 10.9 shall inure to its benefit as
to any  actions  taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Agent under
this Credit Agreement.

                                   SECTION 11

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

     11.1 Notices.

     Except as  otherwise  expressly  provided  herein,  all  notices  and other
communications  shall  have been duly  given  and  shall be  effective  (a) when
delivered by hand, (b) when transmitted via telecopy (or other facsimile device)
to the number set out below, (c) the Business Day following the day on which the
same has been delivered  prepaid to a reputable  national  overnight air courier
service,  or (d) the third  Business Day  following the day on which the same is
sent by certified  or


                                       32
<PAGE>

registered mail, postage prepaid,  in each case to the respective parties at the
address or telecopy numbers set forth on Schedule 11.1, or at such other address
as such party may specify by written notice to the other parties hereto.

     11.2 Right of Set-Off.

     In addition to any rights now or hereafter  granted under applicable law or
otherwise,  and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence
of an Event of Default and the  commencement  of remedies  described  in Section
9.3,  each  Lender  is  authorized  at any time and from  time to time,  without
presentment,  demand,  protest or other  notice of any kind (all of which rights
being hereby expressly waived),  to set-off and to appropriate and apply any and
all deposits (general or special) and any other indebtedness at any time held or
owing by such  Lender  (including,  without  limitation,  branches,  agencies or
Affiliates of such Lender wherever  located) to or for the credit or the account
of any Credit Party against  obligations and liabilities of such Credit Party to
the Lenders hereunder, under the Notes, the other Credit Documents or otherwise,
irrespective  of  whether  the Agent or the  Lenders  shall have made any demand
hereunder and although such obligations,  liabilities or claims, or any of them,
may be  contingent  or  unmatured,  and any such set-off shall be deemed to have
been made  immediately  upon the  occurrence  of an Event of Default even though
such charge is made or entered on the books of such Lender  subsequent  thereto.
The Credit Parties hereby agree that any Person  purchasing a  participation  in
the Loans and  Commitments  hereunder  pursuant  to  Section  11.3(c) or 3.8 may
exercise  all rights of set-off with  respect to its  participation  interest as
fully as if such Person were a Lender hereunder.

     11.3 Benefit of Agreement.

          (a) Generally.  This Credit  Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
     to the  benefit of and be  enforceable  by the  respective  successors  and
     assigns of the parties hereto; provided that none of the Credit Parties may
     assign and transfer any of its interests  without the prior written consent
     of the  Lenders;  and  provided  further  that the rights of each Lender to
     transfer,  assign or grant  participation in its rights and/or  obligations
     hereunder shall be limited as set forth below in subsections (b) and (c) of
     this Section 11.3.  Notwithstanding the above (including anything set forth
     in  subsections  (b) and (c) of this Section  11.3),  nothing  herein shall
     restrict,  prevent or  prohibit  any  Lender  from (A)  pledging  its Loans
     hereunder to a Federal  Reserve Bank in support of borrowings  made by such
     Lender from such  Federal  Reserve  Bank,  or (B) granting  assignments  or
     participation  in such Lender's Loans and/or  Commitments  hereunder to its
     parent  company  and/or to any  Affiliate of such Lender or to any existing
     Lender or Affiliate  thereof.  No action  permitted by this Section 11.3(a)
     shall require a fee to be paid to the Agent.

          (b) Assignments.  In addition to the assignments  permitted in Section
     11.3(a), each Lender may, with the prior written consent of the Agent which
     shall not be unreasonably  withheld,  assign all or a portion of its rights
     and obligations hereunder pursuant to an assignment agreement substantially
     in the form of Exhibit  11.3 to one or more  Eligible  Assignees;  provided
     that (i) any such  assignment  shall be in a  minimum  aggregate  amount of
     $10,000,000  of the  Commitments  and in integral  multiples of  $1,000,000
     above such  amount (or the  remaining  amount of  Commitments  held by such

                                       33
<PAGE>

     Lender) and (ii) each such assignment shall be of a constant,  not varying,
     percentage of all of the assigning  Lender's rights and  obligations  under
     the Commitment being assigned.  Any assignment hereunder shall be effective
     upon  satisfaction  of the  conditions  set forth above and delivery to the
     Agent of a duly executed assignment  agreement together with a transfer fee
     of $3,500 payable to the Agent for its own account.  Upon the effectiveness
     of any such  assignment,  the  assignee  shall  become a  "Lender"  for all
     purposes of this Credit  Agreement and the other Credit  Documents  and, to
     the extent of such  assignment,  the assigning  Lender shall be relieved of
     its  obligations  hereunder  to the  extent  of the  Loans  and  Commitment
     components  being assigned.  Along such lines the Borrower agrees that upon
     notice of any such  assignment  and  surrender of the  appropriate  Note or
     Notes, it will promptly provide to the assigning Lender and to the assignee
     separate  promissory  notes in the  amount  of their  respective  interests
     substantially  in the form of the original Note or Notes (but with notation
     thereon  that  it is  given  in  substitution  for and  replacement  of the
     original Note or Notes or any replacement notes thereof).

     By executing and delivering an assignment agreement in accordance with this
     Section  11.3(b),   the  assigning  Lender   thereunder  and  the  assignee
     thereunder  shall be deemed to confirm to and agree with each other and the
     other parties hereto as follows: (i) such assigning Lender warrants that it
     is the legal and beneficial  owner of the interest  being assigned  thereby
     free and clear of any adverse claim and the assignee warrants that it is an
     Eligible  Assignee;  (ii)  except as set forth in clause  (i)  above,  such
     assigning  Lender  makes no  representation  or  warranty  and  assumes  no
     responsibility   with   respect   to   any   statements,    warranties   or
     representations made in or in connection with this Credit Agreement, any of
     the other Credit  Documents or any other  instrument or document  furnished
     pursuant  hereto  or  thereto,  or  the  execution,   legality,   validity,
     enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Credit Agreement,
     any of the other  Credit  Documents  or any other  instrument  or  document
     furnished  pursuant  hereto or thereto or the  financial  condition  of any
     Credit Party or the performance or observance by any Credit Party of any of
     its  obligations  under  this  Credit  Agreement,  any of the other  Credit
     Documents or any other instrument or document  furnished pursuant hereto or
     thereto;  (iii) such  assignee  represents  and warrants that it is legally
     authorized  to enter into such  assignment  agreement;  (iv) such  assignee
     confirms  that it has received a copy of this Credit  Agreement,  the other
     Credit  Documents and such other documents and information as it has deemed
     appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such
     assignment  agreement;  (v) such  assignee will  independently  and without
     reliance upon the Agent,  such  assigning  Lender or any other Lender,  and
     based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the
     time,  continue  to make its own credit  decisions  in taking or not taking
     action under this Credit  Agreement  and the other Credit  Documents;  (vi)
     such assignee  appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action on its
     behalf and to exercise such powers under this Credit Agreement or any other
     Credit  Document  as are  delegated  to the  Agent by the  terms  hereof or
     thereof,  together with such powers as are reasonably  incidental  thereto;
     and (vii) such  assignee  agrees that it will  perform in  accordance  with
     their terms all the obligations which by the terms of this Credit Agreement
     and the other  Credit  Documents  are  required to be  performed by it as a
     Lender.

                                       34
<PAGE>

          (c) Participations.  Each Lender may sell,  transfer,  grant or assign
     participations  in  all  or  any  part  of  such  Lender's   interests  and
     obligations hereunder; provided that (i) such selling Lender shall remain a
     "Lender"  for all  purposes  under  this  Credit  Agreement  (such  selling
     Lender's  obligations under the Credit Documents  remaining  unchanged) and
     the  participant  shall not  constitute  a Lender  hereunder,  (ii) no such
     participant  shall have, or be granted,  rights to approve any amendment or
     waiver  relating to this Credit  Agreement  or the other  Credit  Documents
     except to the  extent  any such  amendment  or waiver  would (A) reduce the
     principal  of or rate of  interest  on or fees in  respect  of any Loans in
     which the participant is  participating  or increase any  Commitments  with
     respect  thereto,  (B) postpone the date fixed for any payment of principal
     (including  the extension of the final  maturity of any Loan or the date of
     any mandatory  prepayment),  interest or fees in which the  participant  is
     participating, or (C) release all or substantially all of the collateral or
     guaranties   (except  as  expressly   provided  in  the  Credit  Documents)
     supporting  any of the Loans or  Commitments  in which the  participant  is
     participating,  (iii)  sub-participations  by the participant (except to an
     Affiliate,  parent  company  or  Affiliate  of  a  parent  company  of  the
     participant) shall be prohibited and (iv) any such participations  shall be
     in a minimum  aggregate  amount of  $10,000,000 of the  Commitments  and in
     integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. In the case of any such
     participation,  the participant shall not have any rights under this Credit
     Agreement or the other Credit Documents (the  participant's  rights against
     the selling Lender in respect of such  participation  to be those set forth
     in  the   participation   agreement   with  such   Lender   creating   such
     participation)  and all amounts payable by the Borrower  hereunder shall be
     determined  as if such  Lender had not sold such  participation;  provided,
     however,  that such  participant  shall be entitled  to receive  additional
     amounts under Sections 3.9, 3.12, 3.13 and 3.14 to the same extent that the
     Lender from which such  participant  acquired  its  participation  would be
     entitled to the benefit of such cost protection provisions.

     11.4 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.

     No failure or delay on the part of an Agent or any Lender in exercising any
right,  power or privilege  hereunder or under any other Credit  Document and no
course of dealing  between the Borrower or any Credit Party and the Agent or any
Lender  shall  operate  as a waiver  thereof;  nor shall any  single or  partial
exercise of any right,  power or  privilege  hereunder or under any other Credit
Document  preclude any other or further  exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder. The rights and remedies
provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which
the Agent or any  Lender  would  otherwise  have.  No notice to or demand on any
Credit Party in any case shall  entitle any Credit Party to any other or further
notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the
rights  of the  Agent or the  Lenders  to any  other or  further  action  in any
circumstances without notice or demand.

     11.5 Payment of Expenses; Indemnification.

     The Credit Parties agree to: (a) pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses  of  (i)  the  Agent  and  the  Lenders  in  connection  with  (A)  the
negotiation,  preparation,  execution  and delivery and  administration  of this
Credit   Agreement  and  the  other  Credit  Documents  and  the  documents  and
instruments referred to therein (including,  without limitation,  the reasonable
fees


                                       35
<PAGE>

and expenses of Moore & Van Allen, PLLC, special counsel to the Agent); provided
that  reimbursement  to any Lender  (other than the Agent) for fees and expenses
shall be limited to $7,500 per Lender and (B) any  amendment,  waiver or consent
relating hereto and thereto including,  but not limited to, any such amendments,
waivers or consents resulting from or related to any work-out,  renegotiation or
restructure  relating to the performance by the Credit Parties under this Credit
Agreement and (ii) the Agent and the Lenders in connection  with (A) enforcement
of the Credit  Documents and the documents and instruments  referred to therein,
including,  without  limitation,  in connection with any such  enforcement,  the
reasonable fees (at standard hourly rates) and  disbursements of counsel for the
Agent and each of the Lenders,  and (B) any bankruptcy or insolvency  proceeding
of a Credit Party; provided that the Credit Parties shall not be responsible for
the legal fees of the Agent and the Lenders in connection with any proceeding in
which a  Credit  Party  is the  prevailing  party  as  determined  by a court of
competent  jurisdiction,  and (b)  indemnify  the Agent,  and each  Lender,  its
officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents from and hold each of
them  harmless  against  any and all  losses,  liabilities,  claims,  damages or
expenses  incurred  by any of them as a result of, or arising  out of, or in any
way  related  to,  or by  reason  of,  any  investigation,  litigation  or other
proceeding  (whether or not any Agent or Lender is a party  thereto)  related to
(i) the entering into and/or  performance  of any Credit  Document or the use of
proceeds of any Loans (including  other  extensions of credit)  hereunder or the
consummation  of any other  transactions  contemplated  in any Credit  Document,
including,  without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel
incurred  in  connection  with  any  such  investigation,  litigation  or  other
proceeding  (but  excluding  any such losses,  liabilities,  claims,  damages or
expenses  to the  extent  incurred  by reason  of gross  negligence  or  willful
misconduct on the part of the Person to be indemnified),  (ii) any Environmental
Claim and (iii) any claims for Non-Excluded Taxes.

     11.6 Amendments, Waivers and Consents.

     Neither this Credit  Agreement nor any other Credit Document nor any of the
terms  hereof  or  thereof  may  be  amended,  changed,  waived,  discharged  or
terminated unless such amendment, change, waiver, discharge or termination is in
writing and signed by the Agent, the Required Lenders and the Credit Parties.

Notwithstanding  the fact that the  consent of all the  Lenders is  required  in
certain circumstances as set forth above, (x) each Lender is entitled to vote as
such Lender sees fit on any reorganization plan that affects the Loans, and each
Lender  acknowledges  that the  provisions of Section  1126(c) of the Bankruptcy
Code  supersedes the unanimous  consent  provisions set forth herein and (y) the
Required  Lenders may consent to allow a Credit Party to use cash  collateral in
the context of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

     11.7 Counterparts.

     This Credit Agreement may be executed in any number of  counterparts,  each
of which where so executed and delivered shall be an original,  but all of which
shall  constitute  one and the same  instrument.  It shall not be  necessary  in
making  proof of this Credit  Agreement  to produce or account for more than one
such counterpart.



                                       36
<PAGE>

     11.8 Headings.

     The  headings of the  sections  and  subsections  hereof are  provided  for
convenience  only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of
any provision of this Credit Agreement.

     11.9 Defaulting Lender.

     Each Lender  understands  and agrees  that if such  Lender is a  Defaulting
Lender  then  notwithstanding  the  provisions  of Section  11.6 it shall not be
entitled to vote on any matter  requiring the consent of the Required Lenders or
to object to any matter  requiring  the  consent of all the  Lenders;  provided,
however,  that all other  benefits and  obligations  under the Credit  Documents
shall apply to such Defaulting Lender.

     11.10 Survival of Indemnification and Representations and Warranties.

     All  indemnities  set forth herein and all  representations  and warranties
made herein shall survive the  execution and delivery of this Credit  Agreement,
the  making  of the  Loans  and other  obligations  and the  termination  of the
commitments hereunder.

     11.11 Governing Law.

     THIS  AGREEMENT  AND  THE  OTHER  CREDIT   DOCUMENTS  AND  THE  RIGHTS  AND
OBLIGATIONS  OF THE PARTIES  HEREUNDER AND  THEREUNDER  SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED  AND  INTERPRETED  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NORTH
CAROLINA.

     11.12 Arbitration.

     Any controversy or claim between or among the parties hereto including, but
not limited to,  those  arising  out of or  relating  to this  Agreement  or any
related agreements or instruments,  including any claim based on or arising from
an alleged tort,  shall be determined by binding  arbitration in accordance with
the Federal  Arbitration Act (or if not applicable,  the applicable  state law),
the Rules of Practice and Procedure for the  Arbitration of Commercial  Disputes
of  Judicial  Arbitration  and  Mediation  Services,  Inc.  (J.A.M.S.),  and the
"Special Rules" set forth below. In the event of any inconsistency,  the Special
Rules shall control.  Judgment upon any arbitration  award may be entered in any
court  having  jurisdiction.  Any party to this  Agreement  may bring an action,
including  a summary  or  expedited  proceeding,  to compel  arbitration  of any
controversy  or  claim to which  this  Agreement  applies  in any  court  having
jurisdiction over such action.

          (a) Special Rules.  The arbitration  shall be conducted in the city of
     the  Borrower's  domicile  at  time  of  this  Agreement's   execution  and
     administered  by J.A.M.S.  who will appoint an arbitrator;  if J.A.M.S.  is
     unable or legally precluded from  administering  the arbitration,  then the
     American Arbitration  Association will serve. All arbitration hearings will
     be  commenced  within  ninety  (90)  days of the  demand  for  arbitration;
     further,  the arbitrator  shall only, upon a showing of cause, be permitted
     to extend the  commencement  of such hearing for up to an additional  sixty
     (60) days.



                                       37
<PAGE>

          (b) Reservations of Rights.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed
     to (i) limit the  applicability  of any  otherwise  applicable  statutes of
     limitation or repose and any waivers  contained in this Agreement;  or (ii)
     be a waiver by the  Lenders of the  protection  afforded to it by 12 U.S.C.
     Section 91 or any  substantially  equivalent  state law; or (iii) limit the
     right of the Lenders (A) to exercise  self help  remedies  such as (but not
     limited  to)  setoff,  or (B) to  foreclose  against  any real or  personal
     property collateral, or (C) to obtain from a court provisional or ancillary
     remedies such as (but not limited to) injunctive  relief or the appointment
     of a receiver.  The Lenders may exercise  such self help rights,  foreclose
     upon such  property,  or obtain  such  provisional  or  ancillary  remedies
     before, during or after the pendency of any arbitration  proceeding brought
     pursuant to this Agreement.  At the Lenders' option,  foreclosure under the
     Credit  Documents may be accomplished by the exercise of a power of sale or
     a judicial  sale under the Credit  Documents  or by  judicial  foreclosure.
     Neither  the  exercise  of  self  help  remedies  nor  the  institution  or
     maintenance  of an action  for  foreclosure  or  provisional  or  ancillary
     remedies shall constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the
     claimant in any such action,  to arbitrate the merits of the controversy or
     claim occasioning resort to such remedies.

     11.13 Time.

     All references to time herein shall be references to Eastern  Standard Time
or Eastern Daylight time, as the case may be, unless specified otherwise.

     11.14 Severability.

     If any  provision  of  any of the  Credit  Documents  is  determined  to be
illegal,  invalid or unenforceable,  such provision shall be fully severable and
the  remaining  provisions  shall  remain in full  force and effect and shall be
construed  without  giving  effect  to the  illegal,  invalid  or  unenforceable
provisions.

     11.15 Entirety.

     This Credit Agreement  together with the other Credit  Documents  represent
the entire agreement of the parties hereto and thereto,  and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, oral or written, if any, including any commitment
letters or  correspondence  relating to the Credit Documents or the transactions
contemplated herein and therein.




                  [remainder of page intentionally left blank]



                                       38
<PAGE>

     Each of the  parties  hereto  has  caused  a  counterpart  of  this  Credit
Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above  written,
the Credit Parties doing so under seal.

BORROWER:
                               HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
                               a North Carolina limited partnership
ATTEST:
                               By:  Highwoods Properties, Inc.,
By:___________________              a Maryland corporation, its sole general
                                    partner
Title:_______________
                               By: __________________________________________
  [CORPORATE SEAL]             Name: ________________________________________
                               Title: _______________________________________




GUARANTORS:                    HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.,
                               a Maryland corporation
ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]



                               HIGHWOODS SERVICES, INC.,
                               a North Carolina corporation
ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]


                               SOUTHEAST REALTY OPTIONS CORP.,
                               a Delaware corporation
ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]

                                
<PAGE>

                               HIGHWOODS/FLORIDA GP CORP.,
                               a Delaware corporation
ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]


                               HIGHWOODS/FLORIDA HOLDINGS GP, L.P.,
                               a Delaware corporation

                               By:  Highwoods/Florida GP Corp., 
                                    a Delaware corporation, its sole
                                    general partner

AATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]

                               HIGHWOODS/FLORIDA HOLDINGS L.P.,
                               a Delaware corporation

                               By:  Highwoods/Florida Holdings GP, L.P., 
                                    a Delaware limited
                                    partnership, its sole general partner

                               By:  Highwoods/Florida GP Corp., 
                                    a Delaware corporation, its sole
                                    general partner

ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]



                                   
<PAGE>

                               HIGHWOODS/TENNESSEE PROPERTIES,
                               a Tennessee corporation

ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]

                               HIGHWOODS/TENNESSEE HOLDINGS GP, L.P.,
                               a Tennessee limited partnership

                               By:  Highwoods/Tennessee Properties, Inc.,
                                    a Tennessee corporation, its sole 
                                    general partner

ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]

                               HIGHWOODS/TENNESSEE HOLDINGS L.P.,
                               a Tennessee limited partnership

                               By:  Highwoods/Tennessee Holdings GP, L.P., 
                                    a Tennessee limited
                                    partnership, its sole general partner

                               By:  Highwoods/Tennessee Properties, Inc.,
                                    a Delaware corporation, its sole 
                                    general partner

ATTEST:
                               By: __________________________________________
By:__________________          Name: ________________________________________
Title:________________         Title: _______________________________________

  [CORPORATE SEAL]


<PAGE>


LENDERS:

                               NATIONSBANK, N.A.,
                               individually in its capacity as a
                               Lender and in its capacity as Agent


                               By: __________________________________________
                               Name: ________________________________________
                               Title: _______________________________________
                            
                     
<PAGE>



                                 Schedule 1.1(a)

                              COMMITMENT PERCENTAGE
                                                                      Revolving
                                         Revolving                   Commitment
Lender                               Committed Amount                Percentage
- ------                               ----------------                ----------
NationsBank, N.A.,                     $ 150,000,000                    100%






<PAGE>


                                  Schedule 11.1

                                     Notices



Lender                                       Address for All Notices
- ------                                       -----------------------

NationsBank, N.A.                            NationsBank, N.A.
                                             One Hannover Square, Suite 301
                                             Raleigh, NC  27611-7287
                                             Attn: Patty Gardenhire
                                             Ph: (919) 829-6683
                                             Fax: (919) 829-6713

                                             with a copy to:

                                             Mark S. Cagley
                                             Senior Vice President
                                             NationsBank
                                             Real Estate Banking Group
                                             100 N. Tryon Street
                                             11th Floor
                                             NC1-007-11-07
                                             Charlotte, NC   28255
                                             Phone: (704) 386-7449
                                             Fax: (704) 388-0617


<PAGE>


                                 Exhibit 2.1(b)

                           FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

TO:               NATIONSBANK, N.A., as Agent
                  NATIONSBANK CORPORATE CENTER
                  CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA  28255

RE:               Credit   Agreement  dated  as  of  December  ___,  1997  among
                  Highwoods/Forsyth   Limited   Partnership   (the   "Borrower")
                  Highwoods  Properties,  Inc., the Subsidiaries of the Borrower
                  and Highwoods Properties,  Inc., NationsBank,  N.A., as Agent,
                  and the  Lenders  party  thereto  (as the same may be amended,
                  modified,  extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit
                  Agreement")

DATE:    _____________, 199__

________________________________________________________________

1.       This Notice of  Borrowing  is made  pursuant to the terms of the Credit
         Agreement.  All capitalized  terms used herein unless otherwise defined
         shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

2.       Please be advised that the Borrower is  requesting  Revolving  Loans in
         the amount of  $__________ to be funded on  ____________,  199__ at the
         interest rate option set forth in paragraph 3 below.  Subsequent to the
         funding of the  requested  Revolving  Loans,  the  aggregate  amount of
         outstanding  Revolving Loans will be $_________,  which is less than or
         equal to the Revolving Committed Amount.

3.       The interest rate option  applicable to the requested  Revolving  Loans
         shall be:

         a.    ________ the Adjusted Base Rate

         b.    ________ the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for an Interest Period 
                        of one (1) month

4.       The   proceeds   from   the   Revolving   Loans   shall   be  used  for
         ________________________________________  which is in  compliance  with
         Section 7 of the Credit Agreement.

5.       The  representations  and warranties  made by the Credit Parties in the
         Credit  Documents are true and correct in all material  respects at and
         as if made on the date  hereof  except  to the  extent  they  expressly
         relate to an earlier date.


<PAGE>



6.       As of the date hereof,  no Default or Event of Default has occurred and
         is continuing or would be caused by this Notice of Borrowing.

7.       No Material Adverse Effect has occurred since the Closing Date.

8.       The  Borrower is in  compliance  with all  requirements  of the Related
         Credit  Agreement.  In  furtherance  of  this  certification,  Borrower
         represents  that the ratio of (a) Total  Liabilities (as defined in the
         Related Credit Agreement) to (b) Market  Capitalization  (as defined in
         the Related Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to 0.45 to 1.0.


                     HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                     By:   Highwoods Properties, Inc., its sole general partner

                     By:____________________________
                     Name:__________________________
                     Title:_________________________



<PAGE>



                                 Exhibit 2.1(d)

                    FORM OF NOTICE OF CONTINUATION/CONVERSION

TO:               NATIONSBANK, N.A., as Agent
                  NATIONSBANK CORPORATE CENTER
                  CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA  28255

RE:               Credit  Agreement  dated  as  of  December  ____,  1997  among
                  Highwoods/Forsyth   Limited   Partnership   (the   "Borrower")
                  Highwoods  Properties,  Inc., the Subsidiaries of the Borrower
                  and Highwoods Properties,  Inc., NationsBank,  N.A., as Agent,
                  and the  Lenders  party  thereto  (as the same may be amended,
                  modified,  extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit
                  Agreement")

DATE:    _____________, 199__

____________________________________________________________

1.       This Notice of Continuation/Conversion is made pursuant to the terms of
         the  Credit  Agreement.   All  capitalized  terms  used  herein  unless
         otherwise  defined  shall  have the  meanings  set forth in the  Credit
         Agreement.

2.       Please be advised that the Borrower is requesting that a portion of the
         current  outstanding  Revolving  Loans  in the  amount  of  $__________
         currently accruing interest at _________ be extended or converted as of
         _____________  at the  interest  rate  option set forth in  paragraph 3
         below.

3.       The interest  rate option  applicable to the extension or conversion of
         all or part of the existing Revolving Loans shall be:

         a.   ________ the Adjusted Base Rate

         b.   ________ the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for an Interest Period 
                       of one (1) month

4.       The  representations  and warranties  made by the Credit Parties in the
         Credit  Documents are true and correct in all material  respects at and
         as if made on the date  hereof  except  to the  extent  they  expressly
         relate to an earlier date.

5.       As of the date hereof,  no Default or Event of Default has occurred and
         is    continuing    or   would   be   caused   by   this    Notice   of
         Continuation/Conversion.

6.       No Material Adverse Effect has occurred since the Closing Date.


                                     
<PAGE>

7.       The  Borrower is in  compliance  with all  requirements  of the Related
         Credit  Agreement.  In  furtherance  of  this  certification,  Borrower
         represents  that the ratio of (a) Total  Liabilities (as defined in the
         Related Credit Agreement) to (b) Market  Capitalization  (as defined in
         the Related Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to .45 to 1.0.




                  HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  By: Highwoods Properties, Inc., its sole general partner

                  By:____________________________
                  Name:__________________________
                  Title:_________________________


<PAGE>


                                 Exhibit 2.1(f)

                                     FORM OF
                                 REVOLVING NOTE


$____________                                                 _______ ____, 1997

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership, a North Carolina
limited  partnership,  (the "Borrower"),  hereby promises to pay to the order of
___________________  (the  "Lender"),  at the office of  NationsBank,  N.A. (the
"Agent") as set forth in that certain Credit  Agreement dated as of December 15,
1997 between the Borrower,  Highwoods Properties,  Inc., the Subsidiaries of the
Borrower and Highwoods  Properties,  Inc., the Lenders named therein  (including
the Lender),  and NationsBank,  N.A., as Agent (as modified and supplemented and
in effect  from time to time,  the "Credit  Agreement"),  the  principal  sum of
$______________  (or such  lesser  amount as shall  equal the  aggregate  unpaid
principal amount of the Revolving Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower under
the Credit  Agreement),  in lawful money of the United  States of America and in
immediately  available funds, on the dates and in the principal amounts provided
in the Credit  Agreement,  and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of
each such  Revolving  Loan,  at such  office,  in like money and funds,  for the
period  commencing on the date of such  Revolving Loan until such Revolving Loan
shall be paid in full,  at the rates per annum and on the dates  provided in the
Credit Agreement.

     This Note is one of the Revolving Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement
and evidences  Revolving Loans made by the Lender thereunder.  Capitalized terms
used in this Revolving Note and not otherwise  defined shall have the respective
meanings  assigned to them in the Credit  Agreement and the terms and conditions
of the  Credit  Agreement  are  expressly  incorporated  herein  and made a part
hereof.

     The Credit  Agreement  provides for the acceleration of the maturity of the
Revolving  Loans evidenced by this Revolving Note upon the occurrence of certain
events (and for payment of  collection  costs in connection  therewith)  and for
prepayments of Revolving Loans upon the terms and conditions  specified therein.
In the  event  this  Revolving  Note  is not  paid  when  due at any  stated  or
accelerated  maturity,  the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal
and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney fees.

     The date, amount,  type,  interest rate and duration of Interest Period (if
applicable) of each Revolving Loan made by the Lender to the Borrower,  and each
payment  made on account of the  principal  thereof,  shall be  recorded  by the
Lender on its books;  provided  that the  failure of the Lender to make any such
recordation or endorsement  shall not affect the  obligations of the Borrower to
make a payment  when due of any amount owing  hereunder or under this  Revolving
Note in respect of the Revolving  Loans to be evidenced by this Revolving  Note,
and each such  recordation or endorsement  shall be prima facie evidence of such
information.


                                     
<PAGE>

     THIS REVOLVING NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH,
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Borrower  has caused this  Revolving  Note to be
executed as of the date first above written.


                        HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                        By: Highwoods Properties, Inc., its sole general partner

                        By:____________________________
                        Name:__________________________
                        Title:_________________________



<PAGE>


                                 Exhibit 7.1(c)


                          FORM OF OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE

             For the fiscal quarter ended _________________, 19___.

     I, ______________________, chief financial officer of Highwoods Properties,
Inc., the sole general partner of  Highwoods/Forsyth  Limited  Partnership  (the
"Borrower")  hereby certify on behalf of the Borrower that, with respect to that
certain  Credit  Agreement  dated as of December 15, 1997 (as it may be amended,
modified, extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"; all of
the  capitalized  terms  herein  shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement)  among the  Borrower,  the other Credit  Parties party  thereto,  the
Lenders party thereto and NationsBank, N.A., as Agent:

          a.  Attached  hereto  as  Schedule  1 are  calculations  demonstrating
     compliance by the Credit Parties with the financial  covenants contained in
     Section 7.2 of the  Related  Credit  Agreement  as of the end of the fiscal
     period referred to above.

          b. No  Default  or Event of  Default  has  occurred  under the  Credit
     Agreement(1).

          c. The quarterly financial statements which accompany this certificate
     fairly  present in all  material  respects the  financial  condition of the
     Credit  Parties,  on a  consolidated  basis,  and  have  been  prepared  in
     accordance  with GAAP,  subject to changes  resulting from normal  year-end
     audit adjustments.

     This ______ day of ___________, 19__.


                                  HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.,

                                  sole general partner of Highwoods/Forsyth 
                                  Limited Partnership



                                  By:_________________________________
                                  Name:_______________________________
                                  Title: Chief Financial Officer


- -----------------
(1)  If a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred an explanation of such
     Default or Event of Default  shall be provided on a separate  page together
     with an  explanation  of the action  taken or  proposed  to be taken by the
     Credit Parties with respect thereto.



<PAGE>


                                  Exhibit 7.16


                            FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

     THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of _____________, 199_,
is entered into between  _____________________,  a ___________________ (the "New
Subsidiary") and NATIONSBANK, N.A., in its capacity as Agent (the "Agent") under
that  certain  Credit   Agreement,   dated  as  of  December  15,  1997,   among
Highwoods/Forsyth  Limited Partnership (the "Borrower"),  Highwoods  Properties,
Inc.,  the  Subsidiaries  of the Borrower and Highwoods  Properties,  Inc.,  the
Lenders  party  thereto  and the  Agent (as the same may be  amended,  modified,
extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"). All capitalized
terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in
the Credit Agreement.

     The New  Subsidiary and the Agent,  for the benefit of the Lenders,  hereby
agree as follows:

     1. The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its
execution of this  Agreement,  the New Subsidiary  will be deemed to be a Credit
Party  under the Credit  Agreement  and a  "Guarantor"  for all  purposes of the
Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Guarantor thereunder
as if it had executed the Credit Agreement.  The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies,
as of the date hereof,  and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms,  provisions
and conditions  contained in the Credit Agreement,  including without limitation
(a) all of the representations and warranties of the Credit Parties set forth in
Section 6 of the  Credit  Agreement,  (b) all of the  affirmative  and  negative
covenants  set forth in Sections 7 and 8 of the Credit  Agreement and (c) all of
the guaranty obligations set forth in Section 4 of the Credit Agreement. Without
limiting the  generality  of the  foregoing  terms of this  paragraph 1, the New
Subsidiary,  subject to the  limitations  set forth in Section 4.7 of the Credit
Agreement,  hereby guarantees,  jointly and severally with the other Guarantors,
to the Agent and the Lenders,  as provided in Section 4 of the Credit Agreement,
the prompt payment and performance of the Credit Party  Obligations in full when
due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory  prepayment,  by acceleration or
otherwise)  strictly in accordance with the terms thereof and agrees that if any
of the  Credit  Party  Obligations  are not paid or  performed  in full when due
(whether at stated  maturity,  as a mandatory  prepayment,  by  acceleration  or
otherwise),  the New Subsidiary  will,  jointly and severally  together with the
other  Guarantors,  promptly  pay and  perform  the same,  without any demand or
notice  whatsoever,  and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or
renewal of any of the Credit Party  Obligations,  the same will be promptly paid
in full when due (whether at extended maturity,  as a mandatory  prepayment,  by
acceleration  or otherwise) in  accordance  with the terms of such  extension or
renewal.

     2. The address of the New  Subsidiary  for  purposes of Section 11.1 of the
Credit Agreement is as follows:

                          ____________________________
                          ____________________________
                          ____________________________
                          ____________________________

<PAGE>

     3. The New Subsidiary hereby waives acceptance by the Agent and the Lenders
of the  guaranty  by the New  Subsidiary  under the  Credit  Agreement  upon the
execution of this Agreement by the New Subsidiary.

     4. This  Agreement may be executed in any number of  counterparts,  each of
which when so executed  and  delivered  shall be an  original,  but all of which
shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     5. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND  OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES  HEREUNDER
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND  INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE  WITH THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly
executed  by its  authorized  officer,  and the  Agent,  for the  benefit of the
Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the
day and year first above written.

                                              [NEW SUBSIDIARY]
                                              
                                              By:___________________________
                                              Name:_________________________
                                              Title:________________________
                                              
                                              Acknowledged and accepted:
                                              
                                              NATIONSBANK, N.A., as Agent
                                              
                                              By:___________________________
                                              Name:_________________________
                                              Title:________________________
                                              
                           

<PAGE>


                                  Exhibit 11.3

                                     FORM OF
                              ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

     Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 15,
1997 (as the same may be amended,  modified,  extended or restated  from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement") among  Highwoods/Forsyth  Limited Partnership (the
"Borrower"),  Highwoods  Properties,  Inc., the Subsidiaries of the Borrower and
Highwoods Properties, Inc. the Lenders identified therein and NationsBank, N.A.,
as Agent. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have
the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

     1. The  Assignor  (as defined  below)  hereby  sells and  assigns,  without
recourse,  to the Assignee (as defined below), and the Assignee hereby purchases
and assumes, without recourse, from the Assignor, effective as of effective date
of the assignment as designated below (the "Effective  Date"), the interests set
forth below (the "Assigned  Interest") in the Assignor's  rights and obligations
under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) the interests set
forth below in the Revolving Loan  Commitment  Percentage of the Assignor on the
Effective  Date and (b) the Loans owing to the Assignor in  connection  with the
Assigned  Interest which are  outstanding on the Effective Date. The purchase of
the Assigned Interest shall be at par and periodic payments made with respect to
the Assigned  Interest  which (i) accrued prior to the  Effective  Date shall be
remitted to the Assignor and (ii) accrue from and after the Effective Date shall
be remitted to the Assignee. From and after the Effective Date, the Assignee, if
it is not already a Lender under the Credit  Agreement,  shall become a "Lender"
for all purposes of the Credit  Agreement and the other Credit Documents and, to
the extent of such  assignment,  the  assigning  Lender shall be relieved of its
obligations under the Credit Agreement.

     2. The Assignor  represents  and  warrants to the  Assignee  that it is the
holder of the  Assigned  Interest and the Loans  related  thereto and it has not
previously transferred or encumbered such Assigned Interest or Loans.

     3. The  Assignee  represents  and  warrants to the  Assignor  that it is an
Eligible Assignee.

     4. This Assignment shall be effective only upon (a) to the extent required,
the consent of the Agent under Section  11.3(b) of the Credit  Agreement and (b)
delivery to the Agent of this  Assignment  Agreement  together with the transfer
fees, if applicable, set forth in Section 11.3(b) of the Credit Agreement.

     5. The Assignor  and the Assignee  confirm to and agree with each other and
the other parties to the Credit Agreement as to the terms set forth in paragraph
2 of Section 11.3(b) of the Credit Agreement.

     6. This  Assignment  shall be governed by and construed in accordance  with
the laws of the State of North Carolina.


<PAGE>


     7. Terms of Assignment

         (a)      Date of Assignment                           _________________

         (b)      Legal Name of Assignor                       _________________

         (c)      Legal Name of Assignee                       _________________

         (d)      Effective Date of Assignment                 _________________

         (e)      Revolving Loan Commitment
                  Percentage assigned                          _________________

         (f)      Total Revolving Loans
                  outstanding as of Effective Date            $_________________

         (g)      Principal Amount of Revolving  
                  Loans assigned on Effective Date  
                  (the amount set forth in (f)
                  multiplied by the
                  percentage set forth in (e))                $_________________

         (h)      Revolving Committed
                  Amount                                      $_________________

         (i)      Principal Amount of Revolving  
                  Committed Amount Assigned on the
                  Effective Date (the amount set forth
                  in (h) multiplied by
                  the percentage set forth in (e))            $_________________


<PAGE>




The terms set forth above 
are hereby agreed to:

_______________________, as Assignor


By:____________________________________
Name:__________________________________
Title:_________________________________


____________________, as Assignee


By:____________________________________
Name:__________________________________
Title:_________________________________



                                        CONSENTED TO (if applicable):



                                        NATIONSBANK, N.A., as Agent

                                        By:____________________________________
                                        Name:__________________________________
                                        Title:_________________________________


                                                            Exhibit 4.16

Agreement to Furnish Certain Instruments Defining the Rights of Long-Term
Debt Holders.


The Company hereby agrees to furnish, upon request, any and all instruments
defining the rights of long-term debt holders not contained as an exhibit to
this Form 10-K.

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.
                           1997 PERFORMANCE AWARD PLAN

SECTION 1.  GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN: DEFINITIONS

         The name of the plan is the Highwoods Properties, Inc. 1997 Performance
Award Plan (the APlan"). The purpose of the Plan is to encourage and enable the
officers and employees of Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the ACompany") and its
Subsidiaries upon whose judgement, initiative and efforts the Company largely
depends for the successful conduct of its business to acquire and/or increase
their proprietary interests in the Company. It is anticipated that such persons
having a direct stake in the Company=s welfare, including the ability to receive
rights similar to dividends as provided under the terms hereof, will assure a
closer identification of their interests with those of the Company and its
shareholders, thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company=s behalf and
strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.

         The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

         "ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         "AGREEMENT" shall mean the written agreement evidencing an Award
hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such Award.

         "APPLICABLE STOCK OPTION" is defined at Section 5(b)(i).

         "AWARD" or "AWARDS" means a grant of a DER Award.

         "ABOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         "CAUSE" means and shall be limited to a vote of the Board resolving
that the participant should be dismissed as a result of (i) any material breach
by the participant of any agreement to which the participant and the Company are
parties, (ii) any act (other than retirement) or omission to act by the
participant which may have a material and adverse effect on the business of the
Company or any Subsidiary or on the participant=s ability to perform services
for the Company or any Subsidiary, including, without limitation, the commission
of any crime (other than ordinary traffic violations), or (iii) any material
misconduct or neglect of duties by the participant in connection with the
business or affairs of the Company or any Subsidiary.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL" is defined in Section 10.

         "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any
successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.

         "COMMITTEE" means the Board or any Committee of the Board referred to
in Section 2.


<PAGE>

         "DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS AWARD" OR ADER AWARD" or APERFORMANCE
AWARD" shall mean a right, contingent upon the attainment of specified
Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period, to receive a
reduction in the exercise price of the Applicable Stock Option.

         "DISABILITY" means disability as set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the
Code.

         "EFFECTIVE DATE" means April 29, 1997, the date on which the Plan was
approved by the Board.

         "FAIR MARKET VALUE" on any given date means the last reported sale
price at which the Shares are traded on such date or, if no Shares are traded on
such date, on the next most recent date on which the Shares were traded, as
reflected on the New York Stock Exchange or, if applicable, any other national
stock exchange on which the Shares are traded.

         "NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR" means a director who qualified as such under
Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated under the Act or any successor definition under the
Act.

         "OPTION" or ASTOCK OPTION" means any option to purchase Shares granted
pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan of the Company (the
AStock Option Plan").

         "PERFORMANCE MEASURES" shall mean the criteria and objectives,
established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met during the
applicable Performance Period as a condition to the holder=s receipt of the DER
Award. Such criteria and objectives may include, without limitation, one or more
of the following: the attainment by a Share of a specified Fair Market Value for
a specified period of time, earnings per share, Shareholder Return (including
dividends), return on equity, earnings of the Company, revenues, market share,
funds from operations, cash flow or cost reduction goals, or any combination of
the foregoing. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend or adjust the
Performance Measures or other terms and conditions of an outstanding award in
recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or its
financial statements or changes in law or accounting principles. If the
Committee consists solely of Aoutside directors" (within the meaning of Section
162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder) and the Committee
desires that compensation payable pursuant to any award subject to Performance
Measures shall be Aqualified performance-based compensation" within the meaning
of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Performance Measures (i) shall be established
by the Committee no later than the end of the first quarter of the Performance
Period, as applicable (or such other time permitted pursuant to Treasury
Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code or otherwise permitted
by the Internal Revenue Service) and (ii) shall satisfy all other applicable
requirements imposed under Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m)
of the Code, including the requirement that such Performance Measures be stated
in terms of an objective formula or standard.

         "PERFORMANCE PERIOD" shall mean any period designated by the Committee
for which the Performance Measures shall be calculated.

         "SHARE" or "SHARES" means one or more, respectively, of the Company=s
shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, subject to adjustments
pursuant to Section 3.



<PAGE>


         "SHAREHOLDER RETURN" shall mean the per annum compounded rate of
increase in the Fair Market Value of an investment in a Share on the first day
of the Performance Period (assuming purchase of the Share at its Fair Market
Value on such day) through the last day of the Performance Period, plus all
dividends or distributions paid with respect to such Share during the
Performance Period, and assuming reinvestment in Shares of all such dividends
and distributions, adjusted to give effect to Section 3 of this Plan.

         "SUBSIDIARY" means Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership and any
corporation or other entity (other than the Company) in any unbroken chain of
corporations or other entities, beginning with the Company, if each of the
corporations or entities (other than the last corporation or entity in the
unbroken chain) owns stock or other interests possessing 50% or more of the
economic interest or the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or
other interests in one of the other corporations or entities in the chain.

SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN: COMMITTEE AUTHORITY TO SELECT PARTICIPANTS
AND DETERMINE AWARDS

         (a) COMMITTEE. The Plan shall be administered by the executive
compensation committee of the Board, or any other committee of not less than two
Non-Employee Directors performing similar functions, as appointed by the Board
from time to time. Only Non-Employee Directors may vote with respect to
transactions involving an Award.

         (b) POWERS OF COMMITTEE. The Committee shall have the power and
authority to grant Awards consistent with the terms of the Plan, including the
power and authority:

                  (i) to select participants to whom Awards may be granted from
         time to time;

                  (ii) to determine the time or times of a grant of an Award;

                  (iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by an
         Award;

                  (iv) to determine and modify the terms and conditions,
including restrictions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any
Award, which terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and
participants, and to approve the form of written instruments evidencing the
Awards;

                  (v) to accelerate the exercisability or vesting of all or any
         portion of any Award;

                  (vi) to extend the period in which an Award may be settled;

                  (vii) to determine whether, to what extent, and under what
         circumstances amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be
         deferred, whether automatically or at the election of the participant,
         and whether and to what extent the Company shall pay or credit amounts
         constituting dividends or deemed dividends on such deferrals; and


                                       3
<PAGE>


                  (viii) to adopt, alter and repeal such rules, guidelines and
         practices for administration of the Plan and for its own acts and
         proceedings as it shall deem advisable; to interpret the terms and
         provisions of the Plan and any Awards (including related written
         instruments); to make all determinations it deems advisable for the
         administration of the Plan; to decide all disputes arising in
         connection with the Plan; and to otherwise supervise the administration
         of the Plan.

         All decisions and interpretations of the Committee shall be binding on
all persons, including the Company and Plan participants

SECTION 3.  MERGERS; SUBSTITUTIONS

         STOCK DIVIDENDS, MERGERS, ETC. In the event of any stock split, stock
dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination,
exchange of shares, liquidation, spin-off or other similar change in
capitalization or similar dividend, the terms of each outstanding DER Award
shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee. The decision of the Committee
regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.

SECTION 4.  ELIGIBILITY

         Participants in the Plan will be such full or part-time officers and
other employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are responsible for or
contribute to the management, growth, or profitability of the Company and its
Subsidiaries and who are selected from time to time by the Committee, in its
sole discretion.

SECTION 5.  DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS

         (a) DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS. The Committee may, in its discretion,
grant DER Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.

         (b) TERMS OF DER AWARDS. DER Awards shall be subject to the following
terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall in its
discretion deem advisable.

                  (i) GRANT OF DER AWARDS. A DER Award may be granted only in
         tandem with a Stock Option (the AApplicable Stock Option") which is
         being or was granted under the Stock Option Plan, such Stock Option to
         be so designated by the Committee. The Performance Period and
         Performance Measure of a DER Award also shall be as designated by the
         Committee.

                  (ii) VESTING AND FORFEITURE. The Agreement relating to a DER
         Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee in its
         discretion and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting
         of such award if specified Performance Measure(s) are satisfied

                                       4
<PAGE>


         or met during the specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture
         of such award if specified Performance Measure(s) are not satisfied or
         met during the specified Performance Period. (iii) SETTLEMENT OF VESTED
         PERFORMANCE AWARDS. Vested DER Awards shall be settled as a reduction
         in the exercise price of the Applicable Stock Option upon the
         expiration of the Performance Period at any time prior to the
         expiration of the Applicable Stock Option. The amount of the settlement
         shall be a portion, as determined in the applicable Agreement, of the
         sum (without interest or compounding) of all dividends and
         distributions per Share (subject to adjustment as provided in Section
         3) during the Performance Period and thereafter through any subsequent
         exercise of Applicable Stock Options, multiplied by the number of such
         Shares purchased upon such exercise. Except to the extent otherwise
         provided in the Agreement relating to a Performance Award, in the event
         of a Change of Control the Performance Period shall expire and the
         Performance Measure shall be computed through such date and the
         applicable DER Award shall forthwith be settled in cash on the date of
         such Change of Control or, if later, upon exercise of the Applicable
         Stock Options.

         (c) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE.

                  (a) DISABILITY, DEATH AND INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION WITHOUT
         CAUSE. Except to the extent otherwise set forth in the Agreement
         relating to a DER Award, if the employment of the holder of a DER Award
         is terminated by reason of Disability, death or involuntary termination
         by the Company without Cause, the Performance Period with respect to
         such DER Award shall terminate and the Performance Measure shall be
         computed through such date and the applicable DER Award shall be
         settled as described in Section 5(b)(iii) as soon as practicable within
         10 days thereafter, or if later, upon exercise of the Applicable Stock
         Option.

                  (b) OTHER TERMINATION. Except to the extent otherwise set
         forth in the Agreement relating to a DER Award, if the holder=s
         employment with the Company terminates for any reason other than
         Disability, death, or involuntary termination by the Company without
         Cause, then the Performance Period for such DER Award shall be deemed
         to end on the date of such termination, no Performance Measure shall be
         recognized or deemed attained, satisfied or met, and the holder=s DER
         Award shall be forfeited to and canceled by the Company.

SECTION 6.  TAX WITHHOLDING

         (a) PAYMENT BY PARTICIPANT. Each participant shall, no later than the
date as of which the value of an Award or amounts received thereunder first
becomes includable in the gross income of the participant for federal income tax
purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee
regarding payment of any federal, state, or local taxes of any kind required by
law to be withheld with respect to such income. The Company and its Subsidiaries
shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes
from any payment of any kind

                                       5

<PAGE>


otherwise due to the participant and to require payment by the participant of
any taxes required to be withheld, prior to the delivery of any Shares upon the
exercise of an Applicable Stock Option.

       (b) PAYMENT IN SHARES. A participant may elect to have such tax
withholding obligation satisfied, in whole or in part, by (i) authorizing the
Company to withhold from the Shares to be issued pursuant to an exercise of an
Applicable Stock Option a number of Shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value
(as of the date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding
amount due, or (ii) transferring to the Company Shares owned by the participant
with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is effected)
that would satisfy the withholding amount due.

SECTION 7. TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.

       For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a
termination of employment:

       (a) a transfer to the employment of the Company from a Subsidiary or from
the Company to a Subsidiary, or from one Subsidiary to another; or

       (b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for
any other purposes approved by the Company, if the employee's right to
re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the
policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee
otherwise so provides in writing.

SECTION 8. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION

         The Board may, at any time, amend or discontinue the Plan and the
Committee may, at any time, amend or cancel any outstanding Award for the
purpose of satisfying changes in law without the Holder=s consent. No amendment,
however, may impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding Award without the
consent of such holder.

SECTION 9. STATUS OF PLAN

         With respect to the portion of any Award which has not been exercised
and any payments of consideration not received by a participant, a participant
shall have no rights greater than those of a general creditor of the Company
unless the Committee shall otherwise expressly determine in connection with any
Award or Awards. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the
creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the Company's obligations to
deliver Shares or make payments with respect to Awards hereunder, provided that
the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the
provisions of the foregoing sentence.

SECTION 10. CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS

         Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control as defined in this Section
10:


                                       6
<PAGE>


         (a) The Performance Period for DER Awards will expire and the
Performance Measures will be computed through the date of such change of control
and the applicable Award will be settled in cash on the date of such change in
control or, if later, upon exercise of the Applicable Stock Options.

         (b) "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall mean the occurrence of any one of the
following events:

                  (i) any "PERSON," as such term is used in Section 13(d) and
         14(d) of the Act (other than the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any
         trustee, fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under
         any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries),
         together with all "affiliates" and "associates" (as such terms are
         defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Act) of such person, shall become the
         "beneficial owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
         Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
         40% or more of either (A) the combined voting power of the Company's
         then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of
         the Company's Board of Directors ("Voting Securities") or (B) the then
         outstanding Shares of the Company (in either such case other than as a
         result of acquisition of securities directly from the Company); or

                  (ii) persons who, as of May 1, 1994, constitute the Company's
         Board of Directors (the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason,
         including, without limitation, as a result of a tender offer, proxy
         contest, merger or similar transaction, to constitute at least a
         majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director of
         the Company subsequent to May 1, 1994 whose election or nomination for
         election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent
         Directors shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered an Incumbent
         Director; or

                  (iii) the stockholders of the Company shall approve (A) any
         consolidation or merger of the Company or any Subsidiary where the
         stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or
         merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger,
         beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act),
         directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% of the
         voting shares of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the
         consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if
         any), (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one
         transaction or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged by an
         party as a single plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of
         the Company or (C) any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
         dissolution of the Company.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, a "Change of Control" shall not be
deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (i) solely as the
result of an acquisition of securities by the Company which, by reducing the
number of Shares or other voting securities outstanding, increases (x) the
proportionate number of Shares beneficially owned by any person to 40% or more
of the Shares then outstanding or (y) the proportionate voting power represented
by the voting securities beneficially owned by any person to 40% or more of the
combined voting power of all then outstanding voting securities; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if any person referred to in clause (x) or (y)


                                       7
<PAGE>


of this sentence
shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional Shares or other
voting securities (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or
similar transaction), then a "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have
occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (i).

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN

This Plan became effective on April 29, 1997 upon approval by the Board.

SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW

This Plan shall be governed by North Carolina law except to the extent such law
is preempted by federal law.


                      HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                              1997 UNIT OPTION PLAN

SECTION 1. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN: DEFINITIONS

         The name of the plan is the Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership 1997
Unit Option Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to supplement the
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan of Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the
"Company") and thereby encourage and enable the officers, employees, independent
contractors and directors of Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the "Company") and its
Subsidiaries, including Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership (the
"Partnership") upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the Company largely
depends for the successful conduct of its business to acquire a proprietary
interest in the Partnership. Providing such persons with a direct stake in the
Company's welfare through awards of Units, as defined below, in the Partnership
will assure a closer identification of their interests with those of the
Company, thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company's behalf and
strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.

         The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

         "ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         "AWARD" or "AWARDS", except where referring to a particular grant under
the Plan, shall include Unit Option, Unit Appreciation Right, Phantom Unit and
Restricted Unit Awards.

         "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         "CAUSE" means and shall be limited to a vote of the Board resolving
that the participant should be dismissed as a result of (i) any material breach
by the participant of any agreement to which the participant and the Company are
parties, (ii) any act (other than retirement) or omission to act by the
participant which may have a material and adverse effect on the business of the
Company or any Subsidiary or on the participant's ability to perform services
for the Company or any Subsidiary, including, without limitation, the commission
of any crime (other than ordinary traffic violations), or (iii) any material
misconduct or neglect of duties by the participant in connection with the
business or affairs of the Company or any Subsidiary.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL" is defined in Section 13.

         "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any
successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.

         "COMMITTEE" means the Board or any Committee of the Board referred to
in Section 2.

         "DISABILITY" means disability as set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the
Code.

         "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date on which the Plan is approved by the
Board of Directors of the Company in its capacity as general partner of the
Partnership.

<PAGE>



         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the related rules, regulations and interpretations.

         "FAIR MARKET VALUE" on any given date means the last reported sale
price at which the Shares are traded on such date or, if no Shares are traded on
such date, the most recent date on which the Shares were traded, as reflected on
the New York Stock Exchange or, if applicable, any other national stock exchange
on which the Shares are traded.

         "GENERAL PARTNER" means the Company in its capacity as the general
partner of the Partnership.

         "INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board who is not also an
employee of the Company or any Subsidiary. A director emeritus shall not be
considered as an active Board member for purposes of this definition.

         "NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR" means a director who qualifies as such under
Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated under the Act or any successor definition under the
Act.

         "OPTION" OR "UNIT OPTION" means any option to purchase Units granted
pursuant to Section 5.

         "PHANTOM UNIT" means Awards granted pursuant to Section 8.

         "RESTRICTED UNIT  AWARD" means Awards granted pursuant to Section 7.

         "RESTRICTED UNITS" means Units subject to restrictions as provided in
Section 7 and the subject of a Restricted Stock Award.

         "SHARE" means one or more, respectively, of the Company's shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share, subject to adjustments pursuant to
Section 3.

         "SUBSIDIARY" means the Partnership, Highwoods Services, Inc. and any
corporation or other entity (other than the Company) in any unbroken chain of
corporations or other entities, beginning with the Company, if each of the
corporations or entities (other than the last corporation or entity in the
unbroken chain) owns stock or other interests possessing 50% or more of the
economic interest or the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or
other interests in one of the other corporations or entities in the chain.

         "UNIT" means one of the Class A common ownership interests in the
Partnership as defined in and subject to the provisions of the First Amended and
Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (the "Partnership
Agreement"), except that Units to be awarded hereby or to be received upon the
exercise of Unit Options shall not be redeemable for Shares as allowed by
Section 8.6 of the Partnership Agreement unless and until such action is
permitted by applicable state and federal securities laws and the rules and
regulations of the applicable securities exchange.

                                       2
<PAGE>


         "UNIT APPRECIATION RIGHTS" ("UAR") means Awards granted pursuant to
Section 6.


SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN: COMMITTEE AUTHORITY TO SELECT PARTICIPANTS
AND DETERMINE AWARDS

                  (a) COMMITTEE. Except as set forth in Section 2(c), the Plan
         shall be administered by the executive compensation committee of the
         Board of the General Partner, or any other committee of not less than
         two Non-Employee Directors performing similar functions, as appointed
         by the Board from time to time. Only Non-Employee Directors may vote
         with respect to transactions involving an Award or other acquisition of
         Units from the Partnership.

                  (b) POWERS OF COMMITTEE. The Committee shall have the power
         and authority to grant Awards consistent with the terms of the Plan,
         including the power and authority:

                           (i) to select participants to whom Awards may be
                  granted from time to time;

                           (ii) to determine the time or times of grant, and the
                  extent of Awards, or any combination of Awards, granted to any
                  one or more participants;

                           (iii) to determine the number of Units to be covered
                  by any Award;

                           (iv) to determine and modify the terms and
                  conditions, including restrictions, not inconsistent with the
                  terms of the Plan, of any Award, which terms and conditions
                  may differ among individual Awards and participants, and to
                  approve the form of written instruments evidencing the Awards
                  provided, however that in no event shall the Committee take
                  any action in furtherance hereof which shall reduce or delay
                  the realization of the economic benefit accruing to any
                  grantee of any Award upon the occurrence of an event described
                  in this Section 3(b);

                           (v) to accelerate the exercisability or vesting of
                  all or any portion of any Award;

                           (vi) subject to the provisions of Section 5(a)(iii),
                  to extend the period in which Unit Options may be exercised;

                           (vii) to determine whether, to what extent, and under
                  what circumstances Units and other amounts payable with
                  respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or
                  at the election of the participant and whether and to what
                  extent the Company shall pay or credit amounts constituting
                  interest (at rates determined by the Committee) or dividends
                  or deemed dividends on such deferrals; and

                           (viii) to adopt, alter and repeal such rules,
                  guidelines and practices for administration of the Plan and
                  for its own acts and proceedings as it shall deem

                                       3
<PAGE>


                  advisable; to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan
                  and any Awards (including related written instruments); to
                  make all determinations it deems advisable for the
                  administration of the Plan; to decide all disputes arising in
                  connection with the Plan; and to otherwise supervise the
                  administration of the Plan.

                  All decisions and interpretations of the Committee shall be
binding on all persons, including the Company, the Partnership and Plan
participants.

SECTION 3. UNITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN; MERGERS; SUBSTITUTIONS

         (a) UNITS ISSUABLE. The maximum number of Units reserved and available
for issuance under the Plan shall be 1,500,000 Units. For purposes of this
limitation, the Units underlying any Awards which are forfeited, canceled,
reacquired by the Partnership, satisfied without the issuance of Units or
otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) shall be added back to the Units
available for issuance under the Plan so long as the participants to whom such
Awards had been previously granted received no benefits of ownership of the
underlying Units to which the Award related. Subject to such overall limitation,
Units may be issued up to such maximum number pursuant to any type or types of
Award.

         (b) STOCK DIVIDENDS, MERGERS, ETC. In the event of a stock dividend,
stock split or similar change in capitalization affecting the Shares, the
Committee shall make appropriate adjustments in (i) the number and kind of Units
on which Awards may thereafter be granted, (ii) the number and kind of Units
remaining subject to outstanding Awards, and (iii) the option or purchase price
in respect of such Units. Except as otherwise provided in any applicable
severance or employment agreement with any grantee hereunder, in the event of
any merger, consolidation, dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the
Committee in its sole discretion shall, as to any outstanding Awards, make such
substitution or adjustment in the aggregate number of Units reserved for
issuance under the Plan and the number and purchase price (if any) of Units
subject to such Awards as it may determine and as may be permitted by the terms
of such transaction, or amend or terminate such Awards upon such terms and
conditions as it shall provide (which, in the case of the termination of or
modification relating to the vested portion of any Award, shall require payment
or other consideration which the Committee deems equitable in the
circumstances), provided, however that in no event shall the Committee take any
action in furtherance hereof which shall reduce or delay the realization of the
economic benefit accruing to any grantee of any Award upon the occurrence of an
event described in this Section 3(b).

         (c) SUBSTITUTE AWARDS. The Committee may grant Awards under the Plan in
substitution for stock and stock-based awards held by employees of another
corporation who concurrently become employees of the Company or a Subsidiary as
the result of a merger or consolidation of the employing corporation with the
Company or a Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of
property or stock of the employing corporation. The Committee may direct that
the substitute awards be granted on such terms and conditions as the Committee
considers appropriate in the circumstances.

SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY



                                       4
<PAGE>


         Participants in the Plan will be such directors, full or part-time
officers and other employees and independent contractors of the Company and its
Subsidiaries who are responsible for or contribute to the management, growth, or
profitability of the Company and its Subsidiaries and who are selected from time
to time by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

SECTION 5. UNIT OPTIONS

         Any Unit Option granted under the Plan shall be in such form as the
Committee may from time to time approve.

         (a) Unit Options Granted to Employees. The Committee in its discretion
may grant Unit Options to employees of the Company or any Subsidiary or
independent contractors engaged by the Company or its Subsidiaries. Unit Options
granted pursuant to this Section 5(a) shall be subject to the following terms
and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:

                  (i) Exercise Price. The exercise price per Unit for the Units
         covered by a Unit Option granted pursuant to this Section 5(a) shall be
         determined by the Committee at the time of grant but shall not be less
         than 25% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant.

                  (ii) Option Term. The term of each Unit Option shall be fixed
         by the Committee.

                  (iii) Exercisability; Rights of a Unitholder. Unit Options
         shall become vested and exercisable at such time or times, whether or
         not in installments, as shall be determined by the Committee at the
         grant date. The Committee may at any time accelerate the exercisability
         of all or any portion of any Unit Option. An optionee shall have the
         rights of a unitholder only as to Units acquired upon the exercise of a
         Unit Option and not as to unexercised Unit Options.

                  (iv) Method of Exercise. Unit Options may be exercised in
         whole or in part, by giving written notice of exercise to the Company
         as General Partner in the Partnership, specifying the number of Shares
         to be purchased. Payment of the purchase price may be made by one or
         more of the following methods or by such other method as the Committee
         may allow:

                           (A) In cash, by certified or bank check or other
                  instrument acceptable to the Committee;

                           (B) In the form of Shares or Units that are not then
                  subject to restrictions under any Company plan and that have
                  been held by the optionee for at least six months, if
                  permitted by the Committee in its discretion. Such surrendered
                  Shares or Units shall be valued at Fair Market Value on the
                  exercise date; or




                                       5
<PAGE>

                  (v) Admission to the Partnership. The delivery of an amendment
         to the Partnership Agreement admitting the optionee as a partner
         pursuant to the exercise of a Unit Option will be contingent upon
         receipt from the optionee of the full purchase price for such Units and
         the fulfillment of any other requirements contained in the Unit Option
         grant or applicable provisions or laws and an agreement to be bound by
         the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement.

                  (vi) Non-transferability of Options. No Unit Option shall be
         transferable by the optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of
         descent and distribution and all Unit Options shall be exercisable,
         during the optionee's lifetime, only by the optionee.

                  (vii) Termination by Reason of Death. If any optionee's
         employment by the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates by reason of
         death, the Unit Option may thereafter be exercised, to the extent
         exercisable at the date of death, by the legal representative or
         legatee of the optionee, for a period of six months (or such longer
         periods as the Committee shall specify at any time) from the date of
         death, or until the expiration of the stated term of the Option, if
         earlier.

                  (viii) Termination by Reason of Disability.

                           (A) Any Unit Option held by an optionee whose
                  employment by the Company and its Subsidiaries has terminated
                  by reason of Disability may thereafter be exercised, to the
                  extent it was exercisable at the time of such termination, for
                  a period of six months (or such longer period as the Committee
                  shall specify at any time) from the date of such termination
                  of employment, or until the expiration of the stated term of
                  the Option, if earlier.

                           (B) The Committee shall have sole authority and
                  discretion to determine whether a participant's employment has
                  been terminated by reason of Disability.

                           (C) Except as otherwise provided by the Committee at
                  the time of grant, the death of an optionee during a period
                  provided in this Section 5(a)(viii) for the exercise of a Unit
                  Option, shall extend such period of six months from the date
                  of death, subject to termination on the expiration of the
                  stated term of the Option, if earlier.

                  (ix) Termination for Cause. If any optionee's employment by
         the Company and its Subsidiaries has been terminated for Cause except
         as otherwise provided in any applicable severance or employment
         agreement with any grantee hereunder, any Unit Option held by such
         optionee shall immediately terminate and be of no further force and
         effect; provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole
         discretion, provide that such Unit Option can be exercised for a period
         of up to 30 days from the date of termination of employment or until
         the expiration of the stated term of the Option, if earlier.

                  (x) Other Termination. Unless otherwise determined by the
         Committee or except as



                                       6
<PAGE>


         otherwise provided in any applicable severance or employment agreement
         with any grantee hereunder, if an optionee's employment by the Company
         and its Subsidiaries terminates for any reason other than death,
         Disability, or for Cause, any Unit Option held by such optionee may
         thereafter be exercised, to the extent it was exercisable on the date
         of termination of employment for three months (or such longer period as
         the Committee shall specify at any time) from the date of termination
         of employment or until the expiration of the stated term of the Option,
         if earlier.

                  (xi) Units Issued in Settlement. Units issued upon exercise of
         a Unit Option shall be free of all restrictions under the Plan, except
         as otherwise provided in this Plan.

         (b) Unit Options Granted to Independent Directors.

                  (i) Discretionary Grant of Options. The Committee in its
         discretion may grant Unit Options to Independent directors and provide
         for an exercise price per Unit for the Units covered by a Unit Option
         granted as it establishes in its sole discretion.

                  (ii) Exercise; Termination; Non-transferability.

                           (A) Options granted under Section 5(b)(i) may be
                  exercised at any time and upon such conditions as established
                  by the Committee.

                           (B) The rights of an Independent Director in an
                  Option granted under Section 5(b)(i) shall be as provided or
                  allowed by the Committee.

                           (C) No Unit Option granted under this Section 5(b)
                  shall be transferable by the optionee otherwise than by Will
                  or by the laws of descent and distribution, and such Options
                  shall be exercisable, during the optionee's lifetime only by
                  the optionee. Any Option granted to an Independent Director
                  pursuant to Section 5(b)(i) and outstanding on the date of his
                  death may be exercised by the legal representative or legatee
                  of the optionee for a period of six months from the date of
                  death or until the expiration of the stated term of the
                  Option, if earlier.

                           (D) Options granted under this Section 5(b) may be
                  exercised only by written notice to the General Partner
                  specifying the number of Units to be purchased. Payment of the
                  full purchase price of the Units to be purchased may be made
                  by one or more of the methods specified in Section 5(a)(iv).
                  An optionee shall have the rights of a unitholder only as to
                  Units acquired upon the exercise of an Option and not as to
                  unexercised Options.

SECTION 6. UNIT APPRECIATION RIGHTS

         The Committee may from time to time grant UARs unrelated to Options or
related to Options or portions of Options granted to participants under the
Plan. Each UAR shall be evidenced by a written instrument and shall be subject
to such terms and conditions as the Committee may


                                       7
<PAGE>


determine. Subject to such terms and conditions established by the Committee,
the participant may exercise a UAR or portion thereof, and thereupon shall be
entitled to receive payment of an amount equal to the aggregate appreciation in
value of the Units as to which the UAR is awarded, as measured by the difference
between the purchase price of such Units and their Fair Market Value at the date
of exercise. Such payments may be made in cash, in Units valued at Fair Market
Value as of the date of exercise, or in any combination thereof, as the
Committee in its discretion shall determine.

SECTION 7. RESTRICTED UNIT AWARDS

         (a) Nature of Restricted Unit Award. The Committee may grant Restricted
Unit Awards to any participant under the Plan. A Restricted Unit Award is an
Award entitling the recipient to acquire, at no cost or for a purchase price
determined by the Committee, Units subject to such restrictions and conditions
as the Committee may determine at the time of grant. Conditions may be based on
continuing employment and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals
and objectives.

         (b) Acceptance of Award. A participant who is granted a Restricted Unit
Award shall have no rights with respect to such Award unless the participant
shall have accepted the Award within 60 days (or such shorter date as the
Committee may specify) following the award date by making payment to the
Company, if required, by certified or bank check or other instrument or form of
payment acceptable to the Committee in an amount equal to the specified purchase
price, if any, of the Units covered by the Award and by executing and delivering
to the Company a written instrument that sets forth the terms and conditions of
the Restricted Units in such form as the Committee shall determine.

         (c) Rights as a Unitholder. Upon complying with Section 7(b) above, a
participant shall have all the rights of a unitholder with respect to the
Restricted Units including voting and distribution rights, subject to
non-transferability restrictions and Company repurchase or forfeiture rights
described in this Section 7 and subject to such conditions contained in the
written instrument evidencing the Restricted Unit Award.

         (d) Restrictions. Restricted Units may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as
specifically provided herein. In the event of termination of employment by the
Company and its Subsidiaries, or in the case of Independent Directors, an
Independent Director ceases to be a director, for any reason (including death,
retirement, Disability, or for Cause), the Company shall have the right, at the
discretion of the Committee, to repurchase at their original purchase price as
established at Section 7(a) above Restricted Units with respect to which
conditions have not lapsed, or except as otherwise provided in any applicable
severance or employment agreement with any grantee hereunder to require
forfeiture of such Units to the Company if acquired at no cost, from the
participant or the participant's legal representative. The Company must exercise
such right of repurchase or forfeiture not later than the 90th day following
such termination of employment (unless otherwise specified in the written
instrument evidencing the Restricted Unit Award).



                                       8
<PAGE>

         (e) Vesting of Restricted Units. Except as otherwise provided in any
applicable severance or employment agreement with any grantee hereunder, the
Committee at the time of grant shall specify the date or dates and/or the
attainment of pre-established performance goals, objectives and other conditions
on which the non-transferability of the Restricted Units and the Company's right
of repurchase or forfeiture shall lapse. Subsequent to such date or dates and/or
the attainment of such pre-established performance goals, objectives and other
conditions, the Units on which all restrictions have lapsed shall no longer be
Restricted Units and shall be deemed "vested."

         (F) Waiver, Deferral and Reinvestment of Distributions. The written
instrument evidencing the Restricted Unit Award may require or permit the
immediate payment, waiver, deferral or investment of distributions paid on the
Restricted Units.

SECTION 8. PHANTOM UNITS.

         The Committee may from time to time grant Phantom Unit Awards to any
participant under the Plan. Each Phantom Unit Award shall be evidenced by a
written instrument and shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the
Committee may determine. Subject to such terms and conditions as may be
established by the Committee, the participant may exercise a Phantom Unit Award
or portion thereof, and thereupon shall be entitled to receive payment of an
amount equal to the Fair Market Value at the date of exercise of the Units as to
which the Phantom Unit is awarded. Such payments may be made in cash, in Units
valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise, or in any combination
thereof, as the Committee in its discretion shall determine.

SECTION 9. TAX WITHHOLDING

         (a) Payment by Participant. Each participant shall, no later than the
date as of which the value of an Award of any Units or other amounts received
thereunder first becomes includable in the gross income of the participant for
federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements
satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment of any federal, state, or local
taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such income.
The Company and its Subsidiaries shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the
right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the
participant.

         (b) Payment in Units. A participant may elect to have such tax
withholding obligation satisfied, in whole or in part, by (i) authorizing the
Company to withhold from the Units to be issued pursuant to any Award a number
of Units with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is
effected) that would satisfy the withholding amount due, or (ii) transferring to
the Company Units owned by the participant with an aggregate Fair Market Value
(as of the date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding
amount due. With respect to any participant who is subject to Section 17 of the
Act, the following additional restrictions shall apply:

                  (A) the election to satisfy tax withholding obligations
         relating to an Award in the manner permitted by this Section 9(b) shall
         be made either (1) during the period beginning on the third business
         day following



                                       9
<PAGE>


         the date of release of quarterly or annual summary statements of
         revenues of the Company and ending on the twelfth business day
         following such date, or (2) at least six months prior to the date as of
         which the receipt of such Award first becomes a taxable event for
         federal income tax purposes;

                  (B) such election shall be irrevocable;

                  (C) such election shall be subject to the consent or
                  disapproval of the Committee, and

                  (D) the Units withheld to satisfy tax withholding must pertain
                  to an Award which has been outstanding for at least six
                  months.

SECTION 10. TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.

         For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a
termination of employment:

         (a) a transfer to the employment of the Company from a Subsidiary or
         from the Company to a Subsidiary, or from one Subsidiary to another; or

         (b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or
for any other purposes approved by the Company, if the employee's right to
re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the
policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee
otherwise so provides in writing.

SECTION 11. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION

         The Board may, at any time, amend or discontinue the Plan and the
Committee may, at any time, amend or cancel any outstanding Award (or provide
substitute Awards at the same or reduced exercise or purchase price or with no
exercise or purchase price, but such price, if any, must satisfy the
requirements which would apply to the substitute or amended Award as if it were
then initially granted under this Plan) for the purpose of satisfying changes in
law without the holder's consent, provided, however that in no event shall the
Board or the Committee take any action which shall reduce or delay the
realization of the economic benefit accruing to any grantee of any Award.

SECTION 12. STATUS OF PLAN

         With respect to the portion of any Award which has not been exercised
and any payments in cash, Units or other consideration not received by a
participant, a participant shall have no rights greater than those of a general
creditor of the Company unless the Committee shall otherwise expressly determine
in connection with any Award or Awards. In its sole discretion, the Committee
may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the Company's
obligations to deliver Units or make payments with respect to Awards hereunder,
provided that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent
with the provisions of the foregoing sentence.

SECTION 13. CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS



                                       10
<PAGE>

         Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control as defined in this Section
13:

         (a) Each outstanding Unit Option shall automatically become fully
         exercisable notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein.

         (b) Restrictions and conditions on Restricted Unit Awards shall
         automatically be deemed waived, and the recipients of such Awards shall
         become entitled to receipt of the Units subject to such Awards unless
         the Committee shall otherwise expressly provide at the time of grant.

         (c) "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall mean the occurrence of any one of the
         following events:

                  (i) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within
         the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange
         Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of
         beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated
         under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (a) the then
         outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding
         Company Common Stock") or (b) the combined voting power of the then
         outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally
         in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting
         Securities"); provided, however that the following acquisitions shall
         not constitute a Chance of Control: (I) any acquisition directly from
         the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a
         conversion privilege), (II) any acquisition by the Company, (III) any
         acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored
         or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the
         Company or (IV) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a
         reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such
         reorganization, merger or consolidation, the conditions described in
         clauses (I), (II) and (III) of subsection (i) of this Section 1(c) are
         satisfied; or

                  (ii) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the
         Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at
         least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual
         becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or
         nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by
         a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the
         Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a
         member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any
         such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result
         of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are
         used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange
         Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents
         by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

                  (iii) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a
         reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, unless,
         following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, (a) more than
         60% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of
         the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or
         consolidation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding
         voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote


                                       11
<PAGE>


         generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned,
         directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals
         and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the
         Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting
         Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or
         consolidation in substantially the same proportions, as their
         ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or
         consolidation, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding
         Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (b) no Person (excluding
         the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the
         Company or such corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger
         or consolidation and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior
         to such reorganization, merger or consolidation, directly or
         indirectly, 20% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or
         Outstanding Voting Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns,
         directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then
         outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from
         such reorganization, merger or consolidation or the combined voting
         power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation
         entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (c) at
         least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the
         corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation
         were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the
         initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger or
         consolidation; or

                  (iv) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of (a) a
         complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (b) the sale or
         other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
         Company, other than to a corporation, with respect to which following
         such sale or other disposition, (I) more than 60% of, respectively, the
         then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the
         combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such
         corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is
         then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or
         substantially all of the individuals and entities who were beneficial
         owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and
         Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or
         other disposition in substantially the same proportion as their
         ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other disposition, of the
         Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting
         Securities, as the case may be, (II) no Person (excluding the Company
         and any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such
         corporation and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to
         such sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of
         the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting
         Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or
         indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares
         of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of
         the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to
         vote generally in the election of directors and (III) at least a
         majority of the members of the board of directors of such corporation
         were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the
         initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such sale or
         other disposition of assets of the Company.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, a "Change of Control" shall not be
deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (i) solely as the
result of an acquisition of securities by the



                                       12
<PAGE>


Company which, by reducing the number of Shares or other Voting Securities
outstanding, increases (x) the proportionate number of Shares beneficially owned
by any person to 40% or more of the Shares then outstanding or (y) the
proportionate voting power represented by the Voting Securities beneficially
owned by any person to 40% or more of the combined voting power of all then
outstanding Voting Securities; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if any person referred to
in clause (x) or (y) of this sentence shall thereafter become the beneficial
owner of any additional Shares or other Voting Securities (other than pursuant
to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction), then a "Change of
Control" shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause
(i).

SECTION 14. GENERAL PROVISIONS

         (a) NO DISTRIBUTION: COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. The Committee
may require each person acquiring Units pursuant to an Award to represent to and
agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the Units
without a view to distribution thereof.

         No Units shall be issued pursuant to an Award until all applicable
securities laws and other legal and stock exchange requirements have been
satisfied. The Committee may require the placing of such stop-orders and
restrictive legends on certificates for Units and Awards as it deems
appropriate.

         (b) OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS: NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS. Nothing
contained in this Plan shall prevent the Partnership from adopting other or
additional compensation arrangements, including trusts, subject to limited
partnership approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be
either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. The adoption
of the Plan and the grant of Awards do not confer upon any employee any right to
continued employment with the Company or any Subsidiary.

SECTION 16. GOVERNING LAW

This Plan shall be governed by North Carolina law except to the extent such law
is preempted by federal law.


                                      Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership

                                      By:      Highwoods Properties, Inc.

                                               By:
                                               Title:
                                       13

<PAGE>

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the 7th day of October, 1997, by and
among Highwoods Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and Highwoods/Forsyth
Limited Partnership, of which Highwoods Properties, Inc. is the general partner,
(the "Company") and James R. Heistand, a resident of Windermiar, Florida (the
"Employee").

                             W I T N E S S E T H :

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to obtain the services of Employee, for its
own benefit and for the benefit of any existing and future Affiliated Company
(defined as any corporation or other business entity that directly or indirectly
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company), and
Employee desires to secure employment from the Company upon the following terms
and conditions;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
contained herein, the parties agree that the following provisions shall
constitute their agreement of employment:

     1. Employment. The Company hereby employs the Employee, and the Employee
hereby accepts employment with the Company, for the term set forth in Section 2
below, in the position and with the duties and responsibilities set forth in
Section 3 below, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter stated.

     2. Period of Employment. The term of this Agreement (the "Period of
Employment") shall commence on the date hereof and shall continue through the
earlier of the third anniversary of such date or the date of termination as
otherwise provided hereinafter. Subject to the provisions of Section 7, the
Company shall pay the Employee compensation as provided in Section 4 through the
end of the Period of Employment, and thereafter the Company's obligations
hereunder shall end.


<PAGE>


In the event that this Agreement expires and a new written agreement is not
entered into by the parties, the provisions of Sections 9 and 10 of this
Agreement will apply with respect to any continued employment of the Employee by
the Company or by any successor to the business of the Company.

     3.  Position; Duties; Extent of Services.

     (a) Duties; Position. The Employee shall serve initially as Vice President
         -Florida division of the Company, and he shall have responsibilities,
         duties and authorities and shall perform such services of an executive
         character as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of
         Directors of the Company (the "Board"), so long as such
         responsibilities, duties, authorities and services are consistent with
         his position described above and are to be performed in Orlando,
         Florida. The Company shall retain full direction and control of the
         means and methods by which Employee performs the above services.

     (b) Other Activities. Except upon the prior written consent of the Board,
         Employee, during the Period of Employment, will not (i) accept any
         other employment, or (ii) engage, directly or indirectly, in any other
         business activity (whether or not pursued for pecuniary advantage), in
         each case that is or may be competitive with, or that might place him
         in a competing position to that of the Company or any Affiliated
         Company with respect to the development, acquisition, operation,
         management or leasing of any industrial, office, research and
         development, or warehouse and distribution properties.

     4. Compensation. In consideration of the services to be rendered by the
Employee to the Company and in consideration of the Employee's other covenants
hereunder, the Employee will receive a base salary at the rate of $190,000 per
year, payable at such intervals as may be established


                                       2
<PAGE>


by the Company from time to time for salary payments to its executive employees.
The Employee shall receive such salary increases and/or bonuses as the Board may
from time to time approve in its discretion. In no event, however, will the
Employee's gross annual salary be less than $190,000. The Employee shall also be
entitled to participate in such incentive compensation plans as the Company may
from time to time maintain for its executive employees generally with a bonus
percentage of up to 100% of base salary.

     5. Employee Benefits. The Employee will be entitled to participate, in
accordance with the provisions thereof, in the employee benefit plans (including
car allowance benefits) made available by the Company to its senior executive
employees generally and which plans as currently available are summarized on
Schedule A hereto. In the event of the death or total disability of the
Employee, the Employee or his estate or beneficiaries shall also be entitled to
benefits in accordance with Section 7 hereof.

     6. Business Expense Reimbursements. During the period of his employment
under this Agreement, the Employee will be entitled to reimbursement for all
reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him in performing services
hereunder, including, but not limited to, an automobile allowance of $500 per
month and a cellular phone allowance up to $150 per month, provided that such
expenses are incurred in accordance with the applicable policies of the Company
for its executive employees generally. The Employee shall be entitled to such
reimbursement upon presentation by the Employee, from time to time, of an
itemized account of such expenses and appropriate documentation therefor.

     7. Termination of Employment.


                                       3
<PAGE>


     (a) Death. In the event of the death of the Employee during his employment
         under this Agreement, the following payments shall be made to the
         Employee's designated beneficiary, or, in the absence of such
         designation, to the estate or other legal representative of the
         Employee: (i) his base salary for the month in which his death occurs,
         (ii) such bonuses (if any), determined on an annualized pro-rata basis,
         as has been earned by the Employee and not paid to him at the time of
         his death, and (iii) reimbursement of expenses pursuant to Section 6
         hereof. Any rights and benefits the Employee or his estate or any other
         person may have under employee benefit plans, incentive compensation
         plans, and programs of the Company generally in the event of the
         Employee's death shall be determined in accordance with the terms of
         such plans and programs. Except as provided in this Section 7, neither
         the Employee's estate nor any other person shall have any rights or
         claims arising out of wages or employee benefits against the Company in
         the event of the death of the Employee during his employment hereunder.

     (b) Long-Term Disability. In the event of the Employee's disability (as
         hereinafter defined) during his employment under this Agreement, the
         Period of Employment may be terminated by the Company. For the first
         six months following termination of employment due to disability, the
         Employee shall be paid his base salary at the rate in effect at the
         time of the commencement of disability. Thereafter, the Employee shall
         be entitled to benefits in accordance with and subject to the terms and
         provisions of the Company's long-term disability plan for executive
         employees, as in effect at the time of the commencement of disability.
         For purposes of this Agreement, "disability" shall have the same
         meaning as given that term under the Company's long-term disability
         plan for



                                       4
<PAGE>


         executive employees, as in effect from time to time. Anything herein to
         the contrary notwithstanding, if, during the six-month period following
         a termination of employment under this Section 7(b) in which salary
         continuation payments are payable by the Company, the Employee becomes
         reemployed or otherwise engaged (whether as an employee, partner,
         consultant, or otherwise), any salary or other remuneration or benefits
         earned by him from such employment or engagement shall offset any
         payments due him under this Section 7(b). In the event of the
         Employee's disability, any rights and benefits the Employee may have
         under employee benefit plans, incentive compensation plans, and
         programs of the Company generally shall be determined in accordance
         with the terms of such plans and programs. Upon termination of the
         Employee's employment by reason of disability under this Section 7, the
         Employee shall be entitled, in addition to the other payments provided
         for in this Section 7, to payment of such bonuses (if any), determined
         on an annualized pro-rata basis, as may have been earned by the
         Employee and not paid to him at the time of such termination. Except as
         provided in Sections 5, 6 and 7, neither the Employee nor his estate,
         or any other person, shall have any rights or claims arising out of
         wages or employee benefits against the Company in the event of the
         termination of the Employee's employment by reason of disability.

     (c) Termination for Cause. Nothing herein shall prevent the Company from
         terminating the Period of Employment for Cause (as hereinafter
         defined). Upon termination for Cause, the Employee shall receive his
         base salary only through the date of termination, and neither the
         Employee nor any other person shall, except as provided in Section 6,
         be entitled to any further payments from the Company arising under this
         Agreement or as a


                                       5
<PAGE>


         result of Employee's employment relationship with the Company (except
         as otherwise provided herein) for salary or unpaid bonuses. Any rights
         and benefits the Employee may have under employee benefit plans and
         programs of the Company generally following a termination of the
         Employee's employment for Cause shall be determined in accordance with
         the terms of such plans and programs. For purposes of this Agreement,
         termination for Cause shall mean (i) termination due to (y) willful or
         gross neglect of duties for which employed which is not cured within
         five (5) days of Employee's receipt of notice of such neglect, or (z)
         willful misconduct in the performance of duties for which employed, in
         either such instance so as to cause material harm to the Company, all
         such facts to be determined in good faith by the Board, (ii)
         termination due to the Employee's committing fraud, misappropriation or
         embezzlement in the performance of his duties as an employee of the
         Company, or (iii) termination due to the Employee's committing any
         felony for which he is convicted and which, as determined in good faith
         by the Board, constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude.


     (d) Termination by the Company Other than for Cause. Notwithstanding any
         other term or provision of this Agreement, the Company may terminate
         the Period of Employment at any time and for whatever reason it deems
         appropriate, or for no reason. In the event such termination by the
         Company occurs and is not due to disability as provided in Section 7(b)
         above or for Cause as provided in Section 7(c) above, the Employee
         shall be entitled to payment of his base salary, at the rate in effect
         at the time of such termination, until the later of the third
         anniversary of the date hereof, or the expiration of twelve months from
         the date of such termination; provided, however, that such salary
         continuation payments



                                       6
<PAGE>


         shall cease in the event of the Employee's death prior to completion of
         such payments. The Employee shall also be entitled to such bonuses (if
         any), determined on an annualized pro-rata basis, as have been earned
         by the Employee and not paid to him at the time of such termination.
         Any rights and benefits the Employee may have under employee benefit
         plans and programs of the Company generally following a termination of
         the Employee's employment under the circumstances described in this
         Section 7(d) shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such
         plans and programs. Except as provided in Sections 5, 6 and 7(d),
         neither the Employee nor any other person shall have any rights or
         claims arising out of wages or employee benefits against the Company by
         reason of the termination of the Employee's employment under the
         circumstances described in this Section 7(d). In the event of a
         termination under this Section 7(d), any "lock-up provision" affecting
         any Class A Units or shares of the Company's common stock (the
         "Shares") held by Employee in the Company which is longer than one year
         from the date of issuance of such Class A Units or Shares to Employee
         shall be limited to one year from the date of issuance of such Class A
         Units or Shares to Employee.


     (e) By Employee For Good Reason. Employee may terminate, without liability,
         the Period of Employment for Good Reason (as defined below) upon ten
         (10) days' advance written notice to the Company. If Employee
         terminates his employment pursuant to this Section 7(e), the Employee
         shall be entitled to payment of his base salary, at the rate in effect
         at the time of such termination, until the later of the third
         anniversary of the date hereof, or the expiration of twelve months from
         the date of such termination; provided, however, that such salary
         continuation payments shall cease in the event of the Employee's death
         prior to



                                       7
<PAGE>


         completion of such payments. The Employee shall also be entitled to
         such bonus (if any), determined on an annualized pro-rata basis, as has
         been earned by the Employee and not paid to him at the time of such
         termination. Any rights and benefits the Employee may have under
         employee benefit plans and programs of the Company generally following
         a termination of the Employee's employment under the circumstances
         described in this Section 7(e) shall be determined in accordance with
         the terms of such plans and programs. Except as provided in Section 5,
         6 and 7(e), neither the Employee nor any other person shall have any
         rights of claims arising out of wages or employee benefits against the
         Company by reason of the termination of the Employee's employment under
         the circumstances described in this Section 7(e). In the event of a
         termination under this Section 7(e), any "lock-up provision" affecting
         any Class A Units held by Employee which is longer than one year from
         the date of issuance of such Class A Units to Employee shall be limited
         to one year from the date of issuance of such Class A Units to
         Employee. Good Reason shall exist if: (i) there is an assignment to
         Employee of any duties materially inconsistent with or which constitute
         a material reduction in Employee's position, duties, responsibilities,
         or status with the Company, or a material reduction in Employee's
         reporting responsibilities, title or offices or a change in geographic
         location inconsistent with that established in Section 3(a); (ii) the
         Company acts in any way that would have a disproportionately material
         adverse effect on Employee's participation in or disproportionately and
         materially reduce Employee's benefit under any benefit plan of the
         Company in which Employee is participating or deprive Employee of any
         material fringe benefit enjoyed by Employee when compared to other
         executives of the Company except those plans which are based on and the
         benefits of which



                                       8
<PAGE>


are related to the Employee's personal performance of his duties hereunder; or
(iii) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company.

     (f) Voluntary Termination by the Employee. At any time, Employee may
         terminate, without liability, the Period of Employment for any reason,
         by giving thirty (30) days advance written notice to the Company. If
         Employee terminates his employment pursuant to this Section 7(f), the
         Company shall have the option, in its complete discretion, to terminate
         Employee immediately without the running of the notice period. The
         Company shall pay Employee the compensation to which he is entitled
         pursuant to Section 4 through the end of the notice period, or through
         the day upon which early termination is elected pursuant to the
         foregoing sentence, and thereafter, all obligations of the Company
         hereunder shall terminate.

     8. Covenants Not to Compete.

     (a) Except as provided in Section 8(c), the Employee promises and agrees
         that, until the expiration of one year following the termination or
         expiration of the Period of Employment or while receiving any severance
         payments under Section 7(d) or (e), he will not for himself or any
         third party, directly or indirectly (i) engage in the development,
         operation, management or leasing of any industrial, office or
         distribution properties in any town, city, county, municipality or
         metropolitan area in Florida in which the Company is engaged in
         business at the time of such termination without the written consent of
         either the Chief Executive Officer or the Board, or (ii) interfere
         with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the relationship, contractual or
         otherwise, between the Company and any third party, including but not
         limited to its employees, contractors, tenants and lessees.


                                       9
<PAGE>


     (b) It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this
         Section 8 shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted under the
         laws and public policies of each jurisdiction in which enforcement is
         sought. Accordingly, if any particular portion of this Section 8 shall
         be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such adjudication shall
         apply only with respect to the operation of that portion in the
         particular jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made, and all
         other portions shall continue in full force and effect.

     (c) It is expressly agreed that the provisions and covenants in Section
         8(a)(i) shall not apply and shall be of no force or effect in the event
         the Company terminates the Employee's employment under this Agreement
         and such termination is not due to disability or for Cause, or in the
         event the Employee terminates this Agreement for Good Reason under
         Section 7(e) above.

     (d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if at any time after
         one year from the date hereof, James R. Heistand is not a member of the
         Board and such event is due neither to his voluntary resignation from
         the Board nor his voluntary decision not to stand for election or
         reelection, Employee may elect at any time thereafter to have the
         remaining term of his Period of Employment reduced to six months from
         the date of such election and likewise have the term of the covenant
         provided by Section 8(a)(i) above reduced to six months. However, for a
         period of one year following the termination of his Period of
         Employment under this Section 8(d), Employee shall not pursue, engage
         in, participate in or take advantage either of any existing or proposed
         corporate opportunity of the Company or any Affiliated Company at the
         date of termination of employment or any project or proposed project
         which was considered or under consideration for acquisition,
         management,



                                       10
<PAGE>


         development, or joint venture by the Company during the twelve month
         period immediately preceding the date of the Employee's termination of
         employment without the prior written approval of Highwoods.

         9. Confidential Information: Rights to Materials.

         (a) Confidential Information. The Employee promises and agrees that he
     will not, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter
     and without the Company's prior written consent, disclose to any person not
     employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company,
     or use, for himself or any other person, firm, corporation or entity, any
     confidential information of the Company obtained by him while in the employ
     of the Company, including, without limitation, any of the Company's
     methods, processes, techniques, practices, research data, marketing and
     sales information, personnel data, customer lists, financial data, plans,
     know-how, trade secrets, and proprietary information of the Company;
     provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude the Employee from
     use or disclosure of information known generally to the public (other than
     information known generally to the public as a result of a violation of
     this Section 9(a) by the Employee), from use or disclosure of information
     acquired by the Employee outside of his affiliation with the Company, from
     disclosure required by law or court order, or from disclosure or use
     appropriate and in the ordinary course of carrying out his duties as an
     employee of the Company.

         (b) Rights to Materials. The Employee further promises and agrees that,
     upon termination of his employment for whatever reason and at whatever
     time, he will not take with him, without the prior written consent of an
     officer authorized to act in the matter by



                                       11
<PAGE>


     the Board, any records, files, memoranda, reports, customer lists,
     drawings, plans, sketches, documents, specifications, and the like (or any
     copies thereof) relating to the business of the Company or any of its
     current or future Affiliated Companies.

         10. Injunctive Relief. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the
     Company would suffer irreparable injury in the event of a breach by him of
     any of the provisions of Section 8 or Section 9 of this Agreement and that
     the Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining him from any
     breach or threatened breach thereof. The Employee further agrees that, in
     the event of his breach of any provision of Section 8 or 9 hereof, the
     Company shall be entitled to cease any payments otherwise due and payable
     to the Employee hereunder. Nothing herein shall be construed, however, as
     prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies at law or in
     equity which it may have for any such breach or threatened breach of any
     provision of Section 8 or 9 hereof, including the recovery of damages from
     the Employee.

         11. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
     shall inure to the benefit of the Employee and his personal
     representatives, estate and heirs and the Company and its successors and
     assigns, including without limitation any corporation or other entity to
     which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets and
     business (by operation of law or otherwise) and to which the Company may
     assign this Agreement. The Employee may not assign this Agreement or any
     part hereof without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent
     may be withheld by the Company for any reason it deems appropriate.


         12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of
     the parties with respect to the employment of the Employee by the Company
     and supersedes and replaces all other


                                       12
<PAGE>


     understandings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, if any there be,
     previously entered into be the parties with respect to such employment.

         13. Amendment; Waiver. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended,
     modified or waived unless such amendment, modification or waiver is agreed
     to in writing and signed by the Employee and by a duly authorized officer
     of the Company. No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party
     of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any other
     breach.

         14. Notices. Any notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and
     delivered personally, or sent by certified mail or registered mail, postage
     prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the party concerned, if to
     the Company, at its principal office, and if to the Employee, at his home
     address.

         15. Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained in
     this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect
     under any applicable law, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
     remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

         16. Withholding. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, all
     payments made by the Company hereunder shall be subject to the withholding
     of such amounts relating to taxes as the Company may reasonably determined
     it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

         17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
     accordance with the laws and judicial decisions of the State of North
     Carolina.


                                       13
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day and
year first above written. HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.


                                 By:      ____________________________________
                                 Title:   ____________________________________

                                 HIGHWOODS/FORSYTH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                 By:      HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.,
                                          ITS GENERAL PARTNER


                                 By:      ____________________________________
                                 Title:   ____________________________________



                                 EMPLOYEE

                                 ____________________________________(SEAL)
                                 James R. Heistand





                                       14

<PAGE>

          THIS WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, HYPOTHECATED OR
OTHERWISE ASSIGNED WITHOUT COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION
PROVISIONS OF APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR APPLICABLE
EXEMPTIONS THEREFROM.

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS WARRANT ARE SUBJECT TO A REGISTRATION RIGHTS
AND LOCK-UP AGREEMENT DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1997 (AS THE SAME MAY BE AMENDED,
MODIFIED OR SUPPLEMENTED, THE "REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT"), A COPY OF WHICH
IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMPANY AND MAY BE OBTAINED UPON
WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.

Warrant No.

Date of Issuance: October __, 1997

                                Right to Purchase ________ Shares of Common
                              Stock, $.01 par value per share, of Highwoods
                              Properties, Inc.

                           HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.

                          Common Stock Purchase Warrant
                          -----------------------------

         Highwoods Properties, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws
of the State of Maryland (the "Company"), hereby certifies that, for value
received, __________ or assigns, is entitled, subject to the terms set forth
below, to purchase from the Company at any time or from time to time on or after
October 1, 2002, 10,000 fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock,
$.01 par value per share, of the Company, at a purchase price per share of
$32.50 per share (such purchase price per share as adjusted from time to time as
herein provided is referred to herein as the "Purchase Price"). The number and
character of such shares of Common Stock and the Purchase Price are subject to
adjustment as provided herein.

         This Warrant is one of the Common Stock Purchase Warrants (the
"Warrants") evidencing the right to purchase shares of Common Stock of the
Company issued pursuant to that certain Master Agreement of Merger and
Acquisition (as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented, the "Merger
Agreement"), dated as of August 27, 1997, by and among the Company,
Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership, Associated Capital Properties, Inc.
("ACP") and the shareholders of ACP, and subject to the Registration Rights
Agreement, copies of which agreements are on file at the principal office of the
Company, and the holder of this Warrant shall be entitled to all of the benefits
of the Registration Rights Agreement, as provided therein.

         As used herein the following terms, unless the context otherwise
requires, have the following respective meanings:


<PAGE>




                  (a) The term "Company" shall include any corporation which
shall succeed to or assume the obligations of the Company under this Warrant.

                  (b) The term "Common Stock" includes the Company's Common
Stock, $.01 par value per share, as authorized on the date of the Merger
Agreement and any other securities into which or for which any of such Common
Stock may be converted or exchanged pursuant to a plan of recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, sale of assets or otherwise.

                  (c) The term "Fair Market Value" means, in any case in which
the Common Stock is publicly traded, the daily closing price per share of Common
Stock on the date of exercise of a Warrant. The closing price for any day shall
be the last sale price or, in case no sale takes place on such day, the average
of the closing bid and asked prices in either case as reported in the principal
consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on
the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed
or admitted to trading; or, if not listed or admitted to trading on any national
securities exchange, the last quoted price (or, if not so quoted, the average of
the last quoted high bid and low asked prices) in the over-the-counter market,
as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotations System or such other system then in use; or, if on any such date no
bids are quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and
asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such
security reasonably selected by the Board of Directors of the Company with
utmost good faith to the holder of this Warrant. If on any such date, no market
maker is making a market in the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value of such
security on such date shall be determined reasonably and with utmost good faith
to the holder of this Warrant by the Board of Directors of the Company. If the
Common Stock is not publicly held or not so listed or traded, "Fair Market
Value" shall mean the fair value per share determined reasonably and with utmost
good faith to the holder of this Warrant by the Board of Directors of the
Company.

         1.       Exercise of Warrant.

                  1.1. Full Exercise. This Warrant may be exercised in full by
the holder hereof by surrender of this Warrant, with the form of subscription at
the end hereof duly executed by such holder, to the Company at its principal
office, accompanied by payment, in cash or by certified or official bank check
payable to the order of the Company, in the amount obtained by multiplying the
number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is then exercisable by
the Purchase Price then in effect.

                  1.2. Partial Exercise. This Warrant may be exercised in part
by surrender of this Warrant in the manner and at the place provided in
Subsection 1.1 except that the amount payable by the holder on such partial
exercise shall be the amount obtained by multiplying (a) the number of shares of
Common Stock designated by the holder in the subscription at the end hereof by
(b) the Purchase Price then in effect. On any such partial exercise the Company
at its expense will immediately issue and deliver to or upon the order of the
holder hereof a new Warrant or Warrants

                                        2

<PAGE>



of like tenor, in the name of the holder hereof or as such holder may request,
calling in the aggregate on the face or faces thereof for the number of shares
of Common Stock for which such Warrant or Warrants may still be exercised.

                  1.3. Net Issue Election. The holder hereof may elect to
receive, without the payment by such holder of any additional consideration,
shares equal to the value of this Warrant or any portion hereof by the surrender
of this Warrant or such portion to the Company, with the form of subscription at
the end hereof duly executed by such holder, at the office of the Company.
Thereupon, the Company shall issue to such holder such number of fully paid and
nonassessable shares of Common Stock as is computed using the following formula:

                                   X = Y (A-B)
                                       -------
                                        A

where X = the number of shares to be issued to such holder pursuant to this
Subsection 1.3.

         Y = the number of shares covered by this Warrant in respect of which
the net issue election is made pursuant to this Subsection 1.3.

         A = the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock as of the date
on which the net exercise election is made pursuant to this Subsection 1.3.

         B = the Purchase Price in effect under this Warrant at the time the net
issue election is made pursuant to this Subsection 1.3.

                  1.4. Company Acknowledgment. The Company will, at the time of
the exercise of the Warrant, upon the request of the holder hereof, acknowledge
in writing its continuing obligation to afford to such holder any rights to
which such holder shall continue to be entitled after such exercise in
accordance with the provisions of this Warrant and the Registration Rights
Agreement. If the holder shall fail to make any such request, such failure shall
not affect the continuing obligation of the Company to afford to such holder any
such rights.

                  1.5. Trustee for Warrant Holders. In the event that a bank or
trust company shall have been appointed as trustee for the holders of the
Warrants pursuant to Subsection 4.2, such bank or trust company shall have all
the powers and duties of a warrant agent appointed pursuant to Section 12 and
shall accept, in its own name for the account of the Company or such successor
person as may be entitled thereto, all amounts otherwise payable to the Company
or such successor, as the case may be, on exercise of this Warrant pursuant to
this Section 1.

         2. Delivery of Stock Certificates, etc., on Exercise. As soon as
practicable after the exercise of this Warrant in full or in part, and in any
event within ten (10) days thereafter, the Company at its expense (including the
payment by it of any applicable issue taxes) will cause to be issued in the name
of and delivered to the holder hereof, or as such holder may direct, a
certificate

                                        3

<PAGE>



or certificates for the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common
Stock to which such holder shall be entitled on such exercise, plus, in lieu of
any fractional share to which such holder would otherwise be entitled, cash
equal to such fraction multiplied by the then current Fair Market Value of one
full share, together with any other stock or other securities and property
(including cash, where applicable) to which such holder is entitled upon such
exercise, pursuant to Section 1 or otherwise.

         3.       Adjustments.

                  (a) If the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be
subdivided into a greater number of shares or a dividend in Common Stock shall
be declared or distributed in respect of the Common Stock or the outstanding
shares of Common Stock shall be combined or reclassified into a smaller number
of shares, the Purchase Price in effect immediately after the record date for
such dividend or distribution or the effective date of such subdivision,
combination or reclassification shall be adjusted so that it shall equal the
price determined by multiplying the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior
thereto by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately before such dividend, distribution,
subdivision, combination or reclassification, and of which the denominator shall
be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such
dividend, distribution, subdivision, combination or reclassification. Such
adjustment shall be made successively whenever any event specified above shall
occur.

                  (b) If the Company shall fix a record date for the issuance of
rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities to all
holders of Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares of
Common Stock at a price per share of Common Stock less than the Fair Market
Value per share of Common Stock on such record date, the Purchase Price shall be
adjusted immediately thereafter so that it shall equal the price determined by
multiplying the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior thereto by a
fraction, of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding on such record date (plus the number of shares of Common Stock which
the aggregate offering price of the total number of shares of Common Stock so
offered would purchase at the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on
such record date), and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional
shares of Common Stock offered for subscription or purchase. Such adjustment
shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if the securities referred to in this Subsection 3(b) entitle the
holder on some future date or upon the happening of some future event to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than
the Fair Market Value per share on such record date, then the Purchase Price
adjustment referred to above shall be made on such future date or upon the
happening of such future event. If this Warrant is exercised after such record
date but prior to such future time or the happening of such future event, the
holder of this Warrant shall receive upon the exercise hereof (in addition to
the number of shares of Common Stock set forth above, as adjusted, if necessary,
in accordance with the provisions hereof) such rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities that such holder would have been entitled
to receive if, immediately prior

                                        4

<PAGE>



to such record date, such holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock
which were then purchasable upon the exercise of this Warrant. To the extent
that any rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities
referred to in this Subsection 3(b) are not so issued or expire unexercised, the
Purchase Price then in effect shall be readjusted to the Purchase Price that
would then be in effect if such unissued or unexercised rights, options,
warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities had not been issuable.

                  (c) In case the Company shall fix a record date for the making
of a distribution to all holders of shares of Common Stock (i) of shares of any
class other than Common Stock or (ii) of evidences of its indebtedness or (iii)
of assets (excluding cash dividends or distributions (other than extraordinary
cash dividends or distributions), and dividends or distributions referred to in
Subsection 3(a) hereof) or (iv) of rights, options, warrants or convertible or
exchangeable securities (excluding those rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities referred to in Subsection 3(b) hereof),
then in each such case the Purchase Price in effect immediately thereafter shall
be determined by multiplying the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior
thereto by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the total number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date multiplied by the Fair
Market Value per share of Common Stock on such record date, less the aggregate
fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Company of said shares or evidences of indebtedness or assets or rights,
options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities so distributed, and
of which the denominator shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding on such record date multiplied by the Fair Market Value per share of
Common Stock on such record date. Such adjustment shall be made successively
whenever such a record date is fixed. In the event that such distribution is not
so made, the Purchase Price then in effect shall be readjusted to the Purchase
Price which would then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.

                  (d) In case the Company shall sell and issue Common Stock or
rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities containing
the right to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock, for a
consideration consisting, in whole or in part, of property (other than cash) or
services or its equivalent, then in determining the "price per share of Common
Stock" referred to in Subsection 3(b) above, the Board of Directors of the
Company shall determine, in good faith and on a reasonable basis, the fair value
of said property.

                  (e) When any adjustment is required to be made in the Purchase
Price as a result of the operation of Subsections 3(a), 3(b) or 3(c) hereof, the
number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of this Warrant
shall be changed to the number determined by dividing (i) an amount equal to the
number of shares issuable upon the exercise of this Warrant immediately prior to
such adjustment, multiplied by the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to
such adjustment, by (ii) the Purchase Price in effect immediately after such
adjustment.

                  (f) If there shall occur any capital reorganization or
reclassification of or other change in the Common Stock (other than a change in
par value or a subdivision or combination as provided for in Subsection 3(a)
above), or any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into

                                        5

<PAGE>



another entity (other than a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the
surviving corporation and which does not result in any reclassification of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock or the conversion of such outstanding shares
of Common Stock into shares of other stock or other securities or property), or
a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company then, as
part of any such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger or
transfer, as the case may be, lawful provision shall be made so that the holder
of this Warrant shall receive upon the exercise hereof the kind and amount of
shares of stock or other securities or property which such holder would have
been entitled to receive if, immediately prior to any such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger or transfer as the case may be, such
holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock which were then purchasable
upon the exercise of this Warrant, provided that, in all cases, appropriate
adjustment (as reasonably determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
the Company) shall be made in the application of the provisions set forth herein
with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holder of this
Warrant, such that the provisions set forth in this Section 3 (including
provisions with respect to adjustment of the Purchase Price) shall thereafter be
applicable, as nearly as is reasonably practicable, in relation to any shares of
stock or other securities or property thereafter deliverable upon the exercise
of this Warrant, and in the case of any consolidation or merger, the successor
or acquiring entity (if other than the Company) shall expressly assume the due
and punctual observance and performance of each and every provision of this
Warrant.

         4. No Dilution or Impairment. The Company will not, by amendment of its
Articles of Incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets,
consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other
voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of
the terms of the Warrants, but will at all times in good faith assist in the
carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be
necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the holders of the
Warrants against dilution or other impairment. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the Company (a) will not increase the par value of any shares
of stock receivable on the exercise of the Warrants above the amount payable
therefor on such exercise, (b) will take all such action as may be necessary or
appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid
and nonassessable shares of stock on the exercise of all Warrants from time to
time outstanding, and (c) will not transfer all or substantially all of its
properties and assets to any other person (corporate or otherwise), or
consolidate with or merge into any other person or permit any such person to
consolidate with or merge into the Company (if the Company is not the surviving
person), unless such other person shall expressly assume in writing and will be
bound by all the terms of the Warrants.

         5. Accountants' Certificate as to Adjustments. In each case of any
adjustment or readjustment in the shares of Common Stock issuable on the
exercise of the Warrants, the Company at its expense will promptly cause
independent certified public accountants of recognized standing selected by the
Company to compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms
of the Warrants and prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment or
readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or
readjustment is based, including a statement of (a) the consideration received
or receivable by the Company for any additional shares of Common Stock

                                        6

<PAGE>



issued or sold or deemed to have been issued or sold, (b) the number of shares
of Common Stock outstanding or deemed to be outstanding, and (c) the Purchase
Price and the number of shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of
this Warrant, in effect immediately prior to such issue or sale and as adjusted
and readjusted as provided in this Warrant. The Company will forthwith mail a
copy of each such certificate to each holder of a Warrant, and will, on the
written request at any time of any holder of a Warrant, furnish to such holder a
like certificate setting forth the Purchase Price at the time in effect and
showing how it was calculated.

         6.       Notices of Record Date, etc.  In the event of

                  (a) any taking by the Company of a record of the holders of
         any class or securities for the purpose of determining the holders
         thereof who are entitled to receive any dividend or other distribution
         (excluding cash dividends or distributions (other than extraordinary
         cash dividends or distributions)), or any right to subscribe for,
         purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of stock of any class or any
         other securities or property, or to receive any other right, or

                  (b) any capital reorganization of the Company, any
         reclassification or recapitalization of the capital stock of the
         Company or any transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the
         Company to or consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any
         other person, or

                  (c) any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
         winding-up of the Company,

then and in each such event the Company will mail or cause to be mailed to each
holder of a Warrant a notice specifying (i) the date on which any such record is
to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution or right, and stating
the amount and character of such dividend, distribution or right, (ii) the date
on which any such reorganization, reclassification, recapitalization, transfer,
consolidation, merger, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up is to take place,
and the time, if any is to be fixed, as of which the holders of record of Common
Stock shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for securities
or other property deliverable on such reorganization, reclassification,
recapitalization, transfer, consolidation, merger, dissolution, liquidation or
winding-up, and (iii) the amount and character of any stock or other securities,
or rights or options with respect thereto, proposed to be issued or granted, the
date of such proposed issue or grant and the persons or class of persons to whom
such proposed issue or grant is to be offered or made. Such notice shall be
mailed at least ten (10) days prior to the date specified in such notice on
which any such action is to be taken. Failure to mail such notice or any defect
therein shall not affect the validity of any such action.

         7. Reservation of Stock, etc., Issuable on Exercise of Warrants. The
Company will at all times reserve and keep available, solely for issuance and
delivery on the exercise of the Warrants, all shares of Common Stock from time
to time issuable on the exercise of the Warrants.

                                        7

<PAGE>



         8. Exchange of Warrants. On surrender for exchange of any Warrant,
properly endorsed, to the Company, the Company at its expense will issue and
deliver to or on the order of the holder thereof a new Warrant or Warrants of
like tenor, in the name of such holder or as such holder (on payment by such
holder of any applicable transfer taxes) may direct, calling in the aggregate on
the face or faces thereof for the number of shares of Common Stock called for on
the face or faces of the Warrant or Warrants so surrendered.

         9. Replacement of Warrants. On receipt of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any
Warrant and, in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction of any Warrant,
on delivery of an indemnity agreement or security reasonably satisfactory in
form and amount to the Company or, in the case of any such mutilation, on
surrender and cancellation of such Warrant, the Company at its expense will
execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Warrant of like tenor.

         10. Warrant Agent. The Company may, by written notice to each holder of
a Warrant, appoint an agent for the purpose of issuing Common Stock on the
exercise of the Warrants pursuant to Section 1, exchanging Warrants pursuant to
Section 8, and replacing Warrants pursuant to Section 9, or any of the
foregoing, and thereafter any such issuance, exchange or replacement, as the
case may be, shall be made at such office by such agent.

         11. Negotiability, etc. This Warrant is issued upon the following
terms, to all of which each holder or owner hereof by the taking hereof consents
and agrees:

                  (a) title to this Warrant may be transferred by: (i)
         endorsement (by the holder hereof executing the form of assignment at
         the end hereof) and (ii) delivery in the same manner as in the case of
         a negotiable instrument transferable by endorsement and delivery;

                  (b) any person in possession of this Warrant properly endorsed
         is authorized to represent himself as absolute owner hereof and is
         empowered to transfer absolute title hereto by endorsement and delivery
         hereof to a bona fide purchaser hereof for value; each prior taker or
         owner waives and renounces all of his equities or rights in this
         Warrant in favor of each such bona fide purchaser, and each such bona
         fide purchaser shall acquire absolute title hereto and to all rights
         represented hereby; and

                  (c) until this Warrant is transferred on the books of the
         Company, the Company may treat the registered holder hereof as the
         absolute owner hereof for all purposes, notwithstanding any notice to
         the contrary.

         12. Notices, etc. All notices and other communications from the Company
to the holder of this Warrant shall be mailed by first class registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, or by Federal Express or other recognized
overnight courier, to such address as may have been furnished to the Company in
writing by such holder or, until any such holder furnishes to the Company an

                                        8

<PAGE>



address, then to, and at the address of, the last holder of this Warrant who has
so furnished an address to the Company.

         13. Miscellaneous. This Warrant and any term hereof may be changed,
waived, discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by the
party against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination
is sought. This Warrant shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. The headings in this
Warrant are for purposes of reference only, and shall not limit or otherwise
affect any of the terms hereof. This Warrant is being executed as an instrument
under seal. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in
no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.


Dated:   October __, 1997         HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.



                                  By: _______________________________________
                                  Name:    Mack D. Pridgen, III
                                  Title:   Vice President and General Counsel


                                        9

<PAGE>



                              FORM OF SUBSCRIPTION

                   (To be signed only on exercise of Warrant)

TO HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.:

              The undersigned, the holder of the within Warrant, hereby elects
to exercise all or a portion of this Warrant for, and to purchase thereunder,
 .......... shares of Common Stock of Highwoods Properties, Inc. and herewith
either (a) makes payment of $......... therefor, or (b) elects to exercise this
Warrant in the amount indicated on a net basis, and in any event, requests that
the certificates for such shares be issued in the name of, and delivered to
 ................, whose address is
 .................................

Dated:   ........................
                                    (Signature must conform to name of holder as
                                    specified on the face of the Warrant)

                                    ............................................
                                                       (Address)


                                       10

<PAGE>


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

                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

                   (To be signed only on transfer of Warrant)

              For value received, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns, and
transfers unto .............. the right represented by the within Warrant to
purchase ................. shares of Common Stock of Highwoods Properties, Inc.
to which the within Warrant relates, and appoints ........................,
Attorney to transfer such right on the books of Highwoods Properties, Inc. with
full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:   ........................
                                    (Signature must conform to name of holder as
                                    specified on the face of the Warrant)

                                    ............................................
                                                      (Address)
Signed in the presence of:

 ....................................


                                       11


<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 21


             SCHEDULE OF SUBSIDIARIES OF HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC.



<TABLE>
<S>    <C>
1.     Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership, a North Carolina limited partnership
2.     AP Southeast Portfolio Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
3.     Highwoods/Florida Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
4.     Highwoods/Tennessee Holdings, L.P., a Tennessee limited partnership
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-3 Nos. 33-93572, 33-97712, 333-08985, 333-13519, 333-24165,
333-31183, 333-39247 and 333-43475 and Form S-8 Nos. 333-12117, 333-29759 and
333-29763) and related Prospectuses of Highwoods Properties, Inc. and in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-31183-01) and related Prospectus of
Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership of our report dated February 20, 1998
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Highwoods
Properties, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1997.


                                                  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Raleigh, North Carolina
March 27, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
       
<S>                                            <C>             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  3-MOS           12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1997     DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                 OCT-01-1997     JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   DEC-31-1997     DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                         19,487,000      19,487,000
<SECURITIES>                                   0               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  27,328,000      27,328,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                   555,000         555,000
<INVENTORY>                                    0               0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               63,867,000      63,867,000
<PP&E>                                         2,702,159,000   2,702,159,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                 87,505,000      87,505,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 2,722,306,000   2,722,306,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          55,121,000      55,121,000
<BONDS>                                        978,558,000     978,558,000
                          0               0
                                    297,500,000     297,500,000
<COMMON>                                       468,000         468,000
<OTHER-SE>                                     1,390,659,000   1,390,657,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   2,722,306,000   2,722,306,000
<SALES>                                        89,687,000      266,933,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               91,256,000      274,470,000
<CGS>                                          27,748,000      76,743,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  44,230,000      124,276,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               3,522,000       10,216,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             12,623,000      47,394,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                25,647,000      77,478,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                   0               0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            25,647,000      77,478,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0               0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                1,134,000       5,799,000
<CHANGES>                                      0               0
<NET-INCOME>                                   18,368,000      58,562,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  0.39            1.51
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  0.38            1.50
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1996             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996
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<PP&E>                                   1,421,034,000           1,421,034,000
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                                0                       0
                                          0                       0
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<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
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<INCOME-TAX>                                         0                       0
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<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
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<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                13,306,000              39,320,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .41                    1.51
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .40                    1.50
        

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