Form 10-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

(Mark One)

  x   Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

 

or

 

  ¨   Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from to                                  to                                 

 

Commission file number 000-25739

 

 

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Maryland   58-2328421
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
6200 The Corners Parkway Ste. 500, Norcross, Georgia   30092
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(770) 325-3700

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of exchange on which registered

NONE   NONE

 

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

 

COMMON STOCK

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

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 to this Form 10-K.  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

        Large accelerated filer  ¨        Accelerated filer  ¨        Non-accelerated filer  x        Smaller reporting company  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes  ¨    No  x

 

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates:                                                     

 

Since there was no established market for the voting and non-voting common stock as of June 30, 2007, there was no market value for shares of such stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of such date. As of June 30, 2007, there were approximately 488,133,805 shares of common stock held by non-affiliates.

 

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s

only class of common stock, as of February 29, 2008: 481,658,204 shares

 

 


Certain statements contained in this Form 10-K and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”), formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In addition, Piedmont, or the executive officers on Piedmont’s behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents Piedmont files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in connection with oral statements made to the press, potential investors, or others. Statements regarding future events and developments and Piedmont’s future performance, as well as management’s expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates, or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” or other similar words. Examples of such statements in this report include descriptions of our real estate, financing, and operating objectives described in Item 1; descriptions of our share redemption program and our ability to purchase additional shares under such program; discussions regarding future distributions; and discussions regarding the potential impact of economic conditions on our portfolio.

 

These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Piedmont’s management, which in turn are based on currently available information. Important assumptions relating to the forward-looking statements include, among others, assumptions regarding the demand for office space in the sectors in which Piedmont operates, competitive conditions, and general economic conditions. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. The forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Many of these factors are beyond Piedmont’s ability to control or predict. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

Lease terminations or lease defaults, particularly by one of our large lead tenants;

 

   

The impact of competition on our efforts to renew existing leases or re-let space on terms similar to existing leases;

 

   

Changes in the economies and other conditions of the office market in general and of the specific markets in which we operate, particularly in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan area;

 

   

Economic and regulatory changes that impact the real estate market generally;

 

   

Potential development and construction delays and resultant increased costs and risks;

 

   

The success of our real estate strategies and investment objectives;

 

   

Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations;

 

   

Uncertainties associated with environmental and other regulatory matters;

 

   

Piedmont’s ability to continue to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and

 

   

Other factors, including the risk factors discussed under Item 1.A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Management believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and management undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

General

 

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”), formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., is a Maryland corporation that operates in a manner so as to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. Piedmont was incorporated in 1997 and commenced operations on June 5, 1998. Piedmont conducts business primarily through Piedmont Operating Partnership, LP (“Piedmont OP”), formerly known as Wells Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership. Piedmont is the sole general partner and possesses full legal control and authority over the operations of Piedmont OP. On April 16, 2007, Piedmont consummated a transaction to internalize the functions of Piedmont’s external advisor companies and became a self-managed entity (the “Internalization”). As a result of the Internalization, on April 16, 2007, the former advisor, Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”) withdrew as a limited partner from Piedmont OP, and a wholly owned corporate subsidiary of Piedmont was admitted as the sole limited partner of Piedmont OP. Piedmont OP owns properties directly, through wholly owned subsidiaries, through certain joint ventures with real estate limited partnerships sponsored by its former advisor, and through certain joint ventures with other third parties. References to Piedmont herein shall include Piedmont and all of its subsidiaries, including Piedmont OP and its subsidiaries, and consolidated joint ventures.

 

We engage in the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate properties, including properties that are under construction, newly constructed, or have operating histories. Our portfolio consists primarily of high-grade office buildings leased to large corporate tenants located throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2007, the vast majority of properties we currently own are commercial office buildings, with a limited number of warehouses and manufacturing facilities or some combination thereof; however, we are not limited to such investments.

 

Piedmont’s stock is not listed on a national exchange. However, Piedmont’s charter initially required Piedmont to begin the process of liquidating its investments and distributing the resulting proceeds to the stockholders if its common stock was not listed on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter market by January 30, 2008 (the “Liquidation Date”). Piedmont’s charter was amended by a majority vote of Piedmont’s stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders on December 13, 2007, to extend the Liquidation Date from January 30, 2008 to July 30, 2009, and in the board of directors’ discretion, to further extend the Liquidation Date from July 30, 2009 to January 30, 2011.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had 98 full-time employees.

 

Competition

 

We compete for tenants based on our high-quality assets in major U.S. markets by fostering strong tenant relationships and by providing efficient, customer-service-oriented services, such as asset management, property management, and construction management services. As the competition for high-credit-quality tenants is intense, we may be required to provide rent concessions, incur charges for tenant improvements and other inducements, or we may not be able to lease vacant space timely, all of which would adversely impact our results of operations. At the time we elect to acquire additional properties, we will compete with other buyers who are interested in the property, which may result in an increase in the amount that we pay for the property or may result in us ultimately not being able to acquire the property. At the time we elect to dispose of one or more of our properties, we will be in competition with sellers of similar properties to locate suitable purchasers for properties, which may result in our receiving lower proceeds from the disposal or which may result in our not being able to dispose of the property due to the lack of an acceptable return.

 

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Financial Information About Industry Segments

 

Our current business consists of owning, managing, operating, leasing, acquiring, developing, investing in, and disposing of real estate assets. We internally evaluate all of our real estate assets as one industry segment, and, accordingly, we do not report segment information.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

We are dependent upon the ability of our current tenants to pay their contractual rent amounts as the rents become due. The inability of a tenant to pay future rental amounts would have a negative impact on our results of operations. As of December 31, 2007, no tenant represents more than 10% of our future rental income under non-cancelable leases or 10% of our current year rental revenues. We are not aware of any reason that our current tenants will not be able to pay their contractual rental amounts, in all material respects, as they become due. If certain situations prevent our tenants from paying contractual rents, this could result in a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

Web Site Address

 

Access to copies of each of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including any amendments to such filings, may be obtained free of charge from the following Web site, http://www.piedmontreit.com, or directly from the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. These filings are available promptly after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Below are some risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, beliefs, and assumptions and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those described in our forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. Factors that could adversely affect our operations and prospects or which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to the following risks.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

 

We depend on tenants for our revenue, and accordingly, lease terminations and/or tenant defaults, particularly by one of our large lead tenants, could adversely affect the income produced by our properties, which may harm our operating performance, thereby limiting our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

The success of our investments materially depends on the financial stability of our tenants. Our tenants may experience a change in their business at any time. As a result, our tenants may delay a number of lease commencements, decline to extend or renew their leases upon expiration, fail to make rental payments when due, or declare bankruptcy. Any of these actions could result in the termination of the tenants’ leases, or expiration of existing leases without renewal, and the loss of rental income attributable to the terminated or expired leases. For example, Cingular Wireless exercised its termination option at the Glenridge Highlands II Building in December 2007, with an effective date of December 31, 2008. In the event of a tenant default or bankruptcy, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-letting our property. If significant leases are terminated or defaulted upon, we may be unable to lease the property for the rent previously received or sell the property without incurring a loss.

 

The occurrence of any of the situations described above, particularly if it involves one of our significant lead tenants, could seriously harm our operating performance. As of December 31, 2007, our most substantial lead tenants, based on annualized gross rents, were BP Corporation N.A. (approximately 5%), NASA (approximately

 

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4%), and the Leo Burnett Company (approximately 4%). As lead tenants, the revenues generated by the properties these tenants occupy are substantially reliant upon the financial condition of these tenants and, accordingly, any event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or a general downturn in the business of any of these tenants may result in the failure or delay of such tenant’s rental payments, which may have a substantial adverse effect on our operating performance.

 

We face considerable competition in the leasing market and may be unable to renew existing leases or re-let space on terms similar to the existing leases, or as leases expire, or we may expend significant capital in our efforts to re-let space, which may adversely affect our operating results.

 

Leases representing approximately 6% of our rentable square feet (including our pro rata share of properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures) at our properties will expire in 2008, assuming no exercise of early termination rights. We compete with a number of other developers, owners, and operators of office and office-oriented, mixed-use properties, and we may not be able to renew leases with our existing tenants or we may be unable to re-let space to new tenants if our current tenants do not renew their leases. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates or below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, we may lose potential tenants, and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to retain tenants upon expiration of their existing leases. Even if our tenants renew their leases or we are able to re-let the space, the terms and other costs of renewal or re-letting, including the cost of required renovations, increased tenant improvement allowances, leasing commissions, declining rental rates, and other potential concessions, may be less favorable than the terms of our current leases and could require significant capital expenditures. If we are unable to renew leases or re-let space in a reasonable time, or if rental rates decline or tenant improvement, leasing commissions, or other costs increase, our financial condition, cash flows, cash available for distribution, value of our common stock, and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected.

 

We depend on key personnel.

 

Our continued success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of certain key personnel including, but not limited to, Donald A. Miller, CFA, Robert E. Bowers, Laura P. Moon, Raymond L. Owens, and Carroll A. Reddic, each of whom would be difficult to replace. Although we have entered into employment agreements with these key members of our executive management team, we cannot provide any assurance that any of them will remain in our employ. Our ability to retain our management group, or to attract suitable replacements should any members of the executive management group leave, is dependent on the competitive nature of the employment market. The loss of services of one or more of these key members of our management team could adversely affect our results of operations and slow our future growth. Further, such a loss could be negatively perceived in the capital markets. We have not obtained and do not expect to obtain “key person” life insurance on any of our key personnel.

 

We also believe that, as we expand, our future success depends in large part upon our ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, investment, financing, operational, and marketing personnel. The current market for such skilled personnel is extremely competitive, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel.

 

Our rental revenues will be significantly influenced by the economies and other conditions of the office market in general and of the specific markets in which we operate, particularly in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan area, where we have high concentrations of office properties.

 

Because our portfolio consists primarily of office properties, we are subject to risks inherent in investments in a single property type. This concentration exposes us to the risk of economic downturns in the office sector to a greater extent than if our portfolio also included other sectors of the real estate industry.

 

We are susceptible to adverse economic or other conditions in the markets in which we operate, such as periods of economic slowdown or recession; the oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, office properties in a

 

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particular area; industry slowdowns; relocation of businesses; and changing demographics. In addition to changes in general, regional, national, and international economic conditions, our operating performance is impacted by the economic conditions of the specific markets in which we have concentrations of properties. Our properties located in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan area accounted for approximately 26%, 19%, and 15%, respectively, of our 2007 annualized gross rent. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse market conditions in these particular areas. Any adverse economic or real estate developments in the markets in which we have a concentration of properties, or in any of the other markets in which we operate, or any decrease in demand for office space resulting from the local business climate could adversely affect our rental revenues and operating results.

 

Economic changes that impact the real estate market generally may cause our operating results to suffer and decrease the value of our real estate properties.

 

The investment returns available from equity investments in real estate depend on the amount of income earned and capital appreciation generated by the properties, as well as the expenses incurred in connection with the properties. If our properties do not generate income sufficient to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, then our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected. In addition, there are significant expenditures associated with an investment in real estate (such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes, and maintenance costs) that generally do not decline when circumstances reduce the income from the property. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the operating performance and long- or short-term value of our properties:

 

   

changes in the national, regional, and local economic climate, particularly in markets in which we have a concentration of properties;

 

   

local office market conditions such as changes in the supply of, or demand for, space in properties similar to those that we own within a particular area;

 

   

the attractiveness of our properties to potential tenants;

 

   

changes in interest rates and availability of permanent mortgage funds that may render the sale of a property difficult or unattractive or otherwise reduce returns to stockholders;

 

   

the financial stability of our tenants, including bankruptcies, financial difficulties, or lease defaults by our tenants;

 

   

changes in operating costs and expenses, including costs for maintenance, insurance, and real estate taxes, and our ability to control rents in light of such changes;

 

   

the need to periodically fund the costs to repair, renovate, and re-let space;

 

   

earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorist acts or acts of war, which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses; and

 

   

changes in, or increased costs of compliance with, governmental regulations, including those governing usage, zoning, the environment, and taxes.

 

In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates, or declining demand for real estate, or public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decrease in rents or an increased occurrence of defaults under existing leases, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Any of the above factors may prevent us from realizing growth or maintaining the value of our real estate properties.

 

Future acquisitions of properties may not yield anticipated returns, may result in disruptions to our business, and may strain management resources.

 

We intend to continue acquiring high-quality office properties. In deciding whether to acquire a particular property, we make certain assumptions regarding the expected future performance of that property. However,

 

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newly acquired properties may fail to perform as expected. Our management may underestimate the costs necessary to bring acquired properties up to standards established for their intended market position, which may result in the properties’ failure to achieve projected returns.

 

In particular, to the extent that we engage in acquisition activities, they will pose the following risks for our ongoing operations:

 

   

we may acquire properties or other real estate-related investments that are not initially accretive to our results upon acquisition or accept lower cash flows in anticipation of longer term appreciation, and we may not successfully manage and lease those properties to meet our expectations;

 

   

we may not achieve expected cost savings and operating efficiencies;

 

   

we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations;

 

   

management attention may be diverted to the integration of acquired properties, which in some cases may turn out to be less compatible with our growth strategy than originally anticipated;

 

   

the acquired properties may not perform as well as we anticipate due to various factors, including changes in macro-economic conditions and the demand for office space; and

 

   

we may acquire properties without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, for liabilities, whether known or unknown, such as clean-up of environmental contamination; claims by tenants, vendors or other persons against the former owners of the properties; and claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers, and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties.

 

The illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties.

 

Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, our ability to promptly sell one or more properties in our portfolio in response to changing economic, financial, and investment conditions is limited. The real estate market is affected by many forces, such as general economic conditions, availability of financing, interest rates, and other factors, including supply and demand, that are beyond our control. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any property for the price or on the terms set by us or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We also cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a property. We may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot provide any assurances that we will have funds available to correct such defects or to make such improvements. Our inability to dispose of assets at opportune times or on favorable terms could adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations, thereby limiting our ability to make distributions to stockholders.

 

In addition, the federal tax code imposes restrictions on a REIT’s ability to dispose of properties that are not applicable to other types of real estate companies. In particular, the tax laws applicable to REITs require that we hold our properties for investment, rather than primarily for sale in the ordinary course of business, which may cause us to forego or defer sales or properties that otherwise would be in our best interest. Therefore, we may not be able to vary our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions or on favorable terms, which may adversely affect our cash flows and our ability to pay distributions on, and the value of, our common stock.

 

Furthermore, in acquiring a property, we may agree to transfer restrictions that materially restrict our ability to dispose of the property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that property. Although we currently do not have any such agreements, these “lock-up” provisions would further restrict our ability to turn our investments into cash and could affect cash available for distributions. Lock-up provisions also could impair our ability to take actions during the lock-up

 

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period that would otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders and, therefore, may have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock relative to the value that would result if the lock-up provisions did not exist.

 

Our operating results may suffer because of potential development and construction delays and resultant increased costs and risks.

 

We may acquire and develop properties, including unimproved real properties, upon which we will construct improvements. We will be subject to uncertainties associated with re-zoning for development; environmental concerns of governmental entities and/or community groups; and our builders’ ability to build in conformity with plans, specifications, budgeted costs, and timetables. A builder’s performance also may be affected or delayed by conditions beyond the builder’s control. Delays in completing construction also could give tenants the right to terminate preconstruction leases. We may incur additional risks when we make periodic progress payments or other advances to builders before they complete construction. These and other factors can result in increased costs of a project or loss of our investment. In addition, we will be subject to normal lease-up risks relating to newly constructed projects. We also must rely on rental income and expense projections and estimates of the fair market value of property upon completion of construction when agreeing upon a purchase price at the time we acquire the property. If our projections are inaccurate, we may pay too much for a property, and our return on our investment could suffer.

 

Our real estate development strategies may not be successful.

 

We will be subject to risks associated with our development activities that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to pay distributions on, and the value of, our common stock, including, but not limited to:

 

   

development projects in which we have invested may be abandoned and the related investment will be impaired;

 

   

we may not be able to obtain, or may experience delays in obtaining, all necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other governmental permits and authorizations;

 

   

we may not be able to obtain land on which to develop;

 

   

we may not be able to obtain financing for development projects or to obtain financing on favorable terms;

 

   

construction costs of a project may exceed the original estimates or construction may not be concluded on schedule, making the project less profitable than originally estimated or not profitable at all (including the possibility of contract default, the effects of local weather conditions, the possibility of local or national strikes, and the possibility of shortages in materials, building supplies, or energy and fuel for equipment);

 

   

upon completion of construction, we may not be able to obtain, or obtain on advantageous terms, permanent financing for activities that we financed through construction loans; and

 

   

we may not achieve sufficient occupancy levels and/or obtain sufficient rents to ensure the profitability of a completed project.

 

Moreover, substantial renovation and development activities, regardless of their ultimate success, typically require a significant amount of management’s time and attention, diverting their attention from our other operations.

 

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Future terrorist attacks in the major metropolitan areas in which we own properties could significantly impact the demand for, and value of, our properties.

 

Our portfolio maintains significant holdings in markets such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., the New York metropolitan area, Boston, and greater Los Angeles, each of which has been, and continues to be, a high risk geographical area for terrorism and threats of terrorism. Future terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, and other acts of terrorism or war would severely impact the demand for, and value of, our properties. Terrorist attacks in and around any of the major metropolitan areas in which we own properties also could directly impact the value of our properties through damage, destruction, loss, or increased security costs, and could thereafter materially impact the availability or cost of insurance to protect against such acts. A decrease in demand could make it difficult to renew or re-lease our properties at lease rates equal to or above historical rates. To the extent that any future terrorist attacks otherwise disrupt our tenants’ businesses, it may impair their ability to make timely payments under their existing leases with us, which would harm our operating results.

 

Uninsured losses or losses in excess of our insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition and our cash flow, and there can be no assurance as to future costs and the scope of coverage that may be available under insurance policies.

 

We carry comprehensive general liability, fire, extended coverage, business interruption rental loss coverage, and umbrella liability coverage on all of our properties and earthquake, wind, and flood coverage on properties in areas where such coverage is warranted. We believe the policy specifications and insured limits of these policies are adequate and appropriate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage, and industry practice. However, we may be subject to certain types of losses, those that are generally catastrophic in nature, such as losses due to wars, acts of terrorism and, in some cases, earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding, that generally are not insured, either because such coverage is not available or is not available at commercially reasonable rates. If we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, we could lose a significant portion of the capital we have invested in the damaged property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it impractical or undesirable to use insurance proceeds to replace a property after it has been damaged or destroyed. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs in the future, as the costs associated with property and casualty renewals may be higher than anticipated.

 

In addition, insurance risks associated with potential terrorism acts could sharply increase the premiums we pay for coverage against property and casualty claims. With the enactment of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (TRIPRA), insurers, but not reinsurers, must make terrorism insurance available under their property and casualty insurance policies, but this legislation does not regulate the pricing of such insurance. In some cases, mortgage lenders have begun to insist that commercial property owners purchase coverage against terrorism as a condition of providing mortgage loans. Such insurance policies may not be available at a reasonable cost, if at all, which could inhibit our ability to finance or refinance our properties. In such instances, we may be required to provide other financial support, either through financial assurances or self-insurance, to cover potential losses. We may not have adequate coverage for such losses. If any of our properties incur a casualty loss that is not fully insured, the value of that asset will be reduced by such uninsured loss. Also, to the extent we must pay unexpectedly large amounts for insurance, we could suffer reduced earnings that would result in lower distributions to our stockholders.

 

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Our current and future joint venture investments could be adversely affected by a lack of sole decision-making authority and our reliance on joint venture partners’ financial condition.

 

We have historically entered into joint ventures with certain public programs sponsored by our former advisor and with other third parties. In the future we intend to enter into strategic joint ventures with unaffiliated institutional investors to acquire, develop, improve, or dispose of properties, thereby reducing the amount of capital required by us to make investments and diversifying our capital sources for growth. As of December 31, 2007, we owned 12 properties representing approximately 2.6 million rentable square feet through joint ventures. Such joint venture investments involve risks not otherwise present in a wholly owned property, development, or redevelopment project, including the following:

 

   

in these investments, we do not have exclusive control over the development, financing, leasing, management, and other aspects of the project, which may prevent us from taking actions that are opposed by our joint venture partners;

 

   

joint venture agreements often restrict the transfer of a co-venturer’s interest or may otherwise restrict our ability to sell the interest when we desire or on advantageous terms;

 

   

we would not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding the property or joint venture, which could create the potential risk of creating impasses on decisions, such as acquisitions or sales;

 

   

such co-venturer may, at any time, have economic or business interests or goals that are, or that may become, inconsistent with our business interests or goals;

 

   

such co-venturer may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions, requests, or policies or objectives, including our current policy with respect to maintaining our qualification as a REIT;

 

   

the possibility that our co-venturer in an investment might become bankrupt, which would mean that we and any other remaining co-venturers would generally remain liable for the joint venture’s liabilities;

 

   

our relationships with our co-venturers are contractual in nature and may be terminated or dissolved under the terms of the applicable joint venture agreements and, in such event, we may not continue to own or operate the interests or assets underlying such relationship or may need to purchase such interests or assets at a premium to the value to continue ownership;

 

   

disputes between us and our co-venturers may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and efforts on our business and could result in subjecting the properties owned by the applicable joint venture to additional risk; or

 

   

we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our co-venturers, and the activities of a joint venture could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we do not control the joint venture.

 

Any of the above might subject a property to liabilities in excess of those contemplated and thus reduce the returns to our investors.

 

Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations may reduce our net income and the cash available for distributions to our stockholders.

 

All real property and the operations conducted on real property are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. Tenants’ ability to operate and to generate income to pay their lease obligations may be affected by permitting and compliance obligations arising under such laws and regulations. Some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on tenants, owners, or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal. In addition, the presence of hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may hinder our ability to sell, rent, or pledge such property as collateral for future borrowings.

 

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Compliance with new laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws by agencies or the courts may require us to incur material expenditures. Future laws, ordinances, or regulations may impose material environmental liability. Additionally, our tenants’ operations, the existing condition of land when we buy it, operations in the vicinity of our properties such as the presence of underground storage tanks or activities of unrelated third parties may affect our properties. In addition, there are various local, state, and federal fire, health, life-safety, and similar regulations with which we may be required to comply, and which may subject us to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance. Any material expenditures, fines, or damages we must pay will reduce our cash flow and ability to make distributions and may reduce the value of your investment.

 

Compliance or failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar regulations could result in substantial costs.

 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, places of public accommodation must meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or the award of damages to private litigants. If we are required to make unanticipated expenditures to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including removing access barriers, then our cash flows and the amounts available for distributions to our stockholders may be adversely affected. Although we believe that our properties are currently in material compliance with these regulatory requirements, we have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance, and we cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other legislation. If one or more of our properties is not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other legislation, then we would be required to incur additional costs to achieve compliance. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other legislation, our financial condition, results of operation, cash flow, and our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and to make distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected.

 

As the present or former owner or operator of real property, we could become subject to liability for environmental contamination, regardless of whether we caused such contamination.

 

Under various federal, state, and local environmental laws, ordinances, and regulations, a current or former real property owner or operator may be liable for the cost to remove or remediate hazardous or toxic substances, wastes, or petroleum products on, under, from, or in such property. These costs could be substantial and liability under these laws may attach whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such contamination. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held entirely responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a property for damages based on personal injury, natural resources, or property damage or other costs, including investigation and clean-up costs, resulting from the environmental contamination. The presence of contamination on one of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination, or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or borrow using the property as collateral. Due to the presence of contamination on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the manner in which property may be used or businesses may be operated, and these restrictions may require substantial expenditures or prevent us from entering into leases with prospective tenants.

 

Some of our properties are adjacent to or near other properties that have contained or currently contain underground storage tanks used to store petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, certain of our properties are on or are adjacent to or near other properties upon which others, including former owners or tenants of our properties, have engaged, or may in the future engage, in activities that may release petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances.

 

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The cost of defending against claims of liability, of remediating any contaminated property, or of paying personal injury claims could reduce the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

As the owner of real property, we could become subject to liability for adverse environmental conditions in the buildings on our property.

 

Some of our properties may contain asbestos-containing building materials. Environmental laws require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos properly manage and maintain the asbestos, adequately inform or train those who may come into contact with asbestos, and undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, in the event that asbestos is disturbed during building renovation or demolition. These laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to comply with these requirements. In addition, environmental laws and the common law may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos.

 

The properties also may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other air quality issues. Any of these materials/conditions could result in liability for personal injury and costs of remediating adverse conditions.

 

As the owner of real property, we could become subject to liability for failure to comply with environmental requirements regarding the handling and disposal of regulated substances and wastes or for non-compliance with health and safety requirements.

 

Some of our tenants may handle regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations at our properties. Environmental laws regulate the handling, use, and disposal of these materials and subject our tenants, and potentially us, to liability resulting from non-compliance with these requirements. The properties in our portfolio also are subject to various federal, state, and local health and safety requirements, such as state and local fire requirements. If we or our tenants fail to comply with these various requirements, we might incur governmental fines or private damage awards. Moreover, we do not know whether existing requirements will change or whether future requirements will require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures that will materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution to stockholders, the per share value of our common stock, and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations. If our tenants become subject to liability for noncompliance, it could affect their ability to make rental payments to us.

 

We are and may continue to be subject to litigation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

We currently are, and are likely to continue to be, subject to litigation, including claims relating to our operations, offerings, and otherwise in the ordinary course of business. Some of these claims may result in significant defense costs and potentially significant judgments against us, some of which are not, or cannot be, insured against. We generally intend to vigorously defend ourselves; however, we cannot be certain of the ultimate outcomes of currently asserted claims or of those that arise in the future. Resolution of these types of matters against us may result in our having to pay significant fines, judgments, or settlements, which, if uninsured, or if the fines, judgments, and settlements exceed insured levels, would adversely impact our earnings and cash flows, thereby impacting our ability to service debt and make quarterly distributions to our stockholders. Certain litigation or the resolution of certain litigation may affect the availability or cost of some of our insurance coverage, which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows, expose us to increased risks that would be uninsured, and/or adversely impact our ability to attract officers and directors.

 

In addition, we, and various of our present and former directors and officers, are involved in litigation regarding the Internalization and certain related matters described in Item 3 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We believe that the allegations contained in these complaints are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend these actions; however, due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters and, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist.

 

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Refer to Note 8 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements and Item 3 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the ongoing litigation.

 

We are subject to stockholder litigation against our board of directors and officers, which could exceed the coverage of our current directors’ and officers’ insurance.

 

We are subject to several stockholder lawsuits. Although we retain director and officer liability insurance, there is no assurance that such insurance will cover the claims that are made or will insure us fully for all losses on covered claims. A successful stockholder claim in excess of our insurance coverage could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows, impair our ability to obtain new director and officer liability insurance on terms favorable to Piedmont, and/or adversely impact our ability to attract directors and officers.

 

If we are unable to satisfy the regulatory requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or if our disclosure controls or internal control over financial reporting is not effective, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could adversely affect the perception of our business and the value associated with our common stock.

 

The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors, misstatements, or misrepresentations. Although management will continue to review the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, there can be no guarantee that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives all of the time. Deficiencies, including any material weakness, in our internal control over financial reporting which may occur in the future could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in the per share value of our common stock, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

 

As a public company, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 404”), requires that we evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year, and to include a management report assessing the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in all annual reports, as described in Item 9A(T) of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, Section 404 also requires our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to, and report on, our internal control over financial reporting, beginning with the year ending December 31, 2008.

 

Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer will be subject to certain conflicts of interest with regard to enforcing the indemnification provisions contained in the merger agreement and enforcing some of the agreements entered into by us in connection with the Internalization.

 

Donald A. Miller, CFA, our Chief Executive Officer, President, and a director; and Robert E. Bowers, our Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, each received beneficial economic interests in our common stock through their respective approximately 1% ownership interest in Wells Advisory Services I, LLC. (“WASI”), which received 19,546,302 in shares of our common stock (then valued at approximately $175 million) as a result of the Internalization. These shares are subject to an 18-month lock-up period (subject to extension under certain conditions) during which they may not be sold or otherwise transferred. Certain provisions of the merger agreement and many of the ancillary agreements that were executed in connection with the Internalization have significant financial impacts on WASI. In particular, Messrs. Miller and Bowers are subject to conflicts of interest in connection with the enforcement against WASI of indemnification obligations under the merger agreement, the enforcement of a pledge and security agreement, and the release of 162,706 escrowed shares of our common stock issued to WASI under an escrow agreement. The enforcement of these agreements could have a negative effect on WASI and, therefore, could adversely affect the financial interests of Messrs. Miller and Bowers. The economic interests of Messrs. Miller and Bowers in WASI could compromise their judgment with respect to the enforcement of our agreements with WASI.

 

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Our independent directors serve as directors and/or trustees of entities sponsored by our former advisor with whom we entered into contractual arrangements relating to the Internalization. Those relationships could affect their judgment with respect to enforcing the agreements we entered into in connection with the Internalization.

 

Several of our independent directors serve as directors and/or trustees of entities sponsored by our former external advisor, with whom we entered into contractual arrangements relating to the Internalization. Donald S. Moss, one of our independent directors, is a director of Wells Timberland REIT, and all of our current independent directors, with the exception of Wesley E. Cantrell, are trustees of the Wells Family of Real Estate Funds, an open-end management company organized as an Ohio business trust, which includes as its series the Wells Dow Jones Wilshire U.S. REIT Index Fund and the Wells Dow Jones Wilshire Global RESI Index Fund. Our independent directors have no financial interest in the entities that have contractual obligations to us relating to the Internalization. Nevertheless, the relationship of several of our independent directors to entities sponsored by our former advisor could affect their judgment with respect to enforcing the agreements we entered into in connection with the Internalization.

 

Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure

 

There is no public trading market for our common stock; therefore, it will be difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares.

 

There is no current public market for our common stock, as our common stock is not currently listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. Stockholders may not sell their shares unless the purchaser meets the applicable suitability and minimum purchase requirements. Our charter also prohibits the ownership of more than 9.8% of our stock, unless exempted by our board of directors, which may inhibit large investors from desiring to purchase our shares. Moreover, our share redemption program includes numerous restrictions that limit a stockholder’s ability to sell his or her shares to us, and our board of directors may amend, suspend, or terminate our share redemption program at any time upon 30 days’ notice and may suspend it without notice in certain circumstances. Therefore, it will be difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares promptly or at all. If a stockholder is able to sell his or her shares, it may be at a discount to the price he or she originally paid for such shares. It also is likely that our shares would not be accepted as the primary collateral for a loan. Our shares of common stock should only be viewed as a long-term investment due to the illiquid nature of our shares.

 

We have limited experience operating as a self-advised REIT, which makes our future performance and the performance of your investment difficult to predict. As a result of the Internalization, we may be exposed to risks which we have not historically encountered.

 

We have a limited operating history as a self-advised company. Prior to the Internalization, our day-to-day operations were performed by an external advisor, which had more personnel than we now have. Given this change in the personnel on which we rely to run our operations, our future performance is more difficult to predict.

 

As a result of the Internalization, we may encounter risks to which we have not historically been exposed. Excluding the effect of the eliminated asset management fees, our direct overhead, on a consolidated basis, will increase as a result of becoming self-advised. Prior to the Internalization, the responsibility for such overhead was borne by our former advisor and its affiliates.

 

We currently employ a staff of approximately 100 people. As their employer, we will be subject to those potential liabilities that are commonly faced by employers, such as workers’ disability and compensation claims, potential labor disputes, and other employee-related liabilities and grievances, and we will bear the costs of the establishment and maintenance of such plans.

 

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We are dependent on external sources of capital, which may not be available on favorable terms, if at all.

 

To qualify as a REIT, we must, among other things, distribute to our stockholders each year at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (excluding any net capital gains). In order to eliminate federal income tax, we will be required to distribute annually 100% of our net taxable income (including capital gains). Consequently, we are largely dependent on external sources of capital to fund our development and acquisition activities. Further, in order to maintain our REIT status and avoid the payment of income and excise taxes, we may need to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the REIT distribution requirements even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings. These short-term borrowing needs could result from differences in timing between the actual receipt of cash and inclusion of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves, or required debt or amortization payments. We have access to capital through our dividend reinvestment plan and our $500 million revolving variable rate unsecured credit facility (the “$500 Million Unsecured Facility”). Our access to additional third-party sources of capital is dependent upon a number of factors, including general market conditions and competition from other real estate companies. Debt capital may not be available at reasonable rates. To the extent that capital is not available to acquire or develop properties, profits may not be realized or their realization may be delayed, which could result in an earnings stream that is less predictable than some of our competitors and result in our not meeting our projected earnings and distributable cash flow levels in a particular reporting period. Failure to meet our projected earnings and distributable cash flow levels in a particular reporting period could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

Our organizational documents contain provisions that may have an anti-takeover effect, which may discourage third parties from conducting a tender offer or seeking other change of control transactions that could involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise benefit our stockholders.

 

Our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of our company or the removal of existing management and, as a result, could prevent our stockholders from being paid a premium for their common stock over the then-prevailing value or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. These provisions include limitations on the ownership of our common stock, advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals, and our board of directors’ power to reclassify shares of common stock and issue additional shares of common stock or preferred stock.

 

Our charter limits the number of shares a person may own, which may discourage a takeover that could result in a premium price for our common stock or otherwise benefit our stockholders.

 

Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Unless exempted by our board of directors, no person may actually or constructively own more than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock, which may inhibit large investors from desiring to purchase our shares. This restriction may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

 

Our board of directors can take many actions without stockholder approval.

 

Our board of directors has overall authority to oversee our operations and determine our major corporate policies. This authority includes significant flexibility. For example, our board of directors can do the following:

 

   

within the limits provided in our charter, prevent the ownership, transfer, and/or accumulation of shares in order to protect our status as a REIT or for any other reason deemed to be in the best interest of us and our stockholders;

 

   

issue additional shares without obtaining stockholder approval, which could dilute the ownership of our then-current stockholders;

 

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amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series, without obtaining stockholder approval;

 

   

classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights, and other terms of such classified or reclassified shares, without obtaining stockholder approval;

 

   

employ and compensate affiliates;

 

   

direct our resources toward investments that do not ultimately appreciate over time;

 

   

change creditworthiness standards with respect to our tenants;

 

   

change our investment or borrowing policies;

 

   

determine that it is no longer in our best interest to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT; and

 

   

suspend or modify the share redemption program and dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Any of these actions could increase our operating expenses, impact our ability to make distributions, or reduce the value of our assets without giving you, as a stockholder, the right to vote.

 

Our charter permits our board of directors to issue stock with terms that may subordinate the rights of our common stockholders, which may discourage a third party from acquiring us in a manner that could result in a premium price for our common stock or otherwise benefit our stockholders.

 

Our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, issue authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. In addition, our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights, and other terms of such classified or reclassified shares. Thus, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have priority with respect to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation over the rights of the holders of our common stock. Such preferred stock also could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price for our common stock, or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

 

Our board of directors could adopt the limitations available under Maryland law on changes in control that could have the effect of preventing transactions in the best interest of our stockholders.

 

Certain provisions of Maryland law may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under certain circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing value of such shares, including:

 

   

“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our shares or an affiliate thereof) for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder and thereafter would require the recommendation of our board of directors and impose special appraisal rights and special stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and

 

   

“control share” provisions that provide that “control shares” of our company (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition”

 

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(defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.

 

Our board of directors has opted out of these provisions of Maryland law. As a result, these provisions will not apply to a business combination or control share acquisition involving our company. However, our board of directors may opt in to the business combination provisions and the control share provisions of Maryland law in the future.

 

Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”), permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or our bylaws, to implement takeover defenses, some of which (for example, a classified board) we do not currently employ. These provisions may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current value.

 

Our charter, our bylaws, the limited partnership agreement of our operating partnership, and Maryland law also contain other provisions that may delay, defer, or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. In addition, the employment agreements with our named executive officers contain, and grants under our incentive plan also may contain, change-in-control provisions that might similarly have an anti-takeover effect, inhibit a change of our management, or inhibit in certain circumstances tender offers for our common stock or proxy contests to change our board.

 

Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to recover claims against our directors and officers are limited, which could reduce our recovery and our stockholders’ recovery against them if they negligently cause us to incur losses.

 

Maryland law provides that a director or officer has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith in a manner he reasonably believes to be in our best interest and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. Our charter eliminates our directors’ and officers’ liability to us and our stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our charter requires us to indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law for liability actually incurred in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party, except to the extent that the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was either committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property, or services, or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist under common law, which could reduce our and our stockholders’ recovery from these persons if they act in a negligent manner. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors and officers (as well as by our employees and agents) in some cases.

 

If we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”), the return to our stockholders would be reduced; if we become an unregistered investment company, we could not continue our business.

 

We are not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, as amended. If we were obligated to register as an investment company, we would have to comply with a variety of substantive requirements under the Investment Company Act that impose, among other things:

 

   

limitations on capital structure;

 

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restrictions on specified investments;

 

   

prohibitions on transactions with affiliates; and

 

   

compliance with reporting, recordkeeping, voting, proxy disclosure, and other rules and regulations that would significantly increase our operating expenses.

 

In order to maintain our exemption from regulation under the Investment Company Act, we must engage primarily in the business of buying real estate. To maintain compliance with the Investment Company Act exemption, we may need to sell assets we would otherwise wish to retain. In addition, we may have to acquire additional income- or loss-generating assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or may have to forego opportunities to acquire interests in companies that we would otherwise want to acquire and would be important to our investment strategy. If we were required to register as an investment company but failed to do so, we would be prohibited from engaging in our business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against us. In addition, our contracts would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of us and liquidate our business.

 

Our stockholders are limited in their ability to sell their shares pursuant to our share redemption program.

 

Our share redemption program limits the amount of shares that may be redeemed in any given calendar year. Subject to funds being available, we currently limit the number of shares redeemed pursuant to our share redemption program as follows: (1) during any calendar year, we will not redeem in excess of 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year; and (2) in no event shall the aggregate amount of redemptions under our share redemption program exceed aggregate proceeds received from the sale of shares pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan. In addition, the board of directors may set aside and reserve an amount determined annually by the board not to exceed 20% of the funds available for redemption during each calendar year for (1) redemptions upon the death of a stockholder (“redemptions upon death”), and (2) redemptions for certain stockholders to satisfy required minimum distribution requirements as set forth under Sections 401(a)(9), 403(b)(10), 408(a)(6), 408(b)(3), and 408(A)(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“required minimum distribution redemptions”), which will have the effect of reducing the amount of funds otherwise available for other redemption requests. In addition, stockholders must have held their shares for a period of one year prior to submitting a redemption request. Finally, our board of directors can suspend the share redemption program immediately under certain conditions. Therefore, our stockholders should not assume that they will be able to sell all or any portion of their shares back to us pursuant to our share redemption program.

 

We may face additional risks and costs associated with directly managing properties occupied by government tenants.

 

We currently own ten properties where some or all of the tenants at such properties are federal government agencies. As such, lease agreements with these federal government agencies contain certain provisions required by federal law, which require, among other things, that the contractor (which is the lessor or the owner of the property), agree to comply with certain rules and regulations, including but not limited to, rules and regulations related to anti-kickback procedures, examination of records, audits and records, equal opportunity provisions, prohibition against segregated facilities, certain executive orders, subcontractor cost or pricing data, and certain provisions intending to assist small businesses. Through one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, we directly manage properties with federal government agency tenants and, therefore, we are subject to additional risks associated with compliance with all such federal rules and regulations. In addition, there are certain additional requirements relating to the potential application of certain equal opportunity provisions and the related requirement to prepare written affirmative action plans applicable to government contractors and subcontractors. Some of the factors used to determine whether such requirements apply to a company that is affiliated with the actual government contractor, the legal entity that is the lessor under a lease with a federal government agency, include whether such company and the government contractor are under common ownership, have common

 

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management, and are under common control. As a result of the Internalization, we own the entity that is the government contractor and the property manager, increasing the risk that such Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requirements and requirements to prepare affirmative action plans pursuant to the applicable executive order may be determined to be applicable to us.

 

If the fiduciary of an employee pension benefit plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) (such as a profit-sharing, Section 401(k), or pension plan) or any other retirement plan or account fails to meet the fiduciary and other standards under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) as a result of an investment in our stock, the fiduciary could be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

 

There are special considerations that apply to a pension or profit-sharing trust or Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”) investing in our shares. Fiduciaries investing the assets of a pension, profit-sharing, Section 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan, or the assets of an IRA, in our common stock should satisfy themselves that:

 

   

the investment is consistent with their fiduciary obligations under ERISA and the Code;

 

   

the investment is made in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the plan or IRA, including the plan’s investment policy;

 

   

the investment satisfies the prudence and diversification requirements of Sections 404(a)(1)(B) and 404(a)(1)(C) of ERISA and other applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code; and

 

   

the investment will not impair the liquidity of the plan or IRA.

 

Our distributions to stockholders may change.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, we paid aggregate cash dividends in the amount of $0.5868 per share, respectively. Distributions will be authorized and determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion from time to time and will depend upon a number of factors, including:

 

   

cash available for distribution;

 

   

our results of operations;

 

   

our financial condition, especially in relation to our anticipated future capital needs of our properties;

 

   

the level of reserves we establish for future capital expenditures;

 

   

the distribution requirements for REITs under the Code;

 

   

the level of distributions paid by listed REITs;

 

   

our operating expenses; and

 

   

other factors our board of directors deems relevant.

 

We expect to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders. However, we bear all expenses incurred by our operations, and our funds generated by operations, after deducting these expenses, may not be sufficient to cover desired levels of distributions to our stockholders. Consequently, we may not continue our historic level of distributions to stockholders, and our distribution levels may fluctuate.

 

We are dependent upon our former advisor for information technology support services.

 

We are currently party to a Support Services agreement with our former advisor under which our former advisor provides, among other things, information technology support. If our former advisor were to suffer a significant adverse change in its operations, whether financial, physical, or otherwise, our operations could be adversely impacted as well.

 

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Income Tax Risks

 

Our failure to qualify as a REIT could adversely affect our operations and our ability to make distributions.

 

We are owned and operated in a manner intended to qualify us as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; however, we do not have a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as to our REIT status. In addition, we own all of the common stock of a subsidiary that has elected to be treated as a REIT, and if our subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we also would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we (or the subsidiary REIT) could qualify for certain relief provisions. Our qualification and the qualification of our subsidiary REIT, as a REIT will depend on satisfaction, on an annual or quarterly basis, of numerous requirements set forth in highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations. A determination as to whether such requirements are satisfied involves various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. The fact that we hold substantially all of our assets through our operating partnership and its subsidiaries further complicates the application of the REIT requirements for us. No assurance can be given that we, or our subsidiary REIT, will qualify as a REIT for any particular year.

 

If we, or our subsidiary REIT, were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year for which a REIT election has been made, the non-qualifying REIT would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to its stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at corporate rates. Moreover, unless the non-qualifying REIT were to obtain relief under certain statutory provisions, the non-qualifying REIT also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost. This treatment would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to our stockholders because of the additional tax liability to us for the years involved. As a result of such additional tax liability, we might need to borrow funds or liquidate certain investments on terms that may be disadvantageous to us in order to pay the applicable tax.

 

Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may incur certain tax liabilities that would reduce our cash flow and impair our ability to make distributions or to meet the annual distribution requirement for REITs.

 

To obtain the favorable tax treatment accorded to REITs, among other requirements, we normally will be required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and by excluding net capital gains. We will be subject to federal income tax on any undistributed taxable income and our net capital gain. If we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our net capital gain income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of (i) the amounts actually distributed by us, plus (ii) retained amounts on which we pay income tax at the corporate level. If we realize net income from foreclosure properties that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, we must pay tax thereon at the highest corporate income tax rate, and if we sell a property, other than foreclosure property, that we are determined to have held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, any gain realized would be subject to a 100% “prohibited transaction” tax. The determination as to whether or not a particular sale is a prohibited transaction depends on the facts and circumstances related to that sale. We cannot guarantee that sales of our properties would not be prohibited transactions unless we comply with certain safe-harbor provisions. The need to avoid prohibited transactions could cause us to forego or defer sales of facilities that might otherwise be in our best interest to sell.

 

We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Code for REITs and to minimize or eliminate our corporate tax obligations; however, differences between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or borrow funds on a short-term or long-term basis to meet the distribution requirements of the Code. Certain types of assets generate substantial mismatches between taxable income and available cash, such as real estate that has been financed through financing

 

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structures which require some or all of available cash flows to be used to service borrowings. As a result, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our taxable income could cause us to: (1) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (2) borrow on unfavorable terms, or (3) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures, or repayment of debt, in order to comply with REIT requirements. Any such actions could increase our costs and reduce the value of our common stock. Further, we may be required to make distributions to our stockholders when it would be more advantageous to reinvest cash in our business or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. Compliance with REIT qualification requirements may, therefore, hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.

 

In addition, we own interests in a certain taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) that is subject to federal income taxation and we and our subsidiaries may be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property.

 

We face possible adverse changes in tax laws including changes to state’s treatment of REITs and their stockholders, which may result in an increase in our tax liability.

 

From time to time changes in state and local tax laws or regulations are enacted, including changes to a state’s treatment of REITs and their stockholders, which may result in an increase in our tax liability. The shortfall in tax revenues for states and municipalities in recent years may lead to an increase in the frequency and size of such changes. If such changes occur, we may be required to pay additional taxes on our assets or income. These increased tax costs could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the amount of cash available for payment of dividends.

 

We may face additional risks by reason of the Internalization.

 

As a result of the Internalization, we acquired all of the business and assets of two existing C corporations which had previously performed advisory and management functions for us and others in a transaction in which we would have succeeded to the C corporation’s earnings and profits. Under the Code, earnings and profits attributable to a C corporation must be distributed before the end of the REIT’s tax year in order for the REIT to maintain its qualification as a REIT. Both of the existing C corporations acquired by merger had earnings and profits; however, immediately prior to the consummation of the merger transactions, each such corporation distributed an amount represented to be equal to or in excess of its respective amount of earnings and profits. The amounts distributed were determined in reliance upon calculations of earnings and profits prepared by our former advisor based on management representations and financial information as to the operations of the two C corporations. If the IRS were to assert successfully that such calculations were inaccurate, resulting in one or both of the entities surviving the merger being deemed to have retained earnings and profits from non-REIT years, then we could be disqualified from being taxed as a REIT unless we were able to make a distribution of the re-determined amount of excess earnings and profits within 90 days of the final determination thereof. In order to make such a distribution, we might need to borrow funds or liquidate certain investments on terms that may be disadvantageous to us.

 

Moreover, due to the acquisition of certain property management contracts pursuant to the Internalization, a portion of the income derived from such contracts will not qualify for purposes of the 75% and 95% income tests required for qualification as a REIT. The IRS may assert also that a portion of the assets acquired pursuant to the merger transactions does not qualify for purposes of the assets tests required for qualification as a REIT. In this regard, we believe that neither the amounts of non-qualifying income nor the value of non-qualifying assets acquired, when added to our calculations of other non-qualifying income or assets, will be sufficient to cause us to fail to satisfy any of such tests required for REIT qualification. No assurance can be given, however, that the IRS will not successfully challenge our calculations of the amount of non-qualifying income earned by us or the value of non-qualifying assets held by us in any given year or that we will qualify as a REIT for any given year.

 

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If the discounts made available to participants in our dividend reinvestment plan were deemed to be excessive, our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders and our status as a REIT could be adversely affected.

 

We are required to distribute to our stockholders each year at least 90% of our REIT taxable income in order to qualify for taxation as a REIT. In order for distributions to be treated as distributed for purposes of this test, we must be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to our stockholders within the meaning of Section 561 of the Code with respect to such distributions. Under this Code section, we will be entitled to such deduction only with respect to dividends that are deemed to be non-preferential, i.e., pro rata amongst, and without preference to any of, our common stockholders. The IRS has issued a published ruling which provides that a discount in the purchase price of a REIT’s newly-issued shares in excess of 5% of the stock’s fair market value is an additional benefit to participating stockholders, which may result in a preferential dividend for purposes of the 90% distribution test. Our dividend reinvestment plan offers participants the opportunity to acquire newly-issued shares of our common stock at a discount intended to fall within the safe harbor for such discounts set forth in the ruling published by the IRS; however, the fair market value of our common stock prior to its listing on a national securities exchange has not been susceptible to a definitive determination. Accordingly, the IRS could take the position that the fair market value of our common stock was greater than the value determined by us for purposes of the dividend reinvestment plan, resulting in purchase price discounts greater than 5%. In such event, we may be deemed to have failed the 90% distribution test for REIT qualification status, and our status as a REIT could be terminated for the year in which such determination is made.

 

Distributions made by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates that apply to certain other corporate distributions.

 

The maximum tax rate for distributions made by corporations to individuals is generally 15% (through 2010). Distributions made by REITs, however, generally continue to be taxed at the normal rate applicable to the individual recipient rather than the 15% preferential rate. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate distributions could cause investors who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in non-REIT corporations that make distributions, which could adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including our common stock.

 

A recharacterization of transactions undertaken by our operating partnership may result in lost tax benefits or prohibited transactions, which would diminish cash distributions to our stockholders, or even cause us to lose REIT status.

 

The IRS could recharacterize transactions consummated by our operating partnership, which could result in the income realized on certain transactions being treated as gain realized from the sale of property that is held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for the sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. In such event, such gain would constitute income from a prohibited transaction and would be subject to a 100% tax. If this were to occur, our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders would be adversely affected. Moreover, our operating partnership may purchase properties and lease them back to the sellers of such properties. While we will use our best efforts to structure any such sale-leaseback transaction such that the lease will be characterized as a “true lease,” thereby allowing us to be treated as the owner of the property for federal income tax purposes, we can give you no assurance that the IRS will not attempt to challenge such characterization. In the event that any such sale-leaseback transaction is challenged and recharacterized as a financing transaction or loan for U.S. federal income tax purposes, deductions for depreciation and cost recovery relating to such property would be disallowed. If a sale-leaseback transaction were so recharacterized, the amount of our REIT taxable income could be recalculated, which might cause us to fail to meet the distribution requirement for a taxable year. We also might fail to satisfy the REIT qualification asset tests or income tests and, consequently, lose our REIT status.

 

Even if we maintain our status as a REIT, we may be subject to U.S. federal income taxes or state taxes which would reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. As noted, net income from a “prohibited transaction” is subject to a 100% tax. If we are not able to make sufficient distributions, we will be subject to excise tax. Further, we may decide to retain certain gains realized from the sale or other disposition of our

 

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property and pay income tax directly on such gains. In that event, our stockholders would be required to include such gains in income and would receive a corresponding credit for their share of taxes paid by us. We also may be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property, either directly or at the level of our operating partnership or at the level of the other companies through which we indirectly own our assets. In addition, any net taxable income earned directly by our TRS that we utilize to hold an interest in our operating partnership will be subject to U.S. federal and state corporate income tax. Any federal or state taxes we pay will reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect our stockholders.

 

In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made to the federal income tax laws applicable to investments in REITs and similar entities. Additional changes to tax laws are likely to continue to occur in the future, and we cannot assure you that any such changes will not adversely affect the taxation of a stockholder. Any such changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our common stock. You are urged to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in common stock.

 

Risks Associated with Debt Financing

 

We have incurred and are likely to continue to incur mortgage and other indebtedness, which may increase our business risks.

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $1.3 billion, of which $89.0 million is outstanding under our $500 Million Unsecured Facility. In addition, we have remaining capacity under our $500 Million Unsecured Facility that we may draw on at any time (and such $500 Million Unsecured Facility is expandable up to $1 billion based on the applicable lenders’ consent). We are likely to incur additional indebtedness to acquire properties or other real estate-related investments, to fund property improvements, and other capital expenditures or for other corporate purposes, such as to repurchase shares of our common stock either through our existing share redemption program or through other liquidity programs that our board of directors may authorize if conditions warrant or to fund future distributions to our stockholders. Significant borrowings by us increase the risks of an investment in us. For example, if there is a shortfall between the cash flow from properties and the cash flow needed to service our indebtedness, then the amount available for distributions to stockholders may be reduced. In addition, incurring mortgage debt increases the risk of loss since defaults on indebtedness secured by a property may result in lenders initiating foreclosure actions. Although no such instances exist as of December 31, 2007, in those cases, we could lose the property securing the loan that is in default. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but we would not receive any cash proceeds. We may give full or partial guarantees to lenders of mortgage debt on behalf of the entities that own our properties. When we give a guaranty on behalf of an entity that owns one of our properties, we will be responsible to the lender for satisfaction of the debt if it is not paid by such entity. If any mortgages or other indebtedness contain cross-collateralization or cross-default provisions, a default on a single loan could affect multiple properties. If any of our properties are foreclosed on due to a default, our ability to pay cash distributions to our stockholders will be limited.

 

High mortgage rates may make it difficult for us to finance or refinance properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire, our net income, and the amount of cash distributions we can make.

 

If mortgage debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, we may not be able to finance the purchase of properties. If we place mortgage debt on properties, we run the risk of being unable to refinance the properties when the loans become due, or of being unable to refinance on favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when we refinance our properties, our income could be reduced. We may be unable to refinance properties. If any of these events occur, our cash flow could be reduced. This, in turn, could reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders and may hinder our ability to raise more capital by issuing more stock or by borrowing more money.

 

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Existing loan agreements contain, and future financing arrangements will likely contain, restrictive covenants relating to our operations, which could limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

We are subject to certain restrictions pursuant to the restrictive covenants of our outstanding indebtedness, which may affect our distribution and operating policies and our ability to incur additional debt. Loan documents evidencing our existing indebtedness contain, and loan documents entered into in the future, will likely contain certain operating covenants that limit our ability to further mortgage the property or discontinue insurance coverage. In addition, these agreements contain financial covenants, including certain coverage ratios and limitations on our ability to incur secured and unsecured debt, make dividend payments, sell all or substantially all of our assets, and engage in mergers and consolidations and certain acquisitions. Covenants under our existing indebtedness do, and under any future indebtedness likely will, restrict our ability to pursue certain business initiatives or certain acquisition transactions. In addition, failure to meet any of these covenants, including the financial coverage ratios, could cause an event of default under and/or accelerate some or all of our indebtedness, which would have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Increases in interest rates would increase the amount of our variable-rate debt payments and could limit our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

 

As of December 31, 2007, $89.0 million of our approximately $1.3 billion of indebtedness was subject to floating interest rates. Increases in interest rates will increase our interest costs associated with any draws that we may make on our $500 Million Unsecured Facility, which would reduce our cash flows and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. In addition, if we are required to repay existing debt during periods of higher interest rates, we may need to sell one or more of our investments in order to repay the debt, which might not permit realization of the maximum return on such investments.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

There were no unresolved SEC staff comments as of December 31, 2007.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Overview

 

As of December 31, 2007, we own interests in 83 properties. Of these properties, 71 are wholly owned; four properties are owned through consolidated joint ventures; and the remaining eight properties are owned through unconsolidated joint ventures with affiliates of our former advisor. The majority of assets are commercial office buildings located in 23 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2007, our properties were approximately 94% leased with an average lease term remaining of approximately six years.

 

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Property Statistics

 

The tables below include statistics for properties that we own directly and through our consolidated joint ventures, as well as for our respective ownership interests in properties that we own through our unconsolidated joint ventures. The following table shows lease expirations of our portfolio as of December 31, 2007, during each of the next sixteen years and thereafter, assuming no exercise of renewal options or termination rights.

 

Year of Lease Expiration

   Annualized
Gross Rent
(in thousands)
   Rentable Square
Feet Expiring

(in thousands)
   Percentage of
Annualized

Gross Rent
 

Vacant

   $ —      1,374    0 %

2008

     34,717    1,192    6 %

2009

     26,579    997    5 %

2010

     61,080    2,236    12 %

2011

     90,403    3,879    17 %

2012

     91,973    2,896    17 %

2013

     55,235    1,855    10 %

2014

     31,357    1,252    6 %

2015

     26,078    889    5 %

2016

     25,457    1,015    5 %

2017

     9,459    284    2 %

2018

     20,482    765    4 %

2019

     19,415    737    4 %

2020

     6,295    282    1 %

2021

     1,390    36    0 %

2022

     6,597    317    1 %

2023

     11,769    761    2 %

Thereafter

     15,056    481    3 %
                  
   $ 533,342    21,248    100 %
                  

 

The following table shows the geographic diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2007.

 

Location

   2007 Annualized
Gross Rents

(in thousands)
   Rentable
Square Feet
(in thousands)
   Percentage of
Annualized
Gross Rent
 

Chicago

   $ 136,269    5,011    26 %

Washington, D.C.

     99,083    2,816    19 %

New York

     79,279    3,250    15 %

Los Angeles

     34,413    1,133    7 %

Minneapolis

     29,244    1,231    6 %

Dallas

     26,730    1,274    5 %

Boston

     24,356    582    4 %

Detroit

     21,419    972    4 %

Atlanta

     15,591    615    3 %

Philadelphia

     11,769    761    2 %

Phoenix

     8,809    567    2 %

Houston

     8,283    313    1 %

Nashville

     7,331    423    1 %

Austin

     5,967    195    1 %

Other*

     24,799    2,105    4 %
                  
   $ 533,342    21,248    100 %
                  

 

  * Not more than 1% is attributable to any individual geographic region.

 

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The following table shows the tenant industry diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2007.

 

Industry

   2007 Annualized
Gross Rent

(in thousands)
   Rentable
Square Feet
(in thousands)
   Percentage of
2007 Annualized
Gross Rent
 

Governmental Agencies

   $ 79,567    2,254    15 %

Business Services

     74,112    2,732    14 %

Depository Institutions

     45,908    1,831    9 %

Insurance Carriers

     30,483    1,440    6 %

Petroleum Refining & Related Industries

     25,485    783    5 %

Legal Services

     25,007    790    5 %

Chemicals and Allied Products

     23,234    725    4 %

Communications

     23,132    858    4 %

Nondepository Credit Institutions

     21,169    912    4 %

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment, except Computer

     19,061    860    4 %

Transportation Equipment

     18,660    630    3 %

Food & Kindred Products

     17,915    482    3 %

Other*

     129,609    6,951    24 %
                  
   $ 533,342    21,248    100 %
                  

 

  * Not more than 3% is attributable to any individual tenant industry.

 

The following table shows the tenant diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2007.

 

Location

   2007 Annualized
Gross Rent

(in thousands)
   Percentage of
2007 Annualized

Gross Rent
 

BP Corporation N.A.

   $ 25,230    5 %

NASA

     22,293    4 %

Leo Burnett Company

     19,723    4 %

Nestle

     17,882    3 %

sanofi-aventis

     16,785    3 %

Kirkland & Ellis, LLP

     16,038    3 %

U.S. Bancorp

     15,559    3 %

OCC

     13,984    3 %

Winston & Strawn

     13,868    3 %

Independence Blue Cross

     11,769    2 %

State of New York

     11,188    2 %

Nokia

     11,081    2 %

DDB Needham

     10,316    2 %

Cingular Wireless(1)

     10,120    2 %

Zurich American

     10,023    2 %

Lockheed Martin

     9,254    2 %

U.S. National Park Service

     8,960    2 %

State Street Bank

     8,880    2 %

Department of Defense

     7,426    1 %

Arthur J. Gallagher

     6,782    1 %

Citicorp

     6,766    1 %

Other*

     259,415    48 %
             
   $ 533,342    100 %
             

 

 

(1)

Cingular Wireless executed an option to terminate its lease effective December 2008.

  * Not more than 1% is attributable to any individual tenant.

 

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Certain Restrictions Related to our Properties

 

Control of certain properties is limited to a certain extent because the properties are owned through joint ventures with affiliates of our former advisor or others not otherwise affiliated with our former advisor or us. In addition, certain of our properties are subject to ground leases and certain properties are held as collateral for debt. Refer to Schedule III listed in the index of Item 15(a) of this report, which details properties subject to ground leases and held as collateral for debt facilities as of December 31, 2007.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Assertion of Legal Action

 

Washtenaw County Employees Retirement System v. Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., et al. (currently under a motion to dismiss)

 

On March 12, 2007, a stockholder filed a purported class action and derivative complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against, among others, Piedmont, our previous advisors, and our officers and directors prior to the closing of the Internalization. The complaint attempts to assert class action claims on behalf of those persons who received and were entitled to vote on the proxy statement filed with the SEC on February 26, 2007.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that the consideration to be paid as part of the Internalization is excessive; (ii) violations of Section 14(a), including Rule 14a-9 thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, based upon allegations that the proxy statement contains false and misleading statements or omits to state material facts; (iii) that the board of directors and the current and previous advisors breached their fiduciary duties to the class and to us; and (iv) that the proposed Internalization will unjustly enrich certain of our directors and officers.

 

The complaint seeks, among other things, (i) certification of the class action; (ii) a judgment declaring the proxy statement false and misleading; (iii) unspecified monetary damages; (iv) to nullify any stockholder approvals obtained during the proxy process; (v) to nullify the merger proposal and the merger agreement; (vi) restitution for disgorgement of profits, benefits, and other compensation for wrongful conduct and fiduciary breaches; (vii) the nomination and election of new independent directors, and the retention of a new financial advisor to assess the advisability of our strategic alternatives; and (viii) the payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees.

 

On April 9, 2007, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for an order enjoining the Internalization. On April 17, 2007, the court granted the defendants’ motion to transfer venue to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the case was docketed in the Northern District of Georgia on April 24, 2007. On June 7, 2007, the court granted a motion to designate the class lead plaintiff and class co-lead counsel.

 

On June 27, 2007, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which contains the same counts as the original complaint, described above, with amended factual allegations based primarily on events occurring subsequent to the original complaint and the addition of a Piedmont officer as an individual defendant.

 

On July 9, 2007, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for expedited discovery, which the plaintiff intended to use to support an anticipated motion that would seek (i) relief from the April 9, 2007 court order, (ii) to void the vote ratifying the Internalization transaction, and (iii) to preliminarily enjoin Piedmont from listing its shares on a national exchange.

 

On August 13, 2007, the defendants moved to dismiss the lawsuit. The motion has been fully briefed and awaits decision by the court.

 

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Piedmont believes that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend this action. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time; however, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist.

 

Washtenaw County Employees Retirement System v. Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., et al.

 

On October 25, 2007, the same stockholder mentioned above filed a second purported class action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against us and our board of directors. The complaint attempts to assert class action claims on behalf of (i) those persons who were entitled to tender their shares pursuant to the tender offer filed with the SEC by Lex-Win Acquisition LLC on May 25, 2007, and (ii) all persons who are entitled to vote on the proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 16, 2007.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws, including Sections 14(a) and 14(e) of the Exchange Act and Rules 14a-9 and 14e-2(b) promulgated thereunder. In addition, the complaint alleges that defendants have also breached their fiduciary duties owed to the proposed classes.

 

On December 26, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion seeking that the court designate it as lead plaintiff and its counsel as class lead counsel. As of the date of this filing, the court has not ruled on this motion.

 

As of the date of this filing, the time for responding to the complaint has not yet passed. Piedmont believes that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend this action. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time; however, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist.

 

Donald and Donna Goldstein, Derivatively on behalf of Nominal Defendant Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. v. Leo F. Wells, III, et al. (dismissed on March 13, 2008)

 

On August 24, 2007, two of our stockholders filed a putative shareholder derivative complaint in the Superior Court of Fulton County, State of Georgia, on behalf of us against, among others, one of our previous advisors, and a number of our current and former officers and directors.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that the consideration paid as part of the Internalization of our previous advisors was excessive; (ii) that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to us; and (iii) that the Internalization transaction unjustly enriched the defendants.

 

The complaint seeks, among other things, (i) a judgment declaring that the defendants have committed breaches of their fiduciary duties and were unjustly enriched at the expense of us; (ii) monetary damages equal to the amount by which we have been damaged by the defendants; (iii) an order awarding us restitution from the defendants and ordering disgorgement of all profits and benefits obtained by the defendants from their wrongful conduct and fiduciary breaches; (iv) an order directing the defendants to respond in good faith to offers which are in the best interest of us and our stockholders and to establish a committee of independent directors or an independent third party to evaluate strategic alternatives and potential offers for us, and to take steps to maximize our and the stockholders’ value; (v) an order directing the defendants to disclose all material information to our stockholders with respect to the Internalization transaction and all offers to purchase us and to adopt and implement a procedure or process to obtain the highest possible price for the stockholders; (vi) an order rescinding, to the extent already implemented, the Internalization transaction; (vii) the establishment of a constructive trust upon any benefits improperly received by the defendants as a result of their wrongful conduct; and (viii) an award to the plaintiffs of costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees.

 

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On October 24, 2007, the court entered an order staying discovery until further order of the court. On October 26, 2007, the lawsuit was transferred to the Business Case Division of the Fulton County Superior Court. On October 31, 2007, we moved to dismiss this lawsuit.

 

After a status conference on November 15, 2007, the court amended the order staying discovery and ruled that the plaintiffs could engage in limited, written, fact discovery regarding the Demand Review Committee of our board of directors’ actions with regard to the plaintiffs’ demand upon Piedmont. We have responded to the limited discovery requested by the plaintiff.

 

On January 10, 2008, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which contains substantially the same counts against the same defendants as the original complaint with certain additional factual allegations based primarily on events occurring after the original complaint was filed. In addition, the plaintiffs have responded to our motion to dismiss this lawsuit. A hearing on the motion to dismiss was held on February 22, 2008.

 

On March 13, 2008, the court granted the motion to dismiss this complaint.

 

Other Legal Matters

 

We are from time to time a party to other legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of its business. None of these ordinary course legal proceedings are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on results of operations or financial condition. We are not aware of any such legal proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities. In addition, no legal proceedings were terminated during the fourth quarter of 2007.

 

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

 

  (a) On December 13, 2007, we held the annual meeting of stockholders in Norcross, Georgia.

 

  (b) Our stockholders elected the following individuals to our board of directors: W. Wayne Woody; Michael R. Buchanan; Wesley E. Cantrell; William H. Keogler, Jr.; Donald S. Moss; Donald A. Miller, CFA.

 

  (c) Our stockholders also voted on the following proposals:

 

  1) election of six directors to hold office for one-year terms expiring in 2008 (the “Election of Directors Proposal”);

 

  2) amendment of Piedmont’s charter to extend the date by which Piedmont must begin an orderly process of liquidation if Piedmont has not listed its common shares on a national securities exchange from January 30, 2008 to July 30, 2009, and in the board of directors’ discretion, to further extend the Liquidation Date from July 30, 2009 to January 30, 2011 (the “Extension Proposal”); and

 

  3) approval of an adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting, including if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposals outlined above, if there was not sufficient votes for either of the proposals (the “Additional Solicitation of Proxies Proposal”).

 

28


Name

   Number of
Shares

Voted For
   % of
Shares Cast
    Number of
Shares
Withheld
   % of
Shares Cast
 

Election of Directors Proposal:

          

W. Wayne Woody

   346,865,205    93.7 %   23,457,127    6.3 %

Michael R. Buchanan

   346,974,484    93.6 %   23,347,848    6.4 %

Wesley E. Cantrell

   346,769,510    93.7 %   23,552,822    6.3 %

William H. Keogler, Jr.

   346,925,307    93.7 %   23,397,025    6.3 %

Donald S. Moss

   346,711,763    93.6 %   23,471,880    6.4 %

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   346,850,452    93.7 %   23,024,536    6.3 %

 

Name

   Number of
Shares

Voted For
   % of
Shares Cast
    Number of
Shares
Voted
Against
   % of
Shares Cast
    Number of
Shares
Abstained
   % of
Shares Cast
 

Extension Proposal

   290,304,027    78.4 %   72,031,384    19.5 %   7,986,921    2.2 %

Additional Solicitation of Proxies Proposal

   286,397,269    77.3 %   73,234,132    19.8 %   10,690,931    2.9 %

 

29


PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Overview

 

As of February 29 2008, we had approximately 481.7 million shares of common stock outstanding held by a total of approximately 105,000 stockholders. The number of stockholders is based on the records of our registrar and transfer agent. Under our articles of incorporation, certain restrictions are imposed on the ownership and transfer of shares.

 

We prepare annual statements of estimated net asset value of our common stock to assist fiduciaries of retirement plans subject to the annual reporting requirements of ERISA in the preparation of their reports relating to investments in our common shares. We recently performed a valuation as of December 31, 2007 for this purpose. As a result of this valuation, on March 25, 2008, our board determined that the estimated net asset value of our shares of common stock for this purpose was $8.70 per share, based primarily on (1) the appraised value of our real estate assets as of December 31, 2007, and (2) consideration of the value of our other assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2007.

 

This estimated net asset value per share is only an estimate, and is based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which may not be accurate or complete. There were no liquidity discounts applied to this estimated valuation. Further, this should not be viewed as the amount you would receive in the event that we were to list our shares in the future, to liquidate our assets and distribute the proceeds from such transaction to our stockholders or to complete a strategic transaction such as a sale of Piedmont. An investment in shares of Piedmont is illiquid because there is no current public market for the shares and, therefore, it can be difficult to sell the shares. Further, real estate markets fluctuate, and real estate values can decline in the future. For these reasons, you should not assume that you will be able to obtain this estimated share value for your shares, either currently or at any time in the future.

 

As our stock is currently not listed on a national exchange, there is no established public trading market for our stock. Consequently, there is the risk that you may not be able to sell our stock at a time or price acceptable to you. Our board has authorized a share redemption program for investors who have held their shares for more than one year, subject to the limitations of that program. However, there can be no assurance that you will be able to redeem your shares under the share redemption program. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors. – Our stockholders are limited in their ability to sell their shares pursuant to our share redemption program.”

 

30


Distributions

 

We intend to make distributions each taxable year (not including a return of capital for federal income tax purposes) equal to at least 90% of our taxable income. We intend to pay regular quarterly dividend distributions to our stockholders. Dividends will be made to those stockholders who are stockholders as of the dividend record dates.

 

Quarterly dividend distributions paid to our stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are presented below:

 

     2007  
     First    Second    Third    Fourth    Total    % of Total
Distribution
 

Total cash distributed

   $ 68,344    $ 70,972    $ 71,613    $ 72,267    $ 283,196   

Per-share investment income

   $ 0.0815    $ 0.0815    $ 0.0815    $ 0.0815    $ 0.3260    56 %

Per-share return of capital

   $ 0.0534    $ 0.0534    $ 0.0534    $ 0.0534    $ 0.2136    36 %

Per-share capital gains

   $ 0.0118    $ 0.0118    $ 0.0118    $ 0.0118    $ 0.0472    8 %
                                         

Total per-share distribution

   $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.5868    100 %
                                         

 

     2006  
     First    Second    Third    Fourth    Total    % of Total
Distribution
 

Total cash distributed

   $ 67,439    $ 67,264    $ 67,153    $ 67,719    $ 269,575   

Per-share investment income

   $ 0.0970    $ 0.0970    $ 0.0970    $ 0.0970    $ 0.3880    66 %

Per-share return of capital

   $ 0.0373    $ 0.0373    $ 0.0373    $ 0.0373    $ 0.1492    25 %

Per-share capital gains

   $ 0.0124    $ 0.0124    $ 0.0124    $ 0.0124    $ 0.0496    9 %
                                         

Total per-share distribution

   $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.5868    100 %
                                         

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Effective April 16, 2007, our board of directors suspended the Director Option Plan and the Director Warrant Plan. Outstanding awards will continue to be governed by the terms of those plans; however, all future awards will be made under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 

Plan category

   Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
    Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
   Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance

under equity
compensation plans

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   34,619 (1)   $ 12.00        —    

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —         —          —    
                 

Total

   34,619     $ 12.00        —    
                 

(1)

Effective March 25, 2008, the Director Warrant Plan was terminated, and all outstanding warrants (3,619) were cancelled.

 

Redemptions of Common Stock

 

Our board of directors has adopted a share redemption program, as announced in December 1999 and as subsequently amended from time to time, which provides stockholders with the opportunity to have their shares redeemed after they have held them for a period of one year for a purchase price equal to the lesser of (1) $10 per share, or (2) the purchase price per share that they actually paid for their shares of the Company, less in both instances any amounts previously distributed to them attributable to special distributions of net sales proceeds

 

31


from the sale of our properties (currently $1.62 per share). Redemptions under the program are currently limited as follows: (1) during any calendar year, we will not redeem in excess of 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year; and (2) in no event shall the aggregate amount of redemptions under our share redemption program exceed aggregate proceeds received from the sale of shares pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, we redeemed shares pursuant to our share redemption program (in thousands, except per-share data) as follows:

 

Period

  Total
Number of
Shares

Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
  Maximum Approximate
Dollar Value of Shares
Available that May
Yet Be Redeemed
Under the Program
 

October 1 2007 to October 31, 2007

  —       —     —     $ 140,964  

November 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007

  —       —     —     $ 140,964  

December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007

  7,974   $ 8.38   7,974   $ 74,142 (1)

 

(1)

The maximum dollar amount remaining as of December 31, 2007 for redemptions pursuant to our share redemption program in future periods is approximately $166.9 million, as life-to-date redemptions may not exceed life-to-date proceeds received under our dividend reinvestment plan. However, due to additional program restrictions, the pool of shares available for all redemptions in each calendar year (including ordinary, redemptions upon death, and required minimum distribution redemptions) is recalculated on January 1st of each year. As a result of this annual calculation, the total shares available for redemptions during the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 will be approximately 24.1 million shares.

 

32


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following sets forth a summary of our selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003 (in thousands except for per-share data). Our selected financial data is prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), except as noted below.

 

     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  

Statement of Income Data(1):

          

Total revenues(1)

   $ 593,249     $ 571,363     $ 559,818     $ 543,708     $ 314,964  

Property operating costs

     212,178       197,511       187,230       173,649       100,357  

Asset and property management fees—related-party and other

     12,674       29,401       27,286       23,168       11,878  

Depreciation and amortization

     170,872       163,572       150,138       138,975       94,855  

General and administrative expenses

     29,116       18,446       17,941       18,003       9,027  

Income from continuing operations(1)

   $ 112,062     $ 96,870     $ 131,766     $ 157,697     $ 91,227  

Cash Flows:

          

Cash flows from operations

   $ 282,527     $ 278,948     $ 270,887     $ 328,753     $ 237,238  

Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities

   $ (71,157 )   $ (188,400 )   $ 691,690     $ (253,342 )   $ (2,208,437 )

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities

   $ (190,485 )   $ (95,390 )   $ (953,273 )(3)   $ (89,009 )   $ 1,979,216  

Dividends paid

   $ (283,196 )   $ (269,575 )   $ (286,643 )   $ (326,372 )   $ (219,121 )

Per-Share Data:

          

Per weighted-average common share data:

          

Income from continuing operations per share—basic

   $ 0.23     $ 0.21     $ 0.29     $ 0.34     $ 0.28  

Income from continuing operations per share—diluted

   $ 0.23     $ 0.21     $ 0.29     $ 0.34     $ 0.28  

Dividends declared

   $ 0.5868     $ 0.5868     $ 0.6151     $ 0.7000     $ 0.7000  

Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic

     482,093       461,693       466,285       466,061       324,092  

Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted

     482,267       461,693       466,285       466,061       324,092  

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

          

Total assets

   $ 4,579,746     $ 4,450,690     $ 4,398,350     $ 5,123,689     $ 4,925,292  

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,880,445     $ 2,850,697     $ 2,989,147     $ 3,699,600     $ 3,962,406  

Outstanding debt

   $ 1,301,530     $ 1,243,203     $ 1,036,312     $ 890,182     $ 612,514  

Outstanding long-term debt

   $ 1,267,099     $ 1,125,295     $ 1,012,654     $ 888,622     $ 500,167  

Obligations under capital leases

     —         —         —       $ 64,500     $ 64,500  

Funds from Operations Data(2):

          

Net Income

   $ 133,610     $ 133,324     $ 329,135     $ 209,722     $ 120,685  

Add:

          

Depreciation of real estate assets—wholly owned properties

     95,081       95,296       91,713       97,425       107,012  

Depreciation of real estate assets—unconsolidated partnerships

     1,440       1,449       1,544       2,918       3,399  

Amortization of lease costs—wholly owned properties

     76,143       72,561       67,115       65,314       9,325  

Amortization of lease costs—unconsolidated partnerships

     1,089       1,103       1,232       1,242       331  

Subtract:

          

Gain on sale—wholly owned properties

     (20,680 )     (27,922 )     (177,678 )     (11,489 )     —    

(Gain) loss on sale—unconsolidated partnerships

     (1,129 )     5       (11,941 )     (1,842 )     165  
                                        

Funds from operations(2)

   $ 285,554     $ 275,816     $ 301,120 (4)   $ 363,290     $ 240,917  

 

33


(1)

Prior period amounts have been adjusted to conform with the current period presentation, including classifying revenues from sold properties as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

(2)

Although net income calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) is the starting point for calculating FFO, FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be viewed as an alternative measurement of our operating performance to net income. We believe that FFO is a beneficial indicator of the performance of an equity REIT. Specifically, FFO calculations exclude factors such as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gains or losses from sales of operating real estate assets. As such factors can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates, FFO may provide a valuable comparison of operating performance between periods and with other REITs. Management believes that accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered the presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, together with the required GAAP presentation, provides a more complete understanding of our performance relative to our competitors and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities. We calculate FFO in accordance with the current National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) definition. NAREIT currently defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization on real estate assets, and after the same adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. However, other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do.

(3)

Includes special distribution of net sales proceeds from the April 2005 27-property disposition of approximately $748.5 million.

(4)

In April 2005, we disposed of 27 properties.

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Part I of this report and “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A. of this report.

 

Overview

 

We are a real estate investment company engaged in the investment and management of commercial real estate located throughout the United States. We operate as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes.

 

Since our formation in 1997, we have completed four public offerings of common stock. Combined with our dividend reinvestment plan, these offerings have raised approximately $5.5 billion in total offering proceeds. The proceeds from these sales of common stock, net of offering costs and other expenses, were used primarily to fund the acquisition of real estate properties and certain capital expenditures identified at the time of acquisition. Our most recent public offering closed in July 2004. Accordingly, our only current sources of capital are (i) cash generated from operations, (ii) proceeds from the sale of shares issued under our dividend reinvestment plan, (iii) borrowings under our existing $500 Million Unsecured Facility or future debt facilities, and (iv) proceeds from selective dispositions.

 

As of December 31, 2007, we owned and operated 83 properties, directly or through joint ventures, which comprise approximately 21.2 million square feet and are located in 23 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2007, the properties in our portfolio were approximately 94% leased.

 

34


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in our Form 10-K, other than historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend for all such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as applicable by law. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies, and prospects and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, as well as known and unknown risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Therefore, such statements are not intended to be a guarantee of our performance in future periods. Such forward-looking statements can generally be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” or other similar words. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this report is filed with the SEC. We make no representations or warranties (express or implied) about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K, and we do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Any such forward-looking statements are subject to unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors and are based on a number of assumptions involving judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, and market conditions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately. To the extent that our assumptions differ from actual results, our ability to meet such forward-looking statements, including our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations, provide dividends to stockholders, and maintain the value of our real estate properties, may be significantly hindered. Item 1A. sets forth certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

On August 31, 2007, we entered into the $500 Million Unsecured Facility, which is expandable up to $1.0 billion with consent of the applicable lender. As of December 31, 2007, there was $89.0 million outstanding on the $500 Million Unsecured Facility, along with outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $5.4 million and, accordingly, approximately $405.6 million was available for future borrowing.

 

We intend to use cash flows generated from operation of our properties, proceeds from our dividend reinvestment plan, and our $500 Million Unsecured Facility as our primary sources of immediate and long-term liquidity. In addition, we expect distributions from our existing unconsolidated joint ventures, proceeds from potential additional joint ventures and selective dispositions of properties, and other financing opportunities afforded to us by our relatively low leverage and quality asset base to provide additional sources of funds.

 

We had anticipated an additional source of funding in 2007 from our listing on a national exchange as well as a concurrent $300 million equity offering, as evidenced by the filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-11 dated May 23, 2007. However, the disruption in both the equity and debt markets during the second half of 2007 led to a postponement of the offering in September 2007.

 

We anticipate that our primary future capital requirements will include, but not be limited to, making scheduled debt service payments, and funding renovations, expansions, and other significant capital improvements for our existing portfolio of properties, as well as the acquisition of additional properties or real estate-related investments. Over the next few years, we anticipate funding significant capital expenditures for the properties currently in our portfolio. These expenditures include specifically identified building improvement projects (including amounts set forth in the Contractual Commitments and Contingencies table below), as well as projected amounts for tenant improvements and leasing commissions related to projected re-leasing, which are subject to change as market and tenant conditions dictate.

 

35


In addition, we currently expect to use a substantial portion of our future net cash flows generated from operations to pay dividends and fund share redemption requests pursuant to our share redemption program.

 

The amount of future dividends to be paid to our stockholders will continue to be largely dependent upon (i) the amount of cash generated from our operating activities, (ii) our expectations of future cash flows, and (iii) our determination of near-term cash needs for acquisitions of new properties, capital improvements, tenant re-leasing, debt repayments, existing or future share redemptions or repurchases, and potential establishment of additional reserves for future capital improvements. Our cash flows from operations depend significantly on market rents and the ability of our tenants to make rental payments. While we believe the diversity and high credit quality of our tenants helps mitigate the risk of a significant interruption of our cash flows from operations, a general economic downturn or downturn in one of our core markets could adversely impact our operating cash flows. As our primary focus is to continue to maintain the quality of our portfolio, we may opt to lower the dividend rather than compromise quality or accumulate significant borrowings to meet a dividend level higher than operating cash flow would support. Due to differences in the timing of cash receipts and cash payments for operations, we may periodically borrow funds on a short-term basis to pay dividends.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, we generated approximately $282.5 million of cash flows from operating activities, approximately $79.8 million from the sale of certain properties, and approximately $206.3 million from combined net borrowing activities and the issuance of common stock pursuant to our dividend reinvestment program. From such cash flows and cash on hand, we (i) paid dividends to stockholders of approximately $283.2 million; (ii) funded capital expenditures, the purchase of the 2300 Cabot Drive Building and the Piedmont Pointe I Building, and deferred leasing costs totaling approximately $146.4 million; and (iii) redeemed approximately $113.6 million of common stock pursuant to our share redemption program.

 

Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

As of December 31, 2007, we owned interests in 83 real estate properties that were approximately 94% leased. Our income from continuing operations increased from 2006 to 2007 primarily due to the accretive impact of the Internalization, the full year impact of a significant property acquired in the second half of 2006, the inclusion of an impairment loss in 2006 results, which did not recur in 2007, offset by an increase in non-recurring early lease termination expense from the Cingular Wireless lease termination at the Glenridge Highlands II Building. Our income from continuing operations decreased from 2005 to 2006 primarily due to an increase in interest expense and a decrease in equity in income of joint ventures due to non-recurring gains recognized on the sale of five properties owned through unconsolidated joint ventures in 2005.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, income from discontinued operations includes the results of operations related to two wholly owned properties sold in 2007, three wholly owned properties sold in 2006, and 23 wholly owned properties sold in connection with the April 2005 27-property sale.

 

36


Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2007 vs. the year ended December 31, 2006

 

The following table sets forth selected data from our consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as well as each balance as a percentage of the sum of rental income and tenant reimbursements for the years presented (dollars in millions):

 

     December 31,
2007
    %     December 31,
2006
    %     $ Change  

Revenue:

          

Rental income

   $ 441.8       $ 430.9       10.9  

Tenant reimbursements

   $ 142.6       $ 130.9       11.7  
                          

Total rental income and tenant reimbursements

   $ 584.4     100 %   $ 561.8     100 %   22.6  

Property management fee revenue

   $ 2.0     0 %   $ —       0 %   2.0  

Other rental income

   $ 6.8     1 %   $ 9.6     2 %   (2.8 )

Expense:

          

Property operating costs

   $ 212.2     36 %   $ 197.5     35 %   (14.7 )

Asset and property management fees (related - party and other)

   $ 12.7     2 %   $ 29.4     5 %   16.7  

Depreciation

   $ 94.8     16 %   $ 92.4     16 %   (2.4 )

Amortization

   $ 76.1     13 %   $ 71.2     13 %   (4.9 )

Casualty and impairment losses

   $ —       0 %   $ 7.8     1 %   7.8  

General and administrative expense

   $ 29.1     5 %   $ 18.4     3 %   (10.7 )

Other income (expense)

          

Interest expense

   $ (63.9 )   11 %   $ (61.3 )   11 %   (2.6 )

Interest and other income

   $ 4.6     1 %   $ 2.5     0 %   2.1  

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

   $ 3.8     1 %   $ 2.2     0 %   1.6  

Loss on extinquishment of debt

   $ (0.2 )   0 %   $ —       0 %   (0.2 )

 

Continuing Operations

 

Rental income and tenant reimbursements increased from approximately $430.9 million and $130.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006 to approximately $441.8 million and $142.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase in rental income and tenant reimbursements of approximately $10.9 and $11.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year is primarily due to a full year’s operations of properties acquired in the latter half of 2006, offset by accelerated straight line rent recognition related to Cingular’s exercise of an early termination option in 2007. Rental income and tenant reimbursements are expected to increase in future periods, as compared to prior periods, as a result of new leases executed during 2007, which become effective during future periods.

 

Property management fee revenue, which includes both fee revenue and salary reimbursements, was approximately $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as a result of our managing properties owned by other entities sponsored by our former advisor. We entered into these property management agreements in connection with the closing of the Internalization. We had no such property management fee revenue in 2006. Such income may decrease in future periods in the event that our former advisor was to make other arrangements for the management of these properties. (See Note 14 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a description of the terms of this agreement.)

 

Other rental income decreased approximately $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year. The decrease is primarily comprised of income recognized for lease terminations and restructurings. Unlike the majority of our rental income, which is recognized ratably over long-term contracts, other rental income is recognized once we have completed our obligation to provide space to the tenant. Other rental income for 2006 relates primarily to leases terminated at the 6011 Connection Drive Building, the Crescent Ridge II Building, and the 3750 Brookside Parkway Building. Other rental income for 2007 relates primarily to

 

37


leases terminated at the Motorola Building, the Nestle Building, and the Nike Rhein Building. We anticipate recognizing additional other rental income of approximately $7.4 million in 2008 related to 2007 terminations at the Glenridge Highland II Building (approximately $3.7 million), at the 90 Central Street Building (approximately $3.3 million), and at the 3750 Brookside Parkway Building (approximately $0.4 million) when our obligation to provide space to the respective tenants ends.

 

Property operating costs increased approximately $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in certain reimbursable expenses, including utilities, property taxes, and tenant-requested services, and additional costs related to properties acquired or developed during those periods. Property operating costs are expected to increase in future periods as a result of expenses incurred for a full period from the properties acquired and placed into service during 2007.

 

Asset and property management fees decreased approximately $16.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to the fact that we are no longer subject to certain related-party service contracts as a result of the Internalization transaction, which took place on April 16, 2007 (see Note 14 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements). We expect asset and property management fees to decrease as we recognize a full year’s benefit of Internalization.

 

Depreciation expense increased approximately $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to incurring additional depreciation for properties acquired or developed and placed into service during those periods. Depending on the level of net investment activity, we expect future depreciation expense to increase as a result of recognizing expense on properties acquired in 2007 for a full period in 2008.

 

Amortization expense increased approximately $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily due to higher charges to amortization during the current year in order to adjust intangible lease assets and deferred lease costs associated with lease terminations and restructurings to their net realizable value. The largest of these charges related to a lease termination at the Glenridge Highland II Building (mentioned above). Future amortization related to terminations and restructurings will be dependent upon the volume and terms of such future transactions.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recognized an impairment loss of approximately $7.6 million to reduce the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building to its estimated fair value. (See Note 5 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements). We recorded no such impairment charges in 2007.

 

General and administrative expenses increased approximately $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year. Substantially all of the increase is related to personnel, legal, and professional costs associated with the Internalization transaction (see Note 14 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements). Prior to Internalization, we had no employees. On April 16, 2007, we terminated our external advisory agreements and acquired our own staff and internal management. We had 98 employees as of December 31, 2007 and personnel costs totaling approximately $11.0 million for the period from Internalization through year-end. Personnel costs are expected to increase in 2008 as compared to the previous year as we experience our first full year as a self-advised company. General and administrative costs also included non-salary costs such as legal fees and other professional fees related to tender offer responses, derivative claim litigation, preliminary offering costs. and communications regarding our corporate name change.

 

Interest expense increased approximately $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in the average amount of borrowings outstanding during 2007, as compared to 2006. We expect levels of interest expense to increase in future periods as we draw on our $500 Million Unsecured Facility. However, we believe such draws would primarily be used to fund redemptions pursuant to our share redemption program and new net investment activity, including capital expenditures at our existing properties.

 

38


Interest and other income increased approximately $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year. This increase relates primarily to a reimbursement received from our former advisor for a $1.3 million property management termination expense, which was included in asset and property management fees in 2007.

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures increased approximately $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of the gain on the sale of the 111 Southchase Boulevard Building owned by one of our unconsolidated joint ventures. We expect equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures to fluctuate in the near term based on the timing and extent to which dispositions occur as our unconsolidated joint ventures approach their stated dissolution period.

 

Income from continuing operations per share on a fully diluted basis increased from $0.21 per share for the year ended December 31, 2006 to $0.23 per share for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase is mainly due to the positive effects of the Internalization, an increase in operating income generated through acquisitions during the second half of 2006 and in 2007, and the lack of an additional impairment charge recognized in 2007 as compared to prior year.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”), we have classified the operations of properties sold as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations was approximately $36.5 million and $21.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively. These amounts consist of operations in 2006 from five of our properties, the IRS Daycare Building, the Northrop Grumman Building, the Frank Russell Building, the Citigroup Fort Mill Building, and the Videojet Technology Building, whereas 2007 operations consist of operations from two of our properties, the Citigroup Fort Mill Building and the Videojet Technology Building. Income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 includes the gain on the sale of the Citigroup Fort Mill Building and the Videojet Technology Building, which were both sold in March 2007. The net proceeds from these sales were used to retire the mortgage note secured by the 1075 West Entrance Building and a portion of borrowings outstanding under our lines of credit. We do not expect that income from discontinued operations will be comparable to future periods, as such income is subject to the timing and existence of future property dispositions.

 

39


Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2006 vs. the year ended December 31, 2005

 

The following table sets forth selected data from our consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as well as each balance as a percentage of the sum of rental income and tenant reimbursements for the years presented (dollars in millions):

 

     December 31,
2006
    %     December 31,
2005
    %     $ Change  

Revenue:

          

Rental income

   $ 430.9       $ 426.6       4.3  

Tenant reimbursements

   $ 130.9       $ 128.3       2.6  
                          

Total rental income and tenant reimbursements

   $ 561.8     100 %   $ 554.9     100 %   6.9  

Other rental income

   $ 9.6     2 %   $ 4.9     1 %   4.7  

Expense:

          

Property operating costs

   $ 197.5     35 %   $ 187.2     34 %   (10.3 )

Asset and property management fees (related - party and other)

   $ 29.4     5 %   $ 27.3     5 %   (2.1 )

Depreciation

   $ 92.4     16 %   $ 86.3     16 %   (6.1 )

Amortization

   $ 71.2     13 %   $ 63.9     12 %   (7.3 )

Casualty and impairment losses

   $ 7.8     1 %   $ 16.1     3 %   8.3  

General and administrative expense

   $ 18.4     3 %   $ 17.9     3 %   (0.5 )

Other income (expense)

          

Interest expense

   $ (61.3 )   11 %   $ (49.3 )   9 %   (12.0 )

Interest and other income

   $ 2.5     0 %   $ 5.8     1 %   (3.3 )

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

   $ 2.2     0 %   $ 14.8     3 %   (12.6 )

 

Continuing Operations

 

Rental income and tenant reimbursements increased from approximately $426.6 million and $128.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2005 to approximately $430.9 million and $130.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in rental income and tenant reimbursements of $4.3 and $2.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year, is primarily due to newly acquired properties and developed properties placed into service during the periods. Tenant reimbursements increased at a slightly faster rate than rental income, primarily due to the additional increase in recoverable property operating costs, as described below, that are reimbursable by tenants under the terms of the related leases.

 

Other rental income increased approximately $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily comprised of income recognized for lease terminations and restructurings. Unlike the majority of our rental income, which is recognized ratably over long-term contracts, other rental income is recognized once we’ve completed our obligation to provide space to the tenant. Other rental income for 2006 relates primarily to leases terminated at the 6011 Connection Drive Building, the Crescent Ridge II Building, and the 3750 Brookside Parkway Building.

 

Property operating costs increased approximately $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in certain reimbursable expenses, including utilities, property taxes, and tenant-requested services, and additional costs related to properties acquired or developed during those periods.

 

Asset and property management fees increased approximately $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year. This increase is due to an increase in the asset management fees calculated under the asset management agreement in place with our former advisor prior to Internalization in April 2007.

 

40


Depreciation increased approximately $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to incurring additional depreciation for properties acquired or developed and placed into service during those periods.

 

Amortization increased approximately $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of recognizing write-offs of unamortized deferred lease costs related to terminations or restructurings at the 35 W. Wacker Building, the Motorola Building, and the Nike Rhein Building of approximately $4.2 million, and recognition of additional amortization of intangible lease assets related to properties acquired in 2005 for a full period in 2006.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recognized an impairment loss of approximately $16.1 million as a result of reducing the intended holding period for the 5000 Corporate Court Building. The decision to reduce the holding period was prompted by the loss of a prospective replacement tenant during the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and a reassessment of leasing assumptions for this building, which entailed, among other things, evaluating market rents, leasing costs, and the downtime necessary to complete the necessary re-leasing activities. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recognized an additional impairment loss of approximately $7.6 million on this property. We considered the results of exploratory marketing of the 5000 Corporate Court Building. Based on the results of such exploratory marketing and a reduction in the intended hold period, we determined that the carrying value of the real estate and intangible assets was not recoverable under the provisions of SFAS 144. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets to reduce the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building to its estimated fair value based on offers received in connection with such marketing efforts (See Note 5 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements).

 

Interest expense increased approximately $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in the average amount of borrowings outstanding and, to a lesser extent, average interest rates during 2006.

 

Interest and other income decreased approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year. The majority of this decrease is due to having higher average cash balances during 2005 as a result of holding net proceeds from the sale of 23 wholly owned properties included in the April 2005 27-property sale from April 13, 2005, until the majority of such proceeds was distributed to stockholders on June 14, 2005.

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures decreased approximately $12.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of recognizing gains on five properties owned through joint ventures and sold in 2005, as compared to recognizing a loss on one property owned through a joint venture and sold in 2006.

 

Income from continuing operations decreased from $0.29 per share for the year ended December 31, 2005 to $0.21 per share for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of an increase in interest expense related to new borrowings and higher average interest rates and a decrease in equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures due to non-recurring gains recognized on the sale of five properties owned through joint ventures in 2005.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”), we have classified the operations of properties sold as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations decreased from approximately $197.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 to approximately $36.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to non-recurring gains recognized on the sale of 23 wholly owned properties included in the April 2005 27-property sale.

 

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Funds From Operations

 

FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be viewed as an alternative measurement of our operating performance to net income. We believe that FFO is a beneficial indicator of the performance of an equity REIT. Specifically, FFO calculations may be helpful to investors as a starting point in measuring our operating performance, because they exclude factors that do not relate to, or are not indicative of, our operating performance, such as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gains or losses from sales of operating real estate assets. As such factors can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates, FFO may provide a valuable comparison of operating performance between periods and with other REITs. Management believes that accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered the presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, together with the required GAAP presentation, provides a more complete understanding of our performance relative to our competitors and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities. We calculate FFO in accordance with the current NAREIT definition, which defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization on real estate assets, and after the same adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. However, other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do; therefore, our computation of FFO may not be comparable to such other REITs.

 

As presented below, FFO is adjusted to exclude the impact of certain noncash items, such as depreciation, amortization, and gains on the sale of real estate assets. However, FFO is not adjusted to exclude the impact of impairment losses or certain other noncash charges to earnings. Reconciliations of net income to FFO are presented below (in thousands):

 

     2007     Per
share*
    2006     Per
share*
    2005     Per
share*
 

Net income

   $ 133,610     $ .28     $ 133,324     $ .29     $ 329,135     $ .71  

Add:

            

Depreciation of real assets—wholly owned properties

     95,081       .20       95,296       .21       91,713       .20  

Depreciation of real assets—unconsolidated partnerships

     1,440       —         1,449       —         1,544       —    

Amortization of lease-related costs—wholly owned properties

     76,143       .15       72,561       .16       67,115       .14  

Amortization of lease-related costs—unconsolidated partnerships

     1,089       —         1,103       —         1,232       —    

Subtract:

            

Gain on sale—wholly owned properties

     (20,680 )     (.04 )     (27,922 )     (.06 )     (177,678 )     (.38 )

(Gain) loss on sale—unconsolidated partnerships

     (1,129 )     —         5       —         (11,941 )     (.02 )
                                                

FFO

   $ 285,554     $ .59     $ 275,816     $ .60     $ 301,120     $ .65  
                                                

Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted

     482,267         461,693         466,285    
                              

 

* Based on weighted-average shares outstanding- diluted.

 

Set forth below is additional information related to certain significant cash and noncash items included in or excluded from net income above, which may be helpful in assessing our operating results. In addition, cash flows

 

42


generated from FFO may be used to fund all or a portion of certain capitalizable items that are excluded from FFO, such as capitalized interest, tenant improvements, building improvements, and deferred lease costs. Please see our accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows for details of our operating, investing, and financing cash activities.

 

Noncash Items included in Net Income

 

   

In accordance with the definition provided by NAREIT, nonrecurring charges not classified as extraordinary items should be included in the calculation of FFO. Impairment charges of approximately $0, $7.6 million, and $16.1 million were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 respectively;

 

   

In accordance with GAAP, we recognized straight-line rental revenue and adjustments to straight-line receivables as a result of lease terminations of approximately $7.8 million, $12.2 million, and $18.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively;

 

   

Amortization of deferred financing costs of approximately $2.1 million, $1.8 million, and $1.8 million was recognized as interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively;

 

   

A loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.2 million was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2007;

 

   

Amortization of above-market/below-market in-place leases and lease incentives were recorded as net increases to rental income of approximately $0.5 million, $1.6 million, and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively; and

 

   

The noncash portion of compensation expense related to shares issued under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan recorded as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income totaled approximately $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Cash Item Excluded from Net Income:

 

   

Master lease payments under various lease arrangements are not reflected in our net income. Such payments of approximately $1.0 million were received for the year ended December 31, 2006 related to a property acquired during the first quarter 2006. No master lease proceeds or agreements existed during calendar year 2007 or 2005. Master lease proceeds are recorded as an adjustment to the basis of real estate assets during the period acquired and, accordingly, are not included in net income or FFO. We consider master lease proceeds when determining cash available for dividends to our stockholders.

 

Election as a REIT

 

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and have operated as such beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our adjusted REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and by excluding net capital gains attributable to our stockholders, as defined by the Code. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we may be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income for that year and for the four years following the year during which qualification is lost and/or penalties, unless the IRS grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to our stockholders. However, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT and intend to continue to operate in the foreseeable future in such a manner that we will

 

43


remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In April 2007, we created Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc. (“Piedmont Sub”), formerly known as Wells REIT Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Piedmont. We have elected to treat Piedmont Sub as a TRS. We may perform non-customary services for tenants of buildings that we own, including any real estate or non-real estate related-services; however, any earnings related to such services are subject to federal and state income taxes. In addition, for us to continue to qualify as a REIT, our investments in TRSs cannot exceed 20% of the value of our total assets. Except for holding 20,000 limited partnership units in Piedmont OP, our operating partnership, Piedmont Sub, had no operations for the 12 months ended December 31, 2007.

 

No provision for federal income taxes has been made in our accompanying consolidated financial statements, as we had no operations subject to such treatment, and we made distributions in excess of taxable income for the periods presented. We are subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Inflation

 

We are exposed to inflation risk, as income from long-term leases is the primary source of our cash flows from operations. There are provisions in the majority of our tenant leases that are intended to protect us from, and mitigate the risk of, the impact of inflation. These provisions include rent steps, reimbursement billings for operating expense pass-through charges, real estate tax, and insurance reimbursements on a per square-foot basis, or in some cases, annual reimbursement of operating expenses above certain per square-foot allowance. However, due to the long-term nature of the leases, the leases may not readjust their reimbursement rates frequently enough to fully cover inflation.

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our accounting policies have been established to conform with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. These judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. If our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different, it is possible that different accounting policies would have been applied, thus, resulting in a different presentation of the financial statements. Additionally, other companies may utilize different estimates that may impact comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses.

 

The critical accounting policies outlined below have been discussed with members of the audit committee of the board of directors.

 

Investment in Real Estate Assets

 

We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our depreciable assets. We consider the period of future benefit of the asset to determine the appropriate useful lives. These assessments have a direct impact on net income. The estimated useful lives of our assets by class are as follows:

 

Buildings

   40 years

Building improvements

   5-25 years

Land improvements

   20-25 years

Tenant improvements

   Shorter of economic life or lease term

Intangible lease assets

   Lease term

 

44


Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

 

Upon the acquisition of real properties, we allocate the purchase price of properties to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, based in each case on their estimated fair values.

 

The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land and building) are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and building based on management’s determination of the relative fair value of these assets. We determine the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by us in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions and other related costs. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market conditions.

 

The fair values of above-market and below-market in-place leases are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

The fair values of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated based on our consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct costs are included in deferred lease costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The value of opportunity costs is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. Customer relationships are valued based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. These lease intangibles are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

Estimates of the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets require us to estimate market lease rates, property operating expenses, carrying costs during lease-up periods, discount rates, market absorption periods, and the number of years the property is held for investment. The use of inappropriate estimates would result in an incorrect assessment of our purchase price allocations, which would impact the amount of our reported net income.

 

Valuation of Real Estate Assets

 

We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the real estate and related intangible assets, both operating properties and properties under construction, in which we have an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present which indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, we adjust the real estate and related intangible assets to the fair value and recognize an impairment loss.

 

Projections of expected future cash flows require that we estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, the number of months it

 

45


takes to re-lease the property, and the number of years the property is held for investment, among other factors. The subjectivity of assumptions used in the future cash flow analysis, including discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s fair value and, therefore, could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of our real estate and related intangible assets and our net income. We have determined that there has been no material impairment in the carrying value of real estate assets held by us or any unconsolidated joint ventures at December 31, 2007.

 

Goodwill

 

We account for our goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts specifically assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase accounting for business combinations. We test the carrying value of our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. The carrying value will be tested for impairment between annual impairment tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment loss may be recognized when the carrying amount of the acquired net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of those assets.

 

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements

 

For the period from January 1, 2005 through the closing of the Internalization transaction on April 16, 2007, Piedmont was a party to and incurred expenses under agreements with Piedmont’s former advisor and its affiliates, whereby we paid certain fees or reimbursements for asset advisory fees, acquisition and advisory fees, sales commissions, dealer-manager fees, and reimbursement of operating costs. See Note 14 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements included herein for a discussion of the various related-party transactions, agreements, and fees.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

    Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations

  Total   Less than
1 year
  1-3 years   4-5 years   More than
5 years
 

Long-term debt(1)

  $ 1,267,099   $ —     $ 632   $ 134,819   $ 1,131,648 (3)

Current maturities of long-term debt

    34,431     34,431     —       —       —    

Operating lease obligations

    64,362     563     1,193     1,259     61,347  

Tenant/building improvements and lease commission obligations(2)

    52,696     38,446     12,152     2,098     —    
                               

Total

  $ 1,418,588   $ 73,440   $ 13,977   $ 138,176   $ 1,192,995  
                               

 

(1)

Amounts include principal payments only. We made interest payments of $63.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and expect to pay interest in future periods on outstanding debt obligations based on the rates and terms disclosed herein and in Note 7 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

(2)

Includes contractual amounts we have agreed to pay as part of certain executed leases as of December 31, 2007. See Note 8 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information.

(3)

Due to a significant increase in the stated interest rate of the One Brattle Square Building Mortgage Note, we exercised an optional prepayment clause effective March 11, 2008 to fully repay this note.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

As a result of our debt facilities, we are exposed to interest rate changes. Our interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flow primarily through a

 

46


low-to-moderate level of overall borrowings. Currently, a significant portion of our debt is based on fixed interest rates to hedge against instability in the credit markets.

 

Additionally, we may enter into interest swaps or other arrangements in order to mitigate our interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. We do not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.

 

Our financial instruments consist of both fixed and variable-rate debt. As of December 31, 2007, our consolidated debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     Thereafter     Total  

Maturing debt:

              

Variable rate repayments

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 89,000     $ —       $ —       $ 89,000  

Variable rate average interest rate(1)

     —         —         —         5.41 %     —         —         —    

Fixed rate repayments

   $ 34,431     $ 295     $ 337     $ 386     $ 45,433     $ 1,131,648     $ 1,212,530  

Fixed rate average interest rate(1)

     6.45 %     13.50 %     13.50 %     13.50 %     5.28 %     5.34 %     5.26 %

 

As of December 31, 2006, our consolidated debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Thereafter     Total  

Maturing debt:

              

Variable rate repayments

   $ —       $ 38,000     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 38,000  

Variable rate average interest rate(1)

     —         6.83 %     —         —         —         —         —    

Fixed rate repayments

   $ 117,908     $ 35,258     $ 1,165     $ 1,255     $ 1,355     $ 1,048,262     $ 1,205,203  

Fixed rate average interest rate(1)

     4.43 %     6.48 %     10.05 %     10.12 %     10.19 %     5.31 %     5.16 %

 

(1)

See Note 7 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further details on our debt structure.

 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the estimated fair value of lines of credit and notes payable above was $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.

 

The variable rate debt is based on LIBOR plus a specified margin or prime as elected by us at certain intervals. An increase in the variable interest rate on the variable-rate facilities constitutes a market risk, as a change in rates would increase or decrease interest incurred and therefore cash flows available for distribution to stockholders.

 

A change in the interest rate on the fixed portion of our debt portfolio impacts the net financial instrument position but has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows.

 

As of December 31, 2007, a 1% change in interest rates would cause interest expense on our existing floating-rate debt to change by approximately $0.9 million.

 

During the current year, we entered into a $500 Million Unsecured Facility which is expandable up to $1.0 billion with consent of the applicable lender in anticipation of pursuing various growth strategies. The current stated interest rate on the $500 Million Unsecured Facility is LIBOR plus 0.475%.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The financial statements and supplementary data filed as part of this report are set forth on page F-1 of this report.

 

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

 

There were no disagreements with our independent registered public accountants during the years ended December 31, 2007 or 2006.

 

ITEM 9A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Management’s Conclusions Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer and effected by our management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of our assets;

 

   

provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and/or members of the board of directors; and

 

   

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls, material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes and conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even internal controls determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and represented within the time periods required.

 

Our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2007. To make this assessment, we used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2007, our system of internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERANCE

 

Executive Officers and Directors

 

Name

  

Position(s)

   Age   

Year First

Became a
Director or
Officer

W. Wayne Woody

   Director* and Chairman of the Board of Directors    66    2003

Michael R. Buchanan

   Director*    60    2002

Wesley E. Cantrell

   Director*    73    2007

William H. Keogler, Jr.

   Director*    62    1998

Donald S. Moss

   Director*    72    1998

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   Chief Executive Officer, President and Director    45    2007

Robert E. Bowers

   Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer    51    2007

Laura P. Moon

   Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer    37    2007

Raymond L. Owens

   Executive Vice President-Capital Markets    49    2007

Carroll A. Reddic, IV

   Executive Vice President-Real Estate Operations    42    2007

 

* Indicates that such director is considered independent under the NYSE independence standards as determined by our board of directors.

 

W. Wayne Woody has served as an independent director of our company since 2003 and he was appointed Chairman of the board of directors on May 9, 2007. He served as the Interim Chief Financial Officer for Legacy Investment Group, a boutique investment firm, from 2000 to 2001. From 1968 until his retirement in 1999, Mr. Woody was employed by KPMG LLP and its predecessor firms, Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. and Peat Marwick Main. As a Senior Partner of KPMG, he served in a number of key positions, including Securities and Exchange Commission Reviewing Partner and Partner-in-Charge of Professional Practice and Firm Risk Management for the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. Mr. Woody was also a member of the board of directors of KPMG from 1990 through 1994. Prior to joining KPMG, Mr. Woody was the Principal Budget Analyst for the State of Georgia Office of Planning and Budget, where he reviewed, analyzed and presented the Governor’s budget proposals to the state legislature. Mr. Woody is a former Chairman of the Audit Committee for the City of Atlanta. He is also a director and the former Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Woody is a former member of the board of directors for the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Heart Association. Since 2003, he has served as a director of American HomePatient, Inc., a publicly traded home health care provider, and as a trustee of the Wells Family of Real Estate Funds. In addition, he formerly served as a trustee and chairman of the Finance Committee for the Georgia State University Foundation. Mr. Woody previously served a three-year term as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Center for the Visually Impaired. Mr. Woody received a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University. He is a retired Certified Public Accountant in Georgia and North Carolina.

 

Michael R. Buchanan has served as an independent director of our company since 2002. Mr. Buchanan also currently serves as director of D.R. Horton, Inc., a publicly held residential development company. He was

 

49


employed by Bank of America, N.A. and its predecessor banks, NationsBank and C&S National Bank, from 1972 until his retirement in March 2002. Mr. Buchanan has over 30 years of real estate banking and financial experience and, while at Bank of America, he held several key positions, including Managing Director of the Real Estate Banking Group, where he managed approximately 1,100 associates in 90 offices from 1998 until his retirement. This group was responsible for providing real estate loans, including construction, acquisition, development and bridge financing for the commercial and residential real estate industry, as well as providing structured financing for REITs. Mr. Buchanan has served as a trustee of Wells Family of Real Estate Funds since 2002. Mr. Buchanan is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where he earned a Bachelor of Economics degree and a Master’s of Business Administration degree. He also attended Harvard University in the graduate program for management development.

 

Wesley E. Cantrell has served as an independent director of our company since May 9, 2007. He was employed by Lanier Worldwide, Inc., a global document management company, from 1955 until his retirement in 2001. While at Lanier, Mr. Cantrell served in a number of key positions, including President from 1977 to 1987, President and Chief Executive Officer from 1987-1999, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1999 to 2001. During his time at Lanier, Mr. Cantrell oversaw the company’s sales increase from less than $100 million to over $1.4 billion and successfully transitioned the company through several major technology changes while repositioning a competitive U.S.-based company into a global competitor. Mr. Cantrell is currently a director for AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN), a publicly traded women’s specialty retailer listed on the NYSE, and previously served as a director for First Union National Bank of Atlanta and as a director of Institutional REIT, Inc., a public program sponsored by Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. Mr. Cantrell graduated from the Southern Technical Institute with highest honors and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Polytechnic State University.

 

William H. Keogler, Jr. has served as an independent director of our company since 1998. From December 1974 to July 1982, Mr. Keogler was employed by Robinson-Humphrey, Inc., an investment banking company, brokerage and trading firm, as the Director of Fixed Income Trading Departments responsible for municipal bond trading and municipal research, corporate and government bond trading, unit trusts and SBA/FHA loans, as well as being a member of the board of directors. From July 1982 to October 1984, Mr. Keogler was Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chairman of the Executive Investment Committee and member of the board of directors and Chairman of the Managed Funds Association Advisory Board for the Financial Service Corporation. In March 1985, Mr. Keogler founded Keogler, Morgan & Company, Inc., a full-service brokerage firm, and Keogler Investment Advisory, Inc., an investment advisory firm, in which he served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. In January 1997, both companies were sold to SunAmerica, Inc., a publicly traded NYSE-listed company. Mr. Keogler continued to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of these companies until his retirement in January 1998.

 

Donald S. Moss has served as an independent director of our company since 1998. He was employed by Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP), a publicly traded global beauty company listed on the NYSE, from 1957 until his retirement in 1986. While at Avon, Mr. Moss served in a number of key positions, including Vice President and Controller from 1973 to 1976, Group Vice President of Operations-Worldwide from 1976 to 1979, Group Vice President of Sales-Worldwide from 1979 to 1980, Senior Vice President-International from 1980 to 1983, and Group Vice President-Human Resources and Administration from 1983 until his retirement in 1986. Mr. Moss has served as a trustee of the Wells Family of Real Estate Funds since 1998 and as a director of Wells Timberland REIT, Inc. since 2006. Mr. Moss was also a member of the board of directors of Avon Canada, Avon Japan, Avon Thailand, and Avon Malaysia from 1980 to 1983. Mr. Moss is a former director of The Atlanta Athletic Club. He was the National Treasurer and a director of the Girls Clubs of America from 1973 to 1976. Mr. Moss attended the University of Illinois where he majored in business.

 

50


Donald A. Miller, CFA, has served as our Chief Executive Officer, President, and a member of our board of directors since February 2, 2007. From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Miller was a Vice President of Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. (“Wells REF”) and a Senior Vice President of Wells Capital. In such capacities, Mr. Miller was responsible for directing all aspects of the acquisitions, dispositions, property management, construction and leasing groups for Wells REF, Wells Capital and their affiliates in connection with these entities providing services to various real estate programs, including Piedmont, under advisory, asset management and property management agreements. Prior to joining Wells REF and Wells Capital, Mr. Miller joined and ultimately headed the U.S. equity real estate operations, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing and investment management, of Lend Lease, a leading international commercial office, retail and residential property group from 1994 to 2003. Prior to joining Lend Lease, Mr. Miller was responsible for regional acquisitions for Prentiss Properties Realty Advisors, a predecessor entity to Prentiss Properties Trust, a publicly traded, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (which was acquired by Brandywine Realty Trust in 2005). Earlier in his career, Mr. Miller worked in the pension investment management department of Delta Air Lines and was responsible for real estate and international equity investment programs. Mr. Miller is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds a Georgia real estate license. He received a B.A. from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. He is a member of Urban Land Institution (ULI), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT).

 

Robert E. Bowers has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 16, 2007. A 24-year veteran of the financial services industry, Mr. Bowers’ experience includes investor relations, debt and capital infusion, structuring of initial public offerings, budgeting and forecasting, financial management and strategic planning. From 2004 until 2007, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Wells REF and was a Senior Vice President of Wells Capital. Prior to joining Wells REF and Wells Capital in 2004, Mr. Bowers served as a business financial consultant, and provided strategic financial counsel to a range of organizations, including venture capital funds, public corporations and businesses considering listing on a national securities exchange. Mr. Bowers was previously Chief Financial Officer and Director of NetBank, Inc. from 1997 to 2002. While at NetBank, he participated in the company’s initial public offering and subsequent secondary offerings, and directed all SEC and regulatory reporting and compliance. From 1984 to 1995, Mr. Bowers was Chief Financial Officer and Director of Stockholder Systems, Inc., a Norcross, Georgia-based financial applications company. When CheckFree Corporation, a pioneer in the electronic bill payment industry, acquired Stockholder Systems in 1995, Mr. Bowers headed the merger negotiation team and became Chief Financial Officer of the combined organization. Mr. Bowers currently serves as a director of Perimeter First Bank in Atlanta, GA, which is in organization. Mr. Bowers began his career in 1978 as an audit manager for Arthur Andersen & Co. in Atlanta. Mr. Bowers earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Auburn University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is a Certified Public Accountant and serves on the boards of various Atlanta-area non-profit organizations.

 

Laura P. Moon has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since April 16, 2007. In this role she is responsible for all general ledger accounting, financial and tax reporting, and treasury functions. Prior to joining our company, Ms. Moon had been Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Wells REF since 2005 where she had responsibility for all general ledger accounting, financial and tax reporting, and internal audit supervision for 19 public registrants as well as several private real estate partnerships. From 2003 to 2005, Ms. Moon served as Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for ChoicePoint, Inc., which provides technology, software, information and marketing services to help manage economic and physical risks. Ms. Moon was responsible for budgeting, forecasting, valuation and structuring for all of ChoicePoint’s acquisitions as well as supporting certain Investor Relations activities. From 1999 to 2002, Ms. Moon served as Chief Accounting Officer of NetBank, Inc and Chief Financial Officer of NetBank, FSB where she was responsible for the day-to-day management of all financial and tax matters. From 1991 until 1999, Ms. Moon was employed by Deloitte & Touche LLP as a senior manager in the audit and attest division, where she specialized in mergers & acquisitions in addition to serving clients in the banking sector. Ms. Moon is a Certified Public Accountant. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Georgia.

 

51


Raymond L. Owens has served as our Executive Vice President—Capital Markets since April 16, 2007. In this capacity, Mr. Owens is responsible for acquisition, disposition and financing activities of our company. Prior to becoming one of our executive officers, Mr. Owens spent five years as a Managing Director—Capital Markets for Wells REF, where he oversaw its western regional acquisition team and its real estate finance team. He was responsible for directing the negotiation and acquisition of properties in the western United States and managed all property financing activity for Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. across the United States. Mr. Owens has more than 25 years of experience in acquisitions, asset management, investment management, finance, and business development. Mr. Owens served as Senior Vice President for PM Realty Group, a national, full-service commercial real estate firm, from 1997 to 2002, overseeing all management operations in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York. Before joining PM Realty Group, Mr. Owens served as Vice President at General Electric Asset Management, where he managed and negotiated dispositions as well as third-party, nonrecourse financing for real estate assets. He also held leadership positions at Aetna Realty Investors from 1982 to 1991, Travelers Realty Investment Company from 1991 to 1994, and HPI Realty Partners/The Koll Company from 1994 to 1995. Mr. Owens is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers (NAREIM), the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties (NAIOP), the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master’s of Business Administration in Marketing, with a concentration in real estate, from the University of Michigan.

 

Carroll A. (“Bo”) Reddic, IV has served as our Executive Vice President for Real Estate Operations since April 16, 2007. His responsibilities include leading our company’s asset and property management divisions. Additionally, he provides oversight to our company’s construction management and tenant relationship functions. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Reddic was a Managing Director in the Asset Management Department at Wells REF, where he was responsible for supervising the firm’s asset management function in its Midwest and South regions. Additionally, he served in a deputy department head capacity of the Asset Management Department. From September 30, 2005 to April 15, 2007, Mr. Reddic served on the board of directors and was the membership chairman for Wells REF’s political action committee, Wells PAC. Mr. Reddic has 18 years of institutional real estate experience. Prior to joining Wells REF in January 2005, Mr. Reddic was an Executive Director with Morgan Stanley (including the predecessor companies of The Yarmouth Group and Lend Lease Real Estate Investments) from February 1990 to December 2004, where he served as portfolio manager for domestic commingled investment funds and international separate account portfolios. Prior to his portfolio manager responsibilities, he was a member of the Atlanta satellite office, specializing in acquisitions, asset management, and dispositions. Before joining The Yarmouth Group, Mr. Reddic was employed at Laventhol & Horwath, an accounting firm, in its real estate consulting and appraisal division. Mr. Reddic received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management and a Certificate in Industrial Psychology, with honors, from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of City Planning degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a member of the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties (NAIOP), the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the American Planning Association (APA). Additionally, Mr. Reddic is a Trustee of NAIOP-PAC and a member of the Advisory Board for the City and Regional Planning Program at Georgia Tech.

 

There are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers.

 

Pursuant to our bylaws and Maryland General Corporation Law, except in the cases of death or resignation, each director will serve until the next annual meeting of our stockholders or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. Our executive officers serve as at will employees whose terms are established by our board of directors.

 

The Audit Committee

 

Our board of directors has established a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Woody, Buchanan, Cantrell, Keogler and Moss. Each member of the audit committee meets the independence, experience, financial literacy and expertise requirements of the NYSE, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the

 

52


Exchange Act, and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, all as in effect from time to time. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Woody satisfies the requirements for an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC, and has designated Mr. Woody as our audit committee financial expert.

 

The audit committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by our board of directors, a copy of which is available on our website at www.piedmontreit.com. The primary responsibilities of the audit committee, as set forth in the committee’s charter, include the following:

 

   

assisting the board of directors in the oversight of (1) the integrity of our financial statements; (2) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (3) the qualification, independence and performance of our independent auditors; and (4) the performance of our internal audit function;

 

   

assisting our board of directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing the financial information to be provided to the stockholders and others, the system of internal control over financial reporting which our management has established, and our audit and financial reporting process;

 

   

maintaining a free and open means of communication among our independent auditors, accountants, financial and senior management, our internal audit department and our board of directors;

 

   

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor our annual audited financial statements, and, based upon such discussions, recommending to the board of directors that our audited financial statements be included in our annual report on Form 10-K;

 

   

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor our quarterly financial statements and each of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q;

 

   

preparing an audit committee report for inclusion in our annual Proxy Statements for our annual stockholder meetings;

 

   

appointing, compensating, overseeing, retaining, discharging and replacing our independent auditor; and

 

   

pre-approving all auditing services, and all permitted non-audit services, performed for us by the independent auditor.

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics

 

Our board of directors, upon the recommendation of the nominating and corporate governance committee, has adopted corporate governance guidelines establishing a common set of expectations to assist the board of directors in performing their responsibilities. The corporate governance policies and guidelines, which meet the requirements of the NYSE’s listing standards, address a number of topics, including, among other things, director qualification standards, director responsibilities, the responsibilities and composition of the board committees, director access to management and independent advisers, director compensation, and evaluations of the performance of the board. Our board of directors has also adopted a code of ethics, including a conflicts of interest policy that applies to all of our directors and executive officers. The Code of Ethics meets the requirements of a “code of ethics” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC. A copy of our corporate governance guidelines and our code of ethics is available on our website at www.piedmontreit.com.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, directors, executive officers and any persons beneficially owning more than 10% of our common stock are required to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of such stock with the SEC. Based solely on our review of copies of these reports filed with the SEC and written representations furnished to us by our officers and directors, we believe that all of the persons subject to the Section 16(a) reporting requirements filed the required reports on a timely basis with respect to fiscal year 2007, with the exception of the initial notification of Wes Cantrell’s appointment to the board of directors on Form 3.

 

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Overview

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis explains our compensation philosophy, objectives, policies and practices with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the other three most highly-compensated executive officers as determined in accordance with applicable SEC rules, which we collectively refer to as our named executive officers.

 

Prior to entering into the employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer effective February 2, 2007, all of our executive officers were employees of Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. or its affiliates and we did not pay, and were not involved in determining, compensation for any of these individuals. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses our compensation objectives, policies and practices as determined and approved by the compensation committee for the period beginning February 2, 2007, in the case of our CEO, or April 16, 2007, in the case of the other named executive officers.

 

Compensation Committee Members, Independence and Responsibilities

 

Our executive compensation program is administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors. The compensation committee is comprised solely of non-employee directors who meet the independence requirements of the NYSE, and currently includes Donald S. Moss (Chairman), Michael R. Buchanan, Wesley E. Cantrell, William H. Keogler, Jr. and W. Wayne Woody.

 

Prior to the formation of the current compensation committee, a special committee of our board of directors (the “Special Committee”), comprised of the independent directors serving Piedmont at that time, began the process of negotiating the Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement. On January 22, 2007, a compensation committee was formed, consisting of Bud Carter, William H. Keogler, Jr., Donald S. Moss, and Neil H. Strickland, and that committee completed the negotiation and execution of our Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement. The compensation committee was reconstituted on May 2, 2007, with the current members mentioned above. Once the compensation committee was reconstituted, all authority for negotiating employment agreements with our named executive officers and making determinations regarding compensation matters was transitioned to this reconstituted committee.

 

With respect to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee is responsible for:

 

   

reviewing and approving our corporate goals and objectives with respect to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

evaluating the Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives; and

 

   

determining the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation (including annual base salary level, annual cash bonus, long-term incentive compensation awards, perquisites and any special or supplemental benefits) based on such evaluation.

 

With respect to the compensation of all executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee is responsible for:

 

   

reviewing and approving the compensation; and

 

   

reviewing and approving grants and awards under all incentive-based compensation plans and equity-based plans.

 

If the compensation committee deems it advisable, it can make recommendations to the board of directors with respect to the compensation of all executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer for final approval.

 

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Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

 

We seek to maintain a total compensation package that provides fair, reasonable and competitive compensation for our executives while also permitting us the flexibility to differentiate actual pay based on the level of individual and organizational performance. We place significant emphasis on annual and long-term performance-based incentive compensation, including cash and equity-based incentives, which are designed to reward our executives based on the achievement of predetermined company and individual goals.

 

The objectives of our executive compensation programs are:

 

   

to attract and retain candidates capable of performing at the highest levels of our industry;

 

   

to create and maintain a performance-focused culture, by rewarding outstanding company and individual performance based upon objective predetermined metrics;

 

   

to reflect the qualifications, skills, experience and responsibilities of each named executive officer;

 

   

to link incentive compensation levels with the creation of stockholder value;

 

   

to align the interests of our executives and stockholders by creating opportunities and incentives for executives to increase their equity ownership in us; and

 

   

to motivate our executives to manage our business to meet and appropriately balance our short- and long-term objectives.

 

Role of the Compensation Consultant

 

On November 7, 2006, the Special Committee engaged the services of FPL Associates, L.P., a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm specializing in the real estate industry, to assist us in analyzing competitive executive compensation levels and evaluating and implementing a compensation program.

 

The compensation committee continued to work with FPL in 2007. FPL provided input and recommendations that assisted the compensation committee in negotiating employment agreements with our executive officers, approving our time-based equity awards granted in conjunction with the hiring of our initial employees and establishing performance-based cash and equity incentive compensation programs. FPL also provided input on our director compensation program.

 

During 2007, the FPL representative who had been working with the compensation committee changed employment relationships and moved to Watson Wyatt & Associates. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2007, the compensation committee considered engagement proposals from both FPL and Watson Wyatt with respect to its role in advising the committee. After reviewing the proposals, the compensation committee engaged Watson Wyatt. As used throughout this document “Compensation Consultant” refers to FPL for the portion of the year that it provided services and Watson Wyatt for the portion of the year that it provided services. Neither FPL nor Watson Wyatt has been engaged by management or our executive officers to perform any work on behalf of management or the executive officers during 2007 or 2006. The compensation committee considers both FPL and Watson Wyatt to be independent compensation consultants.

 

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As part of our Compensation Consultant’s engagement, the consultant was directed by our compensation committee to, among other things, provide competitive market compensation data and make recommendations for pay levels for each component of our executive compensation. For the 2007 service period, our Compensation Consultant provided competitive market compensation data for a peer group consisting of 11 public REITs with a substantial office portfolio that are comparable in size to our company. The peer group was recommended by the consultant and after review was approved by the compensation committee. The peer group consisted of the following companies:

 

•       Brandywine Realty Trust

  

•       Kilroy Realty Corporation

•       Corporate Office Properties Trust

  

•       Lexington Corporate Properties Trust

•       Cousins Properties Incorporated

  

•       Mack-Cali Realty Corporation

•       Douglas Emmett, Inc.

  

•       Maguire Properties, Inc.

•       Duke Realty Corporation

  

•       SL Green Realty Corp

•       Highwoods Properties, Inc.

  

 

The Compensation Consultant meets with both management and the compensation committee and provides advice and recommendations regarding the establishment of both our short-term cash and long-term equity incentive programs. In addition, our Compensation Consultant also provides published compensation surveys reflecting real estate industry practices to our compensation committee for their consideration in making compensation decisions for our employees, including our named executive officers. During 2007, our first year of providing executive compensation, our Compensation Consultant also provided advice and recommendations surrounding our 2007 awards to both our named executive officers as well as our employee base as a whole. We anticipate that our Compensation Consultant will have a similar role in 2008.

 

The Compensation Consultant attends compensation committee meetings as appropriate and consults with our compensation committee Chairman, our Senior Director of Human Resources as well as our Chief Executive Officer and senior management team on compensation related issues.

 

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions

 

Our Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of each of the other named executive officers. He also considers the recommendations of the Compensation Consultant. Based on this review and input, he makes compensation recommendations to the compensation committee for all executive officers other than himself, including recommendations for performance targets, salary adjustments, annual cash bonuses, and long-term equity-based incentive awards. In addition, our Chief Financial Officer also annually assesses the performance for our Chief Accounting Officer and makes compensation recommendations to the compensation committee. The compensation committee considers these recommendations along with data and input provided by its other advisors. The compensation committee retains full discretion to set all compensation for the executive officers.

 

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Summary of Employment Agreements with our Named Executive Officers

 

Considering market data and input from the Compensation Consultant, we negotiated an employment agreement effective February 2, 2007 with our Chief Executive Officer. Following the consummation of the Internalization, we also entered into employment agreements with each of our other named executive officers. These agreements generally establish the 2007 base salaries and target annual cash bonuses (expressed as a percentage of their base salary) for the named executive officers as follows:

 

     Annual Cash Bonus as a % of Base Salary  

Name and Position

   Annual
Base
Salary(1)
    Threshold     Target     Maximum  

Donald A. Miller, CFA(2)

   $ 600,000     50 %   100 %   175 %

Chief Executive Officer

        

Robert E. Bowers

   $ 400,000     40 %   80 %   120 %

Chief Financial Officer

        

Raymond L. Owens

   $ 225,000     35 %   70 %   105 %

EVP—Capital Markets

        

Carroll A. Reddic, IV

   $ 225,000     35 %   70 %   105 %

EVP—Real Estate Operations

        

Laura P. Moon

   $ 201,020     25 %   50 %   75 %

SVP and Chief Accounting Officer

        

 

(1)

Actual 2007 amounts paid were pro-rated based on the period from initial date of employment (February 2, 2007 for our CEO and April 16, 2007 for all other named executive officers) to December 31, 2007.

(2)

Under the terms of our CEO’s employment agreement, he was also eligible to receive a one-time $200,000 signing bonus upon execution of his employment agreement which was paid on February 5, 2007. As a result, his target bonus for the initial year of employment was reduced to $400,000.

 

In establishing the amounts in these agreements, we generally targeted the median of the competitive market based on the peer groups described above, but also took into account other factors including the executives’ historical compensation with our former advisor and the individual experience and skills of, and expected contributions from, the named executive officers.

 

Term. The Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement was effective February 2, 2007 and the other named executive officer employment agreements were effective April 16, 2007. The initial employment period will end on December 31, 2009, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the respective agreement’s termination provisions. Each agreement automatically extends for successive one-year periods, unless we or the employee gives 90 days written notice prior to the end of the initial term or any renewal term or his or her employment otherwise terminates in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

Forfeitures. If we are required to prepare an accounting restatement due to our material noncompliance, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, Messrs. Miller and Bowers and Ms. Moon’s agreements contain provisions that provide for the executives to reimburse us, to the extent required by Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation received by the executives from us during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC (whichever occurs first) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement. In addition, each executive will reimburse us for any profits realized from the sale of our securities during that 12-month period.

 

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Benefits. All of our named executive officers participate in the health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental and vision care coverage, disability insurance and life insurance, and our 401(k) plan that are generally available to the rest of our employees. We do not have any special benefits or retirement plans for our named executive officers.

 

Severance. Each of our named executive officers is entitled to receive severance payments under certain circumstances in the event that their employment is terminated. These circumstances and payments are described below under “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.” Our compensation committee believes that the negotiation of these severance payments was an important factor in enticing the named executive officers to leave our former advisor.

 

Elements of 2007 Executive Compensation

 

The following is a discussion of the base salary, short-term cash incentive compensation and long-term equity compensation that we paid to the named executive officers for 2007.

 

Base Salary. Our compensation committee believes that payment of a competitive base salary is a necessary element of any compensation program that is designed to attract and retain talented and qualified executives. The goal of our base salary program is to provide salaries at a level that allows us to attract and retain qualified executives while preserving significant flexibility to recognize and reward individual performance with other elements of the overall compensation program. Base salary levels also affect the annual cash incentive compensation because each named executive officer’s annual bonus target opportunity is expressed as a percentage of base salary. The following items are generally considered by the compensation committee when determining base salary and annual increases of base salary:

 

   

market data provided by the compensation consultant;

 

   

our financial resources;

 

   

the executive officer’s experience, scope of responsibilities, performance and prospects;

 

   

internal equity in relation to other executive officers with similar levels of experience, scope of responsibilities, performance, and prospects; and

 

   

individual performance of each named executive officer during the preceding calendar year.

 

For 2007, the base salaries of our named executive officers were based on the terms of their respective employment agreements as described above. Subject to our existing contractual obligations, our compensation committee considers base salary increases for our named executive officers annually as part of our performance review process. The compensation committee may also consider a base salary increase upon a promotion or other change in job responsibility.

 

Short-Term Cash Incentive Compensation. This annual bonus component is intended to encourage and reward performance on criteria that are deemed by the compensation committee to be critical in increasing shareholder value on both a short- and long-term basis.

 

As 2007 was our inaugural year as a self-managed entity, short-term cash incentive compensation for 2007 was determined at the discretion of the compensation committee, based on the threshold, target and maximum targets set forth in the employment agreements described above. In determining bonuses for 2007, the compensation committee considered the overall performance of the named executive officers with regard to our financial performance from the closing of the Internalization on April 16, 2007 through December 31, 2007, including:

 

   

the actual amount of property management fees earned by us and property expense reimbursements no longer paid to our former advisor as a result of the termination in connection with the Internalization of

 

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property management agreements with our former advisor, which contributed to our 2007 EBITDA, as compared to projections of the EBITDA contribution reviewed by the Special Committee as part of the negotiations relating to the Internalization;

 

   

efforts made to integrate the management company into our company post-Internalization, and

 

   

the performance of the management team in carrying out the directives of the board of directors (including the efforts to prepare for a potential listing and to implement the charter amendment extending our liquidation date that was approved by the board of directors).

 

Based on these considerations, the compensation committee awarded bonuses as follows:

 

Name

   2007 Target Bonus ($)
(1)
   2007 Actual Bonus ($)
(1)

Mr. Miller

   $ 363,934    $ 365,000

Mr. Bowers

   $ 227,322    $ 228,000

Mr. Owens

   $ 111,885    $ 112,000

Mr. Reddic

   $ 111,885    $ 112,000

Ms. Moon

   $ 71,401    $ 86,000

 

(1)

Both 2007 target and actual bonuses have been prorated for the period from initial hire date (February 2, 2007 for Mr. Miller and April 16, 2007 for all other named executive officers).

 

Beginning in 2008, the compensation committee intends to make a meaningful portion of an executive’s compensation contingent on achieving certain pre-established quantitative performance targets. We anticipate developing a more defined, quantitative set of goals for both our named executives and other non-executive employees with respect to short-term cash incentive awards. The compensation committee will retain the overall discretion to adjust an executive’s short-term cash incentive based on the executive’s individual performance.

 

Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation. The objective of our long-term equity incentive compensation program is to attract and retain qualified personnel by offering an equity-based program that is competitive with our peer companies. As we are still in the process of designing formal, quantitative measures for the award of long-term equity incentive compensation, the 2007 equity awards were discretionary in nature. In 2007 we granted time-vesting restricted stock awards to the named executive officers, as described below. For the service period beginning in 2008, the compensation committee intends to establish performance targets and grant equity awards based on achievement of the performance targets. The compensation committee expects that it will continue to grant equity awards in the form of time-vesting restricted stock.

 

2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan. On April 16, 2007, after obtaining the approval of the stockholders, our board of directors adopted the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The plan was designed in consultation with our Compensation Consultant and is intended to provide us with the flexibility to offer performance-based compensation, including stock-based and incentive cash awards as part of an overall compensation package to attract, motivate, and retain qualified personnel. Officers, and employees, non-employee directors, or consultants of ours and our subsidiaries are eligible to be granted cash awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock awards, other stock-based awards, dividend equivalent rights, and performance-based awards under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan at the discretion of our compensation committee.

 

As a REIT, we believe the grant of restricted stock awards is appropriate because our high dividend distribution requirements lead to a significant portion of our total stockholder return being delivered through our dividends. In addition, our stock is not currently traded on a national or over-the-counter exchange so daily valuations necessary to administer option plans are not available. In the future, we anticipate that any additional awards granted will continue to be in the form of restricted stock although we may consider other equity programs to the

 

59


extent they provide more favorable tax treatment to us or the individual employee. We feel that appropriately designed equity awards, particularly those with future vesting provisions, align our employees’ interests with our own interests and those of our stockholders, thereby motivating their efforts on our behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with us.

 

Grants in 2007. The only equity awards granted during 2007 were made on May 18, 2007 in conjunction with the original hiring and retention of our employees in connection with the Internalization. Awards were in the form of restricted stock and were based on each employee’s salary level, experience, and tenure with our former advisor. For information on the number of shares of restricted stock granted to each of the named executive officers, see “—Grants of Plan Based Awards” below.

 

Our compensation committee believes that these awards were necessary to successfully attract qualified employees, including the named executive officers, from our former advisor. The initial awards were determined by the compensation committee, in consultation with our Compensation Consultant, based upon preliminary recommendations from our Chief Executive Officer (with respect to all awards except his own). The awards vest 25% upon the date of the grant and 25% per year on the following three anniversaries of the date of the grant.

 

Grants in 2008. We also intend to grant equity awards in April 2008 in recognition of 2007 employee performance. We anticipate granting restricted stock awards to our employees, including our named executive officers, after evaluating their performance from the date of Internalization (April 16, 2007, except for our Chief Executive Officer, which was February 2, 2007) to December 31, 2007. These awards are intended to implement our objective of promoting a performance-focused culture by rewarding employees based upon achievement of company and individual performance. As we are still in the process of designing formal, quantitative type measures (which we expect to have in place for the 2008 service period), the 2007 equity awards will be discretionary in nature.

 

The Impact of Regulatory Requirements on Compensation

 

Section 162(m) of the Code limits to $1 million a publicly held company’s tax deduction each year for compensation to any “covered employee,” except for certain qualifying “performance-based compensation.” As long as we qualify as a REIT, we do not pay taxes at the corporate level. As such, we believe any loss of deductibility of compensation does not have a significant adverse impact on us.

 

To the extent that any part of our compensation expense does not qualify for deduction under Section 162(m), a larger portion of stockholder distributions may be subject to federal income tax as ordinary income rather than return of capital, and any such compensation allocated to our taxable REIT subsidiary whose income is subject to federal income tax would result in an increase in income taxes due to the inability to deduct such compensation.

 

Although we and the compensation committee will be mindful of the limits imposed by Section 162(m), even if it is determined that Section 162(m) applies or may apply to certain compensation packages, we nevertheless reserve the right to structure compensation packages and awards in a manner that may exceed the limitation on deduction imposed by Section 162(m).

 

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Summary of 2007 Executive Compensation

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 by our named executive officers:

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 2007

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year    Salary
($)(1)
   Bonus
($)
    Stock
Awards
($)(2)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
    Total
($)

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   2007    565,385    565,000 (3)(4)   531,307    9,717 (6)   1,671,409

Chief Executive Officer and President

               

Robert E. Bowers

   2007    275,385    228,000 (5)   311,009    7,406 (7)   821,800

Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary

               

Raymond L. Owens

   2007    154,904    112,000 (5)   362,844    11,385 (8)   641,133

Executive Vice President—Capital Markets

               

Carroll A. Reddic, IV

   2007    154,904    112,000 (5)   129,587    5,915 (9)   402,406

Executive Vice President—Real Estate Operations

               

Laura P. Moon

   2007    138,395    86,000 (5)   129,587    6,255 (10)   360,237

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

               

 

(1)

Represents amounts earned in 2007 from date of employment as an executive officer of Piedmont (February 2, 2007 for Mr. Miller, and April 16, 2007 for Messrs. Bowers, Reddic, Owens and Ms. Moon).

(2)

Reflects the cost recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for 2007 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“FAS 123(R)”). However, pursuant to SEC rules those values are not reduced by an estimate for the probability of forfeiture. Awards with compensation expense recognized in 2007 were all restricted stock awards. We estimated the fair value of the awards on the date of grant based on an assumed share price of $10.00 per share reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the unvested portion of the shares discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The grant date fair value of these awards can be found in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table below. See also the narrative disclosure following this table for additional information regarding these awards.

(3)

Mr. Miller received a $200,000 cash signing bonus on February 2, 2007, the date of his employment.

(4)

Mr. Miller earned a $365,000 bonus from the date of his employment on February 2, 2007 through December 31, 2007, which was paid in January 2008.

(5)

Represents the bonus earned from the date of employment on April 16, 2007 through December 31, 2007, which was paid in January 2008.

(6)

Mr. Miller received contributions to his 401(k) plan of $9,519. Approximately $198 was paid by Piedmont on behalf of Mr. Miller related to insurance premiums paid with respect to life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policies. In addition, Mr. Miller received $40,684 in a bonus payment from our former advisor related to service periods prior to being employed as an executive officer of Piedmont. Piedmont paid these amounts to Mr. Miller as paying agent for our former advisor, and therefore this amount was excluded from the table above.

(7)

Mr. Bowers received contributions to his 401(k) plan of $7,208. Approximately $198 was paid by Piedmont on behalf of Mr. Bowers related to insurance premiums paid with respect to life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policies. In addition, Mr. Bowers received $72,985 in a bonus payment from our

 

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former advisor related to service periods prior to being employed as an executive officer of Piedmont. Piedmont paid these amounts to Mr. Bowers as paying agent for our former advisor, and therefore this amount was excluded from the table above.

(8)

Mr. Owens received contributions to his 401(k) plan of $11,187. Approximately $198 was paid by Piedmont on behalf of Mr. Owens related to insurance premiums paid with respect to life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policies. In addition, Mr. Owens received $34,267 in a bonus payment from our former advisor related to service periods prior to being employed as an executive officer of Piedmont. Piedmont paid these amounts to Mr. Owens as paying agent for our former advisor, and therefore this amount was excluded from the table above.

(9)

Mr. Reddic received contributions to his 401(k) plan of $5,717. Approximately $198 was paid by Piedmont on behalf of Mr. Reddic related to insurance premiums paid with respect to life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policies. In addition, Mr. Reddic received $29,523 in a bonus payment from our former advisor related to service periods prior to being employed as an executive officer of Piedmont. Piedmont paid these amounts to Mr. Reddic as paying agent for our former advisor, and therefore this amount was excluded from the table above.

(10)

Ms. Moon received contributions to her 401(k) plan of $6,057. Approximately $198 was paid by Piedmont on behalf of Ms. Moon related to insurance premiums paid with respect to life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policies. In addition, Ms. Moon received $28,914 in a bonus payment from our former advisor related to service periods prior to being employed as an executive officer of Piedmont. Piedmont paid these amounts to Ms. Moon as paying agent for our former advisor, and therefore this amount was excluded from the table above.

 

Plan-Based Equity Awards

 

Effective May 18, 2007, pursuant to our 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, we granted approximately 764,850 shares of deferred stock awards to our employees, including our named executive officers, as set forth in the table below. Of the award, 25% vests immediately, while the remaining 75% vests ratably over the next three years. We estimated the fair value of the awards on the date of grant based on an assumed share price of $10.00 per share reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the unvested portion of the shares discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. See additional discussion included in Note 9 of the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR 2007

 

Name

   Grant Date    Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares
of Stock (#)
   Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock and
Option
Awards ($)

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   May 18, 2007    102,500    938,963

Robert E. Bowers

   May 18, 2007    60,000    549,637

Raymond L. Owens

   May 18, 2007    70,000    641,243

Carroll A. Reddic, IV

   May 18, 2007    25,000    229,015

Laura P. Moon

   May 18, 2007    25,000    229,015

 

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table provides information regarding unvested stock awards to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2007. No options to purchase shares of our common stock were granted or outstanding to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2007.

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END 2007

 

     Stock Awards

Name

   Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(1)
   Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested ($)(2)

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   76,875    582,079

Robert E. Bowers

   45,000    340,729

Raymond L. Owens

   52,500    397,517

Carroll A. Reddic, IV

   18,750    141,970

Laura P. Moon

   18,750    141,970

 

 

(1)

Represents the unvested portion of the May 18, 2007 restricted stock awards. The awards vested 25% upon the grant date and will vest at 25% per year on the following three anniversaries of the date of grant.

 

 

(2)

We estimated the market value of the unvested awards based on an assumed share price equal to our calculated net asset value as of December 31, 2007 of $8.70 per share reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the unvested portion of the shares discounted at a risk-free rate of 3.07%.

 

Stock Vested

 

The following table provides information regarding vested stock awards to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2007. No options to purchase shares of our common stock were granted, exercised, or outstanding for our named executive officers as of December 31, 2007.

 

STOCKS VESTED FOR 2007

 

     Stock Awards

Name

   Number of
Shares
Acquired
On Vesting
(#)(1)
   Value Realized
on Vesting ($)(2)

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   25,625    222,938

Robert E. Bowers

   15,000    130,500

Raymond L. Owens

   17,500    152,250

Carroll A. Reddic, IV

   6,250    54,375

Laura P. Moon

   6,250    54,375

 

 

(1)

Represents the 25% of the May 18, 2007 restricted stock that vested upon the grant date.

 

 

(2)

We estimated the value realized on vesting based on an assumed share price equal to our calculated net asset value as of December 31, 2007 of $8.70 per share reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the unvested portion of the shares discounted at a risk-free rate of 3.07%.

 

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Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control

 

The employment agreements with our named executive officers provide that upon termination of employment either by us without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason” (each as generally defined below), the executive will be entitled to the following severance payments and benefits:

 

   

With respect to Messrs. Miller and Bowers:

 

   

Any unpaid annual salary that has accrued, payment for unused vacation, any earned but unpaid annual bonus for the previous year, unreimbursed expenses, and any rights granted the executive pursuant to our 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (all of which we collectively refer to as “Accrued Benefits”);

 

   

a pro-rated annual bonus for the then-current year, and upon execution of a release of any claims by the executive, an amount equal to two times the sum of (1) his annual salary then in effect, and (2) the average of his annual bonus for the three years prior to the year of termination; and

 

   

two years of continuing medical benefits for the executive and the executive’s spouse and eligible dependents.

 

   

With respect to Mr. Reddic, Mr. Owens, and Ms. Moon:

 

   

any Accrued Benefits;

 

   

a pro-rated annual bonus for the then-current year, and upon execution of a release of any claims by the executive, an amount equal to the sum of (1) the executive’s annual salary then in effect, and (2) the average of the executive’s annual bonus for the three years prior to the year of termination; and

 

   

one year of continuing medical benefits for the executive and the executive’s spouse and eligible dependents.

 

Pursuant to the employment agreements, “cause” means any of the following:

 

   

any material act or material omission by the executive which constitutes intentional misconduct in connection with the our business or relating to the executive’s duties or a willful violation of law in connection with our or relating to the executive’s duties;

 

   

an act of fraud, conversion, misappropriation or embezzlement by the executive of our assets or business or assets in our possession or control;

 

   

conviction of, indictment for or entering a guilty plea or plea of no contest with respect to a felony, or any crime involving any moral turpitude with respect to which imprisonment is a common punishment;

 

   

any act of dishonesty committed by the executive in connection with our business or relating to the executive’s duties;

 

   

the willful neglect of material duties of the executive or gross misconduct by the executive;

 

   

the use of illegal drugs or excessive use of alcohol to the extent that any of such uses, in the board of directors’ good faith determination, materially interferes with the performance of the executive’s duties;

 

   

any other failure (other than any failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness) by the executive to perform his material and reasonable duties and responsibilities as an employee, director or consultant; or

 

   

any breach of the affirmative covenants made by the executive under the agreement; any of which continues without cure, if curable, reasonably satisfactory to the board of directors within ten days following written notice from us (except in the case of a willful failure to perform his or her duties or a willful breach, which shall require no notice or allow no such cure right).

 

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Subject to certain cure rights available to us, “good reason” shall be present where the executive gives notice to the board of directors of his or her voluntary resignation following either:

 

   

our failure to pay or cause to be paid the executive’s base salary or annual bonus when due;

 

   

a material diminution in the executive’s status, including, title, position, duties, authority or responsibility;

 

   

a material adverse change in the criteria to be applied with respect to the executive’s target annual bonus for fiscal year 2009 and subsequent fiscal years as compared to the prior fiscal year (unless Executive has consented to such criteria) or our failure to adopt performance criteria reasonably acceptable to the executive with respect to fiscal year 2008;

 

   

the relocation of our executive offices to a location outside of the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area without the consent of the executive;

 

   

our failure to provide the executive with awards under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan that are reasonably and generally comparable to awards granted to our other executive officers under the plan;

 

   

the occurrence of a change of control of the company; or

 

   

solely with respect to Mr. Miller, the failure of the board of directors (or its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee) to nominate Mr. Miller to the board of directors.

 

If we notify the executive that we are not renewing the initial term of the employment agreement, or any renewal term, and the executive’s employment thereafter terminates as a result of the expiration of the term, the executive is entitled to receive the following severance payments and benefits:

 

   

With respect to Mr. Miller and Mr. Bowers:

 

   

Any Accrued Benefits;

 

   

a pro-rated annual bonus for the then-current year, and upon execution of a release of any claims by him, an amount equal to two times the sum of (1) his annual salary, and (2) the average of his annual bonus for the three years prior to the year of termination; and

 

   

one year of continuing medical benefits for the executive and the executive’s spouse and eligible dependents.

 

   

With respect to Mr. Reddic, Mr. Owens, and Ms. Moon, the same payments and benefits that would be payable upon a termination by us without “cause” or by the executive with “good reason”.

 

If the executive notifies us that he or she is not renewing the initial term of the employment agreement, or any renewal term, he or she is not entitled to receive any severance pay or benefits. If he or she continues to be employed by us after either of us give 90 days prior written notice of non-renewal, his or her employment will be “at-will,” and the agreement will terminate, except for certain surviving provisions.

 

If the executive’s employment terminates upon his or her death or “disability” (which is defined in the agreements to mean physical or mental incapacity whereby the executive is unable with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of six consecutive months or for an aggregate of nine months in any twenty-four consecutive month period to perform the essential functions of the executive’s duties) the following will occur:

 

   

With respect to Mr. Miller and Mr. Bowers:

 

   

his estate or legal representative is entitled to receive any Accrued Benefits and a pro-rated annual bonus for the then-current year;

 

   

any grants made to the executive that are subject to a time-based vesting condition shall become vested;

 

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his estate or legal representative, upon execution of a release, is entitled to an amount equal to two times the sum of (1) his annual salary then in effect and (2) the average of his annual bonus for the three years prior to the year of termination; and

 

   

one year of continuing medical benefits for the executive and/or the executive’s spouse and eligible dependents.

 

   

With respect to Mr. Reddic, Mr. Owens and Ms. Moon:

 

   

his or her estate or legal representative is entitled to receive any Accrued Benefits and a pro-rated annual bonus for the then-current year;

 

   

any grants made to the executive that are subject to a time-based vesting condition shall become vested;

 

   

his or her estate or legal representative, upon execution of a release, is entitled to an amount equal to the sum of (1) the executive’s annual salary then in effect and (2) the average of the executive’s annual bonus for the three years prior to the year of termination; and

 

   

one year of continuing medical benefits for the executive and/or the executive’s spouse and eligible dependents.

 

Under the employment agreements, if an executive resigns without good reason, or if we terminate an executive for cause, then such executive is only entitled to receive his or her Accrued Benefits.

 

In the event of a termination of employment resulting from a change of control event, the employment agreement with each of our named executive officers provides that such termination will be deemed a termination by the executive for “good reason,” and any previously issued equity grants subject to time-based vesting conditions will immediately become vested.

 

In addition, if Mr. Miller’s employment had been terminated as a result of a change of control event occurring prior to his receipt of an initial equity grant under our 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan or otherwise in the amount of at least $1.7 million, Mr. Miller would have been entitled to receive an additional $1.7 million payment. In the event that any portion of the $1.7 million payment constituted an “excess parachute payment” subject to an excise tax under the Code, we agreed to pay Mr. Miller an amount equal to one-half of such excise tax. Mr. Miller received his initial equity grant as of May 18, 2007.

 

The following table summarizes the potential cash payments and estimated equivalent cash value of benefits generally owed to the named executive officers under the terms of their employment agreements described above upon termination of those agreements under various scenarios:

 

Name and Principal Position

   Without
Cause/For Good
Reason(1)
    Change-in-Control
(Termination
Without Cause/For
Good Reason)(1)
    Non-renewal by Us of
Initial or Subsequent
Term(1)
    Death/Disability(1)  

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   $ 2,747,016 (2)   $ 2,747,016 (2)   $ 2,732,220 (2)   $ 2,732,220 (2)

Robert E. Bowers

   $ 1,895,307 (3)   $ 1,895,307 (3)   $ 1,880,511 (3)   $ 1,880,511 (3)

Raymond L. Owens

   $ 872,380 (4)   $ 872,380 (4)   $ 872,380 (4)   $ 872,380 (4)

Carroll A. Reddic, IV

   $ 578,755 (5)   $ 578,755 (5)   $ 578,755 (5)   $ 578,755 (5)

Laura P. Moon

   $ 516,239 (6)   $ 516,239 (6)   $ 516,239 (6)   $ 516,239 (6)

 

(1)

Includes annualized 2007 bonus which was paid in January 2008 for the service period from the date of Internalization (April 16, 2007, except for our Chief Executive Officer, which was February 2, 2007) to December 31, 2007.

(2)

Includes $668,813 representing the value of unvested equity awards that would vest upon each triggering event.

 

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(3)

Includes $391,500 representing the value of unvested equity awards that would vest upon each triggering event.

(4)

Includes $456,750 representing the value of unvested equity awards that would vest upon each triggering event.

(5)

Includes $163,125 representing the value of unvested equity awards that would vest upon each triggering event.

(6)

Includes $163,125 representing the value of unvested equity awards that would vest upon each triggering event.

 

The amounts described above do not include payments and benefits to the extent they have been earned prior to the termination of employment or are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to salaried employees upon termination of employment. These include:

 

   

distribution of balances under our 401(k) plan;

 

   

life insurance proceeds in the event of death; and

 

   

disability insurance payouts in the event of disability.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

We pay our non-employee directors a combination of cash and equity compensation for serving on the board of directors. In addition, no employee of our former advisor is paid for his or her services as a director.

 

Cash Compensation

 

As compensation for serving on board of directors, we pay each of our independent directors an annual retainer of $35,000 (increased from $18,000 effective May 1, 2007), and we pay our chairman of the board an additional $65,000 annually. We also pay annual retainers to our committee chairmen in the following amounts:

 

   

$10,000 to the chairman of the Audit Committee;

 

   

$7,500 to the chairman of the compensation committee; and

 

   

$5,000 to the chairman of each of our other committees.

 

In addition, we pay our independent directors for attending board and committee meetings as follows:

 

   

$1,500 per regularly scheduled board meeting attended;

 

   

$750 per special board meeting attended; and

 

   

$1,500 per committee meeting attended (except that members of the Audit Committee will be paid $2,500 per meeting attended for each of the four meetings necessary to review our quarterly and annual financial statements).

 

All directors receive reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of the board of directors.

 

Annual Independent Director Equity Awards

 

On August 6, 2007, the board of directors approved an annual equity award pursuant to the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan for each of the independent directors of $50,000 payable in the form of 5,000 shares of our common stock with an estimated value of $10.00 per share and an effective award date for the 2007 award of August 10, 2007. The annual equity awards were determined based on the advice and recommendation of our Compensation Consultant considering comparable awards granted to directors of our peer companies as set forth above. The independent directors were given the option to defer the receipt of their stock until a future year or years, in which case a grant of dividend equivalent rights in an amount equal to the dividends that would have

 

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been payable on the deferred shares will be made to the directors who elect to defer. As of December 31, 2007, 15,000 shares granted to independent directors in August 2007 remained deferred. The dividend equivalent rights earned by these directors are listed in the table below under “Other Compensation.”

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation that we paid to our directors during the year ended December 31, 2007. None of Messrs. Wells, Williams, and Miller received any separate compensation for their service as director in 2007.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2007

 

Name and Principal Position

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
   Stock
Awards
($)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
    Total ($)

Michael R. Buchanan

   99,417    50,000    —       104,417

Wesley E. Cantrell

   63,584    —      1,468 (1)   65,052

Richard W. Carpenter*

   21,500    —      —       21,500

Bud Carter*

   29,500    —      —       29,500

William H. Keogler, Jr.

   117,833    50,000    10,333 (2)   133,166

Donald S. Moss

   127,917    —      1,468 (1)   129,385

Neil H. Strickland*

   31,750    —      —       31,750

W. Wayne Woody

   181,917    —      1,468 (1)   183,385

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   —      —      —       —  

Leo F. Wells, III*

   —      —      —       —  

Douglas P. Williams*

   —      —      —       —  

 

* Messrs. Williams, Carpenter, Carter and Strickland resigned from board of directors on April 16, 2007. Mr. Wells resigned from the board of directors on May 9, 2007.

(1)

Represents dividend equivalent rights expensed in 2007 pursuant to the deferred stock awards described above. Amount represents the compensation expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in 2007, in accordance with FAS 123R based on the estimated fair value as of the date of grant.

(2)

Amount represents reimbursement of travel expenses and meals incurred as part of attending board of director and committee meetings.

 

Prior to adoption of the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, we were subject to the 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Employee Option Plan”), the Independent Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Option Plan”), and the Independent Director Warrant Plan (the “Director Warrant Plan”). On April 16, 2007, our board of directors terminated the Employee Option Plan since such plan was intended to cover employees of the former third-party advisors. As a result of the Internalization of the former advisor companies, the plan was no longer necessary. No shares were ever issued under the Employee Option Plan. Effective April 16, 2007, our board of directors also suspended the Director Option Plan and the Director Warrant Plan. Outstanding awards continued to be governed by the terms of those plans described below; however, all 2007 awards were made under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Effective March 25, 2008, the Director Warrant Plan was also terminated and all of the outstanding warrants under the Director Warrant Plan were cancelled. As such the below table summarizes outstanding director options:

 

Plan category

   Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
   Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance

under equity
compensation plans

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   31,000    $ 12.00    —  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        —      —  
                

Total

   31,000    $ 12.00    —  
                

 

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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing and approving compensation for the executive officers, establishing the performance goals on which the compensation plans are based and setting the overall compensation principles that guide the committee’s decision-making. The compensation committee has reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) and discussed it with management. Based on the review and the discussions with management, the compensation committee recommended to the board of directors that the CD&A be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The compensation committee

Donald S. Moss

Michael R. Buchanan

Wesley E. Cantrell

William H. Keogler, Jr.

W. Wayne Woody

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of the members of our compensation committee is or has been employed by us. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past three years has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of another entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors.

 

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

As of February 28, 2008, our current directors and executive officers beneficially owned the following shares:

 

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)

   Shares
Beneficially
Owned
   Percentage

Michael R. Buchanan(2)

   10,500    *

Wesley E. Cantrell(6)

   —      *

William H. Keogler, Jr.(3)

   13,500    *

Donald S. Moss(4)

   120,771    *

W. Wayne Woody(5)(6)

   4,500    *

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   40,585    *

Robert E. Bowers

   15,000    *

Laura P. Moon

   6,578    *

Carroll A. Reddic

   6,578    *

Raymond L. Owens

   17,500    *

All officers and directors as a group

   235,512    *

 

* Less than 1% of the outstanding common stock.

(1)

The address of each of the stockholders is c/o Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., 6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500, Norcross, Georgia 30092.

(2)

Includes options to purchase up to 5,500 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of February 28, 2008.

(3)

Includes options to purchase up to 8,500 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of February 28, 2008.

(4)

Includes options to purchase up to 8,500 shares of common stock, and 5,000 shares of deferred stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of February 28, 2008.

(5)

Includes options to purchase up to 4,500 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of February 28, 2008.

(6)

Excludes 5,000 shares granted to each of our independent directors in 2007 as Mr. Cantrell and Mr. Woody have elected to defer such awards to periods beyond April 30, 2008.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The following discussion includes a description of certain relationships and related transactions that existed prior to our Internalization with our directors and officers holding office prior to the Internalization, as well as certain relationships and related transactions that exist following the Internalization with our current directors and officers.

 

The Internalization

 

On February 2, 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Wells REF, , Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”), Wells Management Company, Inc. (“Wells Management”), Wells Advisory Services I, LLC (“WASI”), Wells Real Estate Advisory Services, LLC, Wells Government Services, LLC and two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries WRT Acquisition Company, LLC (“WRT Acquisition Sub”) and WGS Acquisition Company, LLC (“WGS Acquisition Sub”). . Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, WREAS was merged with and into WRT Acquisition Sub and WGS was merged with and into WGS Acquisition Sub, and all of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of WREAS and WGS were exchanged for a total consideration of $175 million, comprised entirely of 19,546,302 shares of our common stock, which constituted approximately 4.0% of our common stock as of December 31, 2007. For purposes of determining the amount of consideration paid, the parties to the transaction agreed to value the shares of our common stock at a per share price of $8.9531. The purchase price included, among other things, certain net assets of our former advisor, as well as the

 

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termination of our obligation to pay certain fees required pursuant to the terms of the in-place agreements with the advisor including, but not limited to, disposition fees, listing fees, and incentive fees. In addition, Wells Capital exchanged its 20,000 limited partnership units in the Piedmont’s operating partnership for 22,339 shares of the Piedmont’s common stock. These transactions were completed on April 16, 2007 in the Internalization.

 

Interests of Certain of our Directors and Executive Officers

 

Certain of our current and former executive officers and directors had material financial interests in the Internalization. In particular:

 

   

Leo F. Wells, III, our former President, Chairman and director, received an indirect beneficial economic interest in our stock through his sole ownership of Wells REF, the sole shareholder of Wells Capital and Wells Management, which together own in the aggregate approximately 92% of the economic interests in WASI, which received 19,546,302 shares of our common stock (then valued at approximately $175 million based on a per-share value of $8.9531) as a result of the Internalization. Accordingly, the Internalization resulted in Mr. Wells receiving a beneficial economic interest in shares of our common stock valued at $161 million as of the date of the Internalization. In addition, in connection with the Internalization, Wells Capital exchanged its 20,000 limited partnership units of Wells OP for 22,339 shares of our common stock.

 

   

Donald A. Miller, CFA, our Chief Executive Officer and President and one of our directors, was a Vice President of Wells REF and a Senior Vice President of Wells Capital prior to the Internalization and owns a 1% economic interest in WASI, which received 19,546,302 shares of our common stock (then valued at approximately $175 million) as a result of the Internalization. Accordingly, the Internalization resulted in Mr. Miller receiving a beneficial economic interest in shares of our common stock valued at $1.75 million as of the date of the Internalization.

 

   

Robert E. Bowers, our Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, was Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Wells REF and a Senior Vice President of Wells Capital prior to the Internalization and owns a 1% economic interest in WASI. Accordingly, the Internalization resulted in Mr. Bowers receiving a beneficial economic interest in shares of our common stock valued at $1.75 million as of the date of the Internalization.

 

   

Douglas P. Williams, our former director, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer is a Vice President of Wells REF and Senior Vice President of Wells Capital and owns a 1% economic interest in WASI. Accordingly, the Internalization resulted in Mr. Williams receiving a beneficial economic interest in shares of our common stock valued at $1.75 million as of the date of the Internalization.

 

   

Randall D. Fretz, our former Senior Vice President, is also Vice President of Wells REF and Senior Vice President of Wells Capital, and owns a 1% economic interest in WASI. Accordingly, the Internalization resulted in Mr. Fretz receiving a beneficial economic interest in shares of our common stock valued at $1.75 million as of the date of the Internalization.

 

Escrow Agreement

 

At the closing of the Internalization, we entered into an escrow agreement with WASI and a third-party escrow agent pursuant to which we issued 162,706 escrowed shares to the escrow agent (valued at $1.456 million based on a per-share value of $8.9531), to secure the payment to us of certain additional property management revenues. Such additional property management revenues, which relate to the management of properties that were not managed by our former advisor as of the closing date of the Internalization, but were projected to be managed by us before December 31, 2007, were included in the projected 2007 pro forma earnings contribution to us from the Internalization. As long as the escrowed shares remain in escrow, all distributions, dividends and returns of capital on other payments with respect thereto, will be held by the escrow agent (except that in certain circumstances a portion of the earnings sufficient to cover certain tax obligations may be released). Following the

 

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end of fiscal year 2007, Piedmont, outside consultants retained by the board of directors, and WASI will determine the amount of escrowed shares to be distributed from the escrow account based upon the application of a formula that is tied to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the period between the closing date of the Internalization and December 31, 2007 with respect to any properties that were brought under our management by property management offices acquired by us pursuant to the Internalization, but excluding any new properties acquired by us subsequent to the Internalization. The determination of EBITDA for such properties is based on a formula, agreed upon by our board of directors and WASI, in which total management fees actually received from such properties are multiplied by a predetermined EBITDA margin. Escrowed shares to be released to WASI under the escrow agreement will thereafter be held under the Pledge and Security Agreement described below. Under the escrow agreement, escrowed shares not distributed to WASI will be released to us.

 

The escrow agreement will terminate upon the earlier to occur of (1) the mutual written consent of WASI and us, or (2) disbursement of all of the escrowed shares (and any other amounts deposited into escrow with respect thereto).

 

Pledge and Security Agreement

 

WASI agreed to secure its indemnification obligations under the definitive merger agreement related to the Internalization by entering into a pledge and security agreement with us. Under this agreement, WASI pledged in our favor the following:

 

   

for a period of 18 months from the date of the pledge and security agreement (the “lock-up period”), all shares of our common stock issued as Internalization consideration;

 

   

for a period of six months after the end of the lock-up period (the “follow-on period”), assets having a fair market value of not less than the sum of $20 million plus an amount reasonably sufficient to cover any unresolved or unpaid indemnification claims arising under the definitive merger agreement; and

 

   

following the end of the follow-on period, assets having a fair market value of not less than an amount sufficient to cover any unresolved or unpaid indemnification claims.

 

In addition to the foregoing collateral, WASI pledged in our favor certain property related to such collateral, including:

 

   

dividends or distributions made on or with respect to any pledged collateral, with certain exceptions described in the agreement;

 

   

any money or property paid to us as a result of WASI’s default under the agreement;

 

   

any substituted collateral which is satisfactory to us, in our sole judgment;

 

   

all new, substituted or additional shares or other securities issued upon conversion or exchange of, or by reason of, any stock dividend, reclassification, readjustment, stock split or other change declared or made with respect to the collateral, or any warrants or any other rights, options or securities issued in respect of such collateral; and

 

   

all proceeds relating to the pledged collateral.

 

The pledged collateral does not include the 22,339 shares of our common stock issued by us to Wells Capital in exchange for 20,000 limited partnership units of Piedmont OP. We hold a security interest in all of the pledged collateral.

 

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New Agreements with Affiliates of Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc.

 

In connection with the consummation of the Internalization, on April 16, 2007, we entered into new agreements with affiliates of Wells REF, which agreements are summarized below.

 

Transition Services Agreement

 

At the closing of the Internalization, we entered into a Transition Services Agreement with Wells REF which provides us with certain transitional services, which primarily include investor relations support services, transfer agent related services and investor communication support. The initial term of the Transition Services Agreement began on April 16, 2007, continues for the lesser of one year or the period ending 90 days after the listing of our shares on a national securities exchange, and is renewable by us for an additional one-year period. Thereafter, the agreement is automatically renewed for successive 180-day periods unless otherwise terminated. The Transition Services Agreement will terminate upon the mutual agreement of the parties thereto. In addition, we may terminate the Transition Services Agreement in the event of an uncured material default by Wells REF upon 30 days prior written notice to Wells REF, and Wells REF may terminate the agreement, either in whole or with respect to any particular service, upon the occurrence of an uncured failure to pay for services as required under the agreement. We may also terminate the agreement with respect to any individual service we no longer require upon 30 days prior written notice.

 

During the initial term of the Transition Services Agreement, we have agreed to pay to Wells REF the following fees and reimbursements:

 

   

for investor relations related services, $66,667 per month for up to 144,000 annual contacts with stockholders, with all contacts in excess of 144,000 to be billed at $5.56 per contact;

 

   

for transfer agent related services of the type previously provided to us, $75,000 per month, and any special transfer agent services will be billed at $75 per hour;

 

   

for investor communication support, $41,667 per month; and

 

   

reimbursement for any out-of-pocket payments, costs or expenses incurred in connection with the termination of the services or the transfer of such services.

 

Additional services not listed in the agreement may be performed upon our written request and will be billed at rates set forth in the Transition Services Agreement. Fees incurred under this agreement through December 31, 2007 were approximately $1.6 million.

 

Wells REF has represented and warranted in the Transition Services Agreement that the initial rates charged do not exceed Wells REF’s good faith estimate of its actual cost and do not exceed the rates that could reasonably be expected to be charged by a third party. During the first renewal term of the Transition Services Agreement, we will be required to pay Wells REF 105% of the rates listed above; provided, however, that if the first renewal term commences prior to January 1, 2008, the rates for the first renewal term will not increase until January 1, 2008. Prior to any subsequent term of the Transition Services Agreement, we will be notified of the fee increase we will be required to pay in such subsequent term to Wells REF; however, such adjustments will not exceed 130% of the then-current rates and are subject to our reasonable approval. If we do not agree to such adjustments, the agreement will terminate at the end of the then-current term.

 

Support Services Agreement

 

At the closing of the Internalization, we entered into a Support Services Agreement with Wells REF pursuant to which Wells REF provides us with certain support services, including employee benefit, administration, payroll and information technology services. The initial term of the agreement commenced on April 16, 2007 and continues for a two-year period, and we have the right to renew the agreement for an additional two-year period.

 

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Thereafter, the agreement will automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless otherwise terminated. The agreement may terminate upon the mutual written agreement of the parties. In addition, during the initial term, we may terminate the Support Services Agreement in the event of an uncured material default by Wells REF upon 30 days prior written notice to Wells REF, and Wells REF may terminate the agreement, either in whole or with respect to any particular service, upon the occurrence of an uncured failure to pay for services as required under the agreement. We, upon 60 days written notice to Wells REF, may terminate the agreement with respect to any individual service we no longer require. After the initial term, and upon 120 written days notice to us, Wells REF may terminate the agreement with respect to any service that it no longer provides to itself or any of its affiliates.

 

During the initial term of the Support Services Agreement, we have agreed to pay to Wells REF the following fees and reimbursements:

 

   

$38.00 per employee per month for administration of payroll, retirement and savings benefits, health and wellness, supplemental plans, and other plans;

 

   

$64,167 per month for information technology services; and

 

   

Reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses and reasonable third-party costs incurred in connection with the termination of the services or the transfer of such services.

 

Fees incurred under this agreement through December 31, 2007 were approximately $0.6 million. Effective as of September 30, 2007, we terminated the employee benefits services being provided under the Support Services Agreement.

 

Wells REF has represented and warranted in the Support Services Agreement that the initial rates charged do not exceed Wells REF’s good faith estimate of its actual cost and do not exceed the rates that could reasonably be expected to be charged by a third party. In the event that we elect to renew the Support Services Agreement after the initial term, we will be required to pay Wells REF 110% of the rates listed above during the first renewal term. Renewals after the first renewal term will be subject to certain rate adjustments to those fees listed above, but in no case will such fees exceed 130% of the then-current rates and all such adjustments will be subject to our reasonable approval. However, if we do not agree to such adjustments, the Support Services Agreement will terminate at the end of the then-current term.

 

Headquarters Sublease Agreement

 

At the closing of our Internalization, one of our subsidiaries entered into the Headquarters Sublease Agreement with Wells REF, whereby Wells REF provides us with approximately 13,000 square feet of office space comprising approximately 57% of the fifth floor of the office building located at 6200 The Corners Parkway in Norcross, Georgia. Under the Headquarters Sublease Agreement, we will pay Wells REF $25,450 monthly for base rent and various space-related services, including, but not limited to, cleaning, vending and shredding services.

 

The initial term of the Headquarters Sublease Agreement commenced on April 16, 2007 and continues for a two-year period. We may renew the agreement for up to two additional two-year periods by providing Wells REF with 180 days written notice prior to the end of the initial term or the first extension term. The Headquarters Sublease Agreement may be terminated at any time upon 180 day prior written notice by us, in which case we must pay Wells REF a termination fee equal to one-half of the rent for the balance of the then-current term. Through December 31, 2007, we made payments under the Headquarters Sublease of approximately $0.2 million.

 

Property Management Agreements

 

In connection with the closing of the Internalization on April 16, 2007, we acquired property management offices and personnel and now manage 66 of our properties as well as 22 properties owned by Wells Real Estate

 

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Investment Trust II, Inc. and other third parties affiliated with our former advisor. However, pursuant to a new property management agreement we entered into with Wells Management on April 16, 2007, Wells Management continues to provide property management services for 17 of our properties located in geographic areas where we do not currently have a regional property management office. The fees for the management of these properties are market-based property management fees generally based on the gross monthly income of the property. The property management agreement with Wells Management is effective as of April 1, 2007, has a one-year term and automatically renews unless either party gives notice of its intent not to renew. In addition, either party may terminate the agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions with Affiliated Companies Prior to Internalization

 

Our Former Advisory and Property Management Agreements

 

Prior to the consummation of our Internalization on April 16, 2007, we were a party to and incurred expenses under the following agreements with our former advisor:

 

Asset Advisory Agreement. We incurred asset management advisory fees payable to our former advisor for, among other things:

 

   

serving as our investment and financial advisor;

 

   

managing our day-to-day operations;

 

   

formulating and implementing strategies to administer, promote, manage, operate, maintain, improve, finance and refinance, market, lease, and dispose of properties; and

 

   

providing us certain accounting, compliance, and other administrative services.

 

The fees for these services were payable monthly in an amount equal to one-twelfth of 0.5% of the fair market value of all properties we owned directly, plus our interest in properties held through joint ventures. This fee was reduced by (1) tenant-reimbursed property management fees paid to our former advisor, and (2) in the event that our former advisor retained an independent third-party property manager to manage one or more properties currently being managed by our former advisor, the amount of property management fees paid to such third-party property managers. At the option of our former advisor, up to 10% of such monthly fee could be paid in shares of our common stock.

 

We incurred such fees of approximately $7.0 million for the period from January 1, 2007 through April 16, 2007.

 

Acquisition Advisory Agreement. We were obligated to pay a fee to our former advisor for services relating to, among other things:

 

   

capital-raising functions;

 

   

the investigation, selection, and acquisition of properties; and

 

   

certain transfer agent and stockholder communication functions.

 

The fee payable to our former advisor under the acquisition advisory agreement was 3.5% of aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of our shares, exclusive of proceeds received from our dividend reinvestment plan used to fund repurchases of shares of our common stock pursuant to our share redemption program. Such fees were eliminated on shares sold under the dividend reinvestment plan beginning in September 2006.

 

We incurred no acquisition and advisory fees and reimbursement of expenses for the period from January 1, 2007 through April 16, 2007.

 

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Property Management Agreement. Under this agreement, we retained our former advisor to manage, coordinate the leasing of, and manage construction activities related to certain of our properties. Any amounts paid under the agreement for properties that were managed by our former advisor under a prior asset/property management agreement (the “existing portfolio properties”) had the economic effect of reducing amounts payable for asset advisory services by crediting such amounts against amounts otherwise due under the asset advisory agreement with respect to such properties. Management and leasing fees payable to our former advisor for properties acquired after the commencement of the term of the property management agreement were required to be specified in an amendment to the agreement, which required approval by our board. Such fees were payable in addition to fees payable pursuant to the asset advisory agreement. Our fees for the management and leasing of our properties, other than existing portfolio properties, were generally consistent with the descriptions set forth below:

 

   

For properties for which our former advisor provided property management services, we paid our former advisor a market-based property management fee generally based on gross monthly income of the property;

 

   

For properties for which our former advisor provided leasing agent services, we paid (1) a one-time initial lease-up fee in an amount not exceeding one-month’s rent for the initial rent-up of a newly constructed building; (2) a market-based commission based on the net rent payable during the term of a new lease (not to exceed ten years); (3) a market-based commission based on the net rent payable during the term of any renewal or extension of any tenant lease; and (4) a market-based commission based on the net rent payable with respect to expansion space for the remaining portion of the initial lease term;

 

   

For properties for which our former advisor provided construction management services, we paid (1) for planning and coordinating the construction of tenant-directed improvements, that portion of lease concessions for tenant-directed improvements as was specified in the lease or lease renewal, subject to a limit of 5% of such lease concessions; and (2) for other construction management services, a construction management fee agreed to in an appropriate contract amendment.

 

We incurred an aggregate of approximately $1.5 million of expense pursuant to the property management agreement during the period from January 1, 2007 to April 16, 2007.

 

Salary and Operating Expense Reimbursements

 

Under the asset advisory agreement, the acquisition advisory agreement and the property management agreement, we were required to reimburse each service provider for various costs and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its duties under such agreements, including reasonable wages and salaries and other employee-related expenses such as taxes, insurance, and benefits of employees of the service provider who were directly engaged in providing services for or on our behalf. Under these agreements, reimbursements for such employee-related expenses were limited to $8.2 million in aggregate during any fiscal year. We were also responsible for reimbursing each service provider for non-salary administrative reimbursements.

 

From January 1, 2007 through April 16, 2007, we paid $3.0 million in reimbursements to our service providers.

 

In addition, approximately $1.3 million of interest and other income recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 relates to a reimbursement received from Wells Management, one of our former advisors and property manager (and current property manager for certain of our properties), for a $1.3 million property management termination expense included in asset and property management fees-other during the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

 

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

 

Our Code of Ethics, which is posted on our Web site at www.piedmontreit.com, prohibits directors and executive officers from engaging in transactions that may result in a conflict of interest with us. Our conflicts committee

 

76


reviews any transaction a director or executive officer proposes to have with us that could give rise to a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, including any transaction that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. In conducting this review, the conflicts committee ensures that all such transactions are approved by a majority of the board of directors (including a majority of independent directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction and are fair and reasonable to us and on terms not less favorable to us than those available from unaffiliated third parties. No transaction has been entered into with any director or executive officer that does not comply with those policies and procedures.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

Engagement of Ernst & Young LLP

 

On August 6, 2007, the Audit Committee engaged Ernst & Young as our independent auditors to audit our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Audit Committee reserves the right, however, to select new auditors at any time in the future in its discretion if it deems such decision to be in the best interests of our company and its stockholders. Any such decision would be disclosed to the stockholders in accordance with applicable securities laws.

 

Pre-Approval Policies

 

The Audit Committee Charter imposes a duty on the audit committee to pre-approve all auditing services performed for us by our independent auditors, as well as all permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) in order to ensure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. Unless a type of service to be provided by our independent auditors has received “general” pre-approval, it will require “specific” pre-approval by the Audit Committee.

 

All requests or applications for services to be provided by our independent auditors that do not require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to management and must include a detailed description of the services to be rendered. Management will determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will be informed on a timely basis of any such services rendered by our independent auditors.

 

Requests or applications to provide services that require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by both our independent auditors and our chief financial officer, treasurer, or chief accounting officer, and must include a joint statement as to whether, in their view, the request or application is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has been delegated the authority to specifically pre-approve all services not covered by the general pre-approval guidelines, up to an amount not to exceed $75,000 per occurrence. Amounts requiring pre-approval in excess of $75,000 per occurrence require specific pre-approval by our Audit Committee prior to engagement of Ernst & Young, our current independent auditors. All amounts specifically pre-approved by the Chairman of the Audit Committee in accordance with this policy are to be disclosed to the full Audit Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

77


Fees Paid to Principal Auditor

 

The Audit Committee reviewed the audit and non-audit services performed by Ernst & Young, as well as the fees charged by Ernst & Young for such services. In its review of the non-audit service fees, the Audit Committee considered whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young. The aggregate fees billed to us for professional accounting services provided by Ernst & Young, including the audits of our annual financial statements, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are set forth in the table below.

 

     2007    2006

Audit Fees

   $ 774,620    $ 574,731

Audit-Related Fees

     363,721      217,185

Tax Fees

     578,370      303,841

All Other Fees

     —        —  
             

Total

   $ 1,716,711    $ 1,095,757
             

 

For purposes of the preceding table, the professional fees are classified as follows:

 

   

Audit Fees—These are fees for professional services performed for the audit of our annual financial statements and the required review of quarterly financial statements and other procedures to be performed by the independent auditors to be able to form an opinion on our consolidated financial statements. These fees also cover services that are normally provided by independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, and services that generally only the independent auditor reasonably can provide, such as services associated with filing registration statements, periodic reports, and other filings with the SEC.

 

   

Audit-Related Fees—These are fees for assurance and related services that traditionally are performed by independent auditors, such as due diligence related to acquisitions and dispositions, attestation services that are not required by statute or regulation, internal control reviews, non recurring agreed-upon procedures and other professional fees associated with transactional activity, including Internalization and the registration of shares on Form S-11, and consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

 

   

Tax Fees—These are fees for all professional services performed by professional staff in our independent auditor’s tax division, except those services related to the audit of our financial statements. These include fees for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice, including federal, state, and local issues. Services may also include assistance with tax audits and appeals before the IRS and similar state and local agencies, as well as federal, state, and local tax issues related to due diligence.

 

   

All Other Fees—These are fees for other permissible work performed that do not meet the above-described categories, including assistance with internal audit plans and risk assessments.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, all services rendered by Ernst & Young were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the policies and procedures described above.

 

78


PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

  (a)    1. The financial statements begin on page F-3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the list of the financial statements contained herein is set forth on page F-1, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (a)    2. Schedule III —Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

 

Information with respect to this item begins on page S-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

  (b) The Exhibits filed in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

 

  (c) See (a) 2 above.

 

79


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 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 this 25th day of March 2008.

 

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.
(Registrant)
By:  

/s/ DONALD A. MILLER, CFA

  Donald A. Miller, CFA
  President, Principal Executive Officer, and Director

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity as and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ MICHAEL R. BUCHANAN

Michael R. Buchanan

   Independent Director   March 25, 2008

/s/ DONALD S. MOSS

Donald S. Moss

   Independent Director   March 25, 2008

/s/ WESLEY E. CANTRELL

Wesley E. Cantrell

   Independent Director   March 25, 2008

/s/ WILLIAM H. KEOGLER, JR.

William H. Keogler, Jr.

   Independent Director   March 25, 2008

/s/ W. WAYNE WOODY

W. Wayne Woody

   Chairman Independent Director   March 25, 2008

/s/ DONALD A. MILLER, CFA

Donald A. Miller, CFA

   President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   March 25, 2008

/s/ ROBERT E. BOWERS

Robert E. Bowers

  

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

(Principal Financial Officer)

  March 25, 2008

/s/ LAURA P. MOON

Laura P. Moon

  

Chief Accounting Officer

  March 25, 2008

 

80


EXHIBIT INDEX TO 2007 FORM 10-K OF PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 2, 2007, by and among Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (f/k/a Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.) (the “Company”), WRT Acquisition Company, LLC, WGS Acquisition Company, LLC, Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc., Wells Capital, Inc., Wells Management Company, Inc., Wells Advisory Services I, LLC, Wells Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. and Wells Government Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 5, 2007)
3.1    Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company (incorporating all amendments thereto through December 20, 2007)
3.2    Amended Bylaws of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., dated September 24, 2007, (incorporating all amendments thereto through September 24, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 14, 2007)
10.1    Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement of The Fund IX, Fund X, Fund XI and REIT Joint Venture dated June 11, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-32099), filed on July 9, 1998)
10.2    Joint Venture Agreement of Wells/Fremont Associates dated July 15, 1998, by and between Wells Development Corporation and Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P. (f/k/a Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-32099), filed on August 14, 1998)
10.3    Amended and Restated Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Fund XI - Fund XII - REIT Joint Venture dated June 21, 1999, by and among Wells Real Estate Fund XI, L.P., Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P. and the Operating Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-83933), filed on November 17, 1999)
10.4    Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Wells Fund XII-REIT Joint Venture Partnership dated April 10, 2000, by and between the Operating Partnership and Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-66657), filed on April 25, 2000)
10.5    Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Wells Fund XIII-REIT Joint Venture Partnership dated June 27, 2001, by and between the Operating Partnership and Wells Real Estate Investment Fund XIII, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.85 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-44900), filed on July 23, 2001)
10.6    Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of 35 W. Wacker Venture, L.P. dated April 27, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.106 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)

 

81


Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

10.7    First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of 35 W. Wacker Venture, L.P. dated November 6, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.107 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.8    Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Wells-Buck Venture, L.P. dated November 6, 2003, by and among Wells 35 W. Wacker, LLC, Buck 35 Wacker, L.L.C. and VV USA City, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.108 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.9    Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated November 1, 2007, by 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
10.10    Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated November 1, 2007, by 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC for the benefit of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
10.11    Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated November 1, 2007, by 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
10.12    Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated October 24, 2002, by 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC for the benefit of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
10.13    Limited Liability Company Agreement of 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC dated September 237, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.119 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.14    First Amendment to Limited Liability Company Agreement of 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.120 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.15    Limited Liability Company Agreement of 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC dated September 27, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.121 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.16    First Amendment to Limited Liability Company Associates of 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.122 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.17    Promissory Note dated April 20, 2004, by Wells REIT-Chicago Center Owner, LLC in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.174 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)
10.18    Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing by Wells REIT-Chicago Center Owner, LLC to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.175 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)

 

82


Exhibit Number

    

Description of Document

10.19      Loan Agreement (Multi-State) dated May 21, 2004, between Wells REIT-Austin, TX, L.P., Wells REIT—Multi-State Owner, LLC, Wells REIT-Nashville, TN, LLC and Wells REIT—Bridgewater, NJ, LLC; and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.176 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)
10.20      Loan Agreement (D.C. Properties) dated May 21, 2004, between Wells REIT-Independence Square, LLC and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.177 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)
10.21      Promissory Note dated May 5, 2005, by Wells REIT- 800 Nicollett Avenue Owner, LLC. in favor of Wachovia Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005, filed on August 5, 2005)
10.22      Fixed Rate Note dated May 4, 2005, by 4250 N. Fairfax Owner, LLC in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005, filed on August 5, 2005)
10.23      Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment Plan of the Company adopted November 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Form S-3 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-114212), filed on November 22, 2005)
10.24 *    Employment Agreement dated February 2, 2007, by and between the Company and Donald A. Miller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 5, 2007)
10.25      Escrow Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and among the Company, Wells Advisory Services I, LLC and SunTrust Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.26      Pledge and Security Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and between the Company, Wells Advisory Services I, LLC, WRT Acquisition Company, LLC and WGS Acquisition Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.27      Transition Services Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and between the Company and Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.28      Support Services Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and between the Company and Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.29      Registration Rights Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and among the Company, Wells Advisory Services I, LLC and Wells Capital, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.30      Sublease dated April 16, 2007, between Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. and WRT Acquisition Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.31 *    2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.32      Amendment to Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership, as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2000, dated April 16, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)

 

83


Exhibit Number

    

Description of Document

10.33 *    Employment Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and between the Company and Robert E. Bowers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.34 *    Employment Agreement dated May 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Carroll A. “Bo” Reddic, IV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 14, 2007)
10.35 *    Employment Agreement dated May 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Raymond L. Owens (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 14, 2007)
10.36 *    Employment Agreement dated May 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Laura P. Moon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 14, 2007)
10.37      Master Property Management, Leasing, and Construction Management Agreement dated April 16, 2007 by and among the Company, the Operating Partnership, and Wells Management Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.38 *    Form of Employee Deferred Stock Award Agreement for 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan of the Company effective May 18, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.82 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007, filed on August 7, 2007)
10.39      Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership, as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2000, dated August 8, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 10, 2007)
10.40      Credit Agreement dated August 31, 2007, by and among the Operating Partnership, the Company, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Wachovia Bank, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., each of Morgan Stanley Bank, Bank of America, N.A., and PNC Bank, National Association, and the other banks signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 7, 2007)
14.1      Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Company amended as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007, filed on November 14, 2007)
21.1      List of Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
31.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

* Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed.

 

84


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Financial Statements

   Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7

 

F-1


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. 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.

 

LOGO

 

Atlanta, Georgia

March 14, 2008,

except for the last three paragraphs of Note 17, as to which the date is

March 25, 2008

 

F-2


PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Assets:

    

Real estate assets, at cost:

    

Land

   $ 645,881     $ 638,733  

Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $468,359 and $395,110 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     3,066,494       3,114,171  

Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $160,837 and $142,977 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     172,425       223,085  

Construction in progress

     38,014       28,032  
                

Total real estate assets

     3,922,814       4,004,021  

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     52,468       56,789  

Cash and cash equivalents

     65,016       44,131  

Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $549 and $1,678 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     123,041       107,243  

Due from unconsolidated joint ventures

     1,244       1,230  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     21,807       22,423  

Goodwill

     180,371       —    

Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $4,224 and $6,885 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     10,075       9,485  

Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $95,229 and $77,695 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     202,910       205,368  
                

Total assets

   $ 4,579,746     $ 4,450,690  
                

Liabilities:

    

Lines of credit and notes payable

   $ 1,301,530     $ 1,243,203  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures

     110,548       92,023  

Due to affiliates

     —         1,232  

Deferred income

     28,882       24,117  

Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $52,100 and $42,738 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     84,886       97,239  
                

Total liabilities

     1,525,846       1,457,814  

Commitments and Contingencies

     —         —    

Minority Interest

     6,546       6,050  

Redeemable Common Stock

     166,909       136,129  

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 488,974,478 and 465,880,274 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     4,890       4,659  

Additional paid-in capital

     3,568,801       3,358,933  

Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings

     (526,337 )     (376,766 )

Redeemable common stock

     (166,909 )     (136,129 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     2,880,445       2,850,697  
                

Total liabilities, minority interest, redeemable common stock, and stockholders’ equity

   $ 4,579,746     $ 4,450,690  
                

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-3


PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Revenues:

      

Rental income

   $ 441,773     $ 430,854     $ 426,598  

Tenant reimbursements

     142,627       130,925       128,306  

Property management fee revenue

     2,042       —         —    

Other rental income

     6,757       9,584       4,914  

Gain on sale of real estate assets

     50       —         —    
                        
     593,249       571,363       559,818  

Expenses:

      

Property operating costs

     212,178       197,511       187,230  

Asset and property management fees:

      

Related-party

     8,561       24,361       21,747  

Other

     4,113       5,040       5,539  

Depreciation

     94,770       92,378       86,262  

Amortization

     76,102       71,194       63,876  

Casualty and impairment losses on real estate assets

     —         7,765       16,093  

Loss on sale of undeveloped land

     —         550       —    

General and administrative

     29,116       18,446       17,941  
                        
     424,840       417,245       398,688  
                        

Real estate operating income

     168,409       154,118       161,130  

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense

     (63,872 )     (61,329 )     (49,320 )

Interest and other income

     4,599       2,541       5,802  

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

     3,801       2,197       14,765  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (164 )     —         —    
                        
     (55,636 )     (56,591 )     (28,753 )
                        

Income from continuing operations before minority interest

     112,773       97,527       132,377  

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     (711 )     (657 )     (611 )
                        

Income from continuing operations

     112,062       96,870       131,766  

Discontinued operations:

      

Operating income

     868       8,532       19,691  

Gain on sale of real estate assets

     20,680       27,922       177,678  
                        

Income from discontinued operations

     21,548       36,454       197,369  
                        

Net income

   $ 133,610     $ 133,324     $ 329,135  
                        

Net income per common share—basic:

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.23     $ 0.21     $ 0.29  

Income from discontinued operations

     0.05       0.08       0.42  
                        

Net income

   $ 0.28     $ 0.29     $ 0.71  
                        

Net income per common share—diluted:

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.23     $ 0.21     $ 0.29  

Income from discontinued operations

     0.05       0.08       0.42  
                        

Net income

   $ 0.28     $ 0.29     $ 0.71  
                        

Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic

     482,093,258       461,693,234       466,284,634  
                        

Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted

     482,267,073       461,693,234       466,284,634  
                        

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-4


PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

 

     Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Cumulative
Distributions in

Excess of Earnings
    Redeemable
Common Stock
    Other
Comprehensive

Income
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
   Shares     Amount            

Balance, December 31, 2004

   473,486       4,735       4,203,918       (283,184 )     (225,955 )     86       3,699,600  

Issuance of common stock

   18,834       188       165,331       —         —         —         165,519  

Redemptions of common stock

   (22,897 )     (229 )     (217,866 )     —         —         —         (218,095 )

Redeemable common stock

   —         —         —         —         58,940       —         58,940  

Special distribution ($1.6200 per share)

   —         —         (748,526 )     —         —         —         (748,526 )

Dividends ($0.6151 per share)

   —         —         —         (286,481 )     —         —         (286,481 )

Commissions and discounts on common stock sales

   —         —         (10,488 )     —         —         —         (10,488 )

Other offering costs

   —         —         (371 )     —         —         —         (371 )

Net income

   —         —         —         329,135       —         —         329,135  

Change in value of interest rate swap

   —         —         —         —         —         (86 )     (86 )
                    

Comprehensive income

                 329,049  
                                                      

Balance, December 31, 2005

   469,423       4,694       3,391,998       (240,530 )     (167,015 )     —         2,989,147  

Issuance of common stock

   18,097       181       151,471       —         —         —         151,652  

Redemptions of common stock

   (21,640 )     (216 )     (181,126 )     —         —         —         (181,342 )

Redeemable common stock

   —         —         —         —         30,886       —         30,886  

Dividends ($0.5868 per share)

   —         —         —         (269,560 )     —         —         (269,560 )

Commissions and discounts on common stock sales

   —         —         (3,363 )     —         —         —         (3,363 )

Other offering costs

   —         —         (47 )     —         —         —         (47 )

Net income

   —         —         —         133,324       —         —         133,324  
                                                      

Balance, December 31, 2006

   465,880       4,659       3,358,933       (376,766 )     (136,129 )     —         2,850,697  

Issuance of common stock

   37,152       371       310,965       —         —         —         311,336  

Redemptions of common stock

   (14,237 )     (142 )     (119,165 )       —         —         (119,307 )

Redeemable common stock

   —         —         —         —         (30,780 )     —         (30,780 )

Dividends ($0.5868 per share)

   —         —         —         (283,181 )     —         —         (283,181 )

Premium on stock sales

         14,728       —         —         —         14,728  

Shares issued under the 2007 Omnibus

Incentive Plan, net of tax

   179       2       3,375       —         —         —         3,377  

Other offering costs

   —         —         (35 )     —         —         —         (35 )

Net income

   —         —         —         133,610       —         —         133,610  
                                                      

Balance, December 31, 2007

   488,974     $ 4,890     $ 3,568,801     $ (526,337 )   $ (166,909 )   $ —       $ 2,880,445  
                                                      

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-5


PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

     

Net income

  $ 133,610     $ 133,324     $ 329,135  

Operating distributions received from unconsolidated joint ventures

    4,978       4,424       6,107  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

Depreciation

    95,081       95,296       91,713  

Other amortization

    79,256       72,225       65,590  

Casualty and impairment losses on real estate assets

    —         7,565       16,093  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

    164       —         —    

Amortization of deferred financing costs and fair market value adjustments on notes payable

    1,215       1,179       1,221  

Stock compensation expense

    3,688       —         —    

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

    (3,801 )     (2,197 )     (14,765 )

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

    711       657       611  

Gain on sale

    (20,730 )     (27,922 )     (177,678 )

Loss on sale

    —         550       —    

Changes in assets and liabilities:

     

Increase in tenant receivables, net

    (16,390 )     (10,626 )     (13,512 )

Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets

    (13,237 )     (15,581 )     (20,893 )

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

    14,439       19,802       (3,496 )

(Decrease) increase in due to affiliates

    (1,232 )     (1,563 )     929  

Increase (decrease) in deferred income

    4,775       1,815       (10,168 )
                       

Net cash provided by operating activities

    282,527       278,948       270,887  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

     

Investment in real estate and earnest money paid

    (122,015 )     (267,810 )     (53,900 )

Proceeds from master leases

    —         963       —    

Cash acquired upon internalization acquisition

    1,212       —         —    

Investment in internalization costs -goodwill

    (4,588 )     —         —    

Net sale proceeds from wholly owned properties

    75,482       111,481       711,894  

Net sale proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures

    4,281       297       44,874  

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

    (1,150 )     (795 )     (528 )

Acquisition and advisory fees paid

    —         (2,485 )     (3,557 )

Deferred lease costs paid

    (24,379 )     (30,051 )     (7,093 )
                       

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (71,157 )     (188,400 )     691,690  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

     

Deferred financing costs paid

    (2,519 )     (1,038 )     (984 )

Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable

    288,283       598,885       307,115  

Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable

    (227,790 )     (391,387 )     (160,378 )

Prepayment penalty on extinguishment of debt

    (1,617 )     —         —    

Issuance of common stock

    149,989       150,379       159,459  

Redemptions of common stock

    (113,600 )     (178,907 )     (215,015 )

Dividends paid

    (283,196 )     (269,575 )     (286,643 )

Special distribution

    —         —         (748,526 )

Commissions on stock sales paid

    —         (3,700 )     (7,930 )

Other offering costs paid

    (35 )     (47 )     (371 )
                       

Net cash used in financing activities

    (190,485 )     (95,390 )     (953,273 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    20,885       (4,842 )     9,304  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    44,131       48,973       39,669  
                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 65,016     $ 44,131     $ 48,973  
                       

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-6


PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005

 

1. Organization

 

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”), formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., is a Maryland corporation that operates in a manner so as to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes and engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate properties throughout the United States, including properties that are under construction, are newly constructed, or have operating histories. Piedmont was incorporated in 1997 and commenced operations on June 5, 1998. Piedmont conducts business primarily through Piedmont Operating Partnership, LP (“Piedmont OP”), formerly known as Wells Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership. Piedmont is the sole general partner and possesses full legal control and authority over the operations of Piedmont OP. On April 16, 2007, Piedmont consummated a transaction to internalize the functions of Piedmont’s external advisor companies and became a self-managed entity (the “Internalization”). As a result of the Internalization, on April 16, 2007, Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”) withdrew as a limited partner from Piedmont OP, and a wholly owned corporate subsidiary of Piedmont was admitted as the sole limited partner of Piedmont OP. Piedmont OP owns properties directly, through wholly owned subsidiaries, through certain joint ventures with real estate limited partnerships sponsored by its former advisor, and through certain joint ventures with other third parties. References to Piedmont herein shall include Piedmont and all of its subsidiaries, including Piedmont OP and its subsidiaries, and consolidated joint ventures.

 

As of December 31, 2007, Piedmont owned interests in 83 buildings, either directly or through joint ventures, comprising approximately 21.2 million square feet of commercial office and industrial space, located in 23 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2007, these buildings were approximately 94% leased.

 

Since its inception, Piedmont has completed four public offerings of common stock for sale at $10 per share. Combined with Piedmont’s dividend reinvestment plan (the “DRP”), such offerings have provided approximately $5.5 billion in total offering proceeds. From these proceeds, Piedmont has paid costs related to the offerings of (1) approximately $171.1 million in acquisition and advisory fees and reimbursements of acquisition expenses; (2) approximately $463.1 million in commissions on stock sales and related dealer-manager fees; and (3) approximately $62.7 million in organization and other offering costs. In addition, Piedmont has used approximately $693.9 million to redeem shares pursuant to Piedmont’s share redemption program and to repurchase shares as a result of a legal settlement in one instance. The remaining net offering proceeds of approximately $4.1 billion were invested in real estate. Piedmont’s fourth public offering closed on July 25, 2004.

 

Piedmont registered an additional 100 million shares of common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for issuance pursuant to its DRP under a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-114212), which became effective on April 5, 2004. Additionally, Piedmont registered 14.0 million shares of common stock with the SEC for issuance under its 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan under a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Commission File No. 333-142448), which became effective on April 30, 2007.

 

Piedmont’s stock is not listed on a national exchange. However, Piedmont’s charter initially required Piedmont to begin the process of liquidating its investments and distributing the resulting proceeds to the stockholders if its common stock was not listed on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter market by January 30, 2008 (the “Liquidation Date”). Piedmont’s charter was amended by a vote of Piedmont’s stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders on December 13, 2007, to extend the Liquidation Date from January 30, 2008 to July 30, 2009, and in the board of directors’ discretion, to further extend the Liquidation Date from July 30, 2009 to January 30, 2011.

 

F-7


2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Piedmont, Piedmont OP, any variable interest entities in which Piedmont or Piedmont OP is the primary beneficiary, or any entities in which Piedmont or Piedmont OP owns a controlling financial interest. In determining whether Piedmont or Piedmont OP has a controlling financial interest, the following factors are considered, among others: ownership of voting interests, protective rights of investors, and participatory rights of investors.

 

Piedmont owns interests in four real properties through its ownership in two consolidated joint ventures, Wells 35 W. Wacker, LLC, and Wells Washington Properties, Inc. Piedmont has evaluated the consolidated joint ventures based on the criterion outlined above and concluded that, while neither of the consolidated joint ventures is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), it has a controlling financial interest in both of these entities. Accordingly, Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wells 35 W. Wacker, LLC, and Wells Washington Properties, Inc.

 

All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Fixed Assets

 

Real estate assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Amounts capitalized to real estate assets consist of the cost of acquisition or construction, application of any acquisition and advisory fees incurred, any tenant improvements or major improvements, and betterments that extend the useful life of the related asset. All repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Additionally, Piedmont capitalizes interest while the development of a real estate asset is in progress. Interest of $0, $0, and $882,000 was capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

Piedmont’s real estate assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

 

Buildings

   40 years

Building improvements

   5-25 years

Land improvements

   20-25 years

Tenant improvements

   Shorter of economic life or lease term

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

   3-5 years

Intangible lease assets

   Lease term

 

Piedmont continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the real estate and related intangible assets, of both operating properties and properties under construction in which Piedmont has an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present, management assesses whether the respective carrying values will be recovered with the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition for assets held for use, or with the estimated fair values, less costs to sell, for assets held for sale. Piedmont considers assets to be held for sale at the point at which a sale contract is executed and earnest money has become non-refundable. In the event that the expected undiscounted future cash flows for

 

F-8


assets held for use or the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, for assets held for sale do not exceed the respective asset carrying value, management adjusts such assets to the respective estimated fair values and recognizes an impairment loss. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the following information, dependent upon availability, in order of preference: (i) recently quoted market prices, (ii) market prices for comparable properties, or (iii) the present value of undiscounted cash flows, including estimated salvage value.

 

Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

 

Upon the acquisition of real properties, Piedmont allocates the purchase price of properties to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, based in each case on their estimated fair values.

 

The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land and building) are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and building based on management’s determination of the relative fair value of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions and other related costs. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market conditions.

 

The fair values of above-market and below-market in-place leases are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of market rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

The fair values of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated based on management’s consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct lease origination costs are included in deferred lease costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The value of opportunity costs is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. Customer relationships are valued based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. These lease intangibles are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

Gross intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2007
   December 31,
2006

Intangible Lease Assets:

     

Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets

   $ 69,461    $ 79,044

Absorption Period Costs

   $ 263,801    $ 287,018

Intangible Lease Origination Costs

   $ 200,531    $ 214,267

Intangible Lease Liabilities (Below-Market In-Place Leases)

   $ 136,986    $ 139,977

 

F-9


Piedmont recognized amortization expense and amortization as a net (decrease) increase to revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2007
    December 31,
2006
   December 31,
2005
 

Amortization expense related to Intangible Lease Origination Costs and Absorption Period Costs:

       

Continuing operations

   $ 71,624     $ 68,337    $ 62,366  

Discontinued operations

   $ —       $ 1,230    $ 2,975  

Amortization of Above-Market and Below-Market In-Place Lease intangibles as a net (decrease) increase to rental revenues:

       

Continuing operations

   $ (505 )   $ 1,599    $ 1,833  

Discontinued operations

   $ —       $ 2    $ (57 )

 

Net intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2007 will be amortized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Assets         Liabilities
     Above-Market
In-place

Lease Assets
   Absorption
Period Costs
   Intangible Lease
Origination Costs
   Below-Market
In-place Lease
Liabilities

For the year ending December 31:

           

2008

   $ 8,933    $ 32,919    $ 21,540    $ 12,115

2009

     7,121      25,382      18,638      12,057

2010

     5,794      18,931      15,823      11,855

2011

     4,720      16,538      14,155      11,492

2012

     2,376      11,212      11,474      9,482

Thereafter

     5,790      32,709      37,297      27,885
                           
   $ 34,734    $ 137,691    $ 118,927    $ 84,886
                           

Weighted-Average Amortization Period

     5 years      5 years      7 years      8 years

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

Piedmont owns interests in eight properties through its ownership in certain unconsolidated joint venture partnerships. Management has evaluated these joint ventures and determined that these entities are not VIEs. Although Piedmont is the majority equity participant in six of these joint ventures, Piedmont does not have a controlling interest in any of the unconsolidated joint ventures; however, it does exercise significant influence. Accordingly, Piedmont’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is recorded using the equity method of accounting, whereby original investments are recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for contributions, distributions, and net income (loss) attributable to such joint ventures. Pursuant to the terms of the unconsolidated joint venture agreements, all income and distributions are allocated to the joint venture partners in accordance with their respective ownership interests. Distributions of net cash from operations are generally distributed to the joint venture partners on a quarterly basis.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Piedmont considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, and consist of investments in money market accounts.

 

Tenant Receivables, net

 

Tenant receivables are comprised of rental and reimbursement billings due from tenants and the cumulative amount of future adjustments necessary to present rental income on a straight-line basis. Tenant receivables are

 

F-10


recorded at the original amount earned, less an allowance for any doubtful accounts, which approximates fair value. Management assesses the realizability of tenant receivables on an ongoing basis and provides for allowances as such balances, or portions thereof, become uncollectible. Piedmont adjusted the allowance for doubtful accounts by recording (recoveries of)/provisions for bad debts of approximately ($971,000), $1,100,000, and $82,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses and in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Net recoveries in 2007 relate primarily to reversal of certain previously reserved receivables related to tenants at the 60 Broad Street Building.

 

Tenant receivables also include notes receivable from tenants to fund certain expenditures related to the property and are recorded at face amount, less any principal payments through the date of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These notes bear interest at rates comparable to tenants with similar borrowing characteristics; therefore, the carrying amount approximates the fair value of the notes as of the dates of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets are primarily comprised of prepaid taxes, insurance and operating costs, escrow accounts held by lenders to pay future real estate taxes, insurance and tenant improvements, earnest money paid in connection with future acquisitions, and costs incurred related to a potential offering of shares. Prepaid expenses and other assets will be expensed as utilized or reclassified to other asset or equity accounts upon being put into service in future periods. Balances without a future economic benefit are written off as they are identified.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts specifically assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase accounting for business combinations. Piedmont tests the carrying value of its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment loss may be recognized when the carrying amount of the acquired net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of those assets.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

Deferred financing costs are comprised of costs incurred in connection with securing financing from third-party lenders and are capitalized and amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related financing arrangements. Piedmont recognized amortization of deferred financing costs, including the write-off of deferred financing costs related to the early extinguishment of debt, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 of approximately $2.2 million, $1.8 million, and $1.8 million, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Deferred Lease Costs

 

Deferred lease costs are comprised of costs incurred to acquire operating leases, including intangible lease origination costs, and are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Piedmont recognized amortization of deferred lease costs of approximately $28.8 million, $29.1 million, and $25.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, which is recorded as amortization expense and as a component of income from discontinued operations. Piedmont recognized additional amortization of lease incentives classified as deferred lease costs of $2.1 million, $0.9 million, and $0.2 million, which was recorded as an adjustment to rental income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Upon receiving notification of a tenant’s intention to terminate a lease, unamortized deferred lease costs are written off.

 

F-11


Line of Credit and Notes Payable

 

Certain mortgage notes included in lines of credit and notes payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were assumed upon the acquisition of real properties. When debt is assumed, Piedmont adjusts the loan to fair value with a corresponding adjustment to building. The fair value adjustment is amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority interest represents the equity interests of consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by Piedmont. Minority interest is adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings (loss) attributable to the minority interest partners of the consolidated joint ventures. All earnings and distributions are allocated to the partners of the consolidated joint ventures in accordance with their respective partnership agreements. Earnings allocated to such minority interest partners are recorded as minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Piedmont is authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of one or more classes or series of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. Piedmont’s board of directors may determine the relative rights, preferences, and privileges of each class or series of preferred stock issued, which may be more beneficial than the rights, preferences, and privileges attributable to Piedmont’s common stock. To date, Piedmont has not issued any shares of preferred stock.

 

Common Stock

 

The par value of Piedmont’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock is classified as common stock, with the remainder allocated to additional paid-in capital.

 

Dividends

 

As a REIT, Piedmont is required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to make distributions to stockholders each taxable year equal to at least 90% of its taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and by excluding net capital gains attributable to stockholders (“REIT taxable income”).

 

Dividends to be distributed to the stockholders are determined by the board of directors of Piedmont and are dependent upon a number of factors relating to Piedmont, including funds available for payment of dividends, financial condition, the timing of property acquisitions, capital expenditure requirements, and annual distribution requirements in order to maintain Piedmont’s status as a REIT under the Code.

 

Redeemable Common Stock

 

Subject to certain limitations, Piedmont’s common shares are contingently redeemable at the option of the stockholder. Such limitations include, however are not limited to, the following: (i) Piedmont may not redeem in excess of 5% of the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the prior calendar year during any calendar year; and (ii) in no event shall the aggregate amount paid for redemptions under the Piedmont share redemption program exceed the aggregate amount of proceeds received from the sale of shares pursuant to the DRP. Accordingly, Piedmont has recorded redeemable common stock equal to the aggregate amount of proceeds received under the DRP, less the aggregate amount incurred to redeem shares under Piedmont’s share redemption program of $166.9 million and $136.1 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Further, upon being tendered for redemption by the holder, Piedmont reclassifies redeemable common shares from mezzanine

 

F-12


equity to a liability at settlement value. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately $6.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of shares tendered for redemption have not been redeemed, and are, therefore, included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreement

 

Piedmont entered into an interest rate swap to hedge its exposure to changing interest rates on a variable rate construction loan in 2004, which expired in July 2005. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement was recorded as either prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures, and changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement were recorded as other comprehensive income. Net amounts received or paid under the interest rate swap agreements are recorded as adjustments to interest expense as incurred. Piedmont has no interest rate swap agreements in place as of December 31, 2007.

 

Financial Instruments

 

Piedmont considers its cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and lines of credit and notes payable to meet the definition of financial instruments. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximated fair value. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the estimated fair value of lines of credit and notes payable was approximately $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

All leases on real estate assets held by Piedmont are classified as operating leases, and the related base rental income is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Tenant reimbursements are recognized as revenue in the period that the related operating cost is incurred. Rents and tenant reimbursements collected in advance are recorded as deferred income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other rental income is recognized once the tenant has lost the right to lease the space and Piedmont has satisfied all obligations under the related lease or lease termination agreement.

 

Gains on the sale of real estate assets are recognized upon completing the sale and, among other things, determining the sale price and transferring all of the risks and rewards of ownership without significant continuing involvement with the purchaser. Recognition of all or a portion of the gain would be deferred until both of these conditions are met. Losses are recognized in full as of the sale date.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

Piedmont has restricted stock issued to employees and directors, as well as stock options and warrants outstanding which were granted to independent directors in prior years. Restricted stock issued to employees and directors during 2007 resulted in compensation expense of $3.8 million and directors’ fees of $0.1 million, respectively. Piedmont recognizes the fair value of all stock options and warrants granted to directors over the respective vesting periods. However, to date, neither the options nor the warrants granted by Piedmont to directors have had significant value. All expense recognized by Piedmont related to stock-based compensation is recorded as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Outstanding stock options and warrants have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as their impact would be anti-dilutive. However, the incremental weighted-average shares from restricted stock awards are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation.

 

F-13


Income Taxes

 

Piedmont has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and has operated as such, beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, Piedmont must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income. As a REIT, Piedmont is generally not subject to federal income taxes. Accordingly, neither a provision nor a benefit for federal income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Piedmont is subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which has been provided for in the financial statements.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures required for fair value measurements under GAAP. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, as opposed to a transaction-specific measurement. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. SFAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No.157 (“FSP 157-2”). FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring, nonfinancial assets and liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Accordingly, FSP 157-2 will be effective for Piedmont beginning January 1, 2009, and all other aspects of SFAS 157 will be effective for Piedmont beginning January 1, 2008. Piedmont does not anticipate that SFAS 157 or FSP 157-2 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. SFAS 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 (“FSP 157-1”). FSP 157-1, which is effective upon the initial adoption of SFAS 157, excludes SFAS Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases (“SFAS 13”), as well as other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements on lease classification or measurement under SFAS 13, from the scope of SFAS 157. Piedmont does not anticipate that FSP 157-1 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS 159 will be effective for Piedmont beginning January 1, 2008, with early adoption permitted provided Piedmont also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS 157. Piedmont does not anticipate that SFAS 159 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued Issue No. 07-6, Accounting for the Sale of Real Estate Subject to the Requirements of FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate, When the Agreement Includes a Buy-Sell Clause (“Issue No 07-6”). Under Issue No. 07-6, the EITF reached a consensus that a buy-sell clause does not, in and of itself, constitute a prohibited form of continuing involvement that would prevent partial gain recognition. However, a buy-sell clause may be considered a form of prohibited continuing involvement if it includes (a) an option for the buyer to require the seller to repurchase the interest or (b) an option for the seller to require the buyer to sell the interest back to the seller. Issue No. 07-6 will be effective for Piedmont beginning January 1, 2008. Piedmont does not anticipate that Issue No. 07-6 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires that noncontrolling interests should be reported as an element of consolidated equity, thus eliminating the practice of classifying minority interests within a mezzanine section of the balance sheet. SFAS 160 also requires that net income encompass the total income of all consolidated subsidiaries with an additional separate disclosure on the face of the income statement of the attribution of that income between the controlling and noncontrolling interests. All increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount will be accounted for as equity transactions. SFAS 160 will be effective for Piedmont beginning January 1, 2009. Piedmont will continue to assess the provisions and evaluate the financial statement impact of SFAS 160 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) requires, among other things, that transaction costs incurred in business combinations be expensed as incurred by the acquirer. Preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, as well as contingent consideration, will generally be accounted for in purchase accounting at fair value. SFAS 141(R) is effective January 1, 2009. Piedmont will continue to assess the provisions and evaluate the financial statement impact of SFAS 141(R) on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2007, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position (“SOP”) 07-1, Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide “Investment Companies” and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies, which provides guidance for determining which entities fall within the scope of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and requires additional disclosures for certain of those entities. The effective date of SOP 07-1 has been deferred indefinitely by the FASB. Piedmont will continue to assess the provisions and evaluate the financial statement impact of SOP 07-1 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

3. Internalization Transaction

 

On April 16, 2007, Piedmont closed the Internalization. In connection with the closing, Piedmont acquired all of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of two affiliates of its former advisor for total consideration of $175 million, comprised entirely of 19,546,302 shares of Piedmont’s common stock, which constituted approximately 4.0% of Piedmont’s outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2007. For purposes of determining the amount of consideration paid, the parties to the transaction agreed to value the shares of Piedmont’s common stock at a per share price of $8.9531. The purchase price included, among other things, certain net assets of Piedmont’s former advisor, as well as the termination of Piedmont’s obligation to pay certain fees required pursuant to the terms of the in-place agreements with the advisor including, but not limited to, disposition fees, listing fees, and incentive fees. (See Note 14 below).

 

In addition, in connection with the transaction, Piedmont’s former advisor transferred and assigned the 20,000 limited partnership units it owned in Piedmont OP to Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc., a newly formed, wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary of Piedmont formerly known as Wells REIT Sub, Inc., for 22,339 shares of Piedmont’s common stock.

 

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For financial reporting purposes, Piedmont accounted for the Internalization as a consummation of a business combination between parties with a pre-existing relationship, whereby the purchase consideration was allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets, with the remainder allocated to goodwill. The computation of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2007  

Piedmont shares of common stock issued as consideration (19,546,302 shares issued at $8.9531 per share)

   $ 175,000  

Assets acquired related to acquisition of former advisor companies

     (1,409 )

Liabilities assumed related to acquisition of former advisor companies

     1,264  
        

Subtotal

     174,855  

Acquisition costs and fees

     5,516  
        

Goodwill

   $ 180,371  
        

 

Piedmont believes that the acquisition qualifies as a tax-free reorganization under Internal Revenue Code Section 368(a)(1)(A).

 

4. Acquisitions of Real Estate Assets

 

The following properties were acquired in 2007 (dollars in thousands):

 

Property

   Acquisition Date    Location    Approximate
Square Feet
   Purchase
Price(1)

2300 Cabot Drive

   May 10, 2007    Lisle, IL    152,000    $ 25,025

Piedmont Pointe I(2)

   November 13, 2007    Bethesda, MD    186,000    $ 69,400

 

(1)

Purchase prices are presented exclusive of closing costs.

(2)

At the closing of the Piedmont Pointe I building acquisition, Piedmont also entered into an agreement to purchase 100% of the membership interests in the limited liability company which is in the process of constructing a building adjacent to the Piedmont Pointe I building. See Note 8 below.

 

5. Impairment of Real Estate Assets

 

During the second quarter of 2005, Piedmont reduced its intended holding period for the 5000 Corporate Court Building, which was purchased in September 2002 and consists of one building comprised of approximately 238,000 square feet. The decision to reduce the holding period was prompted by the loss of a prospective replacement tenant during the quarter ended June 30, 2005, and a reassessment of leasing assumptions for this building, which entailed, among other things, evaluating market rents, leasing costs, and the downtime necessary to complete the necessary re-leasing activities. As of June 30, 2005, Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building’s real estate and intangible assets was not recoverable under the provisions of SFAS 144 and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets of approximately $16.1 million to reduce the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building to its corresponding estimated fair value based on the present value of undiscounted cash flows.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2006, Piedmont considered the results of exploratory marketing of the 5000 Corporate Court Building. Based on the results of such exploratory marketing and a reduction in the intended holding period, Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the real estate and intangible assets was not recoverable under the provisions of SFAS 144. Accordingly, Piedmont recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets of approximately $7.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2006 to reduce the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building to its estimated fair value based on offers received in connection with such marketing efforts.

 

F-16


The offers received were not deemed to be acceptable; therefore, Piedmont elected to focus on building value through leasing and marketing strategies throughout the calendar year ended December 31, 2007.

 

6. Unconsolidated joint ventures

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, Piedmont owned interests in the following unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):

 

     2007      2006  
     Amount    Percentage      Amount    Percentage  

Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture

   $ 22,956    72 %    $ 24,596    72 %

Fund XII and REIT Joint Venture

     18,212    55 %      18,794    55 %

Fund XI, XII and REIT Joint Venture

     5,325    57 %      7,103    57 %

Wells/Freemont Associates

     5,557    78 %      5,696    78 %

Fund IX, X, XI and REIT Joint Venture

     418    4 %      600    4 %
                   
   $ 52,468       $ 56,789   
                   

 

Through the unconsolidated joint ventures listed above, Piedmont owned eight buildings comprised of approximately 0.9 million square feet and ten buildings comprised of approximately 1.13 million square feet as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

Due from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, due from unconsolidated joint ventures represents operating distributions due to Piedmont from its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for the fourth quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

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7. Lines of Credit and Notes Payable

 

The following table summarizes the terms of Piedmont’s indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

 

Facility

  Fixed-rate
(F) or
Variable-

rate (V)
  Rate   Term Debt or
Interest Only
  Maturity   Amount Outstanding
as of December 31,
          2007   2006

Secured Pooled Facility

  F   4.84%   Interest Only   6/14/2014   $ 350,000   $ 350,000

Aon Center Chicago Mortgage Note

  F

F

  4.87%

5.70%

  Interest Only

Interest Only

  5/1/2014

5/1/2014

   

 

200,000

25,000

   

 

200,000

25,000

$125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  F   5.50%   Interest Only   4/1/2016     125,000     125,000

35 W. Wacker Building Mortgage Note

  F   5.10%   Interest Only   1/1/2014     120,000     120,000

WDC Mortgage Notes(1)

  F   5.76%   Interest Only   11/1/2017     140,000     115,167

$105.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  F   5.29%   Interest Only   5/11/2015     105,000     105,000

$45.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  F   5.20%   Interest Only   6/1/2012     45,000     45,000

$42.5 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  F   5.70%   Interest Only   10/11/2016     42,525     42,525

3100 Clarendon Boulevard Building Mortgage Note

  F   6.40%   Interest Only   8/25/2008     33,896     34,502

One Brattle Square Building Mortgage Note

  F   8.50%   Term Debt   3/11/2028     26,109     27,484

$500.0 Million Unsecured Facility

  V   5.41%

LIBOR + .475%

  Interest Only   8/31/2011     89,000     —  

$50.0 Million Secured Line of Credit

  V   LIBOR + 1.50%   Interest Only   6/16/2008     —       38,000

1075 West Entrance Building Mortgage Note

  F   8.20%   Term Debt   1/1/2012     —       15,525
                   

Total indebtedness

          $ 1,301,530   $ 1,243,203
                   

 

On November 1, 2007, Piedmont negotiated a modification and extension of the WDC Mortgage notes to extend the term of the loans to November 1, 2017, adjust the interest only per annum rate to 5.76%, and increase the principal amount cumulatively to $140.0 million. The loans are still secured by the 1201 Eye Street Building and the 1225 Eye Street Building.

 

On August 31, 2007, Piedmont entered into a new $500.0 million revolving variable rate unsecured credit facility (the “$500 Million Unsecured Facility”) with Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., serving together as co-lead arrangers and book managers; Wachovia Bank, National Association, serving as administrative agent; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., serving as syndication agent; Morgan Stanley Bank, Bank of America, N.A., and PNC Bank, National Association, each serving as documentation agents; and a syndicate of other financial institutions, serving as participants. Under the terms of the $500 Million Unsecured Facility, Piedmont may, subject to the prior consent of the applicable lender, increase the facility by up to an additional $500 million, to an aggregate size of $1.0 billion. The term of the $500 Million Unsecured Facility is four years, and Piedmont may extend the term for one additional year provided Piedmont is not then in default, and upon the payment of a 15 basis point extension fee. Piedmont paid customary arrangement and upfront fees of approximately $2.0 million to the lenders in connection with the closing of the facility. This new $500 Million Unsecured Facility replaces Piedmont’s prior secured lines of credit, the $48.3 Million Secured Line of Credit, and the $50.0 Million Line of Credit, which were terminated in conjunction with the closing of the $500 Million Unsecured Facility.

 

At the current corporate credit rating of Piedmont, Piedmont is required to pay participating banks, in the aggregate, an annual facility fee of 0.15% (approximately $750,000 based on the current $500 million size of the facility). The $500 Million Unsecured Facility bears interest at varying levels based on (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), (ii) the credit rating levels issued for Piedmont, and (iii) a maturity schedule selected

 

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by Piedmont. The stated interest rate spread over LIBOR can vary from LIBOR plus 0.325% to LIBOR plus 1.05% based upon the credit rating of Piedmont. The current stated interest rate spread on the $500 Million Unsecured Facility is LIBOR plus 0.475%. As of December 31, 2007, Piedmont has two draws outstanding under the $500 Million Unsecured Facility: (i) $30.4 million, which is locked at a rate of 5.72% for a 30-day period, and (ii) $58.6 million, which is locked at a rate of 5.26% for a 180-day period.

 

Under the $500 Million Unsecured Facility, Piedmont is subject to certain financial covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of an unencumbered interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75:1, an unencumbered leverage ratio of at least 1.60:1, a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50:1, a leverage ratio of no more than 0.60:1, and a secured debt ratio of no more than 0.40:1. From inception of the $500 Million Unsecured Facility through December 31, 2007, Piedmont was in compliance with the aforementioned financial covenants. As of December 31, 2007, there was $89.0 million outstanding on the $500 Million Unsecured Facility, and approximately $5.4 million of borrowing capacity was pledged as security under existing letters of credit (see Note 8 below); accordingly, $405.6 million was available for borrowing under the $500 Million Unsecured Facility.

 

On March 1, 2007, Piedmont repaid the entire outstanding principal balance on the 1075 West Entrance Building Mortgage Note of approximately $13.9 million plus a prepayment penalty of approximately $1.6 million. In connection with prepayment of the 1075 West Entrance Building Mortgage Note, Piedmont recognized a loss of approximately $0.1 million resulting from the prepayment penalty of approximately $1.6 million, offset by a write-off of the unamortized fair value adjustment to debt of approximately $1.5 million. Accordingly, costs associated with the early extinguishment of debt are reported as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Piedmont’s weighted-average interest rate as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, for aforementioned borrowings was approximately 5.28% and 5.21%, respectively. Piedmont made interest payments, including amounts capitalized, of approximately $63.2 million, $60.4 million, and $51.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

A summary of the aggregate maturities of Piedmont’s indebtedness as of December 31, 2007, is provided below (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ 34,431

2009

     295

2010

     337

2011

     89,386

2012

     45,433

Thereafter

     1,131,648
      

Total

   $ 1,301,530
      

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Properties Under Contract and Related Letter of Credit

 

As of December 31, 2007, Piedmont had entered into a contract to acquire 100% of the membership interests in a limited liability company, which is in the process of constructing one building for a total purchase price of $83.7 million, plus closing costs. Additionally, Piedmont has executed a letter of credit with a financial institution in the amount of $5.0 million, which serves as earnest money for this contract.

 

Commitments Under Existing Lease Agreements

 

Certain lease agreements include provisions that, at the option of the tenant, may obligate Piedmont to provide funding for capital improvements. Under existing lease agreements, Leo Burnett and Winston & Strawn, LLP,

 

F-19


the principal tenants at the 35 W. Wacker Building, are entitled to additional landlord-funded tenant improvements, leasing commissions, and building improvements, totaling approximately $52.7 million as of December 31, 2007.

 

Operating Lease Obligations

 

Three properties are subject to ground leases with expiration dates ranging between 2048 and 2083. The aggregate remaining payments required under the terms of these operating leases as of December 31, 2007 are presented below (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ 563

2009

     563

2010

     630

2011

     630

2012

     630

Thereafter

     61,346
      

Total

   $ 64,362
      

 

Ground rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, was approximately $563,000, $563,000, and $618,000, respectively, and is included in property operating costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The net book value of the related real estate subject to operating leases is approximately $29.1 million and $30.1 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Assertion of Legal Action

 

Washtenaw County Employees Retirement System v. Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., et al. (currently under a motion to dismiss)

 

On March 12, 2007, a stockholder filed a purported class action and derivative complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against, among others, Piedmont, Piedmont’s previous advisors, and the officers and directors of Piedmont prior to the closing of the Internalization. The complaint attempts to assert class action claims on behalf of those persons who received and were entitled to vote on the proxy statement filed with the SEC on February 26, 2007.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that the consideration to be paid as part of the Internalization is excessive; (ii) violations of Section 14(a), including Rule 14a-9 thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, based upon allegations that the proxy statement contains false and misleading statements or omits to state material facts; (iii) that the board of directors and the current and previous advisors breached their fiduciary duties to the class and to Piedmont; and (iv) that the proposed Internalization will unjustly enrich certain directors and officers of Piedmont.

 

The complaint seeks, among other things, (i) certification of the class action; (ii) a judgment declaring the proxy statement false and misleading; (iii) unspecified monetary damages; (iv) to nullify any stockholder approvals obtained during the proxy process; (v) to nullify the merger proposal and the merger agreement; (vi) restitution for disgorgement of profits, benefits, and other compensation for wrongful conduct and fiduciary breaches; (vii) the nomination and election of new independent directors, and the retention of a new financial advisor to assess the advisability of Piedmont’s strategic alternatives; and (viii) the payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees.

 

On April 9, 2007, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for an order enjoining the Internalization. On April 17, 2007, the court granted the defendants’ motion to transfer venue to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the case was docketed in the Northern District of Georgia on April 24, 2007. On June 7, 2007, the court granted a motion to designate the class lead plaintiff and class co-lead counsel.

 

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On June 27, 2007, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which contains the same counts as the original complaint, described above, with amended factual allegations based primarily on events occurring subsequent to the original complaint and the addition of a Piedmont officer as an individual defendant.

 

On July 9, 2007, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for expedited discovery, which the plaintiff intended to use to support an anticipated motion that would seek (i) relief from the April 9, 2007 court order, (ii) to void the vote ratifying the Internalization transaction, and (iii) to preliminarily enjoin Piedmont from listing its shares on a national exchange.

 

On August 13, 2007, the defendants moved to dismiss the lawsuit. The motion has been fully briefed and awaits decision by the court.

 

Piedmont believes that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend this action. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time; however, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist.

 

Washtenaw County Employees Retirement System v. Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., et al.

 

On October 25, 2007, the same stockholder mentioned above filed a second purported class action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Piedmont and its board of directors. The complaint attempts to assert class action claims on behalf of (i) those persons who were entitled to tender their shares pursuant to the tender offer filed with the SEC by Lex-Win Acquisition LLC on May 25, 2007, and (ii) all persons who are entitled to vote on the proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 16, 2007.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws, including Sections 14(a) and 14(e) of the Exchange Act and Rules 14a-9 and 14e-2(b) promulgated thereunder. In addition, the complaint alleges that defendants have also breached their fiduciary duties owed to the proposed classes.

 

On December 26, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion seeking that the court designate it as lead plaintiff and its counsel as class lead counsel. As of the date of this filing, the court has not ruled on this motion.

 

As of the date of this filing, the time for responding to the complaint has not yet passed. Piedmont believes that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend this action. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time; however, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist.

 

Donald and Donna Goldstein, Derivatively on behalf of Nominal Defendant Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. v. Leo F. Wells, III, et al. (dismissed on March 13, 2008)

 

On August 24, 2007, two stockholders of Piedmont filed a putative shareholder derivative complaint in the Superior Court of Fulton County, State of Georgia, on behalf of Piedmont against, among others, one of Piedmont’s previous advisors, and a number of Piedmont’s current and former officers and directors.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that the consideration paid as part of the Internalization of Piedmont’s previous advisors was excessive; (ii) that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Piedmont; and (iii) that the Internalization transaction unjustly enriched the defendants.

 

The complaint seeks, among other things, (i) a judgment declaring that the defendants have committed breaches of their fiduciary duties and were unjustly enriched at the expense of Piedmont; (ii) monetary damages equal to the amount by which Piedmont has been damaged by the defendants; (iii) an order awarding Piedmont restitution from the defendants and ordering disgorgement of all profits and benefits obtained by the defendants from their

 

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wrongful conduct and fiduciary breaches; (iv) an order directing the defendants to respond in good faith to offers which are in the best interest of Piedmont and its stockholders and to establish a committee of independent directors or an independent third party to evaluate strategic alternatives and potential offers for Piedmont, and to take steps to maximize Piedmont’s and the stockholders’ value; (v) an order directing the defendants to disclose all material information to Piedmont’s stockholders with respect to the Internalization transaction and all offers to purchase Piedmont and to adopt and implement a procedure or process to obtain the highest possible price for the stockholders; (vi) an order rescinding, to the extent already implemented, the Internalization transaction; (vii) the establishment of a constructive trust upon any benefits improperly received by the defendants as a result of their wrongful conduct; and (viii) an award to the plaintiffs of costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees.

 

On October 24, 2007, the court entered an order staying discovery until further order of the court. On October 26, 2007, the lawsuit was transferred to the Business Case Division of the Fulton County Superior Court. On October 31, 2007, Piedmont moved to dismiss this lawsuit.

 

After a status conference on November 15, 2007, the court amended the order staying discovery and ruled that the plaintiffs could engage in limited, written, fact discovery regarding the Demand Review Committee of Piedmont’s board of directors’ actions with regard to the plaintiffs’ demand upon Piedmont. Piedmont has responded to the limited discovery requested by the plaintiff.

 

On January 10, 2008, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which contains substantially the same counts against the same defendants as the original complaint with certain additional factual allegations based primarily on events occurring after the original complaint was filed. In addition, the plaintiffs have responded to Piedmont’s motion to dismiss this lawsuit. A hearing on Piedmont’s motion to dismiss was held on February 22, 2008.

 

On March 13, 2008, the court granted the motion to dismiss this complaint.

 

Other Legal Matters

 

Piedmont is from time to time a party to other legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of its business. None of these ordinary course legal proceedings are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on results of operations or financial condition.

 

9. Stockholders’ Equity

 

2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan

 

On April 16, 2007, after obtaining the approval of the stockholders, Piedmont’s board of directors adopted the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan is to provide Piedmont with the flexibility to offer performance-based compensation, including stock-based and incentive cash awards as part of an overall compensation package to attract and retain qualified personnel. Certain officers, key employees, non-employee directors, or consultants of Piedmont and its subsidiaries are eligible to be granted cash awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock awards, other stock-based awards, dividend equivalent rights, and performance-based awards under the plan.

 

Restricted Stock

 

On May 18, 2007, pursuant to the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Piedmont granted approximately 764,850 shares of common stock (or approximately 0.16% of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2007) as deferred stock awards to its employees, of which 19,988 shares were surrendered immediately to satisfy required minimum tax withholding obligations. Of the net shares granted, 171,227 shares (or 25%) vested immediately and the remaining shares, adjusted for any forfeitures, will vest ratably over the next three years. Piedmont estimated the fair value of the awards on the date of grant based on an assumed share price of $10.00 per share reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the unvested portion of the shares discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. As of December 31, 2007, 557,885 shares remained unvested.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2007, Piedmont recognized approximately $3.8 million of compensation expense, of which $1.9 million related to the nonvested shares. As of December 31, 2007, approximately $2.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested, share-based compensation remained, which Piedmont will record in its statements of income over the vesting period.

 

Annual Independent Director Equity Awards

 

On August 6, 2007, the board of directors of Piedmont approved an annual equity award for each of the independent directors of $50,000 payable in the form of 5,000 shares of Piedmont’s common stock with an effective award date for the 2007 award of August 10, 2007. The independent directors were given the option to defer the receipt of their stock until a future year or years, in which case a grant of dividend equivalent rights in an amount equal to the dividends that would have been payable on the deferred shares will be made to the directors who elect to defer. During the year ended December 31, 2007, Piedmont recognized directors’ fees of $100,000 and $4,400 related to the equity awards for two directors and dividend equivalent rights for the three directors, respectively, as a result of the above awards. As of December 31, 2007, 15,000 shares granted to independent directors in August 2007 remained deferred.

 

Prior to adoption of the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Piedmont was subject to the 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Employee Option Plan”), the Independent Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Option Plan”), and the Independent Director Warrant Plan (the “Director Warrant Plan”). On April 16, 2007, Piedmont’s board of directors terminated the Employee Option Plan since such plan was intended to cover employees of the former third-party advisor. As a result of the Internalization of the former advisor companies, the plan was no longer necessary. No shares were ever issued under the Employee Option Plan. Effective April 16, 2007, Piedmont’s board of directors also suspended the Director Option Plan and the Director Warrant Plan. Outstanding awards will continue to be governed by the terms of those plans described below; however, all future awards will be made under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 

Director Option Plan

 

Under the Director Option Plan, options to purchase shares of common stock at $12 per share were granted upon initially becoming an independent director of Piedmont and each subsequent year at the annual meeting through 2006. Of these initially granted options, 20% were exercisable immediately on the date of grant. An additional 20% of these options became exercisable on each anniversary following the date of grant for a period of four years. Options granted at each annual meeting of stockholders of Piedmont were 100% exercisable at the completion of two years of service after the date of grant. All options granted under the Director Option Plan expire no later than the date immediately following the tenth anniversary of the date of grant and may expire sooner in the event of the disability or death of the independent director or if the independent director ceases to serve as a director. In the event of a corporate transaction or other recapitalization event, the conflicts committee will adjust the number of shares, class of shares, exercise price, or other terms of the Director Option Plan to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Director Option Plan or with respect to any option as necessary. No stock option may be exercised if such exercise would jeopardize Piedmont’s status as a REIT under the Code, and no stock option may be granted if the grant, when combined with those issuable upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants granted to Piedmont’s advisor, directors, officers, or any of their affiliates, would exceed 10% of Piedmont’s outstanding shares. No option may be sold, pledged, assigned, or transferred by an independent director in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution.

 

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A summary of Piedmont’s stock option activity under its Director Option Plan for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, follows:

 

     Number of
Options
Outstanding
    Exercise
Price
   Number of
Options

Exercisable

Outstanding as of January 1, 2005

   53,000     $ 12    35,500

Granted

   8,000     $ 12   
           

Outstanding as of December 31, 2005

   61,000     $ 12    43,500

Granted

   7,000     $ 12   

Terminated

   (2,000 )   $ 12   
           

Outstanding as of December 31, 2006

   66,000     $ 12    51,500

Terminated

   (6,000 )   $ 12   

Expired

   (29,000 )   $ 12   
           

Outstanding as of December 31, 2007

   31,000     $ 12    27,000
           

 

Piedmont implemented SFAS 123-R using the modified prospective transition method, under which compensation expense is required to be recognized over the remaining requisite service period for the estimated fair values of (i) the unvested portion of previously issued awards that remain outstanding as of January 1, 2006 and (ii) any awards issued, modified, repurchased, or cancelled after January 1, 2006. Based on the following assumptions, the fair value of options granted under the Independent Director Plan in 2006 and 2005 were insignificant. Piedmont estimated the fair value of such options using the Black-Scholes-Merton model with the following assumptions:

 

     2006   2005

Risk-free rate

   4.61%   3.81%

Projected future dividend yield

   7.00%   7.00%

Expected life of the options

   6 years   6 years

Volatility

   0.161   0.168

 

As none of the options described above have been exercised, Piedmont does not have relevant historical data on which to base an estimate of the expected life of the independent director options. The expected life of such options was estimated to equal one-half of the sum of the remaining contractual term (10 years), plus the weighted-average vesting period (2 years). As Piedmont’s common stock is not publicly traded, Piedmont does not have relevant historical data on which to base an estimate of volatility in the value of such options. The volatility of such options has been estimated to equal the average fluctuations in historical stock prices of publicly traded companies that are otherwise similar to Piedmont. The weighted-average contractual remaining life for options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2007, was approximately five years.

 

Director Warrant Plan

 

The Director Warrant Plan provides for the issuance of one warrant to purchase common stock for every 25 shares of common stock purchased by an independent director. The exercise price of the warrants is $12 per share. The warrants are exercisable until the dissolution, liquidation, or merger or consolidation of Piedmont, where Piedmont is not the surviving corporation, provided that the director continues to serve as an independent director on the board of directors of Piedmont. Warrants expire three months from the date an independent director ceases to serve as a director. As of December 31, 2007, 3,619 warrants are outstanding under the Director Warrant Plan. No warrant may be sold, pledged, assigned, or transferred by an independent director in any manner other than by the laws of descent or distribution.

 

F-24


Piedmont estimated the fair value of the director warrants granted in 2007, 2006, and 2005 as of the dates of the respective grants using the Black-Scholes-Merton model with the following assumptions:

 

     2007   2006   2005

Risk-free rate

   3.39%   4.61%   3.81%

Projected future dividend yield

   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%

Expected life of the options

   5 years   5 years   5 years

Volatility

   0.160   0.161   0.168

 

As none of the warrants described above have been exercised, Piedmont does not have relevant historical data on which to base an estimate of the expected life of the independent director warrants. The expected life of such warrants was estimated to equal one-half of the sum of the contractual term (10 years), plus the weighted-average vesting period (0 years). As Piedmont’s common stock is not publicly traded, Piedmont does not have relevant historical data on which to base an estimate of volatility in the value of such warrants. The volatility of such warrants has been estimated to equal the average fluctuations in historical stock prices of publicly traded companies that are otherwise similar to Piedmont. Based on the above assumptions, the fair value of the warrants granted under the Independent Director Warrant Plan during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was insignificant.

 

Dealer Warrant Plan

 

Under the terms of each offering of Piedmont’s stock, warrants to purchase shares of Piedmont’s stock were issued to Wells Investment Securities, Inc. (“WIS”), the dealer-manager in each offering of Piedmont’s stock and an affiliate of our former advisor. Each dealer warrant provided the right to purchase one share of Piedmont’s common stock at a price of $12 during a time period beginning one year from the effective date of the respective offering and ending five years after the effective date of the respective offering. No dealer warrants were ever exercised, and all warrants related to all eligible offerings have expired as of December 31, 2007.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Under Piedmont’s DRP, common stockholders may elect to reinvest an amount equal to the dividends declared on their common shares into additional shares of Piedmont’s common stock in lieu of receiving cash dividends. The shares may be purchased at a fixed price per share, and participants in the DRP may purchase fractional shares so that 100% of the dividends will be used to acquire shares of Piedmont’s stock. The board of directors, by majority vote, may amend or terminate the DRP for any reason. The DRP’s offering price is determined as 95.5% of the current estimated share valuation, which is recalculated from time to time by the board of directors. Accordingly, DRP shares were offered at $8.53 per share for each quarter of 2007.

 

Share Redemption Program

 

Under Piedmont’s common stock redemption program, investors who have held shares for more than one year may redeem shares subject to the following limitations: (i) Piedmont may not redeem in excess of 5% of the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the prior calendar year during any calendar year; and (ii) in no event shall the aggregate amount of redemptions under the Piedmont share redemption program exceed aggregate proceeds received from the sale of shares pursuant to the DRP. The one-year period may be waived by the board of directors in certain circumstances, including death or bankruptcy of the stockholder. Piedmont redeems shares pursuant to the share redemption program for a purchase price equal to the lesser of (1) $10 per share or (2) the purchase price per share that the stockholder actually paid, less in both instances any amounts previously distributed to stockholders attributable to special distributions of net sales proceeds from the sale of Piedmont’s properties (currently $1.62 per share).

 

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10. Weighted-Average Common Shares

 

There are no adjustments to “Net income” or “Income from continuing operations” for the diluted earnings per share computations.

 

The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 2007, 2006, and 2005 (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2007
   December 31,
2006
   December 31,
2005

Weighted-average common shares—basic

   482,093    461,693    466,285

Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions:

        

Restricted stock awards

   174    —      —  
              

Weighted-average common shares—diluted

   482,267    461,693    466,285

 

11. Operating Leases

 

Piedmont’s real estate assets are leased to tenants under operating leases for which the terms vary, including certain provisions to extend the lease term, options for early terminations subject to specified penalties, and other terms and conditions as negotiated. Piedmont retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of the real estate assets leased to tenants. Amounts required as security deposits vary depending upon the terms of the respective leases and the creditworthiness of the tenant, however, generally they are not significant. Therefore, exposure to credit risk is limited to the extent that the receivables exceed this amount. Security deposits related to tenant leases are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Piedmont’s tenants generally have investment-grade credit ratings as reported by Standard & Poor’s or are subsidiaries of such investment-grade-rated entities, are governmental agencies, or are nationally recognized corporations or professional service firms. Piedmont’s properties are located in 23 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2007, approximately 26% and 19% of Piedmont’s total real estate assets are located in metropolitan Chicago and metropolitan Washington, D.C., respectively.

 

The future minimum rental income from Piedmont’s investment in real estate assets under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding properties under development, as of December 31, 2007, is presented below (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31:

  

2008

   $ 429,329

2009

     400,420

2010

     381,513

2011

     329,014

2012

     257,954

Thereafter

     915,835
      

Total

   $ 2,714,065
      

 

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12. Discontinued operations

 

Piedmont has classified the results of operations related to the following properties as discontinued operations:

 

Building Sold:

  

Month and Year of Sale

Citigroup Fort Mill Building

   March 2007

Videojet Technology Building

   March 2007

Frank Russell Building

   December 2006

Northrop Grumman Building

   July 2006

IRS Daycare Building

   April 2006

23 Wholly Owned properties as part of April 2005 27-Property Sale

   April 2005

 

The details comprising income from discontinued operations is presented below (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006    2005  

Revenues:

       

Rental income

   $ 1,259     $ 12,993    $ 29,546  

Tenant reimbursements

     (401 )     191      2,989  

Lease termination income

     —         —        —    

Gain on sale

     20,680       27,922      177,678  
                       
     21,538       41,106      210,213  

Expenses:

       

Property operating costs

     (397 )     275      3,736  

Asset and property management fees:

       

Related-party

     —         —        439  

Other

     —         3      152  

Depreciation

     311       2,918      5,451  

Amortization

     41       1,367      3,239  

General and administrative expenses

     35       89      304  
                       
     (10 )     4,652      13,321  
                       

Real estate operating income

     21,548       36,454      196,892  

Other income (expense):

       

Interest expense

     —         —        (1,281 )

Interest and other income

     —         —        1,758  
                       
     —         —        477  
                       

Income from discontinued operations

   $ 21,548     $ 36,454    $ 197,369  
                       

 

F-27


13. Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Activities

 

Significant noncash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 (in thousands) are outlined below:

 

     2007     2006    2005

Investment in real estate funded with other assets

   $ —       $ 5,000    $ —  
                     

Acquisition and advisory fees due to affiliate

   $ —       $ —      $ 1,157
                     

Acquisition and advisory fees applied to investments

   $ —       $ 1,328    $ 3,306
                     

Acquisition of Piedmont’s former advisor in exchange for common stock

   $ 175,000     $ —      $ —  
                     

Transfer of common stock to Piedmont’s former advisor in exchange for partnership units

   $ 200     $ —      $ —  
                     

Investment in goodwill funded with other assets

   $ 1,504     $ —      $ —  
                     

Accrued goodwill costs

   $ 307     $ —      $ —  
                     

Liabilities assumed under acquisition of Piedmont’s former advisor

   $ 1,264     $ —      $ —  
                     

Liabilities assumed upon acquisition of properties

   $ 190     $ 2,468    $ —  
                     

Disposition of investments in bonds and related obligations under capital leases in connection with sale of properties

   $ —       $ —      $ 64,500
                     

Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs

   $ 9,391     $ 3,592    $ 3,010
                     

Accrued redemptions of common stock

   $ 5,144     $ 825    $ —  
                     

Discounts applied to issuance of common stock

   $ 13,853     $ 1,273    $ 6,060
                     

Discounts reduced as result of redemptions of common stock

   $ 563     $ 1,610    $ 3,389
                     

Redeemable common stock

   $ (30,780 )   $ 30,886    $ 58,940
                     

 

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14. Related-Party Transactions

 

For the period from January 1, 2005, through the closing of the Internalization transaction on April 16, 2007, Piedmont was a party to and incurred expenses under the following agreements with Piedmont’s former advisor and its affiliates:

 

Agreement

  

Services Provided

   Fees Incurred (in thousands)
          2007    2006    2005

Asset Advisory Agreement

   Manage day-to-day operations; administer, promote, operate, maintain, improve, finance, lease, dispose of properties; provide accounting, compliance, other administrative services    $ 7,046    $ 21,043    $ 18,966

Property Management Agreement

   Manage properties; coordinate leasing of properties; manage construction activities at certain properties    $ 1,515    $ 3,318    $ 3,221

Acquisition Advisory Agreement

   Provide capital-raising functions; transfer agent and shareholder communication services    $ —      $ 3,700    $ 7,817
   Acquisition of properties    $ —      $ 1,328    $ 3,306

Administrative reimbursements (pursuant to agreements listed above)

   Piedmont was required to reimburse each service provider for various expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its duties    $ 3,034    $ 7,854    $ 9,240
   Portion of administrative expense reimbursed by tenants    $ 785    $ 934    $ 859

 

F-29


Agreements with Former Advisor Companies Post Internalization

 

From the closing of the Internalization transaction on April 16, 2007, through December 31, 2007, Piedmont was a party to and incurred expenses under the following agreements with Piedmont’s former advisor and its affiliates:

 

Agreement

  

Services Provided

  

Fees Incurred /
(Revenues Earned)

  

Termination Date

  

Renewal Options

Property Management

Services—Piedmont

Owned Properties

Managed by

FormerAdvisor

   Manage day-to-day operations and provide property accounting services for 17 properties    $0.9 million    April 1, 2008 (Termination option upon 60 days’ notice)    Automatically renews unless either party gives notice of intent not to renew

Property Management

Services—Properties

Owned by Products

Sponsored by Former

Advisor Managed

by Piedmont

   Manage day-to-day operations and provide property accounting services for 22 properties    $(2.0) million    April 16, 2008 (Termination option upon 60 days’ notice)    Automatically renews unless either party gives notice of intent not to renew

Transition Services

Agreement

   Investor relations support services; transfer agent-related services; investor communication support    $1.6 million    Sooner of April 16, 2008, or 90 days after a listing of Piedmont’s shares on a national exchange (Termination option upon 30 days’ notice)    Automatically renewed for successive 180-day periods unless otherwise terminated

Headquarters

Sublease Agreement

   Approximately 13,000 sq. feet in the office building located at 6200 The Corners Parkway, Norcross, Ga., along with furniture, fixtures, and equipment    $0.2 million    April 16, 2009 (Termination option upon 180 days’ notice. Termination fee equal to one-half of the rent for the then-current term)    Up to two additional two-year periods, upon 180 days’ notice

Support Services

Agreement

   Information technology services and human resources services    $0.6 million    April 16, 2009 (Human resources services were terminated effective July 2007. These services represent approximately $43,000 per annum of the fees under the Support Services Agreement)    Right to renew for an additional two-year period. If exercised, agreement automatically renews for successive one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated.

 

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15. Income Taxes

 

Piedmont’s income tax basis net income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, is calculated as follows (in thousands):

 

     2007     2006     2005  

GAAP basis financial statement net income

   $ 133,610     $ 133,324     $ 329,135  

Increase (decrease) in net income resulting from:

      

Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     43,018       43,072       40,738  

Rental income accrued for income tax purposes less than amounts for financial reporting purposes

     (15,190 )     (7,777 )     (18,773 )

Net amortization of above/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     932       2,742       1,462  

Loss (gain) on sale of property for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     2,059       (4,579 )     (11,078 )

Taxable income of Wells Washington Properties, Inc., in excess of amount for financial reporting purposes

     3,894       8,076       3,546  

Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     11,750       26,143       20,260  
                        

Income tax basis net income, prior to dividends paid deduction

   $ 180,073     $ 201,001     $ 365,290  
                        

 

For income tax purposes, dividends to common stockholders are characterized as ordinary income, capital gains, or as a return of a stockholder’s invested capital. The composition of Piedmont’s distributions per common share is presented below:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Ordinary income

   56 %   66 %   19 %

Capital gains

   8 %   9 %   17 %

Return of capital

   36 %   25 %   64 %
                  
   100 %   100 %   100 %
                  

 

At December 31, 2007, the tax basis carrying value of Piedmont’s total assets was approximately $4.5 billion.

 

Piedmont adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), effective January 1, 2007. No reserves for uncertain tax positions were recorded pursuant to the adoption of FIN 48. In addition, Piedmont did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of FIN 48 and has no unrecognized deferred tax benefits. Piedmont recorded interest and penalties of approximately $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $(0.3) million related to uncertain tax positions as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As years lapse due to the applicable statute of limitations, Piedmont reduces the reserve for such lapsed years as a reduction to general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

The reconciliation of Piedmont’s reserve related to its tax exposures is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance, December 31, 2006

   $ 5,583

Additions for tax position of the current year

     1,067

Additions for tax position of the prior year

     40
      

Balance, December 31, 2007

   $ 6,690

 

The tax years 2003-2006 remain open to examination by certain tax jurisdictions to which Piedmont is subject.

 

F-31


16. Quarterly Results (unaudited)

 

A summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, is presented below (in thousands, except per-share data):

 

     2007
     First    Second    Third    Fourth

Revenues

   $ 148,218    $ 146,177    $ 149,479    $ 149,375

Discontinued operations

   $ 21,516    $ 10    $ 16    $ 6

Net income

   $ 50,127    $ 28,196    $ 29,159    $ 26,128

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.11    $ 0.06    $ 0.06    $ 0.05

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.11    $ 0.06    $ 0.06    $ 0.05

Dividends per share

   $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467

 

     2006
     First    Second    Third    Fourth

Revenues

   $ 139,047    $ 140,056    $ 151,173    $ 141,087

Discontinued operations

   $ 2,304    $ 3,596    $ 15,751    $ 14,803

Net income

   $ 31,347    $ 28,394    $ 48,248    $ 25,335

Basic and diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.07    $ 0.06    $ 0.10    $ 0.06

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.07    $ 0.06    $ 0.10    $ 0.06

Dividends per share

   $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467    $ 0.1467

 

17. Subsequent Events

 

Declaration of Dividend for the First Quarter of 2008

 

On March 6, 2008, the board of directors of Piedmont declared dividends for the first quarter of 2008 in the amount of $0.1467 (14.67 cents) per share on the outstanding common shares of Piedmont to all stockholders of record of such shares as shown on Piedmont’s books at the close of business on March 15, 2008. Such dividends were paid on March 24, 2008.

 

Repayment of One Brattle Square Building Mortgage Note

 

On March 11, 2008, Piedmont repaid the entire outstanding principal balance on the One Brattle Square Building Mortgage Note of approximately $26.0 million. The One Brattle Square Building Mortgage Note was repaid with a draw from Piedmont’s $500 Million Unsecured Facility and cash on hand.

 

Investment in Mezzanine Debt

 

On March 19, 2008, Piedmont invested $45.6 million in subordinated or mezzanine debt of an entity which is generally secured by a pledge of the equity interest of the entity owning a 46-story Class A commercial office building located in downtown Chicago. Our interests will be subordinate to the mortgage loan secured by the office building as well as subordinate to the interests of two other mezzanine lenders. The note has a face amount of $50.3 million which is due August of 2009 (with 3 one-year extension options) and bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 1.61%.

 

Share Price Changed for Shares Purchased Pursuant to DRP

 

On March 25, 2008, the board of directors of Piedmont changed the price for purchase of common shares pursuant to the DRP to be equal to $8.38 effective beginning with dividends to be declared and paid in June 2008. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment Plan adopted November 15, 2005, the board of directors of Piedmont may set or change the share price for the purchase of DRP shares at any time in its sole and absolute discretion based on factors it deems appropriate.

 

Termination of Director Warrant Plan

 

On March 25, 2008, the board of directors of Piedmont terminated the Director Warrant Plan and all outstanding warrants were cancelled.

 

F-32


Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Schedule III—Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization

 

December 31, 2007

(dollars in thousands)

 

                    Initial Cost         Gross Amount at Which
Carried at December 31, 2007
               

Description

 

Location

  Ownership
Percentage
    Encumbrances     Land   Buildings
and
Improve-
ments
  Total   Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent
to

Acquisition
    Land   Buildings
and
Improve-
ments
  Total   Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
  Date of
Constru-
ction
  Date
Acquired
  Life on
which

Depreciation
and

Amortization
is

Computed
(h)

26200 ENTERPRISE WAY (f/k/a MATSUSHITA)

  Lake Forest, CA   100 %   None     $ 4,577   $ —     $ 4,577   9,415     $ 4,768   $ 9,224   $ 13,992   $ 2,441   1999   3/15/1999   0 to 40 years

3900 DALLAS PARKWAY

  Plano, TX   100 %   None       1,456     20,377     21,833   2,138       1,517     22,454     23,971     5,455   1999   12/21/1999   0 to 40 years

RIVER CORPORATE CENTER

  Tempe, AZ   100 %   (c )     0     16,036     16,036   692       0     16,728     16,728     4,128   1998   3/29/2000   0 to 40 years

AVNET

  Tempe, AZ   100 %   (c )     0     13,272     13,272   551       0     13,823     13,823     3,275   2000   6/12/2000   0 to 40 years

1441 W. LONG LAKE ROAD (f/k/a DELPHI)

  Troy, MI   100 %   None       2,160     16,776     18,936   924       2,250     17,610     19,860     4,165   2000   6/29/2000   0 to 40 years

MOTOROLA PLAINFIELD

  South Plainfield, NJ   100 %   None       9,653     20,495     30,148   (1,276 )     10,055     18,817     28,872     4,147   2000   11/1/2000   0 to 40 years

1430 ENCLAVE PARKWAY

  Houston, TX   100 %   32,100       7,100     37,915     45,015   2,075       7,396     39,694     47,090     8,633   1994   12/21/2000   0 to 40 years

CRESCENT RIDGE II (f/k/a 10900 WAYZATA)

  Minnetonka, MN   100 %   None       7,700     45,154     52,854   6,374       8,021     51,207     59,228     11,579   2000   12/21/2000   0 to 40 years

STATE STREET (a)

  Quincy, MA   100 %   20,200       11,042     40,666     51,708   2,176       11,042     42,842     53,884     9,242   1990   7/30/2001   0 to 40 years

CONVERGYS

  Tamarac, FL   100 %   None       3,642     10,404     14,046   3       3,642     10,407     14,049     1,873   2001   12/21/2001   0 to 40 years

WINDY POINT I

  Schaumburg, IL   100 %   23,400       4,537     31,847     36,384   171       4,537     32,018     36,555     5,813   1999   12/31/2001   0 to 40 years

WINDY POINT II

  Schaumburg, IL   100 %   40,300       3,746     55,026     58,772   47       3,746     55,073     58,819     9,909   2001   12/31/2001   0 to 40 years

SARASOTA COMMERCE CENTER II

  Sarasota, FL   100 %   None       1,767     20,533     22,300   3,309       2,203     23,406     25,609     4,656   1999   1/11/2002   0 to 40 years

11695 JOHNS CREEK PARKWAY

  Duluth, GA   100 %   None       2,080     13,572     15,652   534       2,080     14,106     16,186     2,458   2001   3/28/2002   0 to 40 years

3750 BROOKSIDE PARKWAY (f/k/a AGILENT ATLANTA)

  Alpharetta, GA   100 %   None       1,561     14,207     15,768   242       1,561     14,449     16,010     2,425   2001   4/18/2002   0 to 40 years

BELLSOUTH FT. LAUDERDALE

  Ft. Lauderdale, FL   100 %   (c )     0     7,172     7,172   (0 )     0     7,172     7,172     1,200   2001   4/18/2002   0 to 40 years

90 CENTRAL STREET

  Boxborough, MA   100 %   None       3,642     29,497     33,139   3,404       3,642     32,901     36,543     7,165   2002   5/3/2002   0 to 40 years

MFS PHOENIX

  Phoenix, AZ   100 %   None       2,602     24,333     26,935   46       2,602     24,379     26,981     3,922   2001   6/4/2002   0 to 40 years

BMG DIRECT GREENVILLE

  Duncan, SC   100 %   None       1,002     15,709     16,711   8       1,002     15,718     16,720     2,478   1987   7/31/2002   0 to 40 years

BMG MUSIC GREENVILLE

  Duncan, SC   100 %   None       663     10,914     11,577   0       663     10,914     11,577     1,712   1987   7/31/2002   0 to 40 years

6031 CONNECTION DRIVE

  Irving, TX   100 %   None       3,157     43,656     46,813   (0 )     3,157     43,656     46,813     6,739   1999   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

6021 CONNECTION DRIVE

  Irving, TX   100 %   None       3,157     42,662     45,819   (0 )     3,157     42,662     45,819     6,550   1999   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

6011 CONNECTION DRIVE

  Irving, TX   100 %   None       3,157     29,034     32,191   2,586       3,157     31,620     34,777     4,679   1999   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

HARCOURT AUSTIN (a)

  Austin, TX   100 %   16,500       6,098     34,492     40,590   0       6,098     34,492     40,590     5,328   2001   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

AMERICREDIT PHOENIX

  Chandler, AZ   100 %   None       2,632     -     2,632   22,472       2,779     22,325     25,104     4,322   2003   9/12/2002   0 to 40 years

5000 CORPORATE COURT (b)

  Holtsville, NY   100 %   None       4,375     48,212     52,587   (27,191 )     4,162     21,234     25,396     7,197   2000   9/16/2002   0 to 40 years

KEYBANK PARSIPPANY (a)

  Parsippany, NJ   100 %   42,700       9,054     96,722     105,776   165       9,054     96,888     105,942     14,647   1985   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

FEDEX COLORADO SPRINGS

  Colorado Springs, CO   100 %   None       2,185     24,964     27,149   (1,895 )     2,185     23,068     25,253     3,489   2001   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

INTUIT DALLAS

  Plano, TX   100 %   None       3,153     24,602     27,755   4       3,153     24,605     27,758     3,722   2001   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

TWO INDEPENDENCE SQUARE (f/k/a NASA) (a)

  Washington, DC   100 %   105,800       52,711     202,702     255,413   2,345       52,711     205,047     257,758     29,561   1991   11/22/2002   0 to 40 years

ONE INDEPENDENCE SQUARE (f/k/a OCC) (a)

  Washington, DC   100 %   57,800       29,765     104,814     134,579   1,488       30,562     105,505     136,067     15,224   1991   11/22/2002   0 to 40 years

CATERPILLAR NASHVILLE (a)

  Nashville, TN   100 %   26,800       4,908     59,011     63,919   2,428       5,101     61,247     66,348     8,849   2000   11/26/2002   0 to 40 years

NESTLE LOS ANGELES

  Glendale, CA   100 %   None       23,605     136,284     159,889   332       23,608     136,614     160,222     19,425   1990   12/20/2002   0 to 40 years

EASTPOINT INDIANAPOLIS I

  Mayfield Heights, OH   100 %   None       1,485     11,064     12,549   95       1,485     11,159     12,644     1,546   2000   1/9/2003   0 to 40 years

EASTPOINT INDIANAPOLIS II

  Mayfield Heights, OH   100 %   None       1,235     9,199     10,434   1,017       1,235     10,216     11,451     1,467   2000   1/9/2003   0 to 40 years

150 WEST JEFFERSON

  Detroit, MI   100 %   None       9,759     88,364     98,123   4,524       9,759     92,888     102,647     13,921   1989   3/31/2003   0 to 40 years

CITICORP ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ (a)

  Englewood Cliffs, NJ   100 %   29,300       10,424     61,319     71,743   2,046       10,803     62,986     73,789     8,116   1953   4/30/2003   0 to 40 years

US BANCORP MINNEAPOLIS

  Minneapolis, MN   100 %   105,000       11,138     175,629     186,767   2,936       11,138     178,565     189,703     22,829   2000   5/1/2003   0 to 40 years

AON CENTER CHICAGO

  Chicago, IL   100 %   225,000       23,267     472,488     495,755   64,488       23,966     536,277     560,243     67,743   1972   5/9/2003   0 to 40 years

AUBURN HILLS CORPORATE CENTER

  Auburn Hills, MI   100 %   None       1,978     16,570     18,548   1,564       1,978     18,135     20,113     2,295   2001   5/9/2003   0 to 40 years

11107 SUNSET HILLS ROAD (f/k/a IBM RESTON I)

  Reston, VA   100 %   None       2,711     17,890     20,601   1,308       2,711     19,198     21,909     3,535   1985   6/27/2003   0 to 40 years

 

S-1


Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Schedule III—Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

(dollars in thousands)

 

                  Initial Cost         Gross Amount at Which
Carried at December 31, 2007
               

Description

 

Location

  Ownership
Percentage
    Encumbrances   Land   Buildings
and
Improve-
ments
  Total   Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent
to

Acquisition
    Land   Buildings
and
Improve-
ments
  Total   Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
  Date of
Constru-
ction
  Date
Acquired
  Life on
which

Depreciation
and

Amortization
is

Computed
(h)

11109 SUNSET HILLS ROAD (f/k/a TELLABS RESTON)

  Reston, VA   100 %   None     1,218     8,038     9,256   328       1,218     8,366     9,584     2,272   1984   6/27/2003   0 to 40 years

LOCKHEED MARTIN ROCKVILLE I

  Rockville, MD   100 %   None     3,019     21,984     25,003   (453 )     2,960     21,590     24,550     5,854   1985   7/30/2003   0 to 40 years

LOCKHEED MARTIN ROCKVILLE II

  Rockville, MD   100 %   None     3,019     21,984     25,003   (432 )     2,960     21,611     24,571     5,857   1985   7/30/2003   0 to 40 years

GLENRIDGE HIGHLANDS II (f/k/a CINGULAR ATLANTA)

  Atlanta, GA   100 %   38,000     6,662     69,031     75,693   (6,355 )     6,662     62,676     69,338     22,254   2000   8/1/2003   0 to 40 years

AVENTIS NORTHERN NEW JERSEY (a)

  Bridgewater, NJ   100 %   40,200     8,182     84,160     92,342   1,773       8,328     85,787     94,115     19,926   2002   8/14/2003   0 to 40 years

1055 EAST COLORADO BLVD

  Pasadena, CA   100 %   29,200     6,495     30,265     36,760   (16 )     6,495     30,248     36,743     7,858   2001   8/22/2003   0 to 40 years

FAIRWAY CENTER II (a)

  Brea, CA   100 %   10,700     7,110     15,600     22,710   434       7,110     16,034     23,144     3,616   2003   8/29/2003   0 to 40 years

COPPER RIDGE CENTER

  Lyndhurst, NJ   100 %   None     6,974     38,714     45,688   (350 )     6,974     38,364     45,338     11,356   1986   9/5/2003   0 to 40 years

1901 MAIN STREET IRVINE

  Irvine, CA   100 %   None     6,246     36,455     42,701   (2,299 )     6,246     34,156     40,402     7,675   2001   9/17/2003   0 to 40 years

NIKE RHEIN (f/k/a IBM RHEIN PORTLAND)

  Beaverton, OR   100 %   None     1,015     6,425     7,440   (2,105 )     1,015     4,320     5,335     474   1988   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

IBM DESCHUTES PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100 %   None     1,072     6,361     7,433   1       1,072     6,361     7,433     1,715   1989   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

IBM WILLAMETTE PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100 %   None     1,085     6,211     7,296   (0 )     1,085     6,211     7,296     2,080   1990   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

1345 BURLINGTON DRIVE PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100 %   None     1,546     7,630     9,176   2,193       1,545     9,824     11,369     1,850   1999   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

15757 JAY STREET PORTLAND and IBM LAND PARCELS

  Beaverton, OR   100 %   None     6,021     427     6,448   (2,241 )     3,735     472     4,207     59   1979   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

35 W. WACKER (f/k/a LEO BURNETT CHICAGO) (d)

  Chicago, Il   95 %   120,000     54,949     218,757     273,706   26,792       55,116     245,382     300,498     49,465   1989   11/6/2003   0 to 40 years

400 VIRGINIA AVENUE

  Washington, DC   100 %   None     22,146     49,740     71,886   (1,149 )     22,146     48,591     70,737     6,341   1985   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

4250 N FAIRFAX ARLINGTON

  Arlington, VA   100 %   45,000     13,636     70,918     84,554   4,165       13,636     75,082     88,718     10,308   1998   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

1225 EYE STREET (e)

  Washington, DC   50 %   47,607     21,959     47,602     69,561   3,234       21,959     50,836     72,795     9,340   1985   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

1201 EYE STREET (f/k/a US PARK SERVICE) (f)

  Washington, DC   50 %   67,560     31,985     63,139     95,124   7,357       31,985     70,496     102,481     11,838   2001   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

EASTPOINT CORPORATE CENTER

  Issaquah, WA   100 %   None     4,351     25,899     30,250   (7,250 )     4,351     18,649     23,000     1,760   2001   12/10/2003   0 to 40 years

1901 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA

  Philadelphia, PA   100 %   None     13,584     166,683     180,267   137       20,829     159,575     180,404     19,819   1990   12/18/2003   0 to 40 years

60 BROAD STREET NEW YORK

  New York, NY   100 %   None     32,522     168,986     201,508   (279 )     60,708     140,521     201,229     21,787   1962   12/31/2003   0 to 40 years

1414 MASSACHUSSETS AVENUE

  Cambridge, MA   100 %   None     4,210     35,821     40,031   1,893       4,365     37,559     41,924     5,759   1873   1/8/2004   0 to 40 years

ONE BRATTLE SQUARE

  Cambridge, MA   100 %   27,484     6,974     64,940     71,914   (5,849 )     7,113     58,952     66,065     9,443   1991   2/26/2004   0 to 40 years

MERCK NEW JERSEY

  Lebanon, NJ   100 %   None     3,934     —       3,934   16,281       3,934     16,281     20,215     1,552   2004   3/16/2004   0 to 40 years

1075 WEST ENTRANCE

  Auburn Hills, MI   100 %   15,525     5,200     22,957     28,157   39       5,207     22,990     28,197     3,223   2001   7/7/2004   0 to 40 years

3100 CLARENDON BOULEVARD

  Arlington, VA   100 %   34,502     11,700     69,705     81,405   1,386       11,791     71,000     82,791     14,489   1986   12/9/2004   0 to 40 years

SHADY GROVE V

  Rockville, MD   100 %   None     3,730     16,608     20,338   1,083       3,882     17,539     21,421     3,019   1982   12/29/2004   0 to 40 years

400 BRIDGEWATER

  Bridgewater, NJ   100 %   None     10,400     71,052     81,452   3,950       10,400     75,002     85,402     8,645   2002   2/17/2006   0 to 40 years

LAS COLINAS CORPORATE CENTER I

  Irving, TX   100 %   17,500     3,912     18,830     22,742   835       3,912     19,665     23,577     2,069   1997   8/31/2006   0 to 40 years

LAS COLINAS CORPORATE CENTER II

  Irving, TX   100 %   25,025     4,496     29,881     34,377   666       4,496     30,547     35,043     4,298   1998   8/31/2006   0 to 40 years

TWO PIERCE PLACE

  Itasca, IL   100 %   None     4,370     70,632     75,002   542       4,370     71,174     75,544     3,365   1991   12/7/2006   0 to 40 years

2300 CABOT DRIVE

  Lisle, IL   100 %   None     4,390     19,549     23,939   391       4,390     19,940     24,330     1,638   1998   5/10/2007   0 to 40 years

PIEDMONT POINTE I

  Bethesda, MD   100 %   None     11,200     58,606     69,806   —         11,200     58,606     69,806     244   2007   11/13/2007   0 to 40 years

CORPORATE OFFICE- SUBLEASED SPACE (g)

  Norcross, GA   N/A     None     0     288     288   105       0     393     393     88   N/A   4/16/2007   0 to 40 years
                                                           

        Total – 100% REIT Properties

        $ 608,196   $ 3,787,461   $ 4,395,657   156,348     $ 645,881   $ 3,906,129   $ 4,552,010   $ 629,196      
                                                           

 

S-2


Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Schedule III—Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

(dollars in thousands)

 

                  Initial Cost       Gross Amount at Which
Carried at December 31, 2007
               

Description

 

Location

  Ownership
Percentage
    Encumbrances   Land   Buildings
and
Improve-
ments
  Total   Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent to
Acquisition
  Land   Buildings
and
Improve-
ments
  Total   Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
  Date of
Constru-
ction
  Date
Acquired
  Life on which
Depreciation and
Amortization is
Computed (h)

360 INTERLOCKEN

  Broomfield, CO   4 %   None     1,570     6,734     8,304     1,196     1,650     7,850     9,500     2,621   1996   3/20/1998   0 to 40 years

AVAYA

  Oklahoma City, OK   4 %   None     1,003     4,386     5,389     242     1,051     4,580     5,631     1,472   1998   6/24/1998   0 to 40 years

47320 KATO ROAD

  Fremont, CA   78 %   None     2,130     6,853     8,983     380     2,219     7,144     9,363     2,272   1998   7/21/1998   0 to 40 years

20/20

  Leawood, KS   57 %   None     1,696     7,851     9,547     1,353     1,767     9,133     10,900     2,326   1998   7/2/1999   0 to 40 years

SIEMENS

  Troy, MI   55 %   None     2,144     9,984     12,128     2,760     2,233     12,655     14,888     4,169   2000   5/10/2000   0 to 40 years

COMDATA

  Brentwood, TN   55 %   None     4,300     20,702     25,002     1,307     4,479     21,830     26,309     4,575   1986   5/15/2001   0 to 40 years

8560 UPLAND DRIVE

  Parker, CO   72 %   None     1,954     11,216     13,170     542     2,048     11,664     13,712     2,183   2001   12/21/2001   0 to 40 years

AIU—CHICAGO

  Hoffman Estate, IL   72 %   None     600     22,682     23,282     1,427     624     24,085     24,709     6,144   1999   9/19/2003   0 to 40 years
                                                           

        Total—JV Properties

        $ 15,397   $ 90,408   $ 105,805   $ 9,207   $ 16,071   $ 98,941   $ 115,012   $ 25,762      
                                                           

        Total—All Properties

        $ 623,593   $ 3,877,869   $ 4,501,462   $ 165,555   $ 661,952   $ 4,005,070   $ 4,667,022   $ 654,958      
                                                           

 

(a) These properties collateralize the $350.0 million secured pooled debt facility with Morgan Stanley that accrues interest at 4.84% and matures in June 2014.
(b) Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building was not recoverable and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets in the amount of approximately $7.6 million and $16.1 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively. For further information, see Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
(c) Property is owned subject to a long-term ground lease.
(d) Piedmont acquired an approximate 95% interest in the Leo Burnett Chicago Building through two joint ventures. As the general partner, Piedmont is deemed to have control of the partnerships and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(e) Piedmont purchased all of the membership interest in 1225 Equity, LLC, which own a 49.5% membership interest in 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, which owns the 1225 Eye Street Building.
     As a result of its ownership of 1225 Equity, LLC, Piedmont owns an approximate 49.5% in the 1225 Eye Street Building. As the controlling member, Piedmont is deemed to have control of the entities and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(f) Piedmont purchased all of the membership interest in 1201 Equity, LLC, which own a 49.5% membership interest in 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, which owns the 1201 Eye Street Building.
     As a result of its ownership of 1201 Equity, LLC, Wells owns an approximate 49.5% in the 1201 Eye Street Building. As the controlling member, Piedmont is deemed to have control of the entities and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(g) Piedmont purchased certain fixed assets, including furniture, fixtures, and equipment as part of the Internalization.
(h) Piedmont’s assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-lined method over the useful lives of the assets by class. Generally, Tenant Improvements are amortized over the shorter of economic life or lease term, and Lease Intangibles are amortized over the lease term. Generally, Building Improvements are depreciated over 5—25 years, Land Improvements are depreciated over 20—25 years, and Buildings are depreciated over 40 years.

 

S-3


Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Schedule III—Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization—(Continued)

 

December 31, 2007

(dollars in thousands)

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Real Estate:

      

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 4,667,745     $ 4,543,120     $ 5,136,756  

Additions to/improvements of real estate

     125,431       249,472       60,849  

Assets disposed

     (72,880 )     (99,263 )     (632,952 )

Assets impaired(1)

     —         (7,565 )     (16,093 )

Write-offs of intangible assets(2)

     (9,469 )     (5,804 )     (1,447 )

Write-offs of fully depreciated/amortized assets

     (43,805 )     (12,215 )     (3,993 )
                        

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 4,667,022     $ 4,667,745     $ 4,543,120  
                        

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization:

      

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 563,435     $ 437,949     $ 358,181  

Depreciation and amortization expense

     148,916       153,852       148,686  

Assets disposed

     (11,288 )     (13,820 )     (64,680 )

Write-offs of intangible assets(2)

     (2,666 )     (2,331 )     (245 )

Write-offs of fully depreciated/amortized assets

     (43,439 )     (12,215 )     (3,993 )
                        

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 654,958     $ 563,435     $ 437,949  
                        

 

(1)

Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building was not recoverable and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets in the amount of approximately $7.6 million and $16.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

(2)

Consists of write-offs of intangible lease assets related to lease restructurings, amendments and terminations.

 

S-4

Amended and Restated Promissory Note

Exhibit 10.9

AMENDED AND RESTATED PROMISSORY NOTE

This Amended and Restated Promissory Note completely amends and replaces that certain Promissory Note dated October 24, 2002, as previously amended (the “Original Note”) in the stated principal amount of $67,560,500.00 executed by Borrower in favor of Holder. The Original Note shall have no further force or effect whatsoever.

DEFINED TERMS

 

Execution Date: November 1, 2007    City and State of Signing:                     , Georgia
Loan Amount: $82,400,000.00    Interest Rate: 5.76% per annum
Borrower: 1201 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Borrower’s Address:   

1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC

c/o Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P.

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500   
Norcross, Georgia 30092   
Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets   
With a copy to:   
Troutman Sanders LLP   
600 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 5200   
Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2216   
Attention: James W. Addison, Esq.   
Holder: METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York corporation
Holder’s Address:   
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company   
10 Park Avenue, Third Floor   
Morristown, New Jersey 07962   
Attention: Senior Vice President, Real Estate Investments   
and:   
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company   
10 Park Avenue, Third Floor   
Morristown, New Jersey 07962   
Attention: Law Department, Chief Counsel, Real Estate Investments
Maturity Date: November 1, 2017   


Interest Only Period: The period from the Execution Date and ending on the day preceding the Maturity Date.    Interest Installment Date: December 1, 2007
Monthly Installment: Equal monthly installments of interest only at the Interest Rate each in the amount of $395,520.00.    Permitted Prepayment Period: During the 90 day period prior to the Maturity Date, Borrower may prepay the Loan (in whole but not in part) without a Prepayment Fee on 30 days’ prior written notice. In addition, commencing on December 1, 2011, Borrower may prepay the Loan (in whole but not in part) with a Prepayment Fee on 30 days’ prior written notice in accordance with Section 8 of this Note.

Liable Parties:

Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, formerly known as Wells Operating Partnership, L.P.

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

Late Charge: An amount equal to four cents ($.04) for each dollar that is not paid within seven (7) days after the due date.

 

Default Rate: An annual rate equal to the Interest Rate plus four percentage points (400 basis points).

Note: This Amended and Restated Promissory Note.

 

Deed of Trust: The Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, and Fixture Filing dated as of the Execution Date granted by Borrower to the Trustee named therein for the benefit of Holder.

 

Loan Documents: This Note, the Deed of Trust and any other documents related to this Note and/or the Deed of Trust and all renewals, amendments, modifications, restatements and extensions of these documents.

 

Guaranty: Amended and Restated Guaranty of Recourse Obligations dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Liable Parties.

 

Unsecured Indemnity Agreement: Amended and Restated Unsecured Indemnity Agreement dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Borrower and Liable Parties in favor of Holder.

 

The Unsecured Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty are not Loan Documents and shall survive repayment of the Loan or other termination of the Loan Documents.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Borrower promises to pay to the order of Holder at Holder’s Address or such other place as Holder may from time to time designate, the Loan Amount with interest payable in the manner described below, in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment shall be legal tender for payment of all obligations.

Capitalized terms which are not defined in this Note shall have the meanings set forth in the Deed of Trust.

1. Payment of Principal and Interest. Principal and interest under this Note shall be payable as follows:

(a) Commencing on the Interest Installment Date and on the first day of each calendar month thereafter, to and including the first day of the calendar month immediately preceding the Maturity Date, Borrower shall pay the Monthly Installment; and

 

2


(b) On the Maturity Date, a final payment in the aggregate amount of the unpaid principal sum evidenced by this Note, all accrued and unpaid interest, and all other sums evidenced by this Note or secured by the Deed of Trust and/or any other Loan Documents as well as any future loans or advances under the Deed of Trust that may be made to or on behalf of Borrower by Holder following the Execution Date (collectively, the “Secured Indebtedness”), shall become immediately payable in full.

Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the entire original Loan Amount shall be outstanding and due on the Maturity Date.

Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a thirty (30) day month and a three hundred sixty (360) day year, except that (i) if the Execution Date occurs on a date other than the first day of a calendar month, interest payable for the period commencing on the Execution Date and ending on the last day of the month in which the Execution Date occurs shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 365-day or 366-day year, as applicable, and (ii) if the Maturity Date occurs on a date other than the last day of the month, interest payable for the period commencing on the first day of the month in which the Maturity Date occurs and ending on the Maturity Date shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 365-day or 366-day year, as applicable.

2. Application of Payments. At the election of Holder, and to the extent permitted by law, all payments shall be applied in the order selected by Holder to any expenses, prepayment fees, late charges, escrow deposits and other sums due and payable under the Loan Documents, and to unpaid interest at the Interest Rate or at the Default Rate, as applicable. The balance of any payments shall be applied to reduce the then unpaid Loan Amount.

3. Security. This Note is secured by the Deed of Trust and other instruments (including without limitation the Related Deed of Trust unless and until the Related Deed of Trust is released in accordance with Section 1.3 thereof). This Note shall evidence, and the Deed of Trust shall secure, the Secured Indebtedness.

4. Late Charge. If any payment of a Monthly Installment or any payment of a required escrow deposit is not paid within seven (7) days after the due date, Holder shall have the option to charge the Borrower the Late Charge. The Late Charge is for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in connection with handling and processing delinquent payments and is payable in addition to any other remedy Holder may have. Unpaid Late Charges shall become part of the Secured Indebtedness and shall be added to any subsequent payments due under the Loan Documents.

5. Acceleration Upon Default. At the option of Holder, if Borrower fails to pay any sum specified in this Note within seven (7) days after the due date or if any other Event of Default occurs, the Secured Indebtedness (and at the further option of Holder, the Related Secured Indebtedness), and all other sums evidenced and/or secured by the Loan Documents (and at the further option of Holder, the Related Loan Documents), including without limitation any applicable prepayment fees (collectively, the “Accelerated Loan Amount”) shall become immediately due and payable.

 

3


6. Interest Upon Default. The Accelerated Loan Amount shall bear interest at the Default Rate which shall never exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be contracted for under the laws of the State. The Default Rate shall commence upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and shall continue until all defaults are cured.

7. Limitation on Interest. The agreements made by Borrower with respect to this Note and the other Loan Documents are expressly limited so that in no event shall the amount of interest received, charged or contracted for by Holder exceed the highest lawful amount of interest permissible under the laws applicable to the Loan. If at any time performance of any provision of this Note or the other Loan Documents results in the highest lawful rate of interest permissible under applicable laws being exceeded, then the amount of interest received, charged or contracted for by Holder shall automatically and without further action by any party be deemed to have been reduced to the highest lawful amount of interest then permissible under applicable laws. If Holder shall ever receive, charge or contract for, as interest, an amount which is unlawful, at Holder’s election, the amount of unlawful interest shall be refunded to Borrower (if actually paid) or applied to reduce the then unpaid Loan Amount. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any amounts contracted for, charged or received under the Loan Documents included for the purpose of determining whether the Interest Rate would exceed the highest lawful rate shall be calculated by allocating and spreading such interest to and over the full stated term of this Note.

8. Prepayment.

(a) Borrower shall not have the right to prepay all or any portion of the Loan Amount at any time during the term of this Note except as expressly set forth in the Defined Terms, this Section 8 and Section 10.1(g) of the Deed of Trust. If Borrower provides notice (a “Prepayment Notice”) of its intention to prepay, the Secured Indebtedness shall become due and payable on the date specified in the Prepayment Notice.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Borrower shall not be permitted to prepay the Loan unless the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) If Borrower prepays the Loan, in addition to the applicable Prepayment Fee, Related Borrower shall prepay $2,880,000.00 of the principal of the Related Loan, along with the applicable Prepayment Fee thereon (provided further that such prepayment shall otherwise be permitted under Section 8(b) of the Related Note);

(ii) There is then no Event of Default under the Deed of Trust (including without limitation an Event of Default under the Related Loan Documents), the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement, the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement for the Related Loan, the Guaranty, or the Guaranty for the Related Loan; and

(iii) After such proposed prepayment, (A) in the reasonable opinion of Holder, the annual Net Operating Income (as defined in Section 10.1(d) of the Related Deed of Trust) during the then upcoming 12-month period to be derived from the Related Property after the date of such prepayment (as calculated pursuant to space leases with tenants who are in actual occupancy, pay rent on a current basis, and are not in default) shall not be less than one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the aggregate amount of monthly installments due under the Related Note; and (B) the unpaid principal balance of the Related Loan shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the value of the Related Property as determined by Holder;

 

4


provided, however, that Borrower shall have the right to make a concurrent partial prepayment (with applicable Prepayment Fees) of such portion of the remaining unpaid Related Loan Amount as shall be required (in addition to the amount prepaid pursuant to Section 8(b)(iii) above) in order to satisfy the loan-to-value requirement of this clause (B). In determining the debt service coverage ratio for purposes of clause (A) above, the unpaid principal balance of, and the payments required or accrued under, the Subordinate Loan (as such term is defined in Section 10.2 of the Deed of Trust) shall be disregarded.

9. Prepayment Fee.

(a) Any tender of payment by Borrower or any other person or entity of the Secured Indebtedness, other than as expressly provided in the Loan Documents, shall constitute a prohibited prepayment. If a prepayment of all or any part of the Secured Indebtedness is made (i) following an Event of Default and an acceleration of the Maturity Date, or (ii) in connection with a sale of the Property or a repayment of the Secured Indebtedness at any time before, during or after, a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure or sale of the Property, then to compensate Holder for the loss of the investment, Borrower shall pay an amount equal to the Prepayment Fee (as hereinafter defined). With respect to the application of money to the principal of the Loan as the result of a casualty or condemnation, so long as Borrower makes commercially reasonable, good faith efforts to obtain an amount equal to the Prepayment Fee due as a result of a casualty or condemnation (from the insurer or from the condemning authority, respectively), which efforts shall not include litigation, the Prepayment Fee otherwise chargeable shall not be chargeable.

(b) The “Prepayment Fee” shall be the greater of (A)(x) the present value of all remaining payments of principal and interest including the outstanding principal due on the Maturity Date, discounted at the rate which, when compounded monthly, is equivalent to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points (one-half of one percentage point) compounded semi-annually, less (y) the amount of the principal then outstanding (immediately prior to the prepayment), or (B) one percent (1%) of the amount of the principal being prepaid.

(c) The “Treasury Rate” shall be the annualized yield on securities issued by the United States Treasury having a maturity equal to the remaining stated term of this Note, as quoted in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release [H. 15 (519)] under the heading “U.S. Government Securities - - Treasury Constant Maturities” five (5) days prior to the date on which the prepayment is to be made. If this rate is not available as of the date of prepayment, the Treasury Rate shall be determined by interpolating between the yield on securities of the next longer and next shorter maturity. If the Treasury Rate is no longer published, Holder shall select a comparable rate.

(d) Holder will, upon request, provide an estimate of the amount of the Prepayment Fee two (2) weeks before the date of the scheduled prepayment.

10. Waiver of Right to Prepay Note Without Prepayment Fee. Borrower acknowledges that Holder has relied upon the anticipated investment return under this Note in entering into transactions with, and in making commitments to, third parties and that the tender of any prohibited prepayment shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Prepayment Fee. Borrower agrees that the Prepayment Fee represents the reasonable estimate of Holder and Borrower of a fair average compensation for the loss that may be sustained by

 

5


Holder as a result of a prohibited prepayment of this Note and it shall be paid without prejudice to the right of Holder to collect any other amounts provided to be paid under the Loan Documents.

BORROWER EXPRESSLY (A) WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO PREPAY THIS NOTE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT FEE OR PENALTY, UPON ACCELERATION OF THE MATURITY DATE OF THIS NOTE, AND (B) AGREES THAT IF, FOR ANY REASON, A PREPAYMENT OF THIS NOTE IS MADE, UPON OR FOLLOWING ANY ACCELERATION OF THE MATURITY DATE OF THIS NOTE BY HOLDER ON ACCOUNT OF ANY DEFAULT BY BORROWER UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY TRANSFER, FURTHER ENCUMBRANCE OR DISPOSITION WHICH IS PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY THE DEED OF TRUST, THEN BORROWER SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY CONCURRENTLY THEREWITH THE PREPAYMENT FEE SPECIFIED IN SECTION 9.

11. Liability of Borrower. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, except as provided in this Section 11, Holder will look solely to the Property (and the Property encumbered by the Related Deed of Trust) and the security under the Loan Documents (and the security under the Related Loan Documents) for the repayment of the Loan and will not enforce a deficiency judgment against Borrower. However, nothing contained in this section shall limit the rights of Holder to enforce any policies of insurance or to proceed against Borrower and the general partners of Borrower, if any, and/or the Liable Parties or any one or more of them (i) to enforce any Leases entered into by Borrower or its affiliates as tenant, guarantees, or other agreements entered into by Borrower in a capacity other than as borrower; (ii) to recover damages for fraud, material misrepresentation, material breach of warranty or waste committed by Borrower or any constituent thereof; (iii) to recover any Condemnation Proceeds or Insurance Proceeds or other similar funds which have been misapplied by Borrower or which, under the terms of the Loan Documents, should have been paid to Holder; (iv) to recover any tenant security deposits, tenant letters of credit or other deposits or refundable fees paid to Borrower that are part of the collateral for the Loan or prepaid rents for a period of more than 30 days which have not been delivered to Holder unless applied in accordance with the Leases prior to an Event of Default; (v) to recover Rents and Profits received by Borrower after the first day of the month in which an Event of Default occurs and prior to the date Holder acquires title to the Property which have not been applied to the Loan or in accordance with the Loan Documents to operating and maintenance expenses of the Property; (vi) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, any breach of a covenant contained in Article 6 of the Deed of Trust or the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement; (vii) to recover any amount expended by Holder in connection with a foreclosure or trustee’s sale under the Deed of Trust; (viii) to recover damages arising from Borrower’s failure to comply with Section 8.1 of the Deed of Trust pertaining to ERISA; and/or (ix) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, Borrower’s failure to pay any Impositions or Premiums.

The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 11 shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that prior to the indefeasible repayment in full of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations (as defined in the Deed of Trust), (i) Borrower commences a voluntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or (ii) an involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding is commenced against Borrower, and Borrower or any related party has directly or indirectly encouraged, participated with, or colluded with the parties filing such involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding to file

 

6


such proceeding. In addition, this agreement shall not waive any rights which Holder would have under any provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to file a claim for the full amount of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations or to require that the Property shall continue to secure all of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations.

The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 11 also shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that there is any violation of Sections 10.1 or 10.2 of the Deed of Trust.

12. Waiver by Borrower. Borrower and others who may become liable for the payment of all or any part of this Note, and each of them, waive diligence, demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest, notice of dishonor and notice of protest, notice of intent to accelerate and notice of acceleration and specifically consent to and waive notice of any amendments, modifications, renewals or extensions of this Note, including the granting of extension of time for payment, whether made to or in favor of Borrower or any other person or persons.

13. Exercise of Rights. No single or partial exercise by Holder, or delay or omission in the exercise by Holder, of any right or remedy under the Loan Documents shall waive or limit the exercise of any such right or remedy. Holder shall at all times have the right to proceed against any portion of or interest in the Property in the manner that Holder may deem appropriate, without waiving any other rights or remedies. The release of any party under this Note shall not operate to release any other party which is liable under this Note and/or under the other Loan Documents or under the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement.

14. Fees and Expenses. If Borrower defaults under this Note, Borrower shall be personally liable for and shall pay to Holder, in addition to the sums stated above, the costs and expenses of enforcement and collection, including a reasonable sum as an attorney’s fee. This obligation is not limited by Section 11.

15. No Amendments. This Note may not be modified or amended except in a writing executed by Borrower and Holder. No waivers shall be effective unless they are set forth in a writing signed by the party which is waiving a right. This Note and the other Loan Documents are the final expression of the lending relationship between Borrower and Holder and there is no unwritten agreement with respect to the subject matter of the Loan.

16. Governing Law. This Note is to be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia.

17. Construction. The words “Borrower” and “Holder” shall be deemed to include their respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns, and shall denote the singular and/or plural, and the masculine and/or feminine, and natural and/or artificial persons, as appropriate. The provisions of this Note shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any changes in the shareholders, partners or members of Borrower. If more than one party is Borrower, the obligations of each party shall be joint and several. The captions in this Note are inserted only for convenience of reference and do not expand, limit or define the scope or intent of any section of this Note.

18. Notices. All notices, demands, requests and consents permitted or required under this Note shall be given in the manner prescribed in the Deed of Trust.

19. Time of the Essence. Time shall be of the essence with respect to all of Borrower’s obligations under this Note.

 

7


20. Severability. If any provision of this Note should be held unenforceable or void, then that provision shall be deemed separable from the remaining provisions and shall not affect the validity of this Note, except that if that provision relates to the payment of any monetary sum, then Holder may, at its option, declare the Secured Indebtedness (together with the Prepayment Fee) and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations immediately due and payable.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has executed this Note as of the Execution Date.

 

1201 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc.,

a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Washington Properties, Inc., its Manager

 

By:

 

 

  Name:  

 

  Its:  

 

[SEAL]

Address:  

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

 

8

Amended and Restated Deed of Trust

Exhibit 10.10

RECORDING REQUESTED BY

AND WHEN

RECORDED RETURN TO:

First American Title Insurance Company

National Commercial Services

1801 K Street, N.W., Suite 200-K

Washington, D.C. 20006

Attn: Richard L. Whelton, Jr.

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST IS A REFINANCE OF THE DEED OF TRUST RECORDED APRIL 28, 2000 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 41393, AS SUPPLEMENTED BY DOCUMENTS RECORDED APRIL 2, 2002 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 37606, JULY 31, 2002 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 88938, OCTOBER 28, 2002 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 124489, AND NOVEMBER 24, 2003 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 165320, ON WHICH RECORDATION TAX HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY PAID. PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 42-1103(a)(3) OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CODE, THIS DEED OF TRUST IS EXEMPT FROM RECORDATION TAX TO THE EXTENT OF $67,560,500.00.

AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING

BY 1201 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

(successor by merger to 1215 Eye Street, N.W. Associates Limited Partnership),

as Grantor

TO RICHARD L. WHELTON, JR.,

as Trustee

for the benefit of

METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York corporation,

as Beneficiary

November 1, 2007


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE 1

 

GRANT OF SECURITY

   3

1.1

 

REAL PROPERTY GRANT

   3

1.2

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY GRANT

   4

1.3

 

CONDITIONS TO GRANT

   5

1.4

 

ADDITIONAL ADVANCES

   5

ARTICLE 2

 

GRANTOR COVENANTS

   5

2.1

 

DUE AUTHORIZATION, EXECUTION, AND DELIVERY

   5

2.2

 

PERFORMANCE BY GRANTOR

   6

2.3

 

WARRANTY OF TITLE

   6

2.4

 

TAXES, LIENS AND OTHER CHARGES

   6

2.5

 

ESCROW DEPOSITS

   7

2.6

 

CARE AND USE OF THE PROPERTY

   8

2.7

 

COLLATERAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS

   10

2.8

 

SUITS AND OTHER ACTS TO PROTECT THE PROPERTY

   10

2.9

 

LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES

   10

ARTICLE 3

 

INSURANCE

   11

3.1

 

REQUIRED INSURANCE AND TERMS OF INSURANCE POLICIES

   11

3.2

 

ADJUSTMENT OF CLAIMS

   14

3.3

 

ASSIGNMENT TO BENEFICIARY

   15

ARTICLE 4

 

BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS

   15

4.1

 

BOOKS AND RECORDS

   15

4.2

 

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

   16

ARTICLE 5

 

LEASES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY

   16

5.1

 

GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   16

5.2

 

ASSIGNMENT OF LEASES

   17

5.3

 

PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS

   17

5.4

 

SUBORDINATE LEASES

   18

5.5

 

MANAGEMENT FEES

   18

ARTICLE 6

 

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

   18

6.1

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   18


6.2

 

REMEDIAL WORK

   19

6.3

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT

   19

6.4

 

UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS

   19

6.5

 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

   20

6.6

 

REQUIREMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

   21

ARTICLE 7

 

CASUALTY, CONDEMNATION AND RESTORATION

   21

7.1

 

GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

   21

7.2

 

RESTORATION

   21

7.3

 

CONDEMNATION

   22

7.4

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTORATION

   23

ARTICLE 8

 

REPRESENTATIONS OF GRANTOR

   25

8.1

 

ERISA

   25

8.2

 

NON-RELATIONSHIP

   25

8.3

 

NO ADVERSE CHANGE

   26

8.4

 

FOREIGN INVESTOR

   26

8.5

 

US PATRIOT ACT

   26

ARTICLE 9

 

EXCULPATION AND LIABILITY

   26

9.1

 

LIABILITY OF GRANTOR

   26

ARTICLE 10

 

CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP, CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY

   28

10.1

 

CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY, CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND COMPOSITION

   28

10.2

 

PROHIBITION ON SUBORDINATE FINANCING

   34

10.3

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS

   34

10.4

 

STATEMENTS REGARDING OWNERSHIP

   34

ARTICLE 11

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

   35

11.1

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

   35

11.2

 

REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT

   36

11.3

 

APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS OF SALE

   37

11.4

 

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

   37

11.5

 

BENEFICIARY’S RIGHT TO PERFORM GRANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS

   37

11.6

 

BENEFICIARY REIMBURSEMENT

   38

 

ii


11.7

 

FEES AND EXPENSES

   38

11.8

 

WAIVER OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

   38

11.9

 

INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEE

   38

11.10

 

ACTIONS BY TRUSTEE

   38

11.11

 

SUBSTITUTION OF TRUSTEE

   38

11.12

 

NO REINSTATEMENT

   39

11.13

 

WAIVER RELATING TO REMEDIES

   39

ARTICLE 12

 

GRANTOR AGREEMENTS AND FURTHER ASSURANCES

   39

12.1

 

PARTICIPATION AND SALE OF LOAN

   39

12.2

 

REPLACEMENT OF NOTE

   40

12.3

 

GRANTOR’S ESTOPPEL

   40

12.4

 

FURTHER ASSURANCES

   40

12.5

 

SUBROGATION

   40

ARTICLE 13

 

SECURITY AGREEMENT

   40

13.1

 

SECURITY AGREEMENT

   40

13.2

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   41

13.3

 

CHARACTERIZATION OF PROPERTY

   42

13.4

 

PROTECTION AGAINST PURCHASE MONEY SECURITY INTERESTS

   42

ARTICLE 14

 

RELATED LOAN PROVISIONS

   43

14.1

 

RELATED LOAN

   43

14.2

 

LIMITED RECOURSE GUARANTY

   43

14.3

 

WAIVERS

   44

14.4

 

RELEASES

   45

14.5

 

NO ELECTION

   45

14.6

 

INDEFEASIBLE PAYMENT

   46

14.7

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION OF GRANTOR

   46

14.8

 

SUBORDINATION

   46

ARTICLE 15

 

MISCELLANEOUS COVENANTS

   47

15.1

 

NO WAIVER

   47

15.2

 

NOTICES

   47

15.3

 

HEIRS AND ASSIGNS; TERMINOLOGY

   47

 

iii


15.4

 

SEVERABILITY

   48

15.5

 

APPLICABLE LAW

   48

15.6

 

CAPTIONS

   48

15.7

 

TIME OF THE ESSENCE

   48

15.8

 

NO MERGER

   48

15.9

 

NO MODIFICATIONS

   48

15.10

 

COUNTERPARTS

   48

 

iv


AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING

DEFINED TERMS

Execution Date: November 1, 2007

Note: The Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated as of the Execution Date made by Grantor to the order of Beneficiary in the principal amount of $82,400,000.00.

Beneficiary & Address:

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York corporation

10 Park Avenue, Third Floor

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attention: Senior Vice President, Real Estate Investments

With a copy to:

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company

10 Park Avenue, Third Floor

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attention: Law Department, Chief Counsel, Real Estate Investments

Grantor & Address (Chief Executive Office):

1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

(successor by merger to 1215 Eye Street, N.W. Associates Limited Partnership)

c/o Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P.

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

With a copy to:

Troutman Sanders LLP

600 Peachtree Street, NE

Suite 5200

Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2216

Attention: James W. Addison, Esq.

Trustee & Address:

Richard L. Whelton, Jr.

c/o First American Title Insurance Company

National Commercial Services

1801 K Street, N.W., Suite 200-K

Washington, D.C. 20006

(as substituted trustee pursuant to Deed of Appointment of Substitute Trustee recorded November     , 2007 as Instrument No.                     )

 

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Liable Parties & Address:

Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

County and State (the “State”) in which the Property is located: Washington, District of Columbia

Use: Class A office building with related first-class retail facilities and an underground parking garage.

Insurance: Commercial General Liability: Required Liability Limit: $50,000,000.00

Address for Insurance Notification:

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,

its affiliates and/or successors and assigns

10 Park Avenue

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attention: Real Estate Investments Insurance Manager

Loan Documents: The Note, this Deed of Trust and any other documents related to the Note and/or this Deed of Trust (except the Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty) and all renewals, amendments, modifications, restatements and extensions of these documents.

Reserve Agreement: The Lease Rollover Reserve Agreement dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Grantor and Beneficiary.

Lease Rollover Guaranty: The Lease Rollover Guaranty dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Liable Parties.

Indemnity Agreement: Amended and Restated Unsecured Indemnity Agreement dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Grantor and Liable Parties in favor of Beneficiary.

Guaranty: Amended and Restated Guaranty of Recourse Obligations dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Liable Parties.

The Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty are not Loan Documents and shall survive repayment of the Loan or other termination of the Loan Documents.

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING (this “Deed of Trust”) is entered into as of the Execution Date by Grantor to Trustee for the benefit of Beneficiary with reference to the following Recitals:

RECITALS

A. This Deed of Trust secures: (1) the payment of the indebtedness evidenced by the Note with interest at the rates set forth in the Note, together with all renewals, modifications, consolidations and extensions of the Note, all additional advances or fundings made by Beneficiary, and any other amounts required to be paid by Grantor under any of the

 

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Loan Documents (collectively, the “Secured Indebtedness” and sometimes referred to as the “Loan”); (2) the full performance by Grantor of all of the terms, covenants and obligations set forth in any of the Loan Documents; and (3) the payment and full performance by Related Borrower of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, as such terms are defined in Section 14.1. The terms “Related Note,” “Related Deed of Trust,” “Related Loan Documents” and similar terms are also defined in Section 14.1.

B. Grantor makes the following covenants and agreements for the benefit of Beneficiary or any party designated by Beneficiary, including any prospective purchaser of the Loan Documents or participant in the Loan, and their respective officers, employees, agents, attorneys, representatives and contractors (all of which are collectively referred to as “Beneficiary”) and Trustee.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the Recitals and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, Grantor agrees as follows:

ARTICLE 1

GRANT OF SECURITY

1.1 REAL PROPERTY GRANT. In order to secure the Secured Indebtedness, the full performance by Grantor of all of the terms, covenants and obligations set forth in any of the Loan Documents, and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, Grantor irrevocably sells, transfers, grants, conveys, assigns and warrants to Trustee, its successors and assigns, in trust, with power of sale and right of entry and possession, all of Grantor’s present and future estate, right, title and interest in and to the following which are collectively referred to as the “Real Property”:

(a) That certain real property located in the State which is more particularly described in Exhibit A attached to this Deed of Trust or any portion of the real property; all easements, rights-of-way, gaps, strips and gores of land; streets and alleys; sewers and water rights; privileges, licenses, tenements, and appurtenances appertaining to the real property, and the reversion(s), remainder(s), and claims of Grantor with respect to these items, and the benefits of any existing or future conditions, covenants and restrictions affecting the real property (collectively, the “Land”);

(b) All things now or hereafter affixed to or placed on the Land, including all buildings, structures and improvements, all fixtures and all machinery, elevators, boilers, building service equipment (including, without limitation, all equipment for the generation or distribution of air, water, heat, electricity, light, fuel or for ventilating or air conditioning purposes or for sanitary or drainage purposes or for the removal of dust, refuse or garbage), partitions, appliances, furniture, furnishings, building materials, supplies, computers and software, window coverings and floor coverings, lobby furnishings, and other property now or in the future attached, or installed in the improvements and all replacements, repairs, additions, or substitutions to these items (collectively, the “Improvements”);

 

3


(c) All present and future income, rents, revenue, profits, proceeds, accounts receivables and other benefits from the Land and/or Improvements and all deposits made with respect to the Land and/or Improvements, including, but not limited to, any security given to utility companies by Grantor, any advance payment of real estate taxes or assessments, or insurance premiums made by Grantor and all claims or demands relating to such deposits and other security, including claims for refunds of tax payments or assessments, and all insurance proceeds payable to Grantor in connection with the Land and/or Improvements whether or not such insurance coverage is specifically required under the terms of this Deed of Trust (“Insurance Proceeds”) (all of the items set forth in this paragraph are referred to collectively as “Rents and Profits”);

(d) All damages, payments and revenue of every kind that Grantor may be entitled to receive, from any person owning or acquiring a right to the oil, gas or mineral rights and reservations of the Land;

(e) All proceeds and claims arising on account of any damage to, or Condemnation (as hereinafter defined) of any part of the Land and/or Improvements, and all causes of action and recoveries for any diminution in the value of the Land and/or Improvements;

(f) All licenses, contracts, management agreements, guaranties, warranties, franchise agreements, permits, or certificates relating to the ownership, use, operation or maintenance of the Land and/or Improvements; and

(g) All names by which the Land and/or Improvements may be operated or known, and all rights to carry on business under those names, and all trademarks, trade names, and goodwill relating to the Land and/or Improvements.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Real Property, unto Trustee, its successors and assigns, in trust, for the benefit of Beneficiary, its successors and assigns, forever subject to the terms, covenants and conditions of this Deed of Trust.

1.2 PERSONAL PROPERTY GRANT. Grantor irrevocably sells, transfers, grants, conveys, assigns and warrants to Beneficiary, its successors and assigns, a security interest in Grantor’s interest in the following personal property which is collectively referred to as the “Personal Property”:

(a) Any portion of the Real Property which may be personal property, and all other personal property, whether now existing or acquired in the future which is attached to, appurtenant to, or used in the construction or operation of, or in connection with, the Real Property;

(b) All rights to the use of water, including water rights appurtenant to the Real Property, pumping plants, ditches for irrigation, all water stock or other evidence of ownership of any part of the Real Property that is owned by Grantor in common with others and all documents of membership in any owner’s association or similar group;

 

4


(c) All plans and specifications prepared for construction of the Improvements; and all contracts and agreements of Grantor relating to the plans and specifications or to the construction of the Improvements;

(d) All equipment, machinery, fixtures, goods, accounts, general intangibles, promissory notes, letter of credit rights, investment property, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, instruments and chattel paper and all substitutions, replacements of, and additions to, any of these items;

(e) All sales agreements, deposits, escrow agreements, other documents and agreements entered into with respect to the sale of any part of the Real Property, and all proceeds of the sale; and

(f) All proceeds from the voluntary or involuntary disposition or claim respecting any of the foregoing items (including judgments, condemnation awards or otherwise).

All of the Real Property and the Personal Property are collectively referred to as the “Property.”

1.3 CONDITIONS TO GRANT. If Grantor shall pay to Beneficiary the Secured Indebtedness, at the times and in the manner stipulated in the Loan Documents, and if Grantor shall perform and observe each of the terms, covenants and agreements set forth in the Loan Documents, and provided that there does not exist any Event of Default under the Related Loan Documents (as “Event of Default” is defined in the Related Deed of Trust) nor any event which, with notice and/or the opportunity to cure would constitute an Event of Default thereunder, then this Deed of Trust and all the rights granted by this Deed of Trust shall be released by Trustee and/or Beneficiary in accordance with the laws of the State.

1.4 ADDITIONAL ADVANCES. Until this Deed of Trust is released of record, Beneficiary may make additional loans, advances, readvances, future advances and other financial accommodations pursuant to the terms of the Note or other Loan Documents from time to time, but the maximum unpaid balance outstanding at any one time shall not exceed the principal amount of the Note set forth in the “Defined Terms” section of this Deed of Trust, plus interest thereon, and plus any advances made for taxes, liens, assessments, insurance premiums, costs, and other obligations, including interest thereon, undertaken by Beneficiary hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and all such advances, future advances and readvances shall become part of the indebtedness secured by this Deed of Trust with the same priority from the date of recordation of this Deed of Trust and shall be deemed evidenced by the Note, this Deed of Trust and the other Loan Documents.

ARTICLE 2

GRANTOR COVENANTS

2.1 DUE AUTHORIZATION, EXECUTION, AND DELIVERY.

(a) Grantor represents and warrants that the execution of the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement has been duly authorized and there is no provision in the organizational documents of Grantor requiring further consent for such action by any other entity or person.

 

5


(b) Grantor represents and warrants that it is duly organized, validly existing and is in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation and in the State, that its exact legal name, the state of its formation and the state of its chief executive office (or place of business, if it has only one place of business) are correctly stated in the Defined Terms, and that it has all necessary licenses, authorizations, registrations, permits and/or approvals to own its properties and to carry on its business as presently conducted.

(c) Grantor represents and warrants that the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement will not result in Grantor being in default under any provision of its organizational documents or of any deed of trust, mortgage, lease, credit or other agreement to which it is a party or which affects it or the Property.

(d) Grantor represents and warrants that the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Grantor and constitute valid and binding obligations of Grantor which are enforceable in accordance with their terms.

(e) Grantor agrees that it will not change the state where it or its chief executive office (or place of business, if it has only one place of business) is located, or change its name, without providing at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Beneficiary.

2.2 PERFORMANCE BY GRANTOR. Grantor shall pay the Secured Indebtedness to Beneficiary and shall keep and perform each and every other obligation, covenant and agreement of the Loan Documents.

2.3 WARRANTY OF TITLE.

(a) Grantor represents and warrants that it holds marketable and indefeasible fee simple absolute title to the Real Property, and that it has the right and is lawfully authorized to sell, convey or encumber the Property subject only to those specific exceptions to title recorded in the real estate records of the State and contained in Schedule B of the title insurance policy or policies which have been approved by Beneficiary (the “Permitted Exceptions”). The Property is free from all due and unpaid taxes, assessments and mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens.

(b) Grantor further covenants to warrant and forever defend the Real Property unto Beneficiary and Trustee, and their respective heirs, devisees, personal representatives and assigns, from and against the claims and demands of all persons whomsoever.

2.4 TAXES, LIENS AND OTHER CHARGES.

(a) Unless otherwise paid to Beneficiary as provided in Section 2.5, Grantor shall pay all real estate and other taxes and assessments which may be payable, assessed, levied,

 

6


imposed upon or become a lien on or against any portion of the Property (all of the foregoing items are collectively referred to as the “Imposition(s)”). The Impositions shall be paid not later than ten (10) days before the dates on which the particular Imposition would become delinquent and Grantor shall produce to Beneficiary receipts of the imposing authority, or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to Beneficiary, evidencing the payment of the Imposition in full. Grantor may elect by appropriate legal action at the sole expense of Grantor to contest any Imposition, and Grantor shall not be required to pay the Imposition provided that (i) if, in the reasonable opinion of Beneficiary, as a result of such contest the Property or any interest therein might be subject to the imposition of any lien or encumbrance, Grantor shall first deposit cash with Beneficiary as a reserve in an amount which Beneficiary reasonably determines is sufficient to pay the Imposition plus all fines, interest, penalties and costs which may become due pending the determination of the contest, (ii) the contest operates to prevent enforcement or collection of the Imposition, or the sale or forfeiture of, the Property, and is prosecuted with due diligence and continuity, and (iii) Beneficiary will not, by virtue of such permitted contest, be exposed to any risk of any civil liability for which Grantor has not furnished additional security as provided in clause (i) above, or to any risk of criminal liability. Upon termination of any proceeding or contest, Grantor shall pay the amount of the Imposition as finally determined in the proceeding or contest. Provided that there is not then an Event of Default (as defined in Section 11.1), the monies which have been deposited with Beneficiary pursuant to this Section shall be applied toward such payment and the excess, if any, shall be returned to Grantor.

(b) In the event of the passage, after the Execution Date, of any law which deducts from the value of the Property, for the purposes of taxation, any lien or security interest encumbering the Property, or changing in any way the existing laws regarding the taxation of mortgages, deeds of trust and/or security agreements or debts secured by these instruments, or changing the manner for the collection of any such taxes, and the law has the effect of imposing payment of any Impositions upon Beneficiary, at Beneficiary’s option, the Secured Indebtedness shall immediately become due and payable. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Beneficiary’s election to accelerate the Loan shall not be effective if (1) Grantor is permitted by law (including, without limitation, applicable interest rate laws) to, and actually does, pay the Imposition or the increased portion of the Imposition and (2) Grantor agrees in writing to pay or reimburse Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6 for the payment of any such Imposition which becomes payable at any time when the Loan is outstanding.

2.5 ESCROW DEPOSITS. Without limiting the effect of Section 2.4 and Section 3.1, Grantor shall pay to Beneficiary monthly on the same date the monthly installment is payable under the Note, an amount equal to 1/12th of the amounts Beneficiary reasonably estimates are necessary to pay, on an annualized basis, (1) all Impositions and (2) the premiums for the insurance policies required under this Deed of Trust (collectively the “Premiums”) until such time as Grantor has deposited an amount equal to the annual charges for these items and on demand, from time to time, shall pay to Beneficiary any additional amounts necessary to pay the Premiums and Impositions. Grantor will furnish to Beneficiary bills for Impositions and Premiums thirty (30) days before Impositions become delinquent and such Premiums become due for payment. No amounts paid as Impositions or Premiums shall be deemed to be trust funds and these funds may be commingled with the general funds of Beneficiary. Beneficiary shall not be required to pay interest to Grantor on account of these funds. If an Event of Default occurs,

 

7


Beneficiary shall have the right, at its election, to apply any amounts held under this Section 2.5 in reduction of the Secured Indebtedness, or in payment of the Premiums or Impositions for which the amounts were deposited. However, with respect to deposits of Premiums, Grantor shall not be required to make these deposits unless (i) at any time Grantor fails to furnish to Beneficiary, not later than thirty (30) days before the dates on which any Premiums would become delinquent, receipts for the payment of the Premiums, or (ii) Grantor fails to provide, not later than thirty (30) days prior to expiration of any policy required under the Loan Documents, appropriate proof of issuance of a new policy which continues in force the insurance coverage of the expiring policy, or (iii) there is an Event of Default, or (iv) Grantor no longer owns the Property, or (v) there has been a change in Grantor or in the general partners, shareholders or members of Grantor or in the constituent general partners or controlling shareholders or controlling members of any of the entities comprising Grantor (other than transfers permitted under Section 10.1). In the event any of these events occur, Beneficiary reserves the right to require deposits of Premiums at any time in its absolute discretion notwithstanding the fact that the default may be cured, or that the transfer or change be approved by Beneficiary. In addition, with respect to deposits of Impositions, Grantor shall not be required to make these deposits unless (i) there is an Event of Default, or (ii) Grantor no longer owns the Property, or (iii) there has been a change in Grantor or in the general partners, shareholders or members of Grantor or in the constituent general partners or controlling shareholders or controlling members of any of the entities comprising Grantor (other than transfers permitted under Section 10.1). In the event any of these events occur, Beneficiary reserves the right to require deposits of Impositions at any time in its absolute discretion notwithstanding the fact that the default may be cured, or that the transfer or change be approved by Beneficiary.

2.6 CARE AND USE OF THE PROPERTY.

(a) Grantor represents and warrants to and agrees with Beneficiary as follows:

(i) All authorizations, licenses, including without limitation liquor licenses, if any, and operating permits required to allow the Improvements to be operated for the Use have been obtained, paid for and are in full force and effect.

(ii) The Improvements and their Use comply with (and no notices of violation have been received in connection with) all Requirements (as defined in this Section) and Grantor shall at all times comply with all present or future Requirements affecting or relating to the Property and/or the Use. Grantor shall furnish Beneficiary, on request, proof of compliance with the Requirements. Grantor shall not use or permit the use of the Property, or any part thereof, for any illegal purpose. “Requirements” shall mean all laws, ordinances, orders, covenants, conditions and restrictions and other requirements relating to land and building design and construction, use and maintenance, that may now or hereafter pertain to or affect the Property or any part of the Property or the Use, including, without limitation, planning, zoning, subdivision, environmental, air quality, flood hazard, fire safety, handicapped facilities, building, health, fire, traffic, safety, wetlands, coastal and other governmental or regulatory rules, laws, ordinances, statutes, codes and requirements applicable to the Property, including permits, licenses and/or certificates that may be necessary from time to time to comply with any of the these requirements.

 

8


(iii) Grantor has complied with and will continue to comply with all requirements of all instruments and agreements affecting the Property, whether or not of record, including without limitation all covenants and agreements by and between Grantor and any governmental or regulatory agency pertaining to the development, use or operation of the Property. Grantor, at its sole cost and expense, shall keep the Property in good order, condition, and repair, and make all necessary structural and non-structural, ordinary and extraordinary repairs to the Property.

(iv) Grantor shall abstain from, and not permit, the commission of waste to the Property and shall not remove or alter in any substantial manner, the structure or character of any Improvements without the prior written consent of Beneficiary.

(v) The zoning approval for the Property is not dependent upon the ownership or use of any property which is not encumbered by this Deed of Trust.

(vi) Construction of the Improvements on the Property is complete.

(vii) The Property is in good repair and condition, free of any material damage.

(b) Beneficiary shall have the right, at any time and from time to time during normal business hours, to enter the Property in order to ascertain Grantor’s compliance with the Loan Documents, to examine the condition of the Property, to perform an appraisal, to undertake surveying or engineering work, and to inspect premises occupied by tenants. Grantor shall cooperate with Beneficiary performing these inspections. Provided that any such inspections are reasonably required, Grantor shall pay all costs incurred by Beneficiary in connection with any such inspections.

(c) Grantor shall use, or cause to be used, the Property solely for the Use. Grantor shall not use, or permit the use of, the Property for any other use without the prior written consent of Beneficiary. To the extent the Property is used as a residential apartment complex, (i) Grantor shall not file or record a declaration of condominium, master deed of trust or mortgage or any other similar document evidencing the imposition of a so-called “condominium regime” whether superior or subordinate to this Deed of Trust and (ii) Grantor shall not permit any part of the Property to be converted to, or operated as, a “cooperative apartment house” whereby the tenants or occupants participate in the ownership, management or control of any part of the Property.

(d) Without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, Grantor shall not (i) initiate or acquiesce in a change in the zoning classification of and/or restrictive covenants affecting the Property or seek any variance under existing zoning ordinances, (ii) take any action out of the ordinary course of operating and leasing the Property which may result in the Use becoming a non-conforming use under applicable zoning ordinances (except to the extent the Use may be such a legally permitted non-conforming use on the date hereof), or (iii) subject the Property to restrictive covenants.

 

9


(e) Grantor will faithfully perform each and every covenant to be performed by Grantor under any lien or encumbrance affecting the Property including, without limiting the generality hereof, mortgages, deeds of trust, leases, easements, declarations or covenants, conditions and/or restrictions and other agreements which affect the Property, in law or in equity.

2.7 COLLATERAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS. Grantor covenants and agrees that if Beneficiary at any time holds additional security for any obligations secured by this Deed of Trust, it may enforce its rights and remedies with respect to the security, at its option, either before, concurrently or after a sale of the Property is made pursuant to the terms of this Deed of Trust. Beneficiary may apply the proceeds of the additional security to the Secured Indebtedness without affecting or waiving any right to any other security, including the security under this Deed of Trust, and without waiving any breach or default of Grantor under this Deed of Trust or any other Loan Document.

2.8 SUITS AND OTHER ACTS TO PROTECT THE PROPERTY.

(a) Grantor shall immediately notify Beneficiary of the commencement, or receipt of notice, of any action or proceeding or other material matter or claim affecting the Property and/or the interest of Beneficiary under the Loan Documents (collectively, “Actions”). Grantor shall appear in and defend any Actions.

(b) Beneficiary shall have the right, at the cost and expense of Grantor, to institute, maintain and participate in Actions or other proceedings and take such other action, as it may deem appropriate in the good faith exercise of its discretion to preserve or protect the Property and/or the interest of Beneficiary under the Loan Documents. Any money paid by Beneficiary under this Section shall be reimbursed to Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6 hereof.

2.9 LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES. Without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, to be exercised in Beneficiary’s sole and absolute discretion, other than the Permitted Exceptions, Grantor shall not create, place or allow to remain any lien or encumbrance on the Property, including deeds of trust, mortgages, security interests, conditional sales, mechanic’s liens, tax liens or assessment liens regardless of whether or not they are subordinate to the lien created by this Deed of Trust (collectively, “Liens and Encumbrances”). If any Liens and Encumbrances (other than Permitted Exceptions) are recorded against the Property or any part of the Property, within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of their existence Grantor shall either obtain a discharge and release of such Liens and Encumbrances, or shall provide a bond or other security with respect thereto in form, scope, and amount satisfactory to Beneficiary in its sole discretion.

 

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ARTICLE 3

INSURANCE

3.1 REQUIRED INSURANCE AND TERMS OF INSURANCE POLICIES.

(a) During the term of this Deed of Trust, Grantor at its sole cost and expense must provide insurance policies and certificates of insurance for types of insurance described below all of which must be satisfactory to Beneficiary as to form of policy, amounts, deductibles, sublimits, types of coverage, exclusions and the companies underwriting these coverages. In no event shall such policies be terminated or otherwise allowed to lapse. Grantor shall be responsible for its own deductibles. Grantor shall also pay for any insurance, or any increase of policy limits, not described in this Deed of Trust which Grantor requires for its own protection or for compliance with government statutes. Grantor’s insurance shall be primary and without contribution from any insurance procured by Beneficiary including, without limitation, any insurance obtained by Beneficiary pursuant to Section 3.1(d).

Policies of insurance shall be delivered to Beneficiary in accordance with the following requirements:

(i) Property insurance on the Improvements and the Personal Property insuring against any peril now or hereafter included within the classification “All Risk” or “Special Perils,” in each case (A) in an amount equal to 100% of the “Full Replacement Cost” (as hereinafter defined) of the Improvements and Personal Property with a waiver of depreciation and with a Replacement Cost Endorsement; (B) containing an agreed amount endorsement with respect to the Improvements and Personal Property waiving all co-insurance provisions; (C) providing for no deductible in excess of $250,000.00 (with the exception of windstorms, which may be subject to a deductible not to exceed 5% of the full replacement cost); and (D) containing Ordinance or Law Coverage, Operation of Building Laws, Demolition Costs and Increased Cost of Construction in an amount reasonably required by Beneficiary or if any of the Improvements or the use of the Property constitute non-conforming structures then in the amount of 100% of the Full Replacement Cost. The Full Replacement Cost shall be determined from time to time by an appraiser or contractor designated and paid by Grantor and approved by Beneficiary or by an engineer or appraiser in the regular employ of the insurer. The “Full Replacement Cost” for purposes of this Article 3 shall mean the estimated total cost of construction required to replace the Improvements with a substitute of like utility, and using modern materials and current standards, design and layout. For purposes of calculating Full Replacement Cost, direct (hard) costs shall include, without limitation, labor, materials, supervision and contractor’s profit and overhead and indirect (soft) costs shall include, without limitation, fees for architect’s plans and specifications, construction financing costs, permits, sales taxes, insurance and other costs included in the Marshall Valuation Service published by Marshall & Swifts.

(ii) Commercial General Liability insurance against claims for personal injury, bodily injury, death or property damage occurring upon, in or about the Property, such insurance (A) to be on the so-called “occurrence” form with a combined single limit of not less than the amount set forth in the Defined Terms; (B) to continue at not less than

 

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this limit until required to be changed by Beneficiary in writing by reason of changed economic conditions making such protection inadequate; and (C) to cover at least the following hazards: (a) premises and operations; (b) products and completed operations on an “if any” basis; (c) independent contractors; (d) blanket contractual liability for all written and oral contracts; and (e) contractual liability covering the indemnities contained in this Deed of Trust to the extent available.

(iii) Business Income insurance in an amount sufficient to prevent Grantor from becoming a co-insurer within the terms of the applicable policies, and sufficient to recover one (1) year’s “Business Income” (as hereinafter defined) and with an Extended Period of Indemnity of 12 months. The amount of such insurance shall be increased from time to time during the term of this Deed of Trust as and when new Leases and renewal Leases are entered into and rents payable increase or the annual estimate of gross income from occupancy of the Property increases to reflect such rental increases. “Business Income” shall mean the sum of (A) the total anticipated gross income from occupancy of the Property, (B) the amount of all charges (such as, but not limited to, operating expenses, insurance premiums and taxes) which are the obligation of tenants or occupants to Grantor, (C) the fair market rental value of any portion of the Property which is occupied by Grantor, and (D) any other amounts payable to Grantor or to any affiliate of Grantor pursuant to Leases.

(iv) If Beneficiary determines at any time that any part of the Property is located in an area identified on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or Flood Insurance Rate Map issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood hazards and flood insurance has been made available, Grantor will maintain a flood insurance policy meeting the requirements of the current guidelines of the Federal Insurance Administration with a generally acceptable insurance carrier, in an amount not less than the lesser of (A) “Full Replacement Cost” or (B) the maximum amount of insurance which is available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 or the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, as amended.

(v) During the period of any construction or renovation or alteration of the Improvements, a so-called “Builder’s All Risk” insurance policy in non-reporting form for any Improvements under construction, renovation or alteration including, without limitation, for demolition and increased cost of construction or renovation, in an amount equal to the Full Replacement Cost of such Improvements and/or materials, or as otherwise approved by Beneficiary in the good faith exercise of its discretion, including an Occupancy endorsement and Workers’ Compensation Insurance covering all persons engaged in the construction, renovation or alteration in an amount at least equal to the minimum required by statutory limits of the State.

(vi) Workers’ Compensation insurance, subject to the statutory limits of the State, and employer’s liability insurance with a limit of at least $1,000,000 per accident and per disease per employee, and $1,000,000 for disease in the aggregate in respect of any work or operations on or about the Property, or in connection with the Property or its operations (if applicable).

 

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(vii) Boiler & Machinery or Equipment Breakdown Coverage, insurance covering the major components of the central heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems, boilers, other pressure vessels, high pressure piping and machinery, elevators and escalators, if any, and other similar equipment installed in the Improvements, in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the full replacement cost of all equipment installed in, on or at the Improvements. These policies shall insure against physical damage to and loss of occupancy and use of the Improvements arising out of an accident or breakdown.

(viii) Insurance from and against all losses, damages, costs, expenses, claims and liabilities related to or arising from acts of terrorism, of such types, in such amounts, with such deductibles, issued by such companies, and on such forms of insurance policies as required by Beneficiary; provided, however, that as to the original Grantor (but not to any successor grantor), Grantor shall purchase terrorism coverage with a limit equal to the lesser of (A) the Full Replacement Cost, and (B) that terrorism coverage that could be purchased with a premium that is equal two hundred percent (200%) of the premium, as reasonably determined by Beneficiary, that Grantor would need to pay to obtain the insurance described in Section 3.1(a)(i) for the Property excluding terrorism coverage.

(ix) Business Automobile Insurance with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage arising out of the use of owned, non-owned, hired and/or leased automotive equipment when such equipment is operated by Grantor, Grantor’s employees or Grantor’s agents in connection with the Property

(x) Such other insurance (A) as may from time to time be required by Beneficiary to replace coverage against any hazard, which as of the date hereof is insured against under any of the insurance policies described in Subsections (a)(i) through (a)(ix) of this Section 3.1, and (B) as may from time to time be reasonably required by Beneficiary against other insurable hazards, including, but not limited to, vandalism, earthquake, environmental, sinkhole and mine subsidence (provided that earthquake insurance, if required, shall be subject to a deductible of $100,000.00).

(xi) Beneficiary’s interest must be clearly stated by endorsement in the insurance policies described in this Section 3.1 as follows:

(A) The policies of insurance referenced in Subsections (a)(i), (a)(iii), (a)(iv), (a)(v) and (a)(vii) of this Section 3.1 shall identify Beneficiary under the New York Standard Mortgagee Clause (non-contributory) endorsement.

(B) The insurance policies referenced in Subsections 3.1(a)(ii) and 3.1(a)(ix) shall name Beneficiary as an additional insured.

(C) The policies of insurance referenced in Subsection 3.1(a)(viii) shall name Beneficiary in such form and manner as Beneficiary shall reasonably require.

 

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(D) All of the policies referred to in Section 3.1 shall provide for at least thirty (30) days’ written notice to Beneficiary in the event of policy cancellation and/or material change.

(b) All the insurance companies must be authorized to do business in New York State and in the State and be approved by Beneficiary. The insurance companies must have a general policy rating of A- or better and a financial class of VIII or better by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and a claims paying ability of BBB or better according to Standard & Poors. So called “Cut-through” endorsements shall not be permitted. Grantor shall deliver evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary of payment of premiums due under the insurance policies.

(c) Certified copies of the policies, and any endorsements, shall be made available for inspection by Beneficiary upon request. If Grantor fails to obtain or maintain insurance policies and coverages as required by this Section 3.1 (“Required Insurance”) then Beneficiary shall have the right but shall not have the obligation immediately to procure any Required Insurance at Grantor’s cost. If any required insurance is provided using one or more blanket policies containing aggregate coverage limits, Beneficiary shall be commercially reasonable in approving such limits based upon the insured portfolio; provided, however, that Grantor shall provide Beneficiary with a written copy of the schedule of locations applicable to each such aggregate coverage limit.

(d) Grantor shall be required during the term of the Loan to continue to provide Beneficiary with original renewal policies or replacements of the insurance policies referenced in Section 3.1(a). Beneficiary may accept Certificates of Insurance evidencing insurance policies referenced in Subsections (a)(ii), (a)(iv), and (a)(vi) of this Section 3.1 instead of requiring the actual policies. Beneficiary shall be provided with renewal Certificates of Insurance, or Binders, not less than fifteen (15) days prior to each expiration. The failure of Grantor to maintain the insurance required under this Article 3 shall not constitute a waiver of Grantor’s obligation to fulfill these requirements.

(e) All binders, policies, endorsements, certificates, and cancellation notices are to be sent to the Beneficiary’s Address for Insurance Notification as set forth in the Defined Terms until changed by notice from Beneficiary.

3.2 ADJUSTMENT OF CLAIMS. Grantor hereby authorizes and empowers Beneficiary to settle, adjust or compromise any claims for damage to, or loss or destruction of, all or a portion of the Property, regardless of whether there are Insurance Proceeds available or whether any such Insurance Proceeds are sufficient in amount to fully compensate for such damage, loss or destruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default (or any event which with notice and/or the opportunity to cure would constitute an Event of Default) has occurred and is continuing, and so long as Beneficiary’s security shall not be impaired, (a) Grantor may negotiate and settle any such claims involving less than $1,000,000.00 without the consent of Beneficiary, and (b) Grantor may negotiate for a settlement, adjustment or compromise of any such claims involving $1,000,000.00 or more provided that the final settlement shall be subject to the written approval of Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

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3.3 ASSIGNMENT TO BENEFICIARY. In the event of the foreclosure of this Deed of Trust or other transfer of the title to the Property in extinguishment of the Secured Indebtedness, all right, title and interest of Grantor in and to any insurance policy, or premiums or payments in satisfaction of claims or any other rights under these insurance policies and any other insurance policies covering the Property shall pass to the transferee of the Property.

ARTICLE 4

BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS

4.1 BOOKS AND RECORDS. Grantor shall keep adequate books and records of account in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), or in accordance with other methods acceptable to Beneficiary in its sole discretion, consistently applied and furnish to Beneficiary:

(a) Annually certified rent rolls signed and dated by Grantor, detailing the names of all tenants of the Improvements, the portion of Improvements occupied by each tenant, the base rent and any other charges payable under each Lease (as defined in Section 5.2) and the term of each Lease, including the expiration date, and any other information as is reasonably required by Beneficiary, within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal year;

(b) A quarterly operating statement of the Property and year to date operating statements detailing the total revenues received, total expenses incurred, total cost of all capital improvements, total debt service and total cash flow, to be prepared and certified by Grantor in the form required by Beneficiary, and if available, any quarterly operating statement prepared by an independent certified public accountant, within thirty to sixty (30-60) days after the close of each fiscal quarter of Grantor;

(c) An annual balance sheet and profit and loss statement of Grantor in the form required by Beneficiary, prepared and certified by Grantor, or if required by Beneficiary, audited financial statements for Grantor and any Liable Parties prepared by an independent certified public accountant acceptable to Beneficiary within ninety (90) days after the close of each fiscal year of Grantor and the Liable Parties, as the case may be; and

(d) An annual operating budget presented on a monthly basis consistent with the annual operating statement described above for the Property including cash flow projections for the upcoming year and all proposed capital replacements and improvements at least fifteen (15) days prior to the start of each calendar year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the financial statements for Liable Parties to be provided pursuant to Section 4.1(c) do not need to be in accordance with GAAP, provided they are in accordance with the accounting method used in the financial statements of Liable Parties submitted to Beneficiary in connection with the application for the Loan.

 

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4.2 ADDITIONAL MATTERS.

(a) Grantor shall furnish Beneficiary with such other additional financial or management information (including State and Federal tax returns) as may, from time to time, be reasonably required by Beneficiary or the rating agencies in form and substance satisfactory to Beneficiary or the rating agencies.

(b) Grantor shall furnish Beneficiary and its agents convenient facilities for the examination and audit of any such books and records.

(c) Beneficiary and its representatives shall have the right upon reasonable prior written notice to examine and audit the records, books, management and other papers of Grantor and its affiliates or of any guarantor or indemnitor which reflect upon their financial condition and/or the income, expenses and operations of the Property, at the Property or at any office regularly maintained by Grantor, its affiliates or any guarantor or indemnitor where the books and records are located. Beneficiary shall have the right upon notice to make copies and extracts from the foregoing records and other papers.

ARTICLE 5

LEASES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY

5.1 GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Grantor represents and warrants to Trustee and Beneficiary as follows:

(a) There are no leases or occupancy agreements affecting the Property except those leases and amendments listed on Exhibit B to the Assignment of Leases and Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary true, correct and complete copies of all existing leases, including amendments (collectively, “Existing Leases”) and all guaranties and amendments of guaranties given in connection with the Existing Leases (the “Guaranties”).

(b) There are no material defaults by Grantor under the Existing Leases or Guaranties and, to the best knowledge of Grantor, except as may have been disclosed to Beneficiary in the tenant estoppel certificates delivered to Beneficiary in connection with the Loan, there are no material defaults by any tenants under the Existing Leases or any guarantors under the Guaranties. The Existing Leases and the Guaranties are in full force and effect.

(c) To the best knowledge of Grantor, none of the tenants now occupying ten percent (10%) or more of the Property or having a current lease affecting ten percent (10%) or more of the Property is the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceeding or any other debtor-creditor proceeding.

(d) Except as specifically set forth in the Existing Leases, no Existing Leases may be amended, terminated or canceled unilaterally by a tenant and no tenant may be released from its obligations, except in the event of (i) material damage to, or destruction of, the Property or (ii) condemnation.

 

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5.2 ASSIGNMENT OF LEASES. In order to further secure payment of the Secured Indebtedness and the performance of Grantor’s obligations under the Loan Documents, Grantor absolutely, presently and unconditionally grants, assigns and transfers to Beneficiary all of Grantor’s right, title, interest and estate in, to and under (i) all of the Existing Leases and Guaranties affecting the Property and (ii) all of the future leases, lease amendments, guaranties and amendments of guaranties and (iii) the Rents and Profits. Grantor acknowledges that it is permitted to collect the Rents and Profits pursuant to a revocable license unless and until an Event of Default occurs. The Existing Leases and Guaranties and all future leases, lease amendments, guaranties and amendments of guaranties are collectively referred to as the “Leases.”

5.3 PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS.

(a) Grantor shall perform all material obligations under any and all Leases. If any of the acts described in paragraph (c) of this Section 5.3 are done without the written consent of Beneficiary, at the option of Beneficiary, they shall be of no force or effect and shall constitute a default under this Deed of Trust.

(b) Upon request of Beneficiary, Grantor agrees to furnish Beneficiary executed copies of all future Leases entered into which affect the Property.

(c) Grantor shall not, without the express written consent of Beneficiary, (i) enter into or extend any Lease unless the Lease complies with the Leasing Guidelines which are attached to this Deed of Trust as Exhibit B (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit Grantor from allowing the extension of any Leases pursuant to any extension options existing under the Existing Leases or Leases hereafter entered into in accordance with the terms hereof), or (ii) cancel or terminate any Leases or accept a surrender of any Leases except in the case of a default unless Grantor has entered into new Leases covering all of the premises of the Leases being terminated or surrendered or unless specifically permitted under any Existing Leases or Leases hereafter entered into in accordance with the terms hereof, or (iii) modify or amend any Leases in any material way or reduce the rent (unless any such Lease following such modification, amendment or reduction shall remain in compliance with the Leasing Guidelines), or (iv) unless the tenants remain liable under the Leases, consent to an assignment of the tenant’s interest or to a subletting of any of the Leases (except if any such consent is required by the terms of a Lease existing on the Execution Date and entered into in compliance with this Deed of Trust), or (v) accept payment of advance rents in an amount in excess of one month’s rent under any Lease. In the event that (i) Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary a written request for Beneficiary’s approval of a Lease or other leasing matter together with a summary of the business terms of such Lease or other leasing matter by a method which provides evidence of delivery, such as certified mail or a recognized national overnight delivery service, (ii) Beneficiary has failed to respond to such request within five (5) business days after Beneficiary’s receipt of such request, and (iii) Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary a second copy of such request by such a method, then, if Beneficiary has failed to respond to such second request within five (5) business days after Beneficiary’s receipt of such request, such request shall be deemed approved, provided that each such request included a legend prominently displayed at the top of the first page thereof in solid capital letters in bold face type of a font size not less than twelve (12) as follows: WARNING:

 

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PURSUANT TO SECTION 5.3 OF THE DEED OF TRUST, YOU WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE APPROVED THIS REQUEST IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT.”

(d) Grantor shall not, without the express written consent of Beneficiary enter into any options to purchase the Property.

5.4 SUBORDINATE LEASES. Each Lease hereafter entered into affecting the Property shall be absolutely subordinate to the lien of this Deed of Trust and shall also contain a provision, satisfactory to Beneficiary, to the effect that (a) Beneficiary may elect to make such Lease superior to the lien of this Deed of Trust and (b) in the event of the judicial or non-judicial foreclosure of the Property, at the election of the acquiring foreclosure purchaser, the particular Lease shall not be terminated and the tenant shall attorn to the purchaser subject to the terms of such Lease. If requested to do so, the tenant shall agree to enter into a new Lease for the balance of the term upon the same terms and conditions. If Beneficiary requests, Grantor shall cause a tenant or tenants to enter into subordination and attornment agreements or nondisturbance agreements with Beneficiary on forms which have been approved by Beneficiary and Beneficiary shall negotiate such forms in good faith at Grantor’s cost, including payment of the reasonable fees of Beneficiary’s counsel. In addition, Beneficiary agrees to provide a nondisturbance agreement to any tenant (and to negotiate such agreement in good faith at Grantor’s cost, including payment of the reasonable fees of Beneficiary’s counsel), provided that such tenant’s Lease is approved by Beneficiary. Following the date hereof, Grantor shall request and use reasonable efforts to obtain a subordination, nondisturbance and attornment agreement on forms which have been approved by Beneficiary from each tenant under a Lease in effect on the date hereof who has not yet provided such an agreement.

5.5 MANAGEMENT FEES. Grantor covenants and agrees that all contracts and agreements relating to the Property requiring the payment of management fees or other similar compensation shall (i) provide that the obligation will not be enforceable against Beneficiary and (ii) be subordinate to the lien of this Deed of Trust. Beneficiary will be provided evidence of Grantor’s compliance with this Section upon request.

ARTICLE 6

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Grantor hereby represents, warrants, covenants and agrees to and with Beneficiary that (i) except as may be disclosed in the Initial Environmental Report (as defined in the Indemnity Agreement) or except as expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing, neither Grantor nor, to the best of Grantor’s knowledge, after due inquiry, any tenant, subtenant or occupant of the Property, has at any time placed, suffered or permitted the presence of any Hazardous Materials (as defined in Section 6.5) at, on, under, within or about the Property, except for Permitted Materials (as this term is defined in the Indemnity Agreement); (ii) except as may be disclosed in the Initial Environmental Report, to the best knowledge of Grantor, all operations or activities upon the Property, and any use or occupancy of the Property by Grantor, and any tenant, subtenant or occupant of the Property are presently and shall in the future be in compliance with all Requirements of Environmental Laws

 

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(as defined in Section 6.6); (iii) Grantor will use reasonable best efforts to assure that any tenant, subtenant or occupant of the Property shall in the future be in compliance with all Requirements of Environmental Laws with respect to the Property; (iv) except as may be disclosed in the Initial Environmental Report, Grantor does not know of, and has not received, any written or oral notice or other communication from any person or entity (including, without limitation, a governmental entity) relating to Hazardous Materials or Remedial Work pertaining thereto, of possible liability of any person or entity pursuant to any Requirements of Environmental Laws, other environmental conditions in connection with the Property, or any actual administrative or judicial proceedings in connection with any of the foregoing; (v) Grantor shall not do (and shall use its reasonable best efforts not to allow any tenant or other user of the Property to do) any act that materially increases the dangers to human health or the environment, poses an unreasonable risk of harm to any person or entity (whether on or off the Property), impairs or may impair the value of the Property, is contrary to any requirement of any insurer, constitutes a public or private nuisance, constitutes waste, or violates any covenant, condition, agreement or easement applicable to the Property; and (vi) Grantor has truthfully and fully provided to Beneficiary, in writing, any and all information relating to environmental conditions in, on, under or from the Property that is known to Grantor and that is contained in Grantor’s files and records, including, without limitation, any reports relating to Hazardous Materials in, on, under or from the Property and/or to the environmental condition of the Property.

6.2 REMEDIAL WORK. In the event any investigation or monitoring of site conditions or any clean-up, containment, restoration, removal or other remedial work (collectively, the “Remedial Work”) is required under any Requirements of Environmental Laws, Grantor shall perform or cause to be performed the Remedial Work in compliance with the applicable law, regulation, order or agreement. All Remedial Work shall be performed by one or more contractors, selected by Grantor and approved in advance in writing by Beneficiary, and under the supervision of a consulting engineer, selected by Grantor and approved in advance in writing by Beneficiary. All costs and expenses of Remedial Work shall be paid by Grantor including, without limitation, the charges of the contractor(s) and/or the consulting engineer, and Beneficiary’s reasonable attorneys’, architects’ and/or consultants’ fees and costs incurred in connection with monitoring or review of the Remedial Work. In the event Grantor shall fail to timely commence, or cause to be commenced, or fail to diligently prosecute to completion, the Remedial Work, Beneficiary may, but shall not be required to, cause such Remedial Work to be performed, subject to the provisions of Sections 11.5 and 11.6.

6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT. Beneficiary shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, to undertake an environmental site assessment on the Property, including any testing that Beneficiary may determine, in its sole discretion, is necessary or desirable to ascertain the environmental condition of the Property and the compliance of the Property with Requirements of Environmental Laws. Any such assessment and/or testing shall be at the sole expense of Grantor if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or if Beneficiary reasonably believes that Hazardous Materials are present in, on, under or from the Property in violation of Requirements of Environmental Laws. Grantor shall cooperate fully with Beneficiary and its consultants performing such assessments and tests.

6.4 UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS. No amounts which may become owing by Grantor to Beneficiary under this Article 6 or under any other provision of this Deed of Trust as

 

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a result of a breach of or violation of this Article 6 shall be secured by this Deed of Trust. The obligations shall continue in full force and effect and any breach of this Article 6 shall constitute a default under this Deed of Trust. The lien of this Deed of Trust shall not secure (i) any obligations evidenced by or arising under the Indemnity Agreement (“Unsecured Obligations”), or (ii) any other obligations to the extent that they are the same or have the same effect as any of the Unsecured Obligations. The Unsecured Obligations shall continue in full force, and any breach or default of any such obligations shall constitute a breach or default under this Deed of Trust but the proceeds of any foreclosure sale shall not be applied against Unsecured Obligations. Nothing in this Section shall in any way limit or otherwise affect the right of Beneficiary to obtain a judgment in accordance with applicable law for any deficiency in recovery of all obligations that are secured by this Deed of Trust following foreclosure, notwithstanding that the deficiency judgment may result from diminution in the value of the Property by reason of any event or occurrence pertaining to Hazardous Materials or any Requirements of Environmental Laws.

6.5 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. “Hazardous Materials” shall include without limitation:

(a) Those substances included within the definitions of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “toxic substances,” or “solid waste” in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (as amended), 42 U.S.C. Sections 9601 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (as amended), 42 U.S.C. Sections 6901 et seq. (“RCRA”), and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (as amended), 49 U.S.C. Sections 1501 et seq., and in the regulations promulgated pursuant to said laws, all as amended;

(b) Those substances listed in the United States Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101 and amendments thereto) listed in Table 302.4 – List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities (40 CFR Part 302 and amendments thereto) or listed in the List of Extremely Hazardous Substances and Their Threshold Planning Quantities (40 CFR Part 355, App. A, and amendments thereto);

(c) Any material, waste or substance which is (A) petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, synthetic gas usable for fuel, or any mixture thereof, (B) asbestos, (C) polychlorinated biphenyls, (D) designated as a “hazardous substance” pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. (33 U.S.C. § 1321) or listed pursuant to Section 307 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1317), (E) a chemical substance or mixture regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq., (F) flammable explosives, (G) radioactive materials, (H) unexploded ordinance, (I) pesticides, fungicides, insecticides or rodenticides, or (J) a hazardous air pollutant that is or may be listed under § 112 of the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq. (42 U.S.C. § 7412);

(d) Any material, waste or substance that is included within and regulated by Title 8 of District of Columbia Official Code (2001), as amended; and

 

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(e) Such other substances, materials and wastes which are or become regulated as hazardous or toxic under applicable local, state or federal law, or the United States government, or which are classified as hazardous or toxic under federal, state, or local laws or regulations, and any other chemical, material or substance, exposure to which is prohibited, limited or regulated by any governmental authority or which may or could pose a hazard to the environment or human health or safety.

6.6 REQUIREMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. “Requirements of Environmental Laws” means all requirements of environmental, ecological, health, or industrial hygiene laws or regulations or rules of common law related to the Property, including, without limitation, all requirements imposed by any environmental permit, law, rule, order, or regulation of any federal, state, or local executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative agency, which relate to (i) exposure to Hazardous Materials; (ii) pollution or protection of the air, surface water, ground water, land; (iii) solid, gaseous, or liquid waste generation, treatment, storage, disposal, or transportation; or (iv) regulation of the manufacture, processing, distribution and commerce, use, or storage of Hazardous Materials.

ARTICLE 7

CASUALTY, CONDEMNATION AND RESTORATION

7.1 GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS. Grantor represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Except as expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing, no casualty or damage to any part of the Property which would cost more than $50,000 to restore or replace has occurred which has not been fully restored or replaced.

(b) No part of the Property has been taken in condemnation or other similar proceeding or transferred in lieu of condemnation, nor has Grantor received notice of any proposed condemnation or other similar proceeding affecting the Property.

(c) There is no pending proceeding for total or partial condemnation of the Property.

7.2 RESTORATION.

(a) Grantor shall give prompt written notice of any casualty to the Property to Beneficiary whether or not required to be insured against. The notice shall describe the nature and cause of the casualty and the extent of the damage to the Property.

(b) Grantor assigns to Beneficiary all Insurance Proceeds which Grantor is entitled to receive in connection with a casualty whether or not such insurance is required under this Deed of Trust. In the event of any damage to or destruction of the Property, and provided (1) an Event of Default does not currently exist, and (2) Beneficiary has determined that (i) there

 

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has not been an Impairment of the Security (as defined in Section 7.2(c)), and (ii) the repair, restoration and rebuilding of any portion of the Property that has been partially damaged or destroyed (the “Restoration”) can be accomplished in full compliance with all Requirements to the same condition, character and general utility as nearly as possible to that existing prior to the casualty and at least equal in value as that existing prior to the casualty, then Grantor covenants and agrees to commence and diligently pursue to completion the Restoration and the Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the cost of Restoration in accordance with the terms of this Article. Beneficiary shall hold and disburse the Insurance Proceeds less the cost, if any, to Beneficiary of recovering the Insurance Proceeds including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, and adjusters’ fees (the “Net Insurance Proceeds”) to the Restoration.

(c) For the purpose of this Article, “Impairment of the Security” shall mean any or all of the following: (i) any of the Leases covering more than 20,000 square feet existing immediately prior to the damage, destruction, condemnation or casualty shall have been cancelled, or shall contain any exercisable right to cancel as a result of the damage, destruction or casualty (and the tenant thereunder shall not have waived or be deemed to have waived such right); (ii) the casualty or damage occurs during the last year of the term of the Loan; or (iii) restoration of the Property is estimated to require more than one year to complete from the date of the occurrence.

(d) If the Net Insurance Proceeds are to be used for the Restoration in accordance with this Article, Grantor shall comply with Beneficiary’s Requirements For Restoration as set forth in Section 7.4 below. Upon Grantor’s satisfaction and completion of the Requirements For Restoration and upon confirmation that there is no Event of Default then existing (including any Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(h)), Beneficiary shall pay any remaining Restoration Funds (as defined in Section 7.4 below) then held by Beneficiary to Grantor.

(e) In the event that the conditions for Restoration set forth in this Section have not been met, Beneficiary may, at its option, apply the Net Insurance Proceeds to the reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and Beneficiary may declare the entire Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable, without the payment of the Prepayment Fee, as defined in the Note. Any remaining Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the reduction of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations. After payment in full of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, any remaining Restoration Funds shall be paid to Grantor.

7.3 CONDEMNATION.

(a) If the Property or any part of the Property is taken by reason of any condemnation or similar eminent domain proceeding, or by a grant or conveyance in lieu of condemnation or eminent domain (“Condemnation”), Beneficiary shall be entitled to all compensation, awards, damages, proceeds and payments or relief for the Condemnation (“Condemnation Proceeds”). At its option, Beneficiary shall be entitled to commence, appear in and prosecute in its own name any action or proceeding or to make any compromise or settlement in connection with such Condemnation. Grantor hereby irrevocably constitutes and

 

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appoints Beneficiary as its attorney-in-fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to commence, appear in and prosecute any action or proceeding or to make any compromise or settlement in connection with any such Condemnation; provided, however, that so long as there is no Event of Default hereunder or any event which with the passage of time and/or the giving of notice would constitute an Event of Default, Beneficiary shall consult with Grantor prior to making any such compromise or settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default (or any event which with notice and/or the opportunity to cure would constitute an Event of Default) has occurred and is continuing, and so long as Beneficiary’s security shall not be impaired, (i) Grantor may settle any such Condemnation involving less than $325,000.00 without the consent of Beneficiary, and (ii) Grantor may negotiate for a settlement, adjustment or compromise of any such Condemnation involving $325,000.00 or more provided that the final settlement shall be subject to the written approval of Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion.

(b) Grantor assigns to Beneficiary all Condemnation Proceeds which Grantor is entitled to receive. In the event of any Condemnation, and provided (1) an Event of Default does not currently exist, and (2) Beneficiary has determined that (i) there has not been an Impairment of the Security, and (ii) the Restoration of any portion of the Property that has not been taken can be accomplished in full compliance with all Requirements to the same condition, character and general utility as nearly as possible to that existing prior to the taking and at least equal in value as that existing prior to the taking, then Grantor shall commence and diligently pursue to completion the Restoration. Beneficiary shall hold and disburse the Condemnation Proceeds less the cost, if any, to Beneficiary of recovering the Condemnation Proceeds including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, and adjusters’ fees (the “Net Condemnation Proceeds”) to the Restoration.

(c) In the event the Net Condemnation Proceeds are to be used for the Restoration, Grantor shall comply with Beneficiary’s Requirements For Restoration as set forth in Section 7.4 below. Upon Grantor’s satisfaction and completion of the Requirements For Restoration and upon confirmation that there is no Event of Default then existing (including any Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(h)), Beneficiary shall pay any remaining Restoration Funds (as defined in Section 7.4 below) then held by Beneficiary to Grantor.

(d) In the event that the conditions for Restoration set forth in this Section have not been met, Beneficiary may, at its option, apply the Net Condemnation Proceeds to the reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and Beneficiary may declare the entire Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable, without the payment of the Prepayment Fee. Any remaining Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the reduction of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations. After payment in full of the Secured Indebtedness, any remaining Restoration Funds shall be paid to Grantor.

7.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTORATION. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in a writing signed by Beneficiary, the following are the Requirements For Restoration:

(a) If the Net Insurance Proceeds or Net Condemnation Proceeds are to be used for the Restoration, prior to the commencement of any Restoration work (the “Work”),

 

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Grantor shall provide Beneficiary (i) for its review and written approval complete plans and specifications for the Work which (A) have been approved by all required governmental authorities, (B) have been approved by an architect reasonably satisfactory to Beneficiary (the “Architect”) and (C) are accompanied by Architect’s signed statement of the total estimated cost of the Work (the “Approved Plans and Specifications”); (ii) the amount of money which Beneficiary reasonably determines will be sufficient when added to the Net Insurance Proceeds or Condemnation Proceeds to pay the entire cost of the Restoration (collectively referred to as the “Restoration Funds”); (iii) evidence that the Approved Plans and Specifications and the Work are in compliance with all Requirements; (iv) an executed contract for construction with a contractor reasonably satisfactory to Beneficiary (the “Contractor”) in a form approved by Beneficiary in writing; and (v) if reasonably requested by Beneficiary, a surety bond and/or guarantee of payment with respect to the completion of the Work. The bond or guarantee shall be satisfactory to Beneficiary in form and amount and shall be signed by a surety or other entities who are acceptable to Beneficiary.

(b) Grantor shall not commence the Work, other than temporary work to protect the Property or prevent interference with business, until Grantor shall have complied with the requirements of subsection (a) of this Section 7.4. So long as there does not currently exist an Event of Default and the following conditions have been complied with or, in Beneficiary’s discretion, waived, Beneficiary shall disburse the Restoration Funds in increments to Grantor, from time to time as the Work progresses:

(i) Architect shall be in charge of the Work;

(ii) Beneficiary shall disburse the Restoration Funds directly or through escrow with a title company selected by Grantor and approved by Beneficiary, upon not less than ten (10) days’ prior written notice from Grantor to Beneficiary and Grantor’s delivery to Beneficiary of (A) Grantor’s written request for payment (a “Request for Payment”) accompanied by a certificate by Architect in a form satisfactory to Beneficiary which states that (a) all of the Work completed to that date has been completed in compliance with the Approved Plans and Specifications and in accordance with all Requirements, (b) the amount requested has been paid or is then due and payable and is properly a part of the cost of the Work and (c) when added to all sums previously paid by Beneficiary, the requested amount does not exceed the value of the Work completed to the date of such certificate; and (B) evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary that the balance of the Restoration Funds remaining after making the payments shall be sufficient to pay the balance of the cost of the Work. Each Request for Payment shall be accompanied by (x) waivers of liens covering that part of the Work previously paid for, if any, (y) a title search or by other evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary that no mechanic’s or materialmen’s liens or other similar liens for labor or materials supplied in connection with the Work have been filed against the Property and not discharged of record, and (z) an endorsement to Beneficiary’s title policy insuring that no encumbrance exists on or affects the Property other than the Permitted Exceptions; and

(iii) The final Request for Payment shall be accompanied by (A) a final certificate of occupancy or other evidence of approval of appropriate governmental authorities for the use and occupancy of the Improvements, (B) evidence that the Restoration has been

 

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completed in accordance with the Approved Plans and Specifications and all Requirements, (C) evidence that the costs of the Restoration have been paid in full, and (D) evidence that no mechanic’s or similar liens for labor or material supplied in connection with the Restoration are outstanding against the Property, including final waivers of liens covering all of the Work and an endorsement to Beneficiary’s title policy insuring that no encumbrance exists on or affects the Property other than the Permitted Exceptions.

(c) If (A) within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of any damage, destruction or condemnation requiring Restoration, Grantor fails to submit to Beneficiary and receive Beneficiary’s approval of plans and specifications or fails to deposit with Beneficiary the additional amount necessary to accomplish the Restoration as provided in subparagraph (a) above, or (B) after such plans and specifications are approved by all such governmental authorities and Beneficiary, Grantor fails to commence promptly or diligently continue to completion the Restoration, or (C) Grantor becomes delinquent in payment to mechanics, materialmen or others for the costs incurred in connection with the Restoration, or (D) there exists an Event of Default (including any Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(h)), then, in addition to all of the rights herein set forth and after ten (10) days’ written notice of the non-fulfillment of one or more of these conditions, Beneficiary may apply the Restoration Funds to reduce the Secured Indebtedness and at Beneficiary’s option and in its sole discretion, Beneficiary may declare the Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable together with the Prepayment Fee. Any remaining Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the reduction of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations.

ARTICLE 8

REPRESENTATIONS OF GRANTOR

8.1 ERISA. Grantor hereby represents, warrants and agrees that: (i) it is acting on its own behalf and that it is not an employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), which is subject to Title 1 of ERISA, nor a plan as defined in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (each of the foregoing hereinafter referred to collectively as a “Plan”); (ii) Grantor’s assets do not constitute “plan assets” of one or more such Plans within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulation Section 2510.3-101; and (iii) it will not be reconstituted as a Plan or as an entity whose assets constitute “plan assets.”

8.2 NON-RELATIONSHIP. Neither Grantor nor, to Grantor’s knowledge, any person who is a Grantor’s Constituent (as defined in Section 8.3), but subject to the next sentence is (i) a director or officer of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”), (ii) a parent, son or daughter of a director or officer of MetLife, or a descendent of any of them, (iii) a stepparent, adopted child, stepson or stepdaughter of a director or officer of MetLife, or (iv) a spouse of a director or officer of MetLife. For purposes of this paragraph only, the term “Grantor’s Constituents” shall not be deemed to include any shareholders (collectively, the “Shareholders”) of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.) or any limited partners of Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Piedmont Partnership”).

 

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8.3 NO ADVERSE CHANGE. Grantor represents and warrants that:

(a) There has been no material adverse change from the conditions shown in the application submitted for the Loan by Grantor (the “Application”) or in the materials submitted in connection with the Application in the credit rating or financial condition of Grantor or the Liable Parties or, to the best knowledge of Grantor, any entity which is a general partner, shareholder or member of Grantor (collectively, “Grantor’s Constituents”).

(b) Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary true and correct copies of all Grantor’s organizational documents and except as expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing, there have been no changes in Grantor’s Constituents since the date that the Application was executed by Grantor.

(c) Neither Grantor, nor any of Grantor’s Constituents, is involved in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, dissolution or liquidation proceeding, and to the best knowledge of Grantor, no such proceeding is contemplated or threatened.

(d) Grantor has received reasonably equivalent value for the granting of this Deed of Trust.

8.4 FOREIGN INVESTOR. Neither Grantor nor any partner, member or shareholder of Grantor is a “foreign person” within the meaning of Sections 1445 and 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

8.5 US PATRIOT ACT. Neither Grantor nor, to Grantor’s knowledge, any partner, member or shareholder of Grantor is, and no legal or beneficial interest in a partner, member or shareholder of Grantor is or will be held, directly or indirectly by a person or entity (excluding any Shareholders and any limited partners of Piedmont Partnership) that appears on a list of individuals and/or entities for which transactions are prohibited by the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control or any similar list maintained by any other governmental authority, with respect to which entering into transactions with such person or entity would violate the US Patriot Act or regulations or any Presidential Executive Order or any other similar applicable law, ordinance, order, rule or regulation.

ARTICLE 9

EXCULPATION AND LIABILITY

9.1 LIABILITY OF GRANTOR.

(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, except as provided in this Section 9.1, Beneficiary will look solely to the Property (and the Property encumbered by the Related Deed of Trust) and the security under the Loan Documents (and the security under the Related Loan Documents) for the repayment of the Loan and will not enforce a deficiency

 

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judgment against Grantor. However, nothing contained in this section shall limit the rights of Beneficiary to enforce any policies of insurance or to proceed against Grantor and the general partners of Grantor, if any, and/or the Liable Parties or any one or more of them (i) to enforce any Leases entered into by Grantor or its affiliates as tenant, guarantees, or other agreements entered into by Grantor in a capacity other than as borrower; (ii) to recover damages for fraud, material misrepresentation, material breach of warranty or waste committed by Grantor or any constituent thereof; (iii) to recover any Condemnation Proceeds or Insurance Proceeds or other similar funds which have been misapplied by Grantor or which, under the terms of the Loan Documents, should have been paid to Beneficiary; (iv) to recover any tenant security deposits, tenant letters of credit or other deposits or refundable fees paid to Grantor that are part of the collateral for the Loan or prepaid rents for a period of more than 30 days which have not been delivered to Beneficiary unless applied in accordance with the Leases prior to an Event of Default; (v) to recover Rents and Profits received by Grantor after the first day of the month in which an Event of Default occurs and prior to the date Beneficiary acquires title to the Property which have not been applied to the Loan or in accordance with the Loan Documents to operating and maintenance expenses of the Property; (vi) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, any breach of a covenant contained in Article 6 hereof or the Indemnity Agreement; (vii) to recover any amount expended by Beneficiary in connection with a foreclosure or trustee’s sale hereunder; (viii) to recover damages arising from Grantor’s failure to comply with Section 8.1 of this Deed of Trust pertaining to ERISA; and/or (ix) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, Grantor’s failure to pay any Impositions or Premiums.

(b) The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 9.1 shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that prior to the indefeasible payment in full of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations (i) Grantor commences a voluntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or (ii) an involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding is commenced against Grantor and Grantor or any related party has directly or indirectly encouraged, participated with, or colluded with the parties filing such involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding to file such proceeding. In addition, this agreement shall not waive any rights which Beneficiary would have under any provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to file a claim for the full amount of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations or to require that the Property shall continue to secure all of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations.

(c) The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 9.1 also shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that there is any violation of Sections 10.1 or 10.2 hereof.

 

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ARTICLE 10

CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP, CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY

10.1 CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY, CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND COMPOSITION.

(a) Grantor shall not cause or permit: (i) the Property, or any interest in the Property, to be conveyed, transferred, assigned, encumbered (except for Permitted Exceptions), sold or otherwise disposed of; or (ii) any transfer, assignment or conveyance of any interest in Grantor or in the partners, or shareholders, or members or beneficiaries of, Grantor or of any of Grantor’s Constituents; or (iii) any merger, reorganization, dissolution or other change in the ownership structure of Grantor or any of the members of Grantor, including, without limitation, any conversion of Grantor or any member of Grantor from a limited liability company to a general partnership, limited partnership, or a limited liability partnership, or vice-versa (collectively, “Transfers”).

(b) The prohibitions on transfer shall not be applicable to (i) Transfers as a result of the death of a natural person; or (ii) Transfers in connection with estate planning between or among a revocable trust or a natural person to a spouse, son or daughter or descendant of either, a stepson or stepdaughter or descendant of either; or (iii) Transfers to or from a spouse in connection with the dissolution of a marriage; or (iv) Transfers of shareholder interests in Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont REIT”) or limited partner interests in Piedmont Partnership (as defined in Section 8.2) so long as Grantor pays to Beneficiary all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with any proposed Transfer pursuant to the preceding clauses (i), (ii), or (iii), if any, including without limitation title insurance premiums, documentation and recording costs, and reasonable attorneys’ costs and fees.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers to or among the constituent members of Grantor or the constituent owners of any of Grantor’s Constituents shall be permitted without the consent of Beneficiary provided that (i) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default; (ii) Piedmont REIT remains the General Partner of Piedmont Partnership and maintains at least a 51% ownership interest therein, (iii) Piedmont Partnership maintains at least a 48.02% ownership interest in Grantor, either directly or through intermediate entities; (iv) Piedmont Partnership retains the sole right and power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of Grantor; (v) the entity that comprises Grantor after the completion of such transfers shall be able to and shall make the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof; (vi) Grantor notifies Beneficiary of any such transfer and provides any information Beneficiary may reasonably require in connection therewith (provided, however, that with respect to transfers of interests in those Grantor’s Constituents that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership, Grantor shall notify Beneficiary of such transfer and provide such information to Beneficiary when Grantor is notified of such transfer and obtains such information and provided further that Grantor shall not be required to provide any notification to Beneficiary of, or provide Beneficiary with any information with respect to, any

 

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transfer of any direct or indirect interest in Piedmont Partnership by or among any Shareholders), and (vii) Grantor pays to Beneficiary a $5,000.00 processing fee and any other reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with any transfer or transfers in a single transaction, including document costs, if any, and reasonable attorneys’ fees (provided, however, that such fee shall not be payable with respect to the transfer of any direct or indirect interest in Piedmont Partnership by or among any Shareholders). In addition, notwithstanding Subsections 10.1(a)(ii) and 10.1(a)(iii) above, the Piedmont Lender (as hereafter defined), which is an affiliate of Grantor and whose ownership interests are owned (directly or indirectly) by the same entity that owns the ownership interests in 1201 Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Piedmont Sub”), may be admitted as a non-managing member of Grantor without the consent of Beneficiary provided that conditions (i) through (vii) of this Subsection 10.1(c) are satisfied and that all of the ownership interests in Piedmont Lender are held (directly or indirectly) by the same entity that owns the ownership interests in Piedmont Sub. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, transfers or issuance of stock in Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Washington Properties, Inc. (“Washington Properties”) and the sole member of Piedmont Sub, shall be permitted without the consent of Beneficiary provided that conditions (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) of this Subsection 10.1(c) are satisfied and provided that Piedmont Partnership continues to own at least 98% of the stock of Washington Properties. Furthermore, notwithstanding Subsections 10.1(a)(ii) and 10.1(a)(iii) above, the members of Grantor and the owners of any of Grantor’s Constituents that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership (such members and owners as of the time immediately following the transfer by Beacon Capital Strategic Partners II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership of all of its interest in Washington Properties [then known as BCSP II Washington Properties, Inc.] to Piedmont Partnership on or about November 19, 2003) shall be permitted to transfer their direct or indirect interests in Grantor to a party or parties that are not members of Grantor or owners of any of Grantor’s Constituents without the consent of Beneficiary provided that: (I) conditions (i) through (vii) of this Subsection 10.1(c) are satisfied and (II) on the first date that more than twenty percent (20%) of such ownership interests (direct or indirect) in Grantor in the aggregate are transferred in one or more transactions, Grantor shall pay to Beneficiary a transfer fee equal to one one-hundredth of one percent (0.01%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan for each percentage point of such ownership interest (direct or indirect) in Grantor being transferred that is in excess of such aggregate twenty percent (20%) ownership interest threshold. As an example of the foregoing, if in one transaction or over several transactions, thirty percent (30%) of the direct or indirect ownership interests in Grantor that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership in the aggregate are transferred, then Grantor will be required to pay a transfer fee equal to ten (10) basis points (or 0.10%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time the last such transfer occurs; if, subsequently, an additional five percent (5%) of the direct or indirect ownership interests in Grantor that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership are transferred, then Grantor will be required to pay an additional transfer fee equal to five (5) basis points (or 0.05%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time such transfer occurs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Shareholders shall have the right to transfer direct or indirect interests in Piedmont Partnership without the requirement that Grantor provide any prior or subsequent notice to Beneficiary thereof and without the requirement that Grantor pay any fee or charge to Beneficiary. Any such transfer will not relieve Grantor of its obligations under the Note or any

 

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of the other Loan Documents, the obligations of the Liable Parties under the Guaranty, the Lease Rollover Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement, the obligations of Related Borrower under the Related Loan Documents, or the obligations of the “Liable Parties” under the “Guaranty” or the “Indemnity Agreement” as such quoted terms are defined in the Related Deed of Trust. For purposes hereof, the term “Piedmont Lender” shall mean TZO Lending LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and/or 1215 ESDI, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as applicable, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(d) In addition, the original named Grantor shall have a one-time right to transfer the Property (subject to the Loan), either directly, by a transfer of all or substantially all of the ownership interests in Grantor or by a transfer of all or substantially all of the ownership interests in Grantor owned (directly or indirectly) by Piedmont Partnership, to a third party (the “First Third Party Transferee”) provided that (i) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement (or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default) either at the time of the request or at any time thereafter through the date of the Transfer; (ii) Grantor obtains Beneficiary’s written approval of the proposed First Third Party Transferee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed provided that the criteria set forth in this Subsection 10.1(d) are met; (iii) the First Third Party Transferee shall be experienced in the ownership, management and leasing of properties similar to the Property; (iv) the First Third Party Transferee shall have both a controlling and managing equity interest of real estate assets with an aggregate market value of not less than Six Hundred Million Dollars ($600,000,000.00) in the normal course of business, and such First Third Party Transferee shall have an equity interest in such real estate assets of not less than the greater of (A) $200,000,000.00 or (B) thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate value of such real estate assets as reasonably determined by Beneficiary; (v) the First Third Party Transferee shall (A) not be an adverse party, either directly or indirectly, in any litigation involving Beneficiary which seeks either injunctive relief or more than $10,000,000.00 in damages or which has as its subject matter real estate-related assets, (B) be able to and shall make the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof, and (C) not be the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceedings or any criminal charges or proceedings; (vi) the unpaid principal balance of the Loan shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the value of the Property based upon a bona fide sales price; (vii) in the opinion of Beneficiary, the annual Net Operating Income (as hereafter defined) during the then upcoming 12-month period to be derived from the Property at the time of the transfer (as calculated pursuant to space leases with tenants who are in actual occupancy, pay rent on a current basis, and are not in default) shall be at least one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the aggregate amount of monthly installments due under the Note and any subordinate financing (with all accrued obligations thereunder being treated as currently due); (viii) Grantor or the First Third Party Transferee shall pay to Beneficiary a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time of the transfer together with a non-refundable processing fee of $25,000.00; (ix) another party or parties reasonably acceptable to Beneficiary shall execute agreements similar to the Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty with respect to events arising or occurring from and after the date of the transfer, in a form and manner satisfactory to Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion, which additional party or parties shall have in the aggregate a net worth of not less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00); (x) the First Third Party Transferee shall expressly assume all

 

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obligations of Grantor under the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement in a manner satisfactory to Beneficiary, in its sole and absolute discretion;; and (xi) Grantor or such First Third Party Transferee shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with the transfer, including title insurance premiums, documentation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Any such transfer will not relieve Grantor of its obligations under the Note, any of the Loan Documents or the Indemnity Agreement or the obligations of the Liable Parties under the Guaranty, the Lease Rollover Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement arising prior to the date of the transfer. The inclusion of a reference to subordinate financing in clause (vii) above shall not be construed as a consent by Beneficiary to any such subordinate financing, except as permitted in Section 10.2; any such consent may be granted or withheld in Beneficiary’s sole and absolute discretion. In determining the loan to value ratio and the debt service coverage ratio for purposes of clauses (vi) and (vii) above, the unpaid principal balance of, and the payments required or accrued under, the Second Loan and the Third Loan (as such terms are defined in Section 10.2) shall be disregarded. The term “Net Operating Income” as used herein means the projected rent and other collection generated by the Property, less all projected operating expenses, including but not limited to real estate taxes and insurance premiums.

(e) In addition, the First Third Party Transferee shall have a one-time right to transfer the Property (subject to the Loan), either directly or by a transfer of all or substantially all of the ownership interests in Grantor, to a third party (the “Second Third Party Transferee”) provided that (i) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement (or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default) either at the time of the request or at any time thereafter through the date of the Transfer; (ii) the First Third Party Transferee obtains Beneficiary’s written approval of the proposed Second Third Party Transferee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed provided that the criteria set forth in this Subsection 10.1(e) are met; (iii) the Second Third Party Transferee shall be experienced in the ownership, management and leasing of properties similar to the Property; (iv) the Second Third Party Transferee shall have both a controlling and managing equity interest of real estate assets with an aggregate market value of not less than Six Hundred Million Dollars ($600,000,000.00) in the normal course of business, and such Second Third Party Transferee shall have an equity interest in such real estate assets of not less than the greater of (A) $200,000,000.00 or (B) thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate value of such real estate assets as reasonably determined by Beneficiary; (v) the Second Third Party Transferee shall (A) not be an adverse party, either directly or indirectly, in any litigation involving Beneficiary which seeks either injunctive relief or more than $10,000,000.00 in damages or which has as its subject matter real estate-related assets, (B) be able to and shall make the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof, and (C) not be the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceedings or any criminal charges or proceedings; (vi) the unpaid principal balance of the Loan shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the value of the Property based upon a bona fide sales price; (vii) in the opinion of Beneficiary, the annual Net Operating Income during the then upcoming 12-month period to be derived from the Property at the time of the transfer (as calculated pursuant to space leases with tenants who are in actual occupancy, pay rent on a current basis, and are not in default) shall be at least one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the aggregate amount of monthly installments due under the Note

 

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and any subordinate financing (with all accrued obligations thereunder being treated as currently due); (viii) the First Third Party Transferee or the Second Third Party Transferee shall pay to Beneficiary a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time of the transfer together with a non-refundable processing fee of $25,000.00; (ix) another party or parties reasonably acceptable to Beneficiary shall execute agreements similar to the Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty with respect to events arising or occurring from and after the date of the transfer, in a form and manner satisfactory to Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion, which additional party or parties shall have in the aggregate a net worth of not less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00); (x) the Second Third Party Transferee shall expressly assume all obligations of the First Third Party Transferee under the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement in a manner satisfactory to Beneficiary, in its sole and absolute discretion; and (xi) the First Third Party Transferee or the Second Third Party Transferee shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with the transfer, including title insurance premiums, documentation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Any such transfer will not relieve the First Third Party Transferee of its obligations under the Note, any of the Loan Documents or the Indemnity Agreement or the obligations of persons and/or entities who became the Liable Parties pursuant to clause (ix) of Section 10.1(d) under the Guaranty, the Lease Rollover Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement arising prior to the date of the transfer. The inclusion of a reference to subordinate financing in clause (vii) above shall not be construed as a consent by Beneficiary to any such subordinate financing, except as permitted in Section 10.2; any such consent may be granted or withheld in Beneficiary’s sole and absolute discretion. In determining the loan to value ratio and the debt service coverage ratio for purposes of clauses (vi) and (vii) above, the unpaid principal balance of, and the payments required or accrued under, the Second Loan and the Third Loan (as such terms are defined in Section 10.2) shall be disregarded.

(f) In addition, provided that no transfer has occurred pursuant to Sections 10.1(d) or (e), transfers as a result of the merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Piedmont REIT or Piedmont Partnership (which merger, consolidation or sale does not result in the conveyance of title to the Real Property) shall be permitted provided that (i) Beneficiary shall have received not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice (“Notice of Proposed Transfer”) of the contemplated merger, consolidation or sale, which notice shall state whether or not the proposed transferee (as hereafter defined) fulfills the requirements of this Subparagraph (f), and if so shall also include evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary of the fulfillment of such requirements; (ii) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement (or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default) either at the time of such notice to Beneficiary or at any time thereafter through the date of the Transfer; (iii) the surviving entity after such merger or consolidation or the transferee of such assets, as the case may be (such surviving entity or transferee, as the case may be, being hereafter called “transferee”) (or its constituent owners) shall be an Institutional Investor (as hereafter defined), (iv) neither the transferee nor any of its constituent owners shall be an adverse party, either directly or indirectly, in any litigation involving Beneficiary which seeks either injunctive relief or more than $10,000,000.00 in damages or which has as its subject matter real estate-related assets, (v) such merger, consolidation or sale shall not cause to be inaccurate the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof, and Section 8.2 hereof

 

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(except for the ownership of stock in an entity which is traded on a national securities exchange or through the NASDAQ national marketing system and except with respect to an offering of stock to the public pursuant to a registered securities offering, the transfer of stock on a national securities exchange or through the NASDAQ national market system); (vi) neither the transferee nor its constituent owners (other than shareholders of an entity which is traded on a national securities exchange or through the NASDAQ national market system) shall be the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceedings or any criminal charges or proceedings; (vii) Piedmont Partnership or another party or parties reasonably acceptable to Beneficiary shall execute agreements substantially identical to the Indemnity Agreement, the Guaranty and the Lease Rollover Guaranty with respect to events arising or occurring from and after the date of such merger, consolidation or transfer; (viii) Grantor shall provide Beneficiary with evidence of compliance with all of the foregoing conditions in sufficient detail in order to enable Beneficiary to determine whether the conditions of this Section 10.1(f) are satisfied; and (ix) Grantor or the transferee shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with reviewing the evidence establishing compliance with this Section 10.1(f), including reasonable attorneys’ fees (if any). Any such transfer will not relieve Grantor of its obligations under the Note, any of the Loan Documents or the Indemnity Agreement or the obligations of Liable Parties under the Guaranty, the Lease Rollover Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement arising prior to the date of the transfer. As used herein, “Institutional Investor” shall mean (I) any bank, savings and loan association, trust company, investment bank, insurance company, private corporate or public pension or profit sharing plan, commingled real estate fund, real estate investment trust or company traded on a national securities exchange (including the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ national market system), in each case possessing (prior to the contemplated transfer) more than $1,000,000,000.00 in assets and having (prior to the contemplated transfer) an audited net worth, or in the case of a mutual life insurance company, total surplus, as of the most recent fiscal year end, of not less than $700,000,000.00 and (II) any entity or fund substantially all of the beneficial interests in which are owned by one or more of the institutions described in clause (I) of this sentence and which meets the criteria described in this sentence.

(g) If the proposed transferee does not meet the requirements of Section 10.1(f), then the entire Secured Indebtedness shall become due and payable concurrently with the merger, consolidation or sale of assets. If such payment of the Secured Indebtedness occurs on or after December 1, 2011 (but not during the 90 day period prior to the Maturity Date), Grantor shall also be required to pay the Prepayment Fee set forth in Section 9 of the Note. If such payment of the Secured Indebtedness occurs prior to December 1, 2011, Grantor shall also be required to pay a prepayment fee equal to the greater of (A)(x) the present value of all remaining payments of principal and interest including the outstanding principal due on the Maturity Date (as defined in the Note), discounted at the rate which, when compounded monthly, is equivalent to the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Note) plus 25 basis points (one-quarter of one percentage point) compounded semi-annually, less (y) the amount of the principal then outstanding (immediately prior to the prepayment), or (B) one percent (1%) of the amount of the principal being prepaid.

 

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10.2 PROHIBITION ON SUBORDINATE FINANCING.

(a) Except as set forth below in this Section, Grantor shall not incur or permit the incurring of (i) any financing (other than equipment leases) in addition to the Loan that is secured by a lien, security interest or other encumbrance of any part of the Property or (ii) any pledge or encumbrance of any constituent who is a controlling member of Grantor of its interest in Grantor.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Piedmont Lender shall be permitted to hold the Second Loan and Third Loan (as such terms are defined in that certain Amended and Restated Subordination and Standstill Agreement of even date herewith (the “Standstill Agreement”) by and among Grantor, Beneficiary, and Piedmont Lender, which is being recorded concurrently herewith), subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Standstill Agreement.

10.3 RESTRICTIONS ON ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS. During the term of the Loan, Grantor shall not, without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, become liable with respect to any indebtedness or other obligation except for (i) the Loan, the Second Loan, the Third Loan and equipment leases, (ii) Leases entered into in the ordinary course of owning and operating the Property for the Use, (iii) other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of owning and operating the Property for the Use but excluding any loans or borrowings, (iv) liabilities or indebtedness disclosed in writing to and approved by Beneficiary on or before the Execution Date, (v) liabilities or indebtedness incurred solely for purposes of making capital improvements to the Property not to exceed, in the aggregate, the amount of $1,000,000.00 (which limit of $1,000,000.00 shall automatically be reduced by the aggregate amount of any indebtedness or liability which exists and which is covered by the limitation set forth in the following clause (vi)), and (vi) any other single item of indebtedness or liability which does not exceed $65,000.00 or, when aggregated with other items of indebtedness or liability, does not exceed $325,000.00.

10.4 STATEMENTS REGARDING OWNERSHIP. Grantor agrees to submit or cause to be submitted to Beneficiary within thirty (30) days after December 31st of each calendar year during the term of this Deed of Trust and ten (10) days after any written request by Beneficiary, a sworn, notarized certificate, signed by an authorized (i) individual who is Grantor or one of the individuals comprising Grantor, (ii) member of Grantor, (iii) partner of Grantor or (iv) officer of Grantor, as the case may be, stating since the date hereof or the last statement given hereunder (as the case may be) whether (x) any part of the Property, or any interest in the Property, has been conveyed, transferred, assigned, encumbered (other than Permitted Exceptions), or sold, and if so, to whom; (y) any conveyance, transfer, pledge or encumbrance of any interest in Grantor has been made by Grantor and if so, to whom; or (z) there has been any change in the individual(s) comprising Grantor or in the partners, members, shareholders or beneficiaries of Grantor from those on the Execution Date, and if so, a description of such change or changes. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to transfers of any direct or indirect interests in Piedmont Partnership by the Shareholders.

 

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ARTICLE 11

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

11.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Any of the following shall be deemed to be a material breach of Grantor’s covenants in this Deed of Trust and shall constitute a default (“Event of Default”):

(a) The failure of Grantor to pay any installment of principal, interest or principal and interest, any required escrow deposit or any other sum required to be paid under any Loan Document, whether to Beneficiary or otherwise, within seven (7) days of the due date of such payment;

(b) The failure of Grantor to perform or observe any other term, provision, covenant, condition or agreement under any Loan Document (other than the Reserve Agreement) for a period of more than thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of such failure or such longer period as is necessary to cure such failure in the exercise of due diligence, but in no event longer than ninety (90) days from the receipt of notice of such failure, provided Grantor commences the cure within the initial thirty (30) day period and continuously pursues such cure to completion;

(c) The filing by Grantor or one of the Liable Parties (an “Insolvent Entity”) of a voluntary petition or application for relief in bankruptcy, the filing against an Insolvent Entity of an involuntary petition or application for relief in bankruptcy which is not dismissed within ninety (90) days, or an Insolvent Entity’s adjudication as a bankrupt or insolvent, or the filing by an Insolvent Entity of any petition, application for relief or answer seeking or acquiescing in any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief for itself under any present or future federal, state or other statute, law, code or regulation relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief for debtors, or an Insolvent Entity’s seeking or consenting to or acquiescing in the appointment of any trustee, custodian, conservator, receiver or liquidator of an Insolvent Entity or of all or any substantial part of the Property or of any or all of the Rents and Profits, or the making by an Insolvent Entity of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission in writing by an Insolvent Entity of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due;

(d) If any warranty, representation, certification, financial statement or other information made or furnished at any time pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents by Grantor, or by any person or entity otherwise liable under any Loan Document, shall be materially false or misleading, and the failure of Grantor to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of such breach or such longer period as is necessary to cure such breach in the exercise of due diligence, but in no event longer than ninety (90) days from the receipt of notice of such breach, provided Grantor commences the cure within the initial thirty (30) day period and continuously pursues such cure to completion;

(e) If Grantor shall suffer or permit the Property, or any part of the Property, to be used in a manner that might (1) impair Grantor’s title to the Property, (2) create rights of adverse use or possession, or (3) constitute an implied dedication of any part of the Property;

 

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(f) If Liable Parties shall default under the Guaranty or the Lease Rollover Guaranty;

(g) If Grantor or Liable Parties shall default under the Indemnity Agreement beyond any applicable periods of notice and/or grace set forth therein;

(h) If an Event of Default (as defined in the Related Deed of Trust) shall occur under any of the Related Loan Documents;

(i) If Grantor shall default under the Reserve Agreement beyond any applicable periods of notice and/or grace set forth therein; or

(j) If Grantor or Piedmont Lender shall default under the Standstill Agreement beyond any applicable periods of notice and/or grace set forth therein.

11.2 REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. Upon the happening of an Event of Default the Secured Indebtedness and/or the Secured Indebtedness (as defined in the Related Deed of Trust) shall, at the option of Beneficiary, become immediately due and payable, without further notice or demand, and Beneficiary may undertake any one or more of the following remedies:

(a) Foreclosure. Institute a foreclosure action in accordance with the law of the State, or take any other action as may be allowed, at law or in equity, for the enforcement of the Loan Documents and realization on the Property or any other security afforded by the Loan Documents and/or the Related Loan Documents. In the case of a judicial proceeding, Beneficiary may proceed to final judgment and execution for the amount of the Secured Indebtedness owed as of the date of the judgment, together with all costs of suit, reasonable attorneys’ fees and interest on the judgment at the maximum rate permitted by law from the date of the judgment until paid. If Beneficiary is the purchaser at the foreclosure sale of the Property, the foreclosure sale price shall be applied against the total amount due Beneficiary. At any foreclosure sale, such portion of the Property as is offered for sale may, at Beneficiary’s option, be offered for sale for one total price, and the proceeds of such sale accounted for in one account without distinction between the items of security or without assigning to them any proportion of such proceeds, Grantor hereby waiving the application of any doctrine of marshaling. If less than all of the Property is sold at foreclosure and any of the Secured Indebtedness remains outstanding after the sale proceeds are applied thereto, this Deed of Trust shall continue as a lien on the Property remaining unsold, and Beneficiary may at any time thereafter direct Trustee to sell the same as provided above; and/or

(b) Power of Sale. Institute a non-judicial foreclosure proceeding in compliance with applicable law in effect on the date foreclosure is commenced for Trustee to sell the Property either as a whole or in separate parcels as Beneficiary may determine at public sale or sales to the highest bidder for cash, in order to pay the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations. If the Property is sold as separate parcels, Beneficiary may direct the order in which the parcels are sold. Trustee shall deliver to the purchaser a trustee’s deed or deeds without covenant or warranty, express or implied. Trustee may postpone the sale of all or any portion of the Property by public announcement at the time and place of sale, and from time to time may further postpone the sale by public announcement in accordance with applicable law; and/or

 

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(c) Entry. Enter into possession of the Property, lease the Improvements, collect all Rents and Profits and, after deducting all costs of collection and administration expenses, apply the remaining Rents and Profits in such order and amounts as Beneficiary, in Beneficiary’s sole discretion, may elect to the payment of Impositions, operating costs, costs of maintenance, restoration and repairs, Premiums and other charges, including, but not limited to, costs of leasing the Property and fees and costs of counsel and receivers, and in reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations; and/or

(d) Receivership. Have a receiver appointed to enter into possession of the Property, lease the Property, collect the Rents and Profits and apply them as the appropriate court may direct. Beneficiary shall be entitled to the appointment of a receiver without the necessity of proving either the inadequacy of the security or the insolvency of Grantor or any of the Liable Parties. Grantor and Liable Parties shall be deemed to have consented to the appointment of the receiver. The collection or receipt of any the Rents and Profits by Beneficiary or any receiver shall not affect or cure any Event of Default. Beneficiary’s rights hereunder include all rights and powers permitted under the laws of the State.

11.3 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS OF SALE. In the event of a sale of the Property pursuant to Section 11.2 of this Deed of Trust, to the extent permitted by law, Beneficiary shall determine in its sole discretion the order in which the proceeds from the sale shall be applied to the payment of the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, including without limitation, the expenses of the sale and of all proceedings in connection with the sale, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses; Impositions, Premiums, liens, and other charges and expenses; the outstanding principal balance of the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations; any accrued interest; any Prepayment Fee; and any other amounts owed under any of the Loan Documents and/or the Related Loan Documents.

11.4 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Grantor and Beneficiary HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY in any action, proceeding and/or hearing on any matter whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with, the Note, this Deed of Trust or any of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents, or the enforcement of any remedy under any law, statute, or regulation. Neither party will seek to consolidate any such action in which a jury has been waived, with any other action in which a jury trial cannot or has not been waived. Each party has received the advice of counsel with respect to this waiver.

11.5 BENEFICIARY’S RIGHT TO PERFORM GRANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS. Grantor agrees that, if Grantor fails to perform any act or to pay any money which Grantor is required to perform or pay under the Loan Documents, Beneficiary may make the payment or perform the act at the cost and expense of Grantor and in Grantor’s name or in its own name. Any money paid by Beneficiary under this Section 11.5 shall be reimbursed to Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6.

 

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11.6 BENEFICIARY REIMBURSEMENT. All payments made, or funds expended or advanced by Beneficiary pursuant to the provisions of any Loan Document, shall (1) become a part of the Secured Indebtedness, (2) bear interest at the Interest Rate (as defined in the Note) from the date such payments are made or funds expended or advanced, (3) become due and payable by Grantor upon demand by Beneficiary, and (4) bear interest at the Default Rate (as defined in the Note) from the date of such demand. Grantor shall reimburse Beneficiary within ten (10) days after receipt of written demand for such amounts.

11.7 FEES AND EXPENSES. If Beneficiary becomes a party (by intervention or otherwise) to any action or proceeding affecting, directly or indirectly, Grantor, the Property or the title thereto or Beneficiary’s interest under this Deed of Trust, or employs an attorney to collect any of the Secured Indebtedness or to enforce performance of the obligations, covenants and agreements of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents, Grantor shall reimburse Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6 for all expenses, costs, charges and legal fees incurred by Beneficiary (including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of experts and consultants), whether or not suit is commenced. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Grantor shall not be required to reimburse Beneficiary for such expenses to the extent Grantor is the prevailing party in any action or other proceeding commenced by Grantor against Beneficiary.

11.8 WAIVER OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Grantor covenants and agrees that in no event shall Beneficiary be liable for consequential damages, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, Grantor expressly waives all existing and future claims that it may have against Beneficiary for consequential damages.

11.9 INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEE. Except for gross negligence and willful misconduct, Trustee shall not be liable for any act or omission or error of judgment. Trustee may rely on any document believed by it in good faith to be genuine. All money received by Trustee shall be held in trust, but need not be segregated (except to the extent required by law), until used or applied as provided in this Deed of Trust. Trustee shall not be liable for interest on the money. Grantor shall protect, indemnify and hold harmless Trustee against all liability and expenses which Trustee may incur in the performance of its duties.

11.10 ACTIONS BY TRUSTEE. At any time, upon written request of Beneficiary and presentation of this Deed of Trust and the Note for endorsement, and without affecting the personal liability of any entity or the Liable Parties for payment of the Secured Indebtedness or the Related Indebtedness or the effect of this Deed of Trust upon the remainder of the Property, Trustee may take such actions as Beneficiary may request which are permitted by this Deed of Trust or by applicable law.

11.11 SUBSTITUTION OF TRUSTEE. Beneficiary has the power and shall be entitled, at any time and from time to time, to remove Trustee or any successor trustee and to appoint another trustee in the place of Trustee or any successor trustee, by an instrument recorded in the land records of the State. The recorded instrument shall be conclusive proof of the proper substitution and appointment of the successor Trustee without the necessity of any conveyance from the predecessor Trustee.

 

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11.12 NO REINSTATEMENT. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and Beneficiary or Trustee shall have commenced to exercise any of the remedies permitted hereunder, then a tender of payment by Grantor or by anyone on behalf of Grantor of the amount necessary to satisfy all sums due hereunder, or the acceptance by Beneficiary of any such payment so tendered, shall not, without the prior consent of Beneficiary, constitute a reinstatement of the Note or this Deed of Trust.

11.13 WAIVER RELATING TO REMEDIES. Grantor (i) waives, to the full extent provided by law, any requirement that Beneficiary or Trustee present evidence or otherwise proceed before any court, clerk or other judicial or quasi-judicial body before exercising the power of sale contained in this Deed of Trust and (ii) agrees that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, neither Grantor nor anyone claiming through or under Grantor will seek to take advantage of any moratorium, reinstatement, forbearance, appraisement, valuation, stay, extension, homestead exemption or redemption law now or hereafter in force, in order to prevent or hinder the enforcement of the provisions of this Deed of Trust and hereby waives to the full extent that it may lawfully so do, the benefit of all such laws.

ARTICLE 12

GRANTOR AGREEMENTS AND FURTHER ASSURANCES

12.1 PARTICIPATION AND SALE OF LOAN.

(a) Beneficiary may sell, transfer or assign its entire interest or one or more participation interests in the Loan and the Loan Documents at any time and from time to time, including, without limitation, its rights and obligations as servicer of the Loan. Beneficiary may forward to each purchaser, transferee, assignee, servicer, or participant (collectively, the “Investor”) and each prospective Investor, all documents and information which Beneficiary now has or may hereafter acquire relating to the Secured Indebtedness and to Grantor or any Liable Parties and the Property, whether furnished by Grantor, any Liable Parties or otherwise, as Beneficiary determines necessary or desirable.

(b) Grantor will cooperate with Beneficiary in furnishing such information and providing such other assistance, reports and legal opinions as Beneficiary may reasonably request in connection with any such transaction. Grantor’s obligation to cooperate with Beneficiary does not include the obligation to incur any expenses to any third parties. In addition, Grantor acknowledges that Beneficiary may release or disclose to potential purchasers or transferees of the Loan, or potential participants in the Loan, originals or copies of the Loan Documents, title information, engineering reports, financial statements, operating statements, appraisals, Leases, rent rolls, and all other materials, documents and information in Beneficiary’s possession or which Beneficiary is entitled to receive under the Loan Documents, with respect to the Loan, Grantor, Liable Parties or the Property. Grantor shall also furnish to such Investors or such prospective Investors any and all information concerning the Property, the Leases, the financial condition of Grantor or any Liable Parties as may be requested by Beneficiary, any Investor or any prospective Investor in connection with any sale, transfer or participation interest. Beneficiary shall use reasonable efforts to advise any party to whom Beneficiary provides any information provided by Grantor under this Section to keep such information confidential.

 

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12.2 REPLACEMENT OF NOTE. Upon notice to Grantor of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of the Note, Grantor will execute and deliver, in lieu of the original Note, a replacement note, identical in form and substance to the Note and dated as of the Execution Date. Upon the execution and delivery of the replacement note, all references in any of the Loan Documents to the Note shall refer to the replacement note.

12.3 GRANTOR’S ESTOPPEL. Within ten (10) days after a request by Beneficiary, Grantor shall furnish an acknowledged written statement in form satisfactory to Beneficiary (i) setting forth the amount of the Secured Indebtedness, (ii) stating either that no offsets or defenses exist against the Secured Indebtedness or the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, or if any offsets or defenses are alleged to exist, their nature and extent, (iii) whether any default then exists under the Loan Documents or any event has occurred and is continuing, which, with the lapse of time, the giving of notice, or both, would constitute such a default, and (iv) any other matters as Beneficiary may reasonably request. If Grantor does not furnish an estoppel certificate within the 10-day period, Grantor appoints Beneficiary as its attorney-in-fact to execute and deliver the certificate on its behalf, which power of attorney shall be coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable.

12.4 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Grantor shall, without expense to Beneficiary and/or Trustee, execute, acknowledge and deliver all further acts, deeds, conveyances, mortgages, deeds of trust, assignments, security agreements, and financing statements as Beneficiary and/or Trustee shall from time to time reasonably require, to assure, convey, assign, transfer and confirm unto Beneficiary and/or Trustee the Property and rights conveyed or assigned by this Deed of Trust or which Grantor may become bound to convey or assign to Beneficiary and/or Trustee, or for carrying out the intention or facilitating the performance of the terms of this Deed of Trust or any of the other Loan Documents, or for filing, refiling, registering, reregistering, recording or rerecording this Deed of Trust. If Grantor fails to comply with the terms of this Section, Beneficiary may, at Grantor’s expense, perform Grantor’s obligations for and in the name of Grantor, and Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints Beneficiary as its attorney-in-fact to do so. The appointment of Beneficiary as attorney-in-fact is coupled with an interest.

12.5 SUBROGATION. Beneficiary shall be subrogated to the lien of any and all encumbrances against the Property paid out of the proceeds of the Loan and to all of the rights of the recipient of such payment.

ARTICLE 13

SECURITY AGREEMENT

13.1 SECURITY AGREEMENT. THIS DEED OF TRUST CREATES A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY. IN ADDITION, TO THE EXTENT THE PROPERTY IS PERSONAL PROPERTY OR FIXTURES UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, THIS DEED OF TRUST

 

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CONSTITUTES A SECURITY AGREEMENT UNDER THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE (THE “U.C.C.”) AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE LAW WITH RESPECT TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND IS FILED AS A FIXTURE FILING WITH RESPECT TO GOODS WHICH ARE OR ARE TO BECOME FIXTURES ON THE LAND OR THE IMPROVEMENTS. UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT, BENEFICIARY MAY, AT ITS OPTION, PURSUE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A SECURED PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY PORTION OF THE PROPERTY, AND/OR BENEFICIARY MAY, AT ITS OPTION, PROCEED AS TO ALL OR ANY PART OF THE PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH BENEFICIARY’S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO THE LIEN CREATED BY THIS DEED OF TRUST. THIS FINANCING STATEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT AS A FIXTURE FILING UNTIL THIS DEED OF TRUST IS RELEASED OR SATISFIED OF RECORD. WITH RESPECT TO SUCH FIXTURE FILING, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED:

 

Name of Debtor:   1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Address of Debtor:  

c/o Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P.

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

Name of Secured Party:   Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York corporation
Address of Secured Party:  

10 Park Avenue

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attn: Senior Vice President, Real Estate Investments

13.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Grantor warrants, represents and covenants as follows:

(a) Grantor owns the Personal Property free from any lien, security interest, encumbrance or adverse claim, except for any item of personal property which is the subject of an equipment lease and except as otherwise expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing. Grantor will notify Beneficiary of, and will protect, defend and indemnify Beneficiary against, all claims and demands of all persons at any time claiming any rights or interest in the Personal Property.

(b) The Personal Property shall not be used or bought for personal, family, or household purposes, but shall be bought and used solely for the purpose of carrying on Grantor’s business.

 

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(c) Grantor will not remove the Personal Property without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, except the items of Personal Property which are consumed or worn out in ordinary usage shall be promptly replaced by Grantor with other Personal Property of value equal to or greater than the value of the replaced Personal Property.

13.3 CHARACTERIZATION OF PROPERTY. The grant of a security interest to Beneficiary in this Deed of Trust shall not be construed to limit or impair the lien of this Deed of Trust or the rights of Beneficiary with respect to any property which is real property or which the parties have agreed to treat as real property. To the fullest extent permitted by law, everything used in connection with the production of Rents and Profits is, and at all times and for all purposes and in all proceedings, both legal and equitable, shall be regarded as real property, irrespective of whether or not the same is physically attached to the Land and/or Improvements.

13.4 PROTECTION AGAINST PURCHASE MONEY SECURITY INTERESTS. It is understood and agreed that in order to protect Beneficiary from the effect of U.C.C. Section 28:9-334, as amended from time to time and as enacted in the State, in the event that Grantor intends to purchase any goods which may become fixtures attached to the Property, or any part of the Property, and such goods will be subject to a purchase money security interest held by a seller or any other party:

(a) Before executing any security agreement or other document evidencing or perfecting the security interest, Grantor shall obtain the prior written approval of Beneficiary. All requests for such written approval shall be in writing and contain the following information: (i) a description of the fixtures (ii) the address at which the fixtures will be located; and (iii) the name and address of the proposed holder and proposed amount of the security interest.

(b) Grantor shall pay all sums and perform all obligations secured by the security agreement. A default by Grantor under the security agreement shall constitute a default under this Deed of Trust. If Grantor fails to make any payment on an obligation secured by a purchase money security interest in the Personal Property or any fixtures, Beneficiary, at its option, may pay the secured amount and Beneficiary shall be subrogated to the rights of the holder of the purchase money security interest.

(c) Beneficiary shall have the right to acquire by assignment from the holder of the security interest for the Personal Property or fixtures, all contract rights, accounts receivable, negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, or other evidence of indebtedness and to enforce the security interest as assignee.

(d) The provisions of subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 13.4 shall not apply if the goods which may become fixtures are of at least equivalent value and quality as the Personal Property being replaced and if the rights of the party holding the security interest are expressly subordinated to the lien and security interest of this Deed of Trust in a manner satisfactory to Beneficiary.

 

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ARTICLE 14

RELATED LOAN PROVISIONS

14.1 RELATED LOAN. As used in this Deed of Trust, “1225 Guaranteed Obligations” means (a) the payment of the Related Indebtedness (as hereafter defined), and (b) the full performance by Related Borrower (as hereafter defined) of all of the terms, covenants and obligations set forth in the Related Deed of Trust and any of the other Related Loan Documents (as hereafter defined). “Related Indebtedness” or “Related Loan” means the indebtedness evidenced by that certain Amended and Restated Promissory Note of even date herewith (the “Related Note”) in the principal amount of $57,600,000.00 executed by 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Related Borrower”), with interest at the rates set forth in the Related Note, together with all renewals, modifications, consolidations and extensions of the Related Note, all additional advances or fundings made by Beneficiary thereunder, and any other amounts required to be paid by Related Borrower under any of the Related Loan Documents, as defined below. “Related Deed of Trust” means that certain Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing of even date herewith executed by Related Borrower, as grantor, in favor of Beneficiary, as beneficiary, which secures payment of the Related Note and is being recorded in the Land Records of the District of Columbia on or about the date hereof. “Related Loan Documents” means the Loan Documents, as defined in the Related Deed of Trust.

14.2 LIMITED RECOURSE GUARANTY. Subject to Section 14.2(b), Grantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to Beneficiary, as and for Grantor’s own debt, until final and indefeasible payment thereof has been made, payment and performance of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, in each case when and as the same shall become due and payable, it being the intent of Grantor that the guaranty set forth herein shall be a guaranty of payment and not a guaranty of collection.

(a) This Guaranty is a primary and original obligation of Grantor, is not merely the creation of a surety relationship, and is an absolute and unconditional guaranty of payment and performance which shall remain in full force and effect without respect to future changes in conditions, including any change of law or any invalidity or irregularity with respect to the Related Loan Documents or the execution and delivery thereof. Grantor agrees that it is directly, jointly and severally with any and all other guarantors of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, liable to Beneficiary, that the obligations of Grantor hereunder are independent of the obligations of Related Borrower or any other guarantor, and that a separate action may be brought against each person or entity signing as Grantor whether such action is brought against Related Borrower or any other guarantor or whether Related Borrower or any such other guarantor is joined in such action. Grantor agrees that its liability hereunder shall be immediate and shall not be contingent upon the exercise or enforcement by Beneficiary of whatever remedies it may have against Related Borrower or any other guarantor, or the enforcement of any lien or realization upon any security Beneficiary may at any time possess. Grantor agrees that any release which may be given by Beneficiary to Related Borrower or any other guarantor shall not release Grantor. Grantor consents and agrees that Beneficiary shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets of Related Borrower or any other guarantor in favor of Grantor, or against or in payment of any or all of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Guaranty, the rights of Beneficiary and the obligations of Grantor hereunder are limited by Section 9.1 hereof; provided that nothing herein shall in any way release, impair or otherwise affect any of the Related Loan Documents or any environmental indemnification agreements (including any Unsecured Indemnity Agreements) to which Grantor, Related Borrower or any guarantor is a party or the validity hereof or thereof, or the lien of any mortgage or deed of trust.

14.3 WAIVERS. Grantor absolutely, unconditionally, knowingly, and expressly waives:

(a) (i) Notice of acceptance hereof; (ii) notice of any loans or other financial accommodations made or extended under the Related Loan Documents or the creation or existence of any 1225 Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) notice of the amount of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, subject, however, to Grantor’s right to make inquiry of Beneficiary to ascertain the amount of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations at any reasonable time; (iv) notice of any adverse change in the financial condition of Related Borrower or of any other fact that might increase Grantor’s risk hereunder; (v) notice of presentment for payment, demand, protest, and notice thereof as to any promissory notes or other instruments among the Related Loan Documents; (vi) notice of any event of default under the Related Loan Documents; and (vii) all other notices (except if such notice is specifically required to be given to Grantor hereunder or under any Related Loan Document to which Grantor is a party) and demands to which Grantor might otherwise be entitled.

(b) Grantor’s right by statute or otherwise to require Beneficiary to institute suit against Related Borrower or to exhaust any rights and remedies which Beneficiary has or may have against Related Borrower or any collateral for the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations provided by Related Borrower, Grantor or any third party. In this regard, Grantor agrees that it is bound to the payment of all 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, whether now existing or hereafter accruing, as fully as if such 1225 Guaranteed Obligations were directly owing to Beneficiary by Grantor. Grantor further waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense (other than the defense that the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations shall have been fully and finally performed and indefeasibly paid) of Related Borrower or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of Related Borrower in respect thereof.

(c) (i) Any rights to assert against Beneficiary any defense (legal or equitable), set-off, counterclaim, or claim which Grantor may now or at any time hereafter have against Related Borrower or any other party liable to Beneficiary; (ii) any defense, set-off, counterclaim, or claim, of any kind or nature, arising directly or indirectly from the present or future lack of perfection, sufficiency, validity, or enforceability of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations or any security therefor; (iii) any defense Grantor has to performance hereunder, and any right Grantor has to be exonerated arising by reason of: the impairment or suspension of Beneficiary’s rights or remedies against Related Borrower; the alteration by Beneficiary of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations; any discharge of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations by operation of law as a result of Beneficiary’s intervention or omission; or the acceptance by Beneficiary of anything in partial satisfaction of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations; and (iv) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting Grantor’s liability hereunder or the enforcement thereof, and any

 

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act which shall defer or delay the operation of any statute of limitations applicable to the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations shall similarly operate to defer or delay the operation of such statute of limitations applicable to Grantor’s liability hereunder.

(d) Grantor absolutely, unconditionally, knowingly, and expressly waives any defense arising by reason of or deriving from (i) any claim or defense based upon an election of remedies by Beneficiary; or (ii) any election by Beneficiary under Bankruptcy Code Section 1111(b) to limit the amount of, or any collateral securing, its claim against Related Borrower.

(e) Until such time as the Related Indebtedness and all 1225 Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, Grantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally, knowingly, and expressly waives: (i) any right of subrogation Grantor has or may have as against Related Borrower with respect to the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any right to proceed against Related Borrower or any other person or entity, now or hereafter, for contribution, indemnity, reimbursement, or any other suretyship rights and claims, whether direct or indirect, liquidated or contingent, whether arising under express or implied contract or by operation of law, which Grantor may now have or hereafter have as against Related Borrower with respect to the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations; and (iii) any right to proceed or seek recourse against or with respect to any property or asset of Related Borrower.

14.4 RELEASES. Grantor consents and agrees that, without notice to or by Grantor and without affecting or impairing the obligations of Grantor hereunder, Beneficiary may, by action or inaction:

(a) Compromise, settle, extend the duration or the time for the payment of, or discharge the performance of, or may refuse to or otherwise not enforce this Deed of Trust, the other Loan Documents, the Indemnity Agreement, the Related Loan Documents or any part thereof, or the Indemnity Agreement for the Related Loan, with respect to Related Borrower or any other person or entity;

(b) Release Related Borrower or any other person or entity or grant other indulgences to Related Borrower or any other person or entity in respect thereof;

(c) Amend or modify in any manner and at any time (or from time to time) any of the Loan Documents; or

(d) Release or substitute any other guarantor, if any, of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, or enforce, exchange, release, or waive any security for the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations or any other guaranty of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations, or any portion thereof.

14.5 NO ELECTION. Beneficiary shall have all of the rights to seek recourse against Grantor to the fullest extent provided for herein, and no election by Beneficiary to proceed in one form of action or proceeding, or against any party, or on any obligation, shall constitute a waiver of Beneficiary’s right to proceed in any other form of action or proceeding or against other parties unless Beneficiary has expressly waived such right in writing. Specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no action or proceeding by

 

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Beneficiary under any document or instrument evidencing the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations shall serve to diminish the liability of Grantor under this Deed of Trust except to the extent that Beneficiary finally and unconditionally shall have realized indefeasible payment by such action or proceeding

14.6 INDEFEASIBLE PAYMENT. The 1225 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness shall not be considered indefeasibly paid for purposes of this Deed of Trust unless and until all payments to Beneficiary are no longer subject to any right on the part of any person, including Related Borrower, Related Borrower as a debtor in possession, or any trustee (whether appointed under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise) of any of Related Borrower’s assets, to invalidate or set aside such payments or to seek to recoup the amount of such payments or any portion thereof, or to declare same to be fraudulent or preferential. Upon such full and final performance and indefeasible payment of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations whether by Grantor or Related Borrower, Beneficiary shall have no obligation whatsoever to transfer or assign its interest in the Related Loan Documents to Grantor. In the event that, for any reason, any portion of such payments to Beneficiary is set aside or restored, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, after the making thereof, then the obligation intended to be satisfied thereby shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if said payment or payments had not been made, and Grantor shall be liable for the full amount Beneficiary is required to repay plus any and all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred pursuant to proceedings arising under the Bankruptcy Code) paid by Beneficiary in connection therewith.

14.7 FINANCIAL CONDITION OF GRANTOR. Grantor represents and warrants to Beneficiary that:

(a) Grantor is materially interested in the financial success of Related Borrower, and maintains significant business relationships with Related Borrower;

(b) Grantor expects to derive material benefits from the contemplated uses of the proceeds of the Related Loan, and desires that Beneficiary make the Related Loan. Grantor is familiar with the transactions contemplated by the Related Note and the other Related Loan Documents and Grantor has read and understands the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents and the Related Loan Documents.

(c) Grantor is currently informed of the financial and other condition of Related Borrower and of all other circumstances which a diligent inquiry would reveal and which bear upon the risk of nonpayment of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations. Grantor hereby covenants that Grantor will continue to keep informed of Related Borrower’s financial condition, the financial condition of other guarantors, if any, and of all other circumstances which bear upon the risk of nonpayment or nonperformance of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations

14.8 SUBORDINATION. Grantor hereby agrees that any and all present and future indebtedness of Related Borrower owing to Grantor is deferred, postponed in favor of and subordinated to the prior payment, in full, in cash, of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness. In this regard, no payment of any kind whatsoever shall be made with respect to such indebtedness until the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness have been indefeasibly paid in full. Until payment in full of the 1225 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness, Grantor agrees not to accept any payment or

 

46


satisfaction of any kind of indebtedness of Related Borrower to Grantor and hereby assigns such indebtedness to Beneficiary, including the right to file proof of claim and to vote thereon in connection with any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code, including the right to vote on any plan of reorganization.

ARTICLE 15

MISCELLANEOUS COVENANTS

15.1 NO WAIVER. No single or partial exercise by Beneficiary and/or Trustee, or delay or omission in the exercise by Beneficiary and/or Trustee, of any right or remedy under the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents shall preclude, waive or limit the exercise of any other right or remedy. Beneficiary shall at all times have the right to proceed against any portion of, or interest in, the Property without waiving any other rights or remedies with respect to any other portion of the Property. No right or remedy under any of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy but shall be cumulative and may be exercised concurrently with or independently from any other right and remedy under any of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents or under applicable law.

15.2 NOTICES. All notices, demands and requests given or required to be given by, pursuant to, or relating to, this Deed of Trust shall be in writing. All notices shall be deemed to have been properly given if mailed by United States registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by United States Express Mail or other comparable overnight courier service to the parties at the addresses set forth in the Defined Terms (or at such other addresses as shall be given in writing by any party to the others) and shall be deemed complete upon receipt or refusal to accept delivery as indicated in the return receipt or in the receipt of such United States Express Mail or courier service.

15.3 HEIRS AND ASSIGNS; TERMINOLOGY.

(a) This Deed of Trust applies to, inures to the benefit of, and binds Grantor, Beneficiary, Liable Parties and Trustee, their heirs, legatees, devisees, administrators, executors, successors and assigns. The term “Grantor” shall include both the original Grantor and any subsequent owner or owners of any of the Property. The term “Beneficiary” shall include both the original Beneficiary and any subsequent holder or holders of the Note. The term “Trustee” shall include both the original Trustee and any subsequent successor or additional trustee(s) acting under this Deed of Trust. The term “Liable Parties” shall include both the original Liable Parties and any subsequent or substituted Liable Parties.

(b) In this Deed of Trust, whenever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine and/or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural.

(c) If more than one party executes this Deed of Trust as Grantor, the obligations of such parties shall be the joint and several obligations of each of them.

 

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15.4 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Deed of Trust should be held unenforceable or void, then that provision shall be separated from the remaining provisions and shall not affect the validity of this Deed of Trust except that if the unenforceable or void provision relates to the payment of any monetary sum, then, Beneficiary may, at its option, declare the Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable.

15.5 APPLICABLE LAW. This Deed of Trust shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State.

15.6 CAPTIONS. The captions are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference, and in no way define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of any provisions of this Deed of Trust.

15.7 TIME OF THE ESSENCE. Time shall be of the essence with respect to all of Grantor’s obligations under this Deed of Trust and the other Loan Documents.

15.8 NO MERGER. In the event that Beneficiary should become the owner of the Property, there shall be no merger of the estate created by this Deed of Trust with the fee estate in the Property.

15.9 NO MODIFICATIONS. This Deed of Trust may not be changed, amended or modified, except in a writing expressly intended for such purpose and executed by Grantor and Beneficiary.

15.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

[Signature on following page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed this Deed of Trust, or has caused this Deed of Trust to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s) as of the Execution Date.

 

1201 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:   Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Washington Properties, Inc., its Manager
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Its:  

 

 

[Seal]

 

Address:   6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500
  Norcross, Georgia 30092
  Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

 

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EXHIBIT A

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Lot 48 in Square 285, being a combination of lots made by 1215 Eye Street, N.W., Associates, Limited Partnership, as per plat recorded in the Office of the Surveyor for the District of Columbia in Book 176 at page 121.


EXHIBIT B

LEASING GUIDELINES

“Leasing Guidelines” shall mean the guidelines approved in writing by Beneficiary, from time to time, with respect to the leasing of the Property. The following are the initial Leasing Guidelines:

(a) All Leases shall be on the standard form of lease approved by Beneficiary in writing (subject to modifications reasonably approved by Beneficiary and customary to similar properties and landlords in the East End submarket of Washington, D.C.);

(b) All Leases shall have an initial term of at least five (5) years but not more than ten (10) years;

(c) Except for the renewal of Existing Leases, none of the Leases shall cover more than 24,000 square feet of net leasable area;

(d) All Leases shall have an annual minimum rent and net effective rent at least equal to market rates per square foot of net leasable area in the East End submarket of the Washington D.C. MSA;

(e) All net Leases shall contain provisions requiring the tenant to pay its proportionate share of operating expenses and taxes, and all other Leases shall contain provisions requiring the tenant to pay, after the first year, its proportionate share of increases in taxes and operating expenses; and

(f) No Leases shall be entered into without the written approval of Beneficiary if there exists an Event of Default.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (e) above shall not be applicable to Leases of retail space on the first floor of the Improvements provided that such Leases shall have an annual minimum rent and net effective rent at least equal to market rates and contain terms which are otherwise consistent with those then prevailing in the market.


STATE OF                             

COUNTY OF                         : ss:

This instrument was acknowledged before me on October     , 2007 by                     , the                                  of Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., the Manager of 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, as the free act and deed of said 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC.

 

 

Notary Public

[SEAL]

My Commission expires:                                                         

Amended and Restated Promissory Note

Exhibit 10.11

AMENDED AND RESTATED PROMISSORY NOTE

This Amended and Restated Promissory Note completely amends and replaces that certain Promissory Note dated October 24, 2002, as previously amended (the “Original Note”) in the stated principal amount of $47,607,000.00 executed by Borrower in favor of Holder. The Original Note shall have no further force or effect whatsoever.

DEFINED TERMS

 

Execution Date: November 1, 2007   

City and State of Signing:             ,

Georgia

Loan Amount: $57,600,000.00    Interest Rate: 5.76% per annum
Borrower: 1225 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Borrower’s Address:   

1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC

c/o Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P.

  
6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500   
Norcross, Georgia 30092   
Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets   
With a copy to:   
Troutman Sanders LLP   
600 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 5200   
Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2216   
Attention: James W. Addison, Esq.   
Holder: METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York corporation
Holder’s Address:   
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company   
10 Park Avenue, Third Floor   
Morristown, New Jersey 07962   
Attention: Senior Vice President, Real Estate Investments   
and:   
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company   
10 Park Avenue, Third Floor   
Morristown, New Jersey 07962   
Attention: Law Department, Chief Counsel, Real Estate Investments
Maturity Date: November 1, 2017   


Interest Only Period: The period from the Execution Date and ending on the day preceding the Maturity Date.    Interest Installment Date: December 1, 2007
Monthly Installment: Equal monthly installments of interest only at the Interest Rate each in the amount of $276,480.00.    Permitted Prepayment Period: During the 90 day period prior to the Maturity Date, Borrower may prepay the Loan (in whole but not in part) without a Prepayment Fee on 30 days’ prior written notice. In addition, commencing on December 1, 2011, Borrower may prepay the Loan (in whole but not in part) with a Prepayment Fee on 30 days’ prior written notice in accordance with Section 8 of this Note.
Liable Parties:   
Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, formerly known as Wells Operating Partnership, L.P.
6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500   
Norcross, Georgia   
30092   
Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets   
Late Charge: An amount equal to four cents ($.04) for each dollar that is not paid within seven (7) days after the due date.
Default Rate: An annual rate equal to the Interest Rate plus four percentage points (400 basis points).
Note: This Amended and Restated Promissory Note.   
Deed of Trust: The Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, and Fixture Filing dated as of the Execution Date granted by Borrower to the Trustee named therein for the benefit of Holder.
Loan Documents: This Note, the Deed of Trust and any other documents related to this Note and/or the Deed of Trust and all renewals, amendments, modifications, restatements and extensions of these documents.
Guaranty: Amended and Restated Guaranty of Recourse Obligations dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Liable Parties.
Unsecured Indemnity Agreement: Amended and Restated Unsecured Indemnity Agreement dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Borrower and Liable Parties in favor of Holder.
The Unsecured Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty are not Loan Documents and shall survive repayment of the Loan or other termination of the Loan Documents.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Borrower promises to pay to the order of Holder at Holder’s Address or such other place as Holder may from time to time designate, the Loan Amount with interest payable in the manner described below, in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment shall be legal tender for payment of all obligations.

Capitalized terms which are not defined in this Note shall have the meanings set forth in the Deed of Trust.

1. Payment of Principal and Interest. Principal and interest under this Note shall be payable as follows:

(a) Commencing on the Interest Installment Date and on the first day of each calendar month thereafter, to and including the first day of the calendar month immediately preceding the Maturity Date, Borrower shall pay the Monthly Installment; and


(b) On the Maturity Date, a final payment in the aggregate amount of the unpaid principal sum evidenced by this Note, all accrued and unpaid interest, and all other sums evidenced by this Note or secured by the Deed of Trust and/or any other Loan Documents as well as any future loans or advances under the Deed of Trust that may be made to or on behalf of Borrower by Holder following the Execution Date (collectively, the “Secured Indebtedness”), shall become immediately payable in full.

Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the entire original Loan Amount shall be outstanding and due on the Maturity Date.

Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a thirty (30) day month and a three hundred sixty (360) day year, except that (i) if the Execution Date occurs on a date other than the first day of a calendar month, interest payable for the period commencing on the Execution Date and ending on the last day of the month in which the Execution Date occurs shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 365-day or 366-day year, as applicable, and (ii) if the Maturity Date occurs on a date other than the last day of the month, interest payable for the period commencing on the first day of the month in which the Maturity Date occurs and ending on the Maturity Date shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 365-day or 366-day year, as applicable.

2. Application of Payments. At the election of Holder, and to the extent permitted by law, all payments shall be applied in the order selected by Holder to any expenses, prepayment fees, late charges, escrow deposits and other sums due and payable under the Loan Documents, and to unpaid interest at the Interest Rate or at the Default Rate, as applicable. The balance of any payments shall be applied to reduce the then unpaid Loan Amount.

3. Security. This Note is secured by the Deed of Trust and other instruments (including without limitation the Related Deed of Trust unless and until the Related Deed of Trust is released in accordance with Section 1.3 thereof). This Note shall evidence, and the Deed of Trust shall secure, the Secured Indebtedness.

4. Late Charge. If any payment of a Monthly Installment or any payment of a required escrow deposit is not paid within seven (7) days after the due date, Holder shall have the option to charge the Borrower the Late Charge. The Late Charge is for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in connection with handling and processing delinquent payments and is payable in addition to any other remedy Holder may have. Unpaid Late Charges shall become part of the Secured Indebtedness and shall be added to any subsequent payments due under the Loan Documents.

5. Acceleration Upon Default. At the option of Holder, if Borrower fails to pay any sum specified in this Note within seven (7) days after the due date or if any other Event of Default occurs, the Secured Indebtedness (and at the further option of Holder, the Related Secured Indebtedness), and all other sums evidenced and/or secured by the Loan Documents (and at the further option of Holder, the Related Loan Documents), including without limitation any applicable prepayment fees (collectively, the “Accelerated Loan Amount”) shall become immediately due and payable.

 

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6. Interest Upon Default. The Accelerated Loan Amount shall bear interest at the Default Rate which shall never exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be contracted for under the laws of the State. The Default Rate shall commence upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and shall continue until all defaults are cured.

7. Limitation on Interest. The agreements made by Borrower with respect to this Note and the other Loan Documents are expressly limited so that in no event shall the amount of interest received, charged or contracted for by Holder exceed the highest lawful amount of interest permissible under the laws applicable to the Loan. If at any time performance of any provision of this Note or the other Loan Documents results in the highest lawful rate of interest permissible under applicable laws being exceeded, then the amount of interest received, charged or contracted for by Holder shall automatically and without further action by any party be deemed to have been reduced to the highest lawful amount of interest then permissible under applicable laws. If Holder shall ever receive, charge or contract for, as interest, an amount which is unlawful, at Holder’s election, the amount of unlawful interest shall be refunded to Borrower (if actually paid) or applied to reduce the then unpaid Loan Amount. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any amounts contracted for, charged or received under the Loan Documents included for the purpose of determining whether the Interest Rate would exceed the highest lawful rate shall be calculated by allocating and spreading such interest to and over the full stated term of this Note.

8. Prepayment.

(a) Borrower shall not have the right to prepay all or any portion of the Loan Amount at any time during the term of this Note except as expressly set forth in the Defined Terms, this Section 8, and Section 10.1(g) of the Deed of Trust. If Borrower provides notice (a “Prepayment Notice”) of its intention to prepay, the Secured Indebtedness shall become due and payable on the date specified in the Prepayment Notice.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Borrower shall not be permitted to prepay the Loan unless the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) If Borrower prepays the Loan, in addition to the applicable Prepayment Fee, Related Borrower shall prepay $4,120,000.00 of the principal of the Related Loan, along with the applicable Prepayment Fee thereon (provided further that such prepayment shall otherwise be permitted under Section 8(b) of the Related Note);

(ii) There is then no Event of Default under the Deed of Trust (including without limitation an Event of Default under the Related Loan Documents), the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement, the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement for the Related Loan, the Guaranty, or the Guaranty for the Related Loan; and

(iii) After such proposed prepayment, (A) in the reasonable opinion of Holder, the annual Net Operating Income (as defined in Section 10.1(d) of the Related Deed of Trust) during the then upcoming 12-month period to be derived from the Related Property after the date of such prepayment (as calculated pursuant to space leases with tenants who are in actual occupancy, pay rent on a current basis, and are not in default) shall not be less than one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the aggregate amount of monthly installments due under the Related Note; and (B) the unpaid principal balance of the Related Loan shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the value of the Related Property as determined by Holder;

 

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provided, however, that Borrower shall have the right to make a concurrent partial prepayment (with applicable Prepayment Fees) of such portion of the remaining unpaid Related Loan Amount as shall be required (in addition to the amount prepaid pursuant to Section 8(b)(iii) above) in order to satisfy the loan-to-value requirement of this clause (B). In determining the debt service coverage ratio for purposes of clause (A) above, the unpaid principal balance of, and the payments required or accrued under, the Second Loan and the Third Loan (as such terms are defined in Section 10.2 of the Deed of Trust) shall be disregarded.

9. Prepayment Fee.

(a) Any tender of payment by Borrower or any other person or entity of the Secured Indebtedness, other than as expressly provided in the Loan Documents, shall constitute a prohibited prepayment. If a prepayment of all or any part of the Secured Indebtedness is made (i) following an Event of Default and an acceleration of the Maturity Date, or (ii) in connection with a sale of the Property or a repayment of the Secured Indebtedness at any time before, during or after, a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure or sale of the Property, then to compensate Holder for the loss of the investment, Borrower shall pay an amount equal to the Prepayment Fee (as hereinafter defined). With respect to the application of money to the principal of the Loan as the result of a casualty or condemnation, so long as Borrower makes commercially reasonable, good faith efforts to obtain an amount equal to the Prepayment Fee due as a result of a casualty or condemnation (from the insurer or from the condemning authority, respectively), which efforts shall not include litigation, the Prepayment Fee otherwise chargeable shall not be chargeable.

(b) The “Prepayment Fee” shall be the greater of (A)(x) the present value of all remaining payments of principal and interest including the outstanding principal due on the Maturity Date, discounted at the rate which, when compounded monthly, is equivalent to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points (one-half of one percentage point) compounded semi-annually, less (y) the amount of the principal then outstanding (immediately prior to the prepayment), or (B) one percent (1%) of the amount of the principal being prepaid.

(c) The “Treasury Rate” shall be the annualized yield on securities issued by the United States Treasury having a maturity equal to the remaining stated term of this Note, as quoted in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release [H. 15 (519)] under the heading “U.S. Government Securities - Treasury Constant Maturities” five (5) days prior to the date on which the prepayment is to be made. If this rate is not available as of the date of prepayment, the Treasury Rate shall be determined by interpolating between the yield on securities of the next longer and next shorter maturity. If the Treasury Rate is no longer published, Holder shall select a comparable rate.

(d) Holder will, upon request, provide an estimate of the amount of the Prepayment Fee two (2) weeks before the date of the scheduled prepayment.

10. Waiver of Right to Prepay Note Without Prepayment Fee. Borrower acknowledges that Holder has relied upon the anticipated investment return under this Note in entering into transactions with, and in making commitments to, third parties and that the tender of any prohibited prepayment shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Prepayment Fee. Borrower agrees that the Prepayment Fee represents the reasonable estimate of Holder and Borrower of a fair average compensation for the loss that may be sustained by

 

5


Holder as a result of a prohibited prepayment of this Note and it shall be paid without prejudice to the right of Holder to collect any other amounts provided to be paid under the Loan Documents.

BORROWER EXPRESSLY (A) WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO PREPAY THIS NOTE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT FEE OR PENALTY, UPON ACCELERATION OF THE MATURITY DATE OF THIS NOTE, AND (B) AGREES THAT IF, FOR ANY REASON, A PREPAYMENT OF THIS NOTE IS MADE, UPON OR FOLLOWING ANY ACCELERATION OF THE MATURITY DATE OF THIS NOTE BY HOLDER ON ACCOUNT OF ANY DEFAULT BY BORROWER UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY TRANSFER, FURTHER ENCUMBRANCE OR DISPOSITION WHICH IS PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY THE DEED OF TRUST, THEN BORROWER SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY CONCURRENTLY THEREWITH THE PREPAYMENT FEE SPECIFIED IN SECTION 9.

11. Liability of Borrower. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, except as provided in this Section 11, Holder will look solely to the Property (and the Property encumbered by the Related Deed of Trust) and the security under the Loan Documents (and the security under the Related Loan Documents) for the repayment of the Loan and will not enforce a deficiency judgment against Borrower. However, nothing contained in this section shall limit the rights of Holder to enforce any policies of insurance or to proceed against Borrower and the general partners of Borrower, if any, and/or the Liable Parties or any one or more of them (i) to enforce any Leases entered into by Borrower or its affiliates as tenant, guarantees, or other agreements entered into by Borrower in a capacity other than as borrower; (ii) to recover damages for fraud, material misrepresentation, material breach of warranty or waste committed by Borrower or any constituent thereof; (iii) to recover any Condemnation Proceeds or Insurance Proceeds or other similar funds which have been misapplied by Borrower or which, under the terms of the Loan Documents, should have been paid to Holder; (iv) to recover any tenant security deposits, tenant letters of credit or other deposits or refundable fees paid to Borrower that are part of the collateral for the Loan or prepaid rents for a period of more than 30 days which have not been delivered to Holder unless applied in accordance with the Leases prior to an Event of Default; (v) to recover Rents and Profits received by Borrower after the first day of the month in which an Event of Default occurs and prior to the date Holder acquires title to the Property which have not been applied to the Loan or in accordance with the Loan Documents to operating and maintenance expenses of the Property; (vi) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, any breach of a covenant contained in Article 6 of the Deed of Trust or the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement; (vii) to recover any amount expended by Holder in connection with a foreclosure or trustee’s sale under the Deed of Trust; (viii) to recover damages arising from Borrower’s failure to comply with Section 8.1 of the Deed of Trust pertaining to ERISA; and/or (ix) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, Borrower’s failure to pay any Impositions or Premiums.

The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 11 shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that prior to the indefeasible repayment in full of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations (as defined in the Deed of Trust), (i) Borrower commences a voluntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or (ii) an involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding is commenced against Borrower, and Borrower or any related party has directly or indirectly encouraged, participated with, or colluded with the parties filing such involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding to file

 

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such proceeding. In addition, this agreement shall not waive any rights which Holder would have under any provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to file a claim for the full amount of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations or to require that the Property shall continue to secure all of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations.

The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 11 also shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that there is any violation of Sections 10.1 or 10.2 of the Deed of Trust.

12. Waiver by Borrower. Borrower and others who may become liable for the payment of all or any part of this Note, and each of them, waive diligence, demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest, notice of dishonor and notice of protest, notice of intent to accelerate and notice of acceleration and specifically consent to and waive notice of any amendments, modifications, renewals or extensions of this Note, including the granting of extension of time for payment, whether made to or in favor of Borrower or any other person or persons.

13. Exercise of Rights. No single or partial exercise by Holder, or delay or omission in the exercise by Holder, of any right or remedy under the Loan Documents shall waive or limit the exercise of any such right or remedy. Holder shall at all times have the right to proceed against any portion of or interest in the Property in the manner that Holder may deem appropriate, without waiving any other rights or remedies. The release of any party under this Note shall not operate to release any other party which is liable under this Note and/or under the other Loan Documents or under the Unsecured Indemnity Agreement.

14. Fees and Expenses. If Borrower defaults under this Note, Borrower shall be personally liable for and shall pay to Holder, in addition to the sums stated above, the costs and expenses of enforcement and collection, including a reasonable sum as an attorney’s fee. This obligation is not limited by Section 11.

15. No Amendments. This Note may not be modified or amended except in a writing executed by Borrower and Holder. No waivers shall be effective unless they are set forth in a writing signed by the party which is waiving a right. This Note and the other Loan Documents are the final expression of the lending relationship between Borrower and Holder and there is no unwritten agreement with respect to the subject matter of the Loan.

16. Governing Law. This Note is to be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia.

17. Construction. The words “Borrower” and “Holder” shall be deemed to include their respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns, and shall denote the singular and/or plural, and the masculine and/or feminine, and natural and/or artificial persons, as appropriate. The provisions of this Note shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any changes in the shareholders, partners or members of Borrower. If more than one party is Borrower, the obligations of each party shall be joint and several. The captions in this Note are inserted only for convenience of reference and do not expand, limit or define the scope or intent of any section of this Note.

18. Notices. All notices, demands, requests and consents permitted or required under this Note shall be given in the manner prescribed in the Deed of Trust.

19. Time of the Essence. Time shall be of the essence with respect to all of Borrower’s obligations under this Note.

 

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20. Severability. If any provision of this Note should be held unenforceable or void, then that provision shall be deemed separable from the remaining provisions and shall not affect the validity of this Note, except that if that provision relates to the payment of any monetary sum, then Holder may, at its option, declare the Secured Indebtedness (together with the Prepayment Fee) and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations immediately due and payable.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has executed this Note as of the Execution Date.

 

1225 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:   Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Washington Properties, Inc., its Manager
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Its:  

 

[SEAL]

 

Address:   6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500
  Norcross, Georgia 30092
  Attention:   Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

 

8

Amended and Restated Deed of Trust

Exhibit 10.12

RECORDING REQUESTED BY

AND WHEN

RECORDED RETURN TO:

First American Title Insurance Company

National Commercial Services

1801 K Street, N.W., Suite 200-K

Washington, D.C. 20006

Attn: Richard L. Whelton, Jr.

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST IS A REFINANCE OF THE DEED OF TRUST RECORDED OCTOBER 28, 2002 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 124500, AS SUPPLEMENTED BY DOCUMENT RECORDED NOVEMBER 24, 2003 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 165321, ON WHICH RECORDATION TAX HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY PAID. PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 42-1103(a)(3) OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CODE, THIS DEED OF TRUST IS EXEMPT FROM RECORDATION TAX TO THE EXTENT OF $47,607,000.00.

AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING

BY 1225 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

(successor by merger to 1215 Eye Street, N.W. Associates Limited Partnership),

as Grantor

TO RICHARD L. WHELTON, JR.,

as Trustee

for the benefit of

METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York corporation,

as Beneficiary

November 1, 2007


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE 1 GRANT OF SECURITY    3

1.1

   REAL PROPERTY GRANT    3

1.2

   PERSONAL PROPERTY GRANT    4

1.3

   CONDITIONS TO GRANT    5

1.4

   ADDITIONAL ADVANCES    5
ARTICLE 2 GRANTOR COVENANTS    5

2.1

   DUE AUTHORIZATION, EXECUTION, AND DELIVERY    5

2.2

   PERFORMANCE BY GRANTOR    6

2.3

   WARRANTY OF TITLE    6

2.4

   TAXES, LIENS AND OTHER CHARGES    6

2.5

   ESCROW DEPOSITS    7

2.6

   CARE AND USE OF THE PROPERTY    8

2.7

   COLLATERAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS    10

2.8

   SUITS AND OTHER ACTS TO PROTECT THE PROPERTY    10

2.9

   LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES    10
ARTICLE 3 INSURANCE    10

3.1

   REQUIRED INSURANCE AND TERMS OF INSURANCE POLICIES    10

3.2

   ADJUSTMENT OF CLAIMS    14

3.3

   ASSIGNMENT TO BENEFICIARY    14
ARTICLE 4 BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS    14

4.1

   BOOKS AND RECORDS    14

4.2

   ADDITIONAL MATTERS    15
ARTICLE 5 LEASES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY    16

5.1

   GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    16

5.2

   ASSIGNMENT OF LEASES    16

5.3

   PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS    16

5.4

   SUBORDINATE LEASES    17

5.5

   MANAGEMENT FEES    18
ARTICLE 6 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS    19

6.1

   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    19


6.2

   REMEDIAL WORK    19

6.3

   ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT    20

6.4

   UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS    20

6.5

   HAZARDOUS MATERIALS    20

6.6

   REQUIREMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS    21
ARTICLE 7 CASUALTY, CONDEMNATION AND RESTORATION    21

7.1

   GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS    21

7.2

   RESTORATION    22

7.3

   CONDEMNATION    23

7.4

   REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTORATION    24
ARTICLE 8 REPRESENTATIONS OF GRANTOR    25

8.1

   ERISA    25

8.2

   NON-RELATIONSHIP    26

8.3

   NO ADVERSE CHANGE    26

8.4

   FOREIGN INVESTOR    26

8.5

   US PATRIOT ACT    26
ARTICLE 9 EXCULPATION AND LIABILITY    27

9.1

   LIABILITY OF GRANTOR    27
ARTICLE 10 CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP, CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY    28

10.1

   CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY, CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND COMPOSITION    28

10.2

   PROHIBITION ON SUBORDINATE FINANCING    34

10.3

   RESTRICTIONS ON ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS    34

10.4

   STATEMENTS REGARDING OWNERSHIP    34
ARTICLE 11 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES    35

11.1

   EVENTS OF DEFAULT    35

11.2

   REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT    36

11.3

   APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS OF SALE    37

11.4

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    37

11.5

   BENEFICIARY’S RIGHT TO PERFORM GRANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS    37

11.6

   BENEFICIARY REIMBURSEMENT    37

 

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11.7

   FEES AND EXPENSES    38

11.8

   WAIVER OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES    38

11.9

   INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEE    38

11.10

   ACTIONS BY TRUSTEE    38

11.11

   SUBSTITUTION OF TRUSTEE    38

11.12

   NO REINSTATEMENT    38

11.13

   WAIVER RELATING TO REMEDIES    39
ARTICLE 12 GRANTOR AGREEMENTS AND FURTHER ASSURANCES    39

12.1

   PARTICIPATION AND SALE OF LOAN    39

12.2

   REPLACEMENT OF NOTE    39

12.3

   GRANTOR’S ESTOPPEL    40

12.4

   FURTHER ASSURANCES    40

12.5

   SUBROGATION    40
ARTICLE 13 SECURITY AGREEMENT    40

13.1

   SECURITY AGREEMENT    40

13.2

   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    41

13.3

   CHARACTERIZATION OF PROPERTY    42

13.4

   PROTECTION AGAINST PURCHASE MONEY SECURITY INTERESTS    42
ARTICLE 14 RELATED LOAN PROVISIONS    42

14.1

   RELATED LOAN    42

14.2

   LIMITED RECOURSE GUARANTY    43

14.3

   WAIVERS    44

14.4

   RELEASES    45

14.5

   NO ELECTION    45

14.6

   INDEFEASIBLE PAYMENT    45

14.7

   FINANCIAL CONDITION OF GRANTOR    46

14.8

   SUBORDINATION    46
ARTICLE 15 MISCELLANEOUS COVENANTS    47

15.1

   NO WAIVER    47

15.2

   NOTICES    47

15.3

   HEIRS AND ASSIGNS; TERMINOLOGY    47

 

iii


15.4

   SEVERABILITY    47

15.5

   APPLICABLE LAW    48

15.6

   CAPTIONS    48

15.7

   TIME OF THE ESSENCE    48

15.8

   NO MERGER    48

15.9

   NO MODIFICATIONS    48

15.10

   COUNTERPARTS    48

 

iv


AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING

DEFINED TERMS

Execution Date: November 1, 2007

Note: The Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated as of the Execution Date made by Grantor to the order of Beneficiary in the principal amount of $57,600,000.00.

Beneficiary & Address:

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York corporation

10 Park Avenue, Third Floor

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attention: Senior Vice President, Real Estate Investments

With a copy to:

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company

10 Park Avenue, Third Floor

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attention: Law Department, Chief Counsel, Real Estate Investments

Grantor & Address (Chief Executive Office):

1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

(successor by merger to 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates Limited Partnership)

c/o Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P.

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

With a copy to:

Troutman Sanders LLP

600 Peachtree Street, NE

Suite 5200

Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2216

Attention: James W. Addison, Esq.

Trustee & Address:

Richard L. Whelton, Jr.

c/o First American Title Insurance Company

National Commercial Services

1801 K Street, N.W., Suite 200-K

Washington, D.C. 20006

(as substituted trustee pursuant to Deed of Appointment of Substitute Trustee recorded November     , 2007 as Instrument No.                     )

 

1


Liable Parties & Address:

Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

County and State (the “State”) in which the Property is located: Washington, District of Columbia

Use: Class A office building with related first-class retail facilities and an underground parking garage.

Insurance: Commercial General Liability: Required Liability Limit: $50,000,000.00

Address for Insurance Notification:

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,

its affiliates and/or successors and assigns

10 Park Avenue

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attention: Real Estate Investments Insurance Manager

Loan Documents: The Note, this Deed of Trust and any other documents related to the Note and/or this Deed of Trust (except the Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty) and all renewals, amendments, modifications, restatements and extensions of these documents.

Indemnity Agreement: Amended and Restated Unsecured Indemnity Agreement dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Grantor and Liable Parties in favor of Beneficiary.

Guaranty: Amended and Restated Guaranty of Recourse Obligations dated as of the Execution Date and executed by Liable Parties.

The Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty are not Loan Documents and shall survive repayment of the Loan or other termination of the Loan Documents.

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING (this “Deed of Trust”) is entered into as of the Execution Date by Grantor to Trustee for the benefit of Beneficiary with reference to the following Recitals:

RECITALS

A. This Deed of Trust secures: (1) the payment of the indebtedness evidenced by the Note with interest at the rates set forth in the Note, together with all renewals, modifications, consolidations and extensions of the Note, all additional advances or fundings made by Beneficiary, and any other amounts required to be paid by Grantor under any of the Loan Documents (collectively, the “Secured Indebtedness” and sometimes referred to as the “Loan”); (2) the full performance by Grantor of all of the terms, covenants and obligations set forth in any of the Loan Documents; and (3) the payment and full performance by Related Borrower of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, as such terms are defined in Section 14.1. The terms “Related Note,” “Related Deed of Trust,” “Related Loan Documents” and similar terms are also defined in Section 14.1.

 

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B. Grantor makes the following covenants and agreements for the benefit of Beneficiary or any party designated by Beneficiary, including any prospective purchaser of the Loan Documents or participant in the Loan, and their respective officers, employees, agents, attorneys, representatives and contractors (all of which are collectively referred to as “Beneficiary”) and Trustee.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the Recitals and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, Grantor agrees as follows:

ARTICLE 1

GRANT OF SECURITY

1.1 REAL PROPERTY GRANT. In order to secure the Secured Indebtedness, the full performance by Grantor of all of the terms, covenants and obligations set forth in any of the Loan Documents, and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, Grantor irrevocably sells, transfers, grants, conveys, assigns and warrants to Trustee, its successors and assigns, in trust, with power of sale and right of entry and possession, all of Grantor’s present and future estate, right, title and interest in and to the following which are collectively referred to as the “Real Property”:

(a) That certain real property located in the State which is more particularly described in Exhibit A attached to this Deed of Trust or any portion of the real property; all easements, rights-of-way, gaps, strips and gores of land; streets and alleys; sewers and water rights; privileges, licenses, tenements, and appurtenances appertaining to the real property, and the reversion(s), remainder(s), and claims of Grantor with respect to these items, and the benefits of any existing or future conditions, covenants and restrictions affecting the real property (collectively, the “Land”);

(b) All things now or hereafter affixed to or placed on the Land, including all buildings, structures and improvements, all fixtures and all machinery, elevators, boilers, building service equipment (including, without limitation, all equipment for the generation or distribution of air, water, heat, electricity, light, fuel or for ventilating or air conditioning purposes or for sanitary or drainage purposes or for the removal of dust, refuse or garbage), partitions, appliances, furniture, furnishings, building materials, supplies, computers and software, window coverings and floor coverings, lobby furnishings, and other property now or in the future attached, or installed in the improvements and all replacements, repairs, additions, or substitutions to these items (collectively, the “Improvements”);

(c) All present and future income, rents, revenue, profits, proceeds, accounts receivables and other benefits from the Land and/or Improvements and all deposits made with respect to the Land and/or Improvements, including, but not limited to, any security given to

 

3


utility companies by Grantor, any advance payment of real estate taxes or assessments, or insurance premiums made by Grantor and all claims or demands relating to such deposits and other security, including claims for refunds of tax payments or assessments, and all insurance proceeds payable to Grantor in connection with the Land and/or Improvements whether or not such insurance coverage is specifically required under the terms of this Deed of Trust (“Insurance Proceeds”) (all of the items set forth in this paragraph are referred to collectively as “Rents and Profits”);

(d) All damages, payments and revenue of every kind that Grantor may be entitled to receive, from any person owning or acquiring a right to the oil, gas or mineral rights and reservations of the Land;

(e) All proceeds and claims arising on account of any damage to, or Condemnation (as hereinafter defined) of any part of the Land and/or Improvements, and all causes of action and recoveries for any diminution in the value of the Land and/or Improvements;

(f) All licenses, contracts, management agreements, guaranties, warranties, franchise agreements, permits, or certificates relating to the ownership, use, operation or maintenance of the Land and/or Improvements; and

(g) All names by which the Land and/or Improvements may be operated or known, and all rights to carry on business under those names, and all trademarks, trade names, and goodwill relating to the Land and/or Improvements.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Real Property, unto Trustee, its successors and assigns, in trust, for the benefit of Beneficiary, its successors and assigns, forever subject to the terms, covenants and conditions of this Deed of Trust.

1.2 PERSONAL PROPERTY GRANT. Grantor irrevocably sells, transfers, grants, conveys, assigns and warrants to Beneficiary, its successors and assigns, a security interest in Grantor’s interest in the following personal property which is collectively referred to as the “Personal Property”:

(a) Any portion of the Real Property which may be personal property, and all other personal property, whether now existing or acquired in the future which is attached to, appurtenant to, or used in the construction or operation of, or in connection with, the Real Property;

(b) All rights to the use of water, including water rights appurtenant to the Real Property, pumping plants, ditches for irrigation, all water stock or other evidence of ownership of any part of the Real Property that is owned by Grantor in common with others and all documents of membership in any owner’s association or similar group;

(c) All plans and specifications prepared for construction of the Improvements; and all contracts and agreements of Grantor relating to the plans and specifications or to the construction of the Improvements;

 

4


(d) All equipment, machinery, fixtures, goods, accounts, general intangibles, promissory notes, letter of credit rights, investment property, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, instruments and chattel paper and all substitutions, replacements of, and additions to, any of these items;

(e) All sales agreements, deposits, escrow agreements, other documents and agreements entered into with respect to the sale of any part of the Real Property, and all proceeds of the sale; and

(f) All proceeds from the voluntary or involuntary disposition or claim respecting any of the foregoing items (including judgments, condemnation awards or otherwise).

All of the Real Property and the Personal Property are collectively referred to as the “Property.”

1.3 CONDITIONS TO GRANT. If Grantor shall pay to Beneficiary the Secured Indebtedness, at the times and in the manner stipulated in the Loan Documents, and if Grantor shall perform and observe each of the terms, covenants and agreements set forth in the Loan Documents, and provided that there does not exist any Event of Default under the Related Loan Documents (as “Event of Default” is defined in the Related Deed of Trust) nor any event which, with notice and/or the opportunity to cure would constitute an Event of Default thereunder, then this Deed of Trust and all the rights granted by this Deed of Trust shall be released by Trustee and/or Beneficiary in accordance with the laws of the State.

1.4 ADDITIONAL ADVANCES. Until this Deed of Trust is released of record, Beneficiary may make additional loans, advances, readvances, future advances and other financial accommodations pursuant to the terms of the Note or other Loan Documents from time to time, but the maximum unpaid balance outstanding at any one time shall not exceed the principal amount of the Note set forth in the “Defined Terms” section of this Deed of Trust, plus interest thereon, and plus any advances made for taxes, liens, assessments, insurance premiums, costs, and other obligations, including interest thereon, undertaken by Beneficiary hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and all such advances, future advances and readvances shall become part of the indebtedness secured by this Deed of Trust with the same priority from the date of recordation of this Deed of Trust and shall be deemed evidenced by the Note, this Deed of Trust and the other Loan Documents.

ARTICLE 2

GRANTOR COVENANTS

2.1 DUE AUTHORIZATION, EXECUTION, AND DELIVERY.

(a) Grantor represents and warrants that the execution of the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement has been duly authorized and there is no provision in the organizational documents of Grantor requiring further consent for such action by any other entity or person.

(b) Grantor represents and warrants that it is duly organized, validly existing and is in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation and in the State, that its exact

 

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legal name, the state of its formation and the state of its chief executive office (or place of business, if it has only one place of business) are correctly stated in the Defined Terms, and that it has all necessary licenses, authorizations, registrations, permits and/or approvals to own its properties and to carry on its business as presently conducted.

(c) Grantor represents and warrants that the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement will not result in Grantor being in default under any provision of its organizational documents or of any deed of trust, mortgage, lease, credit or other agreement to which it is a party or which affects it or the Property.

(d) Grantor represents and warrants that the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Grantor and constitute valid and binding obligations of Grantor which are enforceable in accordance with their terms.

(e) Grantor agrees that it will not change the state where it or its chief executive office (or place of business, if it has only one place of business) is located, or change its name, without providing at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Beneficiary.

2.2 PERFORMANCE BY GRANTOR. Grantor shall pay the Secured Indebtedness to Beneficiary and shall keep and perform each and every other obligation, covenant and agreement of the Loan Documents.

2.3 WARRANTY OF TITLE.

(a) Grantor represents and warrants that it holds marketable and indefeasible fee simple absolute title to the Real Property, and that it has the right and is lawfully authorized to sell, convey or encumber the Property subject only to those specific exceptions to title recorded in the real estate records of the State and contained in Schedule B of the title insurance policy or policies which have been approved by Beneficiary (the “Permitted Exceptions”). The Property is free from all due and unpaid taxes, assessments and mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens.

(b) Grantor further covenants to warrant and forever defend the Real Property unto Beneficiary and Trustee, and their respective heirs, devisees, personal representatives and assigns, from and against the claims and demands of all persons whomsoever.

2.4 TAXES, LIENS AND OTHER CHARGES.

(a) Unless otherwise paid to Beneficiary as provided in Section 2.5, Grantor shall pay all real estate and other taxes and assessments which may be payable, assessed, levied, imposed upon or become a lien on or against any portion of the Property (all of the foregoing items are collectively referred to as the “Imposition(s)”). The Impositions shall be paid not later than ten (10) days before the dates on which the particular Imposition would become delinquent and Grantor shall produce to Beneficiary receipts of the imposing authority, or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to Beneficiary, evidencing the payment of the Imposition in full. Grantor

 

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may elect by appropriate legal action at the sole expense of Grantor to contest any Imposition, and Grantor shall not be required to pay the Imposition provided that (i) if, in the reasonable opinion of Beneficiary, as a result of such contest the Property or any interest therein might be subject to the imposition of any lien or encumbrance, Grantor shall first deposit cash with Beneficiary as a reserve in an amount which Beneficiary reasonably determines is sufficient to pay the Imposition plus all fines, interest, penalties and costs which may become due pending the determination of the contest, (ii) the contest operates to prevent enforcement or collection of the Imposition, or the sale or forfeiture of, the Property, and is prosecuted with due diligence and continuity, and (iii) Beneficiary will not, by virtue of such permitted contest, be exposed to any risk of any civil liability for which Grantor has not furnished additional security as provided in clause (i) above, or to any risk of criminal liability. Upon termination of any proceeding or contest, Grantor shall pay the amount of the Imposition as finally determined in the proceeding or contest. Provided that there is not then an Event of Default (as defined in Section 11.1), the monies which have been deposited with Beneficiary pursuant to this Section shall be applied toward such payment and the excess, if any, shall be returned to Grantor.

(b) In the event of the passage, after the Execution Date, of any law which deducts from the value of the Property, for the purposes of taxation, any lien or security interest encumbering the Property, or changing in any way the existing laws regarding the taxation of mortgages, deeds of trust and/or security agreements or debts secured by these instruments, or changing the manner for the collection of any such taxes, and the law has the effect of imposing payment of any Impositions upon Beneficiary, at Beneficiary’s option, the Secured Indebtedness shall immediately become due and payable. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Beneficiary’s election to accelerate the Loan shall not be effective if (1) Grantor is permitted by law (including, without limitation, applicable interest rate laws) to, and actually does, pay the Imposition or the increased portion of the Imposition and (2) Grantor agrees in writing to pay or reimburse Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6 for the payment of any such Imposition which becomes payable at any time when the Loan is outstanding.

2.5 ESCROW DEPOSITS. Without limiting the effect of Section 2.4 and Section 3.1, Grantor shall pay to Beneficiary monthly on the same date the monthly installment is payable under the Note, an amount equal to 1/12th of the amounts Beneficiary reasonably estimates are necessary to pay, on an annualized basis, (1) all Impositions and (2) the premiums for the insurance policies required under this Deed of Trust (collectively the “Premiums”) until such time as Grantor has deposited an amount equal to the annual charges for these items and on demand, from time to time, shall pay to Beneficiary any additional amounts necessary to pay the Premiums and Impositions. Grantor will furnish to Beneficiary bills for Impositions and Premiums thirty (30) days before Impositions become delinquent and such Premiums become due for payment. No amounts paid as Impositions or Premiums shall be deemed to be trust funds and these funds may be commingled with the general funds of Beneficiary. Beneficiary shall not be required to pay interest to Grantor on account of these funds. If an Event of Default occurs, Beneficiary shall have the right, at its election, to apply any amounts held under this Section 2.5 in reduction of the Secured Indebtedness, or in payment of the Premiums or Impositions for which the amounts were deposited. However, with respect to deposits of Premiums, Grantor shall not be required to make these deposits unless (i) at any time Grantor fails to furnish to Beneficiary, not later than thirty (30) days before the dates on which any Premiums would

 

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become delinquent, receipts for the payment of the Premiums, or (ii) Grantor fails to provide, not later than thirty (30) days prior to expiration of any policy required under the Loan Documents, appropriate proof of issuance of a new policy which continues in force the insurance coverage of the expiring policy, or (iii) there is an Event of Default, or (iv) Grantor no longer owns the Property, or (v) there has been a change in Grantor or in the general partners, shareholders or members of Grantor or in the constituent general partners or controlling shareholders or controlling members of any of the entities comprising Grantor (other than transfers permitted under Section 10.1). In the event any of these events occur, Beneficiary reserves the right to require deposits of Premiums at any time in its absolute discretion notwithstanding the fact that the default may be cured, or that the transfer or change be approved by Beneficiary. In addition, with respect to deposits of Impositions, Grantor shall not be required to make these deposits unless (i) there is an Event of Default, or (ii) Grantor no longer owns the Property, or (iii) there has been a change in Grantor or in the general partners, shareholders or members of Grantor or in the constituent general partners or controlling shareholders or controlling members of any of the entities comprising Grantor (other than transfers permitted under Section 10.1). In the event any of these events occur, Beneficiary reserves the right to require deposits of Impositions at any time in its absolute discretion notwithstanding the fact that the default may be cured, or that the transfer or change be approved by Beneficiary.

2.6 CARE AND USE OF THE PROPERTY.

(a) Grantor represents and warrants to and agrees with Beneficiary as follows:

(i) All authorizations, licenses, including without limitation liquor licenses, if any, and operating permits required to allow the Improvements to be operated for the Use have been obtained, paid for and are in full force and effect.

(ii) The Improvements and their Use comply with (and no notices of violation have been received in connection with) all Requirements (as defined in this Section) and Grantor shall at all times comply with all present or future Requirements affecting or relating to the Property and/or the Use. Grantor shall furnish Beneficiary, on request, proof of compliance with the Requirements. Grantor shall not use or permit the use of the Property, or any part thereof, for any illegal purpose. “Requirements” shall mean all laws, ordinances, orders, covenants, conditions and restrictions and other requirements relating to land and building design and construction, use and maintenance, that may now or hereafter pertain to or affect the Property or any part of the Property or the Use, including, without limitation, planning, zoning, subdivision, environmental, air quality, flood hazard, fire safety, handicapped facilities, building, health, fire, traffic, safety, wetlands, coastal and other governmental or regulatory rules, laws, ordinances, statutes, codes and requirements applicable to the Property, including permits, licenses and/or certificates that may be necessary from time to time to comply with any of the these requirements.

(iii) Grantor has complied with and will continue to comply with all requirements of all instruments and agreements affecting the Property, whether or not of record, including without limitation all covenants and agreements by and between Grantor and any governmental or regulatory agency pertaining to the development, use or operation of the

 

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Property. Grantor, at its sole cost and expense, shall keep the Property in good order, condition, and repair, and make all necessary structural and non-structural, ordinary and extraordinary repairs to the Property.

(iv) Grantor shall abstain from, and not permit, the commission of waste to the Property and shall not remove or alter in any substantial manner, the structure or character of any Improvements without the prior written consent of Beneficiary.

(v) The zoning approval for the Property is not dependent upon the ownership or use of any property which is not encumbered by this Deed of Trust.

(vi) Construction of the Improvements on the Property is complete.

(vii) The Property is in good repair and condition, free of any material damage.

(b) Beneficiary shall have the right, at any time and from time to time during normal business hours, to enter the Property in order to ascertain Grantor’s compliance with the Loan Documents, to examine the condition of the Property, to perform an appraisal, to undertake surveying or engineering work, and to inspect premises occupied by tenants. Grantor shall cooperate with Beneficiary performing these inspections. Provided that any such inspections are reasonably required, Grantor shall pay all costs incurred by Beneficiary in connection with any such inspections.

(c) Grantor shall use, or cause to be used, the Property solely for the Use. Grantor shall not use, or permit the use of, the Property for any other use without the prior written consent of Beneficiary. To the extent the Property is used as a residential apartment complex, (i) Grantor shall not file or record a declaration of condominium, master deed of trust or mortgage or any other similar document evidencing the imposition of a so-called “condominium regime” whether superior or subordinate to this Deed of Trust and (ii) Grantor shall not permit any part of the Property to be converted to, or operated as, a “cooperative apartment house” whereby the tenants or occupants participate in the ownership, management or control of any part of the Property.

(d) Without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, Grantor shall not (i) initiate or acquiesce in a change in the zoning classification of and/or restrictive covenants affecting the Property or seek any variance under existing zoning ordinances, (ii) take any action out of the ordinary course of operating and leasing the Property which may result in the Use becoming a non-conforming use under applicable zoning ordinances (except to the extent the Use may be such a legally permitted non-conforming use on the date hereof), or (iii) subject the Property to restrictive covenants.

(e) Grantor will faithfully perform each and every covenant to be performed by Grantor under any lien or encumbrance affecting the Property including, without limiting the generality hereof, mortgages, deeds of trust, leases, easements, declarations or covenants, conditions and/or restrictions and other agreements which affect the Property, in law or in equity.

 

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2.7 COLLATERAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS. Grantor covenants and agrees that if Beneficiary at any time holds additional security for any obligations secured by this Deed of Trust, it may enforce its rights and remedies with respect to the security, at its option, either before, concurrently or after a sale of the Property is made pursuant to the terms of this Deed of Trust. Beneficiary may apply the proceeds of the additional security to the Secured Indebtedness without affecting or waiving any right to any other security, including the security under this Deed of Trust, and without waiving any breach or default of Grantor under this Deed of Trust or any other Loan Document.

2.8 SUITS AND OTHER ACTS TO PROTECT THE PROPERTY.

(a) Grantor shall immediately notify Beneficiary of the commencement, or receipt of notice, of any action or proceeding or other material matter or claim affecting the Property and/or the interest of Beneficiary under the Loan Documents (collectively, “Actions”). Grantor shall appear in and defend any Actions.

(b) Beneficiary shall have the right, at the cost and expense of Grantor, to institute, maintain and participate in Actions or other proceedings and take such other action, as it may deem appropriate in the good faith exercise of its discretion to preserve or protect the Property and/or the interest of Beneficiary under the Loan Documents. Any money paid by Beneficiary under this Section shall be reimbursed to Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6 hereof.

2.9 LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES. Without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, to be exercised in Beneficiary’s sole and absolute discretion, other than the Permitted Exceptions, Grantor shall not create, place or allow to remain any lien or encumbrance on the Property, including deeds of trust, mortgages, security interests, conditional sales, mechanic’s liens, tax liens or assessment liens regardless of whether or not they are subordinate to the lien created by this Deed of Trust (collectively, “Liens and Encumbrances”). If any Liens and Encumbrances (other than Permitted Exceptions) are recorded against the Property or any part of the Property, within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of their existence Grantor shall either obtain a discharge and release of such Liens and Encumbrances, or shall provide a bond or other security with respect thereto in form, scope, and amount satisfactory to Beneficiary in its sole discretion.

ARTICLE 3

INSURANCE

3.1 REQUIRED INSURANCE AND TERMS OF INSURANCE POLICIES.

(a) During the term of this Deed of Trust, Grantor at its sole cost and expense must provide insurance policies and certificates of insurance for types of insurance described below all of which must be satisfactory to Beneficiary as to form of policy, amounts, deductibles, sublimits, types of coverage, exclusions and the companies underwriting these coverages. In no event shall such policies be terminated or otherwise allowed to lapse. Grantor shall be

 

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responsible for its own deductibles. Grantor shall also pay for any insurance, or any increase of policy limits, not described in this Deed of Trust which Grantor requires for its own protection or for compliance with government statutes. Grantor’s insurance shall be primary and without contribution from any insurance procured by Beneficiary including, without limitation, any insurance obtained by Beneficiary pursuant to Section 3.1(d).

Policies of insurance shall be delivered to Beneficiary in accordance with the following requirements:

(i) Property insurance on the Improvements and the Personal Property insuring against any peril now or hereafter included within the classification “All Risk” or “Special Perils,” in each case (A) in an amount equal to 100% of the “Full Replacement Cost” (as hereinafter defined) of the Improvements and Personal Property with a waiver of depreciation and with a Replacement Cost Endorsement; (B) containing an agreed amount endorsement with respect to the Improvements and Personal Property waiving all co-insurance provisions; (C) providing for no deductible in excess of $250,000.00 (with the exception of windstorms, which may be subject to a deductible not to exceed 5% of the full replacement cost); and (D) containing Ordinance or Law Coverage, Operation of Building Laws, Demolition Costs and Increased Cost of Construction in an amount reasonably required by Beneficiary or if any of the Improvements or the use of the Property constitute non-conforming structures then in the amount of 100% of the Full Replacement Cost. The Full Replacement Cost shall be determined from time to time by an appraiser or contractor designated and paid by Grantor and approved by Beneficiary or by an engineer or appraiser in the regular employ of the insurer. The “Full Replacement Cost” for purposes of this Article 3 shall mean the estimated total cost of construction required to replace the Improvements with a substitute of like utility, and using modern materials and current standards, design and layout. For purposes of calculating Full Replacement Cost, direct (hard) costs shall include, without limitation, labor, materials, supervision and contractor’s profit and overhead and indirect (soft) costs shall include, without limitation, fees for architect’s plans and specifications, construction financing costs, permits, sales taxes, insurance and other costs included in the Marshall Valuation Service published by Marshall & Swifts.

(ii) Commercial General Liability insurance against claims for personal injury, bodily injury, death or property damage occurring upon, in or about the Property, such insurance (A) to be on the so-called “occurrence” form with a combined single limit of not less than the amount set forth in the Defined Terms; (B) to continue at not less than this limit until required to be changed by Beneficiary in writing by reason of changed economic conditions making such protection inadequate; and (C) to cover at least the following hazards: (a) premises and operations; (b) products and completed operations on an “if any” basis; (c) independent contractors; (d) blanket contractual liability for all written and oral contracts; and (e) contractual liability covering the indemnities contained in this Deed of Trust to the extent available.

(iii) Business Income insurance in an amount sufficient to prevent Grantor from becoming a co-insurer within the terms of the applicable policies, and sufficient to recover one (1) year’s “Business Income” (as hereinafter defined) and with an Extended Period of Indemnity of 12 months. The amount of such insurance shall be increased from time to time

 

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during the term of this Deed of Trust as and when new Leases and renewal Leases are entered into and rents payable increase or the annual estimate of gross income from occupancy of the Property increases to reflect such rental increases. “Business Income” shall mean the sum of (A) the total anticipated gross income from occupancy of the Property, (B) the amount of all charges (such as, but not limited to, operating expenses, insurance premiums and taxes) which are the obligation of tenants or occupants to Grantor, (C) the fair market rental value of any portion of the Property which is occupied by Grantor, and (D) any other amounts payable to Grantor or to any affiliate of Grantor pursuant to Leases.

(iv) If Beneficiary determines at any time that any part of the Property is located in an area identified on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or Flood Insurance Rate Map issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood hazards and flood insurance has been made available, Grantor will maintain a flood insurance policy meeting the requirements of the current guidelines of the Federal Insurance Administration with a generally acceptable insurance carrier, in an amount not less than the lesser of (A) “Full Replacement Cost” or (B) the maximum amount of insurance which is available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 or the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, as amended.

(v) During the period of any construction or renovation or alteration of the Improvements, a so-called “Builder’s All Risk” insurance policy in non-reporting form for any Improvements under construction, renovation or alteration including, without limitation, for demolition and increased cost of construction or renovation, in an amount equal to the Full Replacement Cost of such Improvements and/or materials, or as otherwise approved by Beneficiary in the good faith exercise of its discretion, including an Occupancy endorsement and Workers’ Compensation Insurance covering all persons engaged in the construction, renovation or alteration in an amount at least equal to the minimum required by statutory limits of the State.

(vi) Workers’ Compensation insurance, subject to the statutory limits of the State, and employer’s liability insurance with a limit of at least $1,000,000 per accident and per disease per employee, and $1,000,000 for disease in the aggregate in respect of any work or operations on or about the Property, or in connection with the Property or its operations (if applicable).

(vii) Boiler & Machinery or Equipment Breakdown Coverage, insurance covering the major components of the central heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems, boilers, other pressure vessels, high pressure piping and machinery, elevators and escalators, if any, and other similar equipment installed in the Improvements, in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the full replacement cost of all equipment installed in, on or at the Improvements. These policies shall insure against physical damage to and loss of occupancy and use of the Improvements arising out of an accident or breakdown.

(viii) Insurance from and against all losses, damages, costs, expenses, claims and liabilities related to or arising from acts of terrorism, of such types, in such amounts, with such deductibles, issued by such companies, and on such forms of insurance policies as required by Beneficiary; provided, however, that as to the original Grantor (but not to any

 

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successor grantor), Grantor shall purchase terrorism coverage with a limit equal to the lesser of (A) the Full Replacement Cost, and (B) that terrorism coverage that could be purchased with a premium that is equal two hundred percent (200%) of the premium, as reasonably determined by Beneficiary, that Grantor would need to pay to obtain the insurance described in Section 3.1(a)(i) for the Property excluding terrorism coverage.

(ix) Business Automobile Insurance with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage arising out of the use of owned, non-owned, hired and/or leased automotive equipment when such equipment is operated by Grantor, Grantor’s employees or Grantor’s agents in connection with the Property

(x) Such other insurance (A) as may from time to time be required by Beneficiary to replace coverage against any hazard, which as of the date hereof is insured against under any of the insurance policies described in Subsections (a)(i) through (a)(ix) of this Section 3.1, and (B) as may from time to time be reasonably required by Beneficiary against other insurable hazards, including, but not limited to, vandalism, earthquake, environmental, sinkhole and mine subsidence (provided that earthquake insurance, if required, shall be subject to a deductible of $100,000.00).

(xi) Beneficiary’s interest must be clearly stated by endorsement in the insurance policies described in this Section 3.1 as follows:

(A) The policies of insurance referenced in Subsections (a)(i), (a)(iii), (a)(iv), (a)(v) and (a)(vii) of this Section 3.1 shall identify Beneficiary under the New York Standard Mortgagee Clause (non-contributory) endorsement.

(B) The insurance policies referenced in Subsections 3.1(a)(ii) and 3.1(a)(ix) shall name Beneficiary as an additional insured.

(C) The policies of insurance referenced in Subsection 3.1(a)(viii) shall name Beneficiary in such form and manner as Beneficiary shall reasonably require.

(D) All of the policies referred to in Section 3.1 shall provide for at least thirty (30) days’ written notice to Beneficiary in the event of policy cancellation and/or material change.

(b) All the insurance companies must be authorized to do business in New York State and in the State and be approved by Beneficiary. The insurance companies must have a general policy rating of A- or better and a financial class of VIII or better by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and a claims paying ability of BBB or better according to Standard & Poors. So called “Cut-through” endorsements shall not be permitted. Grantor shall deliver evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary of payment of premiums due under the insurance policies.

(c) Certified copies of the policies, and any endorsements, shall be made available for inspection by Beneficiary upon request. If Grantor fails to obtain or maintain insurance policies and coverages as required by this Section 3.1 (“Required Insurance”) then

 

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Beneficiary shall have the right but shall not have the obligation immediately to procure any Required Insurance at Grantor’s cost. If any required insurance is provided using one or more blanket policies containing aggregate coverage limits, Beneficiary shall be commercially reasonable in approving such limits based upon the insured portfolio; provided, however, that Grantor shall provide Beneficiary with a written copy of the schedule of locations applicable to each such aggregate coverage limit.

(d) Grantor shall be required during the term of the Loan to continue to provide Beneficiary with original renewal policies or replacements of the insurance policies referenced in Section 3.1(a). Beneficiary may accept Certificates of Insurance evidencing insurance policies referenced in Subsections (a)(ii), (a)(iv), and (a)(vi) of this Section 3.1 instead of requiring the actual policies. Beneficiary shall be provided with renewal Certificates of Insurance, or Binders, not less than fifteen (15) days prior to each expiration. The failure of Grantor to maintain the insurance required under this Article 3 shall not constitute a waiver of Grantor’s obligation to fulfill these requirements.

(e) All binders, policies, endorsements, certificates, and cancellation notices are to be sent to the Beneficiary’s Address for Insurance Notification as set forth in the Defined Terms until changed by notice from Beneficiary.

3.2 ADJUSTMENT OF CLAIMS. Grantor hereby authorizes and empowers Beneficiary to settle, adjust or compromise any claims for damage to, or loss or destruction of, all or a portion of the Property, regardless of whether there are Insurance Proceeds available or whether any such Insurance Proceeds are sufficient in amount to fully compensate for such damage, loss or destruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default (or any event which with notice and/or the opportunity to cure would constitute an Event of Default) has occurred and is continuing, and so long as Beneficiary’s security shall not be impaired, (a) Grantor may negotiate and settle any such claims involving less than $750,000.00 without the consent of Beneficiary, and (b) Grantor may negotiate for a settlement, adjustment or compromise of any such claims involving $750,000.00 or more provided that the final settlement shall be subject to the written approval of Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion.

3.3 ASSIGNMENT TO BENEFICIARY. In the event of the foreclosure of this Deed of Trust or other transfer of the title to the Property in extinguishment of the Secured Indebtedness, all right, title and interest of Grantor in and to any insurance policy, or premiums or payments in satisfaction of claims or any other rights under these insurance policies and any other insurance policies covering the Property shall pass to the transferee of the Property.

ARTICLE 4

BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS

4.1 BOOKS AND RECORDS. Grantor shall keep adequate books and records of account in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), or in accordance with other methods acceptable to Beneficiary in its sole discretion, consistently applied and furnish to Beneficiary:

(a) Annually certified rent rolls signed and dated by Grantor, detailing the names of all tenants of the Improvements, the portion of Improvements occupied by each tenant, the base rent and any other charges payable under each Lease (as defined in Section 5.2) and the term of each Lease, including the expiration date, and any other information as is reasonably required by Beneficiary, within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal year;

 

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(b) A quarterly operating statement of the Property and year to date operating statements detailing the total revenues received, total expenses incurred, total cost of all capital improvements, total debt service and total cash flow, to be prepared and certified by Grantor in the form required by Beneficiary, and if available, any quarterly operating statement prepared by an independent certified public accountant, within thirty to sixty (30-60) days after the close of each fiscal quarter of Grantor;

(c) An annual balance sheet and profit and loss statement of Grantor in the form required by Beneficiary, prepared and certified by Grantor, or if required by Beneficiary, audited financial statements for Grantor and any Liable Parties prepared by an independent certified public accountant acceptable to Beneficiary within ninety (90) days after the close of each fiscal year of Grantor and the Liable Parties, as the case may be; and

(d) An annual operating budget presented on a monthly basis consistent with the annual operating statement described above for the Property including cash flow projections for the upcoming year and all proposed capital replacements and improvements at least fifteen (15) days prior to the start of each calendar year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the financial statements for Liable Parties to be provided pursuant to Section 4.1(c) do not need to be in accordance with GAAP, provided they are in accordance with the accounting method used in the financial statements of Liable Parties submitted to Beneficiary in connection with the application for the Loan.

4.2 ADDITIONAL MATTERS.

(a) Grantor shall furnish Beneficiary with such other additional financial or management information (including State and Federal tax returns) as may, from time to time, be reasonably required by Beneficiary or the rating agencies in form and substance satisfactory to Beneficiary or the rating agencies.

(b) Grantor shall furnish Beneficiary and its agents convenient facilities for the examination and audit of any such books and records.

(c) Beneficiary and its representatives shall have the right upon reasonable prior written notice to examine and audit the records, books, management and other papers of Grantor and its affiliates or of any guarantor or indemnitor which reflect upon their financial condition and/or the income, expenses and operations of the Property, at the Property or at any office regularly maintained by Grantor, its affiliates or any guarantor or indemnitor where the books and records are located. Beneficiary shall have the right upon notice to make copies and extracts from the foregoing records and other papers.

 

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ARTICLE 5

LEASES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY

5.1 GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Grantor represents and warrants to Trustee and Beneficiary as follows:

(a) There are no leases or occupancy agreements affecting the Property except those leases and amendments listed on Exhibit B to the Assignment of Leases and Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary true, correct and complete copies of all existing leases, including amendments (collectively, “Existing Leases”) and all guaranties and amendments of guaranties given in connection with the Existing Leases (the “Guaranties”).

(b) There are no material defaults by Grantor under the Existing Leases or Guaranties and, to the best knowledge of Grantor, except as may have been disclosed to Beneficiary in the tenant estoppel certificates delivered to Beneficiary in connection with the Loan, there are no material defaults by any tenants under the Existing Leases or any guarantors under the Guaranties. The Existing Leases and the Guaranties are in full force and effect.

(c) To the best knowledge of Grantor, none of the tenants now occupying ten percent (10%) or more of the Property or having a current lease affecting ten percent (10%) or more of the Property is the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceeding or any other debtor-creditor proceeding.

(d) Except as specifically set forth in the Existing Leases, no Existing Leases may be amended, terminated or canceled unilaterally by a tenant and no tenant may be released from its obligations, except in the event of (i) material damage to, or destruction of, the Property or (ii) condemnation.

5.2 ASSIGNMENT OF LEASES. In order to further secure payment of the Secured Indebtedness and the performance of Grantor’s obligations under the Loan Documents, Grantor absolutely, presently and unconditionally grants, assigns and transfers to Beneficiary all of Grantor’s right, title, interest and estate in, to and under (i) all of the Existing Leases and Guaranties affecting the Property and (ii) all of the future leases, lease amendments, guaranties and amendments of guaranties and (iii) the Rents and Profits. Grantor acknowledges that it is permitted to collect the Rents and Profits pursuant to a revocable license unless and until an Event of Default occurs. The Existing Leases and Guaranties and all future leases, lease amendments, guaranties and amendments of guaranties are collectively referred to as the “Leases.”

5.3 PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS.

(a) Grantor shall perform all material obligations under any and all Leases. If any of the acts described in paragraph (c) of this Section 5.3 are done without the written consent of Beneficiary, at the option of Beneficiary, they shall be of no force or effect and shall constitute a default under this Deed of Trust.

 

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(b) Upon request of Beneficiary, Grantor agrees to furnish Beneficiary executed copies of all future Leases entered into which affect the Property.

(c) Grantor shall not, without the express written consent of Beneficiary, (i) enter into or extend any Lease unless the Lease complies with the Leasing Guidelines which are attached to this Deed of Trust as Exhibit B (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit Grantor from allowing the extension of any Leases pursuant to any extension options existing under the Existing Leases or Leases hereafter entered into in accordance with the terms hereof), or (ii) cancel or terminate any Leases or accept a surrender of any Leases except in the case of a default unless Grantor has entered into new Leases covering all of the premises of the Leases being terminated or surrendered or unless specifically permitted under any Existing Leases or Leases hereafter entered into in accordance with the terms hereof, or (iii) modify or amend any Leases in any material way or reduce the rent (unless any such Lease following such modification, amendment or reduction shall remain in compliance with the Leasing Guidelines), or (iv) unless the tenants remain liable under the Leases, consent to an assignment of the tenant’s interest or to a subletting of any of the Leases (except if any such consent is required by the terms of a Lease existing on the Execution Date and entered into in compliance with this Deed of Trust), or (v) accept payment of advance rents in an amount in excess of one month’s rent under any Lease. In the event that (i) Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary a written request for Beneficiary’s approval of a Lease or other leasing matter together with a summary of the business terms of such Lease or other leasing matter by a method which provides evidence of delivery, such as certified mail or a recognized national overnight delivery service, (ii) Beneficiary has failed to respond to such request within five (5) business days after Beneficiary’s receipt of such request, and (iii) Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary a second copy of such request by such a method, then, if Beneficiary has failed to respond to such second request within five (5) business days after Beneficiary’s receipt of such request, such request shall be deemed approved, provided that each such request included a legend prominently displayed at the top of the first page thereof in solid capital letters in bold face type of a font size not less than twelve (12) as follows: “WARNING: PURSUANT TO SECTION 5.3 OF THE DEED OF TRUST, YOU WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE APPROVED THIS REQUEST IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT.”

(d) Grantor shall not, without the express written consent of Beneficiary enter into any options to purchase the Property.

5.4 SUBORDINATE LEASES. Each Lease hereafter entered into affecting the Property shall be absolutely subordinate to the lien of this Deed of Trust and shall also contain a provision, satisfactory to Beneficiary, to the effect that (a) Beneficiary may elect to make such Lease superior to the lien of this Deed of Trust and (b) in the event of the judicial or non-judicial foreclosure of the Property, at the election of the acquiring foreclosure purchaser, the particular Lease shall not be terminated and the tenant shall attorn to the purchaser subject to the terms of such Lease. If requested to do so, the tenant shall agree to enter into a new Lease for the balance of the term upon the same terms and conditions. If Beneficiary requests, Grantor shall cause a tenant or tenants to enter into subordination and attornment agreements or nondisturbance agreements with Beneficiary on forms which have been approved by Beneficiary and Beneficiary shall negotiate such forms in good faith at Grantor’s cost, including payment of the

 

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reasonable fees of Beneficiary’s counsel. In addition, Beneficiary agrees to provide a nondisturbance agreement to any tenant (and to negotiate such agreement in good faith at Grantor’s cost, including payment of the reasonable fees of Beneficiary’s counsel), provided that such tenant’s Lease is approved by Beneficiary. Following the date hereof, Grantor shall request and use reasonable efforts to obtain a subordination, nondisturbance and attornment agreement on forms which have been approved by Beneficiary from each tenant under a Lease demising in excess of 8,000 square feet of rentable floor area in effect on the date hereof who has not yet provided such an agreement.

5.5 MANAGEMENT FEES. Grantor covenants and agrees that all contracts and agreements relating to the Property requiring the payment of management fees or other similar compensation shall (i) provide that the obligation will not be enforceable against Beneficiary and (ii) be subordinate to the lien of this Deed of Trust. Beneficiary will be provided evidence of Grantor’s compliance with this Section upon request.

 

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ARTICLE 6

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Grantor hereby represents, warrants, covenants and agrees to and with Beneficiary that (i) except as may be disclosed in the Initial Environmental Report (as defined in the Indemnity Agreement) or except as expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing, neither Grantor nor, to the best of Grantor’s knowledge, after due inquiry, any tenant, subtenant or occupant of the Property, has at any time placed, suffered or permitted the presence of any Hazardous Materials (as defined in Section 6.5) at, on, under, within or about the Property, except for Permitted Materials (as this term is defined in the Indemnity Agreement); (ii) except as may be disclosed in the Initial Environmental Report, to the best knowledge of Grantor, all operations or activities upon the Property, and any use or occupancy of the Property by Grantor, and any tenant, subtenant or occupant of the Property are presently and shall in the future be in compliance with all Requirements of Environmental Laws (as defined in Section 6.6); (iii) Grantor will use reasonable best efforts to assure that any tenant, subtenant or occupant of the Property shall in the future be in compliance with all Requirements of Environmental Laws with respect to the Property; (iv) except as may be disclosed in the Initial Environmental Report, Grantor does not know of, and has not received, any written or oral notice or other communication from any person or entity (including, without limitation, a governmental entity) relating to Hazardous Materials or Remedial Work pertaining thereto, of possible liability of any person or entity pursuant to any Requirements of Environmental Laws, other environmental conditions in connection with the Property, or any actual administrative or judicial proceedings in connection with any of the foregoing; (v) Grantor shall not do (and shall use its reasonable best efforts not to allow any tenant or other user of the Property to do) any act that materially increases the dangers to human health or the environment, poses an unreasonable risk of harm to any person or entity (whether on or off the Property), impairs or may impair the value of the Property, is contrary to any requirement of any insurer, constitutes a public or private nuisance, constitutes waste, or violates any covenant, condition, agreement or easement applicable to the Property; and (vi) Grantor has truthfully and fully provided to Beneficiary, in writing, any and all information relating to environmental conditions in, on, under or from the Property that is known to Grantor and that is contained in Grantor’s files and records, including, without limitation, any reports relating to Hazardous Materials in, on, under or from the Property and/or to the environmental condition of the Property.

6.2 REMEDIAL WORK. In the event any investigation or monitoring of site conditions or any clean-up, containment, restoration, removal or other remedial work (collectively, the “Remedial Work”) is required under any Requirements of Environmental Laws, Grantor shall perform or cause to be performed the Remedial Work in compliance with the applicable law, regulation, order or agreement. All Remedial Work shall be performed by one or more contractors, selected by Grantor and approved in advance in writing by Beneficiary, and under the supervision of a consulting engineer, selected by Grantor and approved in advance in writing by Beneficiary. All costs and expenses of Remedial Work shall be paid by Grantor including, without limitation, the charges of the contractor(s) and/or the consulting engineer, and Beneficiary’s reasonable attorneys’, architects’ and/or consultants’ fees and costs incurred in connection with monitoring or review of the Remedial Work. In the event Grantor shall fail to timely commence, or cause to be commenced, or fail to diligently prosecute to completion, the Remedial Work, Beneficiary may, but shall not be required to, cause such Remedial Work to be performed, subject to the provisions of Sections 11.5 and 11.6.

 

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6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT. Beneficiary shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, to undertake an environmental site assessment on the Property, including any testing that Beneficiary may determine, in its sole discretion, is necessary or desirable to ascertain the environmental condition of the Property and the compliance of the Property with Requirements of Environmental Laws. Any such assessment and/or testing shall be at the sole expense of Grantor if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or if Beneficiary reasonably believes that Hazardous Materials are present in, on, under or from the Property in violation of Requirements of Environmental Laws. Grantor shall cooperate fully with Beneficiary and its consultants performing such assessments and tests.

6.4 UNSECURED OBLIGATIONS. No amounts which may become owing by Grantor to Beneficiary under this Article 6 or under any other provision of this Deed of Trust as a result of a breach of or violation of this Article 6 shall be secured by this Deed of Trust. The obligations shall continue in full force and effect and any breach of this Article 6 shall constitute a default under this Deed of Trust. The lien of this Deed of Trust shall not secure (i) any obligations evidenced by or arising under the Indemnity Agreement (“Unsecured Obligations”), or (ii) any other obligations to the extent that they are the same or have the same effect as any of the Unsecured Obligations. The Unsecured Obligations shall continue in full force, and any breach or default of any such obligations shall constitute a breach or default under this Deed of Trust but the proceeds of any foreclosure sale shall not be applied against Unsecured Obligations. Nothing in this Section shall in any way limit or otherwise affect the right of Beneficiary to obtain a judgment in accordance with applicable law for any deficiency in recovery of all obligations that are secured by this Deed of Trust following foreclosure, notwithstanding that the deficiency judgment may result from diminution in the value of the Property by reason of any event or occurrence pertaining to Hazardous Materials or any Requirements of Environmental Laws.

6.5 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. “Hazardous Materials” shall include without limitation:

(a) Those substances included within the definitions of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “toxic substances,” or “solid waste” in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (as amended), 42 U.S.C. Sections 9601 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (as amended), 42 U.S.C. Sections 6901 et seq. (“RCRA”), and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (as amended), 49 U.S.C. Sections 1501 et seq., and in the regulations promulgated pursuant to said laws, all as amended;

(b) Those substances listed in the United States Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101 and amendments thereto) listed in Table 302.4 – List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities (40 CFR Part 302 and amendments thereto) or listed in the List of Extremely Hazardous Substances and Their Threshold Planning Quantities (40 CFR Part 355, App. A, and amendments thereto);

 

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(c) Any material, waste or substance which is (A) petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, synthetic gas usable for fuel, or any mixture thereof, (B) asbestos, (C) polychlorinated biphenyls, (D) designated as a “hazardous substance” pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. (33 U.S.C. § 1321) or listed pursuant to Section 307 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1317), (E) a chemical substance or mixture regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq., (F) flammable explosives, (G) radioactive materials, (H) unexploded ordinance, (I) pesticides, fungicides, insecticides or rodenticides, or (J) a hazardous air pollutant that is or may be listed under § 112 of the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq. (42 U.S.C. § 7412);

(d) Any material, waste or substance that is included within and regulated by Title 8 of District of Columbia Official Code (2001), as amended; and

(e) Such other substances, materials and wastes which are or become regulated as hazardous or toxic under applicable local, state or federal law, or the United States government, or which are classified as hazardous or toxic under federal, state, or local laws or regulations, and any other chemical, material or substance, exposure to which is prohibited, limited or regulated by any governmental authority or which may or could pose a hazard to the environment or human health or safety.

6.6 REQUIREMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. “Requirements of Environmental Laws” means all requirements of environmental, ecological, health, or industrial hygiene laws or regulations or rules of common law related to the Property, including, without limitation, all requirements imposed by any environmental permit, law, rule, order, or regulation of any federal, state, or local executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative agency, which relate to (i) exposure to Hazardous Materials; (ii) pollution or protection of the air, surface water, ground water, land; (iii) solid, gaseous, or liquid waste generation, treatment, storage, disposal, or transportation; or (iv) regulation of the manufacture, processing, distribution and commerce, use, or storage of Hazardous Materials.

ARTICLE 7

CASUALTY, CONDEMNATION AND RESTORATION

7.1 GRANTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS. Grantor represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Except as expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing, no casualty or damage to any part of the Property which would cost more than $50,000 to restore or replace has occurred which has not been fully restored or replaced.

(b) No part of the Property has been taken in condemnation or other similar proceeding or transferred in lieu of condemnation, nor has Grantor received notice of any proposed condemnation or other similar proceeding affecting the Property.

 

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(c) There is no pending proceeding for total or partial condemnation of the Property.

7.2 RESTORATION.

(a) Grantor shall give prompt written notice of any casualty to the Property to Beneficiary whether or not required to be insured against. The notice shall describe the nature and cause of the casualty and the extent of the damage to the Property.

(b) Grantor assigns to Beneficiary all Insurance Proceeds which Grantor is entitled to receive in connection with a casualty whether or not such insurance is required under this Deed of Trust. In the event of any damage to or destruction of the Property, and provided (1) an Event of Default does not currently exist, and (2) Beneficiary has determined that (i) there has not been an Impairment of the Security (as defined in Section 7.2(c)), and (ii) the repair, restoration and rebuilding of any portion of the Property that has been partially damaged or destroyed (the “Restoration”) can be accomplished in full compliance with all Requirements to the same condition, character and general utility as nearly as possible to that existing prior to the casualty and at least equal in value as that existing prior to the casualty, then Grantor covenants and agrees to commence and diligently pursue to completion the Restoration and the Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the cost of Restoration in accordance with the terms of this Article. Beneficiary shall hold and disburse the Insurance Proceeds less the cost, if any, to Beneficiary of recovering the Insurance Proceeds including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, and adjusters’ fees (the “Net Insurance Proceeds”) to the Restoration.

(c) For the purpose of this Article, “Impairment of the Security” shall mean any or all of the following: (i) any of the Leases covering more than 20,000 square feet existing immediately prior to the damage, destruction, condemnation or casualty shall have been cancelled, or shall contain any exercisable right to cancel as a result of the damage, destruction or casualty (and the tenant thereunder shall not have waived or be deemed to have waived such right); (ii) the casualty or damage occurs during the last year of the term of the Loan; or (iii) restoration of the Property is estimated to require more than one year to complete from the date of the occurrence.

(d) If the Net Insurance Proceeds are to be used for the Restoration in accordance with this Article, Grantor shall comply with Beneficiary’s Requirements For Restoration as set forth in Section 7.4 below. Upon Grantor’s satisfaction and completion of the Requirements For Restoration and upon confirmation that there is no Event of Default then existing (including any Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(h)), Beneficiary shall pay any remaining Restoration Funds (as defined in Section 7.4 below) then held by Beneficiary to Grantor.

(e) In the event that the conditions for Restoration set forth in this Section have not been met, Beneficiary may, at its option, apply the Net Insurance Proceeds to the reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and Beneficiary may declare the entire Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable, without the payment of the Prepayment Fee, as

 

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defined in the Note. Any remaining Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the reduction of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations. After payment in full of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, any remaining Restoration Funds shall be paid to Grantor.

7.3 CONDEMNATION.

(a) If the Property or any part of the Property is taken by reason of any condemnation or similar eminent domain proceeding, or by a grant or conveyance in lieu of condemnation or eminent domain (“Condemnation”), Beneficiary shall be entitled to all compensation, awards, damages, proceeds and payments or relief for the Condemnation (“Condemnation Proceeds”). At its option, Beneficiary shall be entitled to commence, appear in and prosecute in its own name any action or proceeding or to make any compromise or settlement in connection with such Condemnation. Grantor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Beneficiary as its attorney-in-fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to commence, appear in and prosecute any action or proceeding or to make any compromise or settlement in connection with any such Condemnation; provided, however, that so long as there is no Event of Default hereunder or any event which with the passage of time and/or the giving of notice would constitute an Event of Default, Beneficiary shall consult with Grantor prior to making any such compromise or settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default (or any event which with notice and/or the opportunity to cure would constitute an Event of Default) has occurred and is continuing, and so long as Beneficiary’s security shall not be impaired, (i) Grantor may settle any such Condemnation involving less than $250,000.00 without the consent of Beneficiary, and (ii) Grantor may negotiate for a settlement, adjustment or compromise of any such Condemnation involving $250,000.00 or more provided that the final settlement shall be subject to the written approval of Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion.

(b) Grantor assigns to Beneficiary all Condemnation Proceeds which Grantor is entitled to receive. In the event of any Condemnation, and provided (1) an Event of Default does not currently exist, and (2) Beneficiary has determined that (i) there has not been an Impairment of the Security, and (ii) the Restoration of any portion of the Property that has not been taken can be accomplished in full compliance with all Requirements to the same condition, character and general utility as nearly as possible to that existing prior to the taking and at least equal in value as that existing prior to the taking, then Grantor shall commence and diligently pursue to completion the Restoration. Beneficiary shall hold and disburse the Condemnation Proceeds less the cost, if any, to Beneficiary of recovering the Condemnation Proceeds including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, and adjusters’ fees (the “Net Condemnation Proceeds”) to the Restoration.

(c) In the event the Net Condemnation Proceeds are to be used for the Restoration, Grantor shall comply with Beneficiary’s Requirements For Restoration as set forth in Section 7.4 below. Upon Grantor’s satisfaction and completion of the Requirements For Restoration and upon confirmation that there is no Event of Default then existing (including any Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(h)), Beneficiary shall pay any remaining Restoration Funds (as defined in Section 7.4 below) then held by Beneficiary to Grantor.

 

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(d) In the event that the conditions for Restoration set forth in this Section have not been met, Beneficiary may, at its option, apply the Net Condemnation Proceeds to the reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and Beneficiary may declare the entire Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable, without the payment of the Prepayment Fee. Any remaining Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the reduction of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations. After payment in full of the Secured Indebtedness, any remaining Restoration Funds shall be paid to Grantor.

7.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTORATION. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in a writing signed by Beneficiary, the following are the Requirements For Restoration:

(a) If the Net Insurance Proceeds or Net Condemnation Proceeds are to be used for the Restoration, prior to the commencement of any Restoration work (the “Work”), Grantor shall provide Beneficiary (i) for its review and written approval complete plans and specifications for the Work which (A) have been approved by all required governmental authorities, (B) have been approved by an architect reasonably satisfactory to Beneficiary (the “Architect”) and (C) are accompanied by Architect’s signed statement of the total estimated cost of the Work (the “Approved Plans and Specifications”); (ii) the amount of money which Beneficiary reasonably determines will be sufficient when added to the Net Insurance Proceeds or Condemnation Proceeds to pay the entire cost of the Restoration (collectively referred to as the “Restoration Funds”); (iii) evidence that the Approved Plans and Specifications and the Work are in compliance with all Requirements; (iv) an executed contract for construction with a contractor reasonably satisfactory to Beneficiary (the “Contractor”) in a form approved by Beneficiary in writing; and (v) if reasonably requested by Beneficiary, a surety bond and/or guarantee of payment with respect to the completion of the Work. The bond or guarantee shall be satisfactory to Beneficiary in form and amount and shall be signed by a surety or other entities who are acceptable to Beneficiary.

(b) Grantor shall not commence the Work, other than temporary work to protect the Property or prevent interference with business, until Grantor shall have complied with the requirements of subsection (a) of this Section 7.4. So long as there does not currently exist an Event of Default and the following conditions have been complied with or, in Beneficiary’s discretion, waived, Beneficiary shall disburse the Restoration Funds in increments to Grantor, from time to time as the Work progresses:

(i) Architect shall be in charge of the Work;

(ii) Beneficiary shall disburse the Restoration Funds directly or through escrow with a title company selected by Grantor and approved by Beneficiary, upon not less than ten (10) days’ prior written notice from Grantor to Beneficiary and Grantor’s delivery to Beneficiary of (A) Grantor’s written request for payment (a “Request for Payment”) accompanied by a certificate by Architect in a form satisfactory to Beneficiary which states that (a) all of the Work completed to that date has been completed in compliance with the Approved Plans and Specifications and in accordance with all Requirements, (b) the amount requested has been paid or is then due and payable and is properly a part of the cost of the Work and (c) when added to all sums previously paid by Beneficiary, the requested amount does not exceed the

 

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value of the Work completed to the date of such certificate; and (B) evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary that the balance of the Restoration Funds remaining after making the payments shall be sufficient to pay the balance of the cost of the Work. Each Request for Payment shall be accompanied by (x) waivers of liens covering that part of the Work previously paid for, if any, (y) a title search or by other evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary that no mechanic’s or materialmen’s liens or other similar liens for labor or materials supplied in connection with the Work have been filed against the Property and not discharged of record, and (z) an endorsement to Beneficiary’s title policy insuring that no encumbrance exists on or affects the Property other than the Permitted Exceptions; and

(iii) The final Request for Payment shall be accompanied by (A) a final certificate of occupancy or other evidence of approval of appropriate governmental authorities for the use and occupancy of the Improvements, (B) evidence that the Restoration has been completed in accordance with the Approved Plans and Specifications and all Requirements, (C) evidence that the costs of the Restoration have been paid in full, and (D) evidence that no mechanic’s or similar liens for labor or material supplied in connection with the Restoration are outstanding against the Property, including final waivers of liens covering all of the Work and an endorsement to Beneficiary’s title policy insuring that no encumbrance exists on or affects the Property other than the Permitted Exceptions.

(c) If (A) within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of any damage, destruction or condemnation requiring Restoration, Grantor fails to submit to Beneficiary and receive Beneficiary’s approval of plans and specifications or fails to deposit with Beneficiary the additional amount necessary to accomplish the Restoration as provided in subparagraph (a) above, or (B) after such plans and specifications are approved by all such governmental authorities and Beneficiary, Grantor fails to commence promptly or diligently continue to completion the Restoration, or (C) Grantor becomes delinquent in payment to mechanics, materialmen or others for the costs incurred in connection with the Restoration, or (D) there exists an Event of Default (including any Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(h)), then, in addition to all of the rights herein set forth and after ten (10) days’ written notice of the non-fulfillment of one or more of these conditions, Beneficiary may apply the Restoration Funds to reduce the Secured Indebtedness and at Beneficiary’s option and in its sole discretion, Beneficiary may declare the Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable together with the Prepayment Fee. Any remaining Net Insurance Proceeds shall be applied to the reduction of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations.

ARTICLE 8

REPRESENTATIONS OF GRANTOR

8.1 ERISA. Grantor hereby represents, warrants and agrees that: (i) it is acting on its own behalf and that it is not an employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), which is subject to Title 1 of ERISA, nor a plan as defined in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as

 

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amended (each of the foregoing hereinafter referred to collectively as a “Plan”); (ii) Grantor’s assets do not constitute “plan assets” of one or more such Plans within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulation Section 2510.3-101; and (iii) it will not be reconstituted as a Plan or as an entity whose assets constitute “plan assets.”

8.2 NON-RELATIONSHIP. Neither Grantor nor, to Grantor’s knowledge, any person who is a Grantor’s Constituent (as defined in Section 8.3), but subject to the next sentence is (i) a director or officer of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”), (ii) a parent, son or daughter of a director or officer of MetLife, or a descendent of any of them, (iii) a stepparent, adopted child, stepson or stepdaughter of a director or officer of MetLife, or (iv) a spouse of a director or officer of MetLife. For purposes of this paragraph only, the term “Grantor’s Constituents” shall not be deemed to include any shareholders (collectively, the “Shareholders”) of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.) or any limited partners of Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Piedmont Partnership”).

8.3 NO ADVERSE CHANGE. Grantor represents and warrants that:

(a) There has been no material adverse change from the conditions shown in the application submitted for the Loan by Grantor (the “Application”) or in the materials submitted in connection with the Application in the credit rating or financial condition of Grantor or the Liable Parties or, to the best knowledge of Grantor, any entity which is a general partner, shareholder or member of Grantor (collectively, “Grantor’s Constituents”).

(b) Grantor has delivered to Beneficiary true and correct copies of all Grantor’s organizational documents and except as expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing, there have been no changes in Grantor’s Constituents since the date that the Application was executed by Grantor.

(c) Neither Grantor, nor any of Grantor’s Constituents, is involved in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, dissolution or liquidation proceeding, and to the best knowledge of Grantor, no such proceeding is contemplated or threatened.

(d) Grantor has received reasonably equivalent value for the granting of this Deed of Trust.

8.4 FOREIGN INVESTOR. Neither Grantor nor any partner, member or shareholder of Grantor is a “foreign person” within the meaning of Sections 1445 and 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

8.5 US PATRIOT ACT. Neither Grantor nor, to Grantor’s knowledge, any partner, member or shareholder of Grantor is, and no legal or beneficial interest in a partner, member or shareholder of Grantor is or will be held, directly or indirectly by a person or entity (excluding any Shareholders and any limited partners of Piedmont Partnership) that appears on a list of individuals and/or entities for which transactions are prohibited by the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control or any similar list maintained by any other governmental authority, with respect to which entering into transactions with such person or entity would violate the US Patriot Act or regulations or any Presidential Executive Order or any other similar applicable law, ordinance, order, rule or regulation.

 

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ARTICLE 9

EXCULPATION AND LIABILITY

9.1 LIABILITY OF GRANTOR.

(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, except as provided in this Section 9.1, Beneficiary will look solely to the Property (and the Property encumbered by the Related Deed of Trust) and the security under the Loan Documents (and the security under the Related Loan Documents) for the repayment of the Loan and will not enforce a deficiency judgment against Grantor. However, nothing contained in this section shall limit the rights of Beneficiary to enforce any policies of insurance or to proceed against Grantor and the general partners of Grantor, if any, and/or the Liable Parties or any one or more of them (i) to enforce any Leases entered into by Grantor or its affiliates as tenant, guarantees, or other agreements entered into by Grantor in a capacity other than as borrower; (ii) to recover damages for fraud, material misrepresentation, material breach of warranty or waste committed by Grantor or any constituent thereof; (iii) to recover any Condemnation Proceeds or Insurance Proceeds or other similar funds which have been misapplied by Grantor or which, under the terms of the Loan Documents, should have been paid to Beneficiary; (iv) to recover any tenant security deposits, tenant letters of credit or other deposits or refundable fees paid to Grantor that are part of the collateral for the Loan or prepaid rents for a period of more than 30 days which have not been delivered to Beneficiary unless applied in accordance with the Leases prior to an Event of Default; (v) to recover Rents and Profits received by Grantor after the first day of the month in which an Event of Default occurs and prior to the date Beneficiary acquires title to the Property which have not been applied to the Loan or in accordance with the Loan Documents to operating and maintenance expenses of the Property; (vi) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, any breach of a covenant contained in Article 6 hereof or the Indemnity Agreement; (vii) to recover any amount expended by Beneficiary in connection with a foreclosure or trustee’s sale hereunder; (viii) to recover damages arising from Grantor’s failure to comply with Section 8.1 of this Deed of Trust pertaining to ERISA; and/or (ix) to recover damages, costs and expenses arising from, or in connection with, Grantor’s failure to pay any Impositions or Premiums.

(b) The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 9.1 shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that prior to the indefeasible payment in full of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations (i) Grantor commences a voluntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or (ii) an involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding is commenced against Grantor and Grantor or any related party has directly or indirectly encouraged, participated with, or colluded with the parties filing such involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding to file such proceeding. In addition, this agreement shall not waive any rights which Beneficiary would have under any provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to file a claim for the full amount of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations or to require that the Property shall continue to secure all of the Secured Indebtedness and the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations.

 

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(c) The limitation of liability set forth in this Section 9.1 also shall not apply and the Loan shall be fully recourse in the event that there is any violation of Sections 10.1 or 10.2 hereof.

ARTICLE 10

CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP, CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY

10.1 CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY, CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND COMPOSITION.

(a) Grantor shall not cause or permit: (i) the Property, or any interest in the Property, to be conveyed, transferred, assigned, encumbered (except for Permitted Exceptions), sold or otherwise disposed of; or (ii) any transfer, assignment or conveyance of any interest in Grantor or in the partners, or shareholders, or members or beneficiaries of, Grantor or of any of Grantor’s Constituents; or (iii) any merger, reorganization, dissolution or other change in the ownership structure of Grantor or any of the members of Grantor, including, without limitation, any conversion of Grantor or any member of Grantor from a limited liability company to a general partnership, limited partnership, or a limited liability partnership, or vice-versa (collectively, “Transfers”).

(b) The prohibitions on transfer shall not be applicable to (i) Transfers as a result of the death of a natural person; or (ii) Transfers in connection with estate planning between or among a revocable trust or a natural person to a spouse, son or daughter or descendant of either, a stepson or stepdaughter or descendant of either; or (iii) Transfers to or from a spouse in connection with the dissolution of a marriage; or (iv) Transfers of shareholder interests in Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont REIT”) or limited partner interests in Piedmont Partnership (as defined in Section 8.2) so long as Grantor pays to Beneficiary all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with any proposed Transfer pursuant to the preceding clauses (i), (ii), or (iii), if any, including without limitation title insurance premiums, documentation and recording costs, and reasonable attorneys’ costs and fees.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers to or among the constituent members of Grantor or the constituent owners of any of Grantor’s Constituents shall be permitted without the consent of Beneficiary provided that (i) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default; (ii) Piedmont REIT remains the General Partner of Piedmont Partnership and maintains at least a 51% ownership interest therein, (iii) Piedmont Partnership maintains at least a 48.02% ownership interest in Grantor, either directly or through intermediate entities; (iv) Piedmont Partnership retains the sole right and power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of Grantor; (v) the entity that comprises Grantor after the completion of such transfers shall be able to and shall make the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof; (vi) Grantor notifies Beneficiary of any such transfer and provides any information Beneficiary may reasonably require in connection therewith (provided,

 

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however, that with respect to transfers of interests in those Grantor’s Constituents that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership, Grantor shall notify Beneficiary of such transfer and provide such information to Beneficiary when Grantor is notified of such transfer and obtains such information and provided further that Grantor shall not be required to provide any notification to Beneficiary of, or provide Beneficiary with any information with respect to, any transfer of any direct or indirect interest in Piedmont Partnership by or among any Shareholders), and (vii) Grantor pays to Beneficiary a $5,000.00 processing fee and any other reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with any transfer or transfers in a single transaction, including document costs, if any, and reasonable attorneys’ fees (provided, however, that such fee shall not be payable with respect to the transfer of any direct or indirect interest in Piedmont Partnership by or among any Shareholders). In addition, notwithstanding Subsections 10.1(a)(ii) and 10.1(a)(iii) above, the Piedmont Lender (as hereafter defined), which is an affiliate of Grantor and whose ownership interests are owned (directly or indirectly) by the same entity that owns the ownership interests in 1225 Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Piedmont Sub”), may be admitted as a non-managing member of Grantor without the consent of Beneficiary provided that conditions (i) through (vii) of this Subsection 10.1(c) are satisfied and that all of the ownership interests in Piedmont Lender are held (directly or indirectly) by the same entity that owns the ownership interests in Piedmont Sub. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, transfers or issuance of stock in Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Washington Properties, Inc. (“Washington Properties”) and the sole member of Piedmont Sub, shall be permitted without the consent of Beneficiary provided that conditions (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) of this Subsection 10.1(c) are satisfied and provided that Piedmont Partnership continues to own at least 98% of the stock of Washington Properties. Furthermore, notwithstanding Subsections 10.1(a)(ii) and 10.1(a)(iii) above, the members of Grantor and the owners of any of Grantor’s Constituents that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership (such members and owners as of the time immediately following the transfer by Beacon Capital Strategic Partners II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership of all of its interest in Washington Properties [then known as BCSP II Washington Properties, Inc.] to Piedmont Partnership on or about November 19, 2003) shall be permitted to transfer their direct or indirect interests in Grantor to a party or parties that are not members of Grantor or owners of any of Grantor’s Constituents without the consent of Beneficiary provided that: (I) conditions (i) through (vii) of this Subsection 10.1(c) are satisfied and (II) on the first date that more than twenty percent (20%) of such ownership interests (direct or indirect) in Grantor in the aggregate are transferred in one or more transactions, Grantor shall pay to Beneficiary a transfer fee equal to one one-hundredth of one percent (0.01%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan for each percentage point of such ownership interest (direct or indirect) in Grantor being transferred that is in excess of such aggregate twenty percent (20%) ownership interest threshold. As an example of the foregoing, if in one transaction or over several transactions, thirty percent (30%) of the direct or indirect ownership interests in Grantor that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership in the aggregate are transferred, then Grantor will be required to pay a transfer fee equal to ten (10) basis points (or 0.10%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time the last such transfer occurs; if, subsequently, an additional five percent (5%) of the direct or indirect ownership interests in Grantor that are not affiliated with Piedmont Partnership are transferred, then Grantor will be required to pay an additional transfer fee equal to five (5) basis points (or 0.05%) of the

 

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outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time such transfer occurs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Shareholders shall have the right to transfer direct or indirect interests in Piedmont Partnership without the requirement that Grantor provide any prior or subsequent notice to Beneficiary thereof and without the requirement that Grantor pay any fee or charge to Beneficiary. Any such transfer will not relieve Grantor of its obligations under the Note or any of the other Loan Documents, the obligations of the Liable Parties under the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement, the obligations of Related Borrower under the Related Loan Documents, or the obligations of the “Liable Parties” under the “Guaranty” or the “Indemnity Agreement” as such quoted terms are defined in the Related Deed of Trust . For purposes hereof, the term “Piedmont Lender” shall mean TTF Lending LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and permitted assigns.

(d) In addition, the original named Grantor shall have a one-time right to transfer the Property (subject to the Loan), either directly, by a transfer of all or substantially all of the ownership interests in Grantor or by a transfer of all or substantially all of the ownership interests in Grantor owned (directly or indirectly) by Piedmont Partnership, to a third party (the “First Third Party Transferee”) provided that (i) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement (or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default) either at the time of the request or at any time thereafter through the date of the Transfer; (ii) Grantor obtains Beneficiary’s written approval of the proposed First Third Party Transferee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed provided that the criteria set forth in this Subsection 10.1(d) are met; (iii) the First Third Party Transferee shall be experienced in the ownership, management and leasing of properties similar to the Property; (iv) the First Third Party Transferee shall have both a controlling and managing equity interest of real estate assets with an aggregate market value of not less than Six Hundred Million Dollars ($600,000,000.00) in the normal course of business, and such First Third Party Transferee shall have an equity interest in such real estate assets of not less than the greater of (A) $200,000,000.00 or (B) thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate value of such real estate assets as reasonably determined by Beneficiary; (v) the First Third Party Transferee shall (A) not be an adverse party, either directly or indirectly, in any litigation involving Beneficiary which seeks either injunctive relief or more than $10,000,000.00 in damages or which has as its subject matter real estate-related assets, (B) be able to and shall make the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof, and (C) not be the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceedings or any criminal charges or proceedings; (vi) the unpaid principal balance of the Loan shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the value of the Property based upon a bona fide sales price; (vii) in the opinion of Beneficiary, the annual Net Operating Income (as hereafter defined) during the then upcoming 12-month period to be derived from the Property at the time of the transfer (as calculated pursuant to space leases with tenants who are in actual occupancy, pay rent on a current basis, and are not in default) shall be at least one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the aggregate amount of monthly installments due under the Note and any subordinate financing (with all accrued obligations thereunder being treated as currently due); (viii) Grantor or the First Third Party Transferee shall pay to Beneficiary a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time of the transfer together with a non-refundable processing fee of $25,000.00; (ix) another party or parties reasonably acceptable to Beneficiary shall execute agreements similar to the Indemnity Agreement and the

 

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Guaranty with respect to events arising or occurring from and after the date of the transfer, in a form and manner satisfactory to Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion, which additional party or parties shall have in the aggregate a net worth of not less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00); (x) the First Third Party Transferee shall expressly assume all obligations of Grantor under the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement in a manner satisfactory to Beneficiary, in its sole and absolute discretion; and (xi) Grantor or such First Third Party Transferee shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with the transfer, including title insurance premiums, documentation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Any such transfer will not relieve Grantor of its obligations under the Note, any of the Loan Documents or the Indemnity Agreement or the obligations of the Liable Parties under the Guaranty and the Indemnity Agreement arising prior to the date of the transfer. The inclusion of a reference to subordinate financing in clause (vii) above shall not be construed as a consent by Beneficiary to any such subordinate financing, except as permitted in Section 10.2; any such consent may be granted or withheld in Beneficiary’s sole and absolute discretion. In determining the loan to value ratio and the debt service coverage ratio for purposes of clauses (vi) and (vii) above, the unpaid principal balance of, and the payments required or accrued under, the Second Loan and the Third Loan (as such terms are defined in Section 10.2) shall be disregarded. The term “Net Operating Income” as used herein means the projected rent and other collection generated by the Property, less all projected operating expenses, including but not limited to real estate taxes and insurance premiums.

(e) In addition, the First Third Party Transferee shall have a one-time right to transfer the Property (subject to the Loan), either directly or by a transfer of all or substantially all of the ownership interests in Grantor, to a third party (the “Second Third Party Transferee”) provided that (i) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement (or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default) either at the time of the request or at any time thereafter through the date of the Transfer; (ii) the First Third Party Transferee obtains Beneficiary’s written approval of the proposed Second Third Party Transferee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed provided that the criteria set forth in this Subsection 10.1(e) are met; (iii) the Second Third Party Transferee shall be experienced in the ownership, management and leasing of properties similar to the Property; (iv) the Second Third Party Transferee shall have both a controlling and managing equity interest of real estate assets with an aggregate market value of not less than Six Hundred Million Dollars ($600,000,000.00) in the normal course of business, and such Second Third Party Transferee shall have an equity interest in such real estate assets of not less than the greater of (A) $200,000,000.00 or (B) thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate value of such real estate assets as reasonably determined by Beneficiary; (v) the Second Third Party Transferee shall (A) not be an adverse party, either directly or indirectly, in any litigation involving Beneficiary which seeks either injunctive relief or more than $10,000,000.00 in damages or which has as its subject matter real estate-related assets, (B) be able to and shall make the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof, and (C) not be the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceedings or any criminal charges or proceedings; (vi) the unpaid principal balance of the Loan shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the value of the Property based upon a bona fide sales price; (vii) in the opinion of Beneficiary, the annual Net Operating Income during the then upcoming 12-month period to be derived from the

 

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Property at the time of the transfer (as calculated pursuant to space leases with tenants who are in actual occupancy, pay rent on a current basis, and are not in default) shall be at least one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the aggregate amount of monthly installments due under the Note and any subordinate financing (with all accrued obligations thereunder being treated as currently due); (viii) the First Third Party Transferee or the Second Third Party Transferee shall pay to Beneficiary a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the outstanding principal balance of the Loan at the time of the transfer together with a non-refundable processing fee of $25,000.00; (ix) another party or parties reasonably acceptable to Beneficiary shall execute agreements similar to the Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty with respect to events arising or occurring from and after the date of the transfer, in a form and manner satisfactory to Beneficiary in its sole and absolute discretion, which additional party or parties shall have in the aggregate a net worth of not less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00); (x) the Second Third Party Transferee shall expressly assume all obligations of the First Third Party Transferee under the Loan Documents and the Indemnity Agreement in a manner satisfactory to Beneficiary, in its sole and absolute discretion; and (xi) the First Third Party Transferee or the Second Third Party Transferee shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with the transfer, including title insurance premiums, documentation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Any such transfer will not relieve the First Third Party Transferee of its obligations under the Note, any of the Loan Documents or the Indemnity Agreement or the obligations of persons and/or entities who became the Liable Parties pursuant to clause (ix) of Section 10.1(d) under the Guaranty and the Indemnity Agreement arising prior to the date of the transfer. The inclusion of a reference to subordinate financing in clause (vii) above shall not be construed as a consent by Beneficiary to any such subordinate financing, except as permitted in Section 10.2; any such consent may be granted or withheld in Beneficiary’s sole and absolute discretion. In determining the loan to value ratio and the debt service coverage ratio for purposes of clauses (vi) and (vii) above, the unpaid principal balance of, and the payments required or accrued under, the Subordinate Loan (as such term is defined in Section 10.2) shall be disregarded.

(f) In addition, provided that no transfer has occurred pursuant to Sections 10.1(d) or (e), transfers as a result of the merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Piedmont REIT or Piedmont Partnership (which merger, consolidation or sale does not result in the conveyance of title to the Real Property) shall be permitted provided that (i) Beneficiary shall have received not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice (“Notice of Proposed Transfer”) of the contemplated merger, consolidation or sale, which notice shall state whether or not the proposed transferee (as hereafter defined) fulfills the requirements of this Subparagraph (f), and if so shall also include evidence satisfactory to Beneficiary of the fulfillment of such requirements; (ii) there shall not then be a default or Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement (or any event which would, after the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute such a default) either at the time of such notice to Beneficiary or at any time thereafter through the date of the Transfer; (iii) the surviving entity after such merger or consolidation or the transferee of such assets, as the case may be (such surviving entity or transferee, as the case may be, being hereafter called “transferee”) (or its constituent owners) shall be an Institutional Investor (as hereafter defined), (iv) neither the transferee nor any of its constituent owners shall be an adverse party, either directly or indirectly, in any litigation involving Beneficiary which seeks either injunctive relief or more than $10,000,000.00 in damages or which has as its subject

 

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matter real estate-related assets, (v) such merger, consolidation or sale shall not cause to be inaccurate the warranties set forth in Sections 8.1, 8.4 and 8.5 hereof, and Section 8.2 hereof (except for the ownership of stock in an entity which is traded on a national securities exchange or through the NASDAQ national marketing system and except with respect to an offering of stock to the public pursuant to a registered securities offering, the transfer of stock on a national securities exchange or through the NASDAQ national market system); (vi) neither the transferee nor its constituent owners (other than shareholders of an entity which is traded on a national securities exchange or through the NASDAQ national market system) shall be the subject of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceedings or any criminal charges or proceedings; (vii) Piedmont Partnership or another party or parties reasonably acceptable to Beneficiary shall execute agreements substantially identical to the Indemnity Agreement and the Guaranty with respect to events arising or occurring from and after the date of such merger, consolidation or transfer; (viii) Grantor shall provide Beneficiary with evidence of compliance with all of the foregoing conditions in sufficient detail in order to enable Beneficiary to determine whether the conditions of this Section 10.1(f) are satisfied; and (ix) Grantor or the transferee shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in connection with reviewing the evidence establishing compliance with this Section 10.1(f), including reasonable attorneys’ fees (if any). Any such transfer will not relieve Grantor of its obligations under the Note, any of the Loan Documents or the Indemnity Agreement or the obligations of Liable Parties under the Guaranty or the Indemnity Agreement arising prior to the date of the transfer. As used herein, “Institutional Investor” shall mean (I) any bank, savings and loan association, trust company, investment bank, insurance company, private corporate or public pension or profit sharing plan, commingled real estate fund, real estate investment trust or company traded on a national securities exchange (including the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ national market system), in each case possessing (prior to the contemplated transfer) more than $1,000,000,000.00 in assets and having (prior to the contemplated transfer) an audited net worth, or in the case of a mutual life insurance company, total surplus, as of the most recent fiscal year end, of not less than $700,000,000.00 and (II) any entity or fund substantially all of the beneficial interests in which are owned by one or more of the institutions described in clause (I) of this sentence and which meets the criteria described in this sentence.

(g) If the proposed transferee does not meet the requirements of Section 10.1(f), then the entire Secured Indebtedness shall become due and payable concurrently with the merger, consolidation or sale of assets. If such payment of the Secured Indebtedness occurs on or after December 1, 2011 (but not during the 90 day period prior to the Maturity Date), Grantor shall also be required to pay the Prepayment Fee set forth in Section 9 of the Note. If such payment of the Secured Indebtedness occurs prior to December 1, 2011, Grantor shall also be required to pay a prepayment fee equal to the greater of (A)(x) the present value of all remaining payments of principal and interest including the outstanding principal due on the Maturity Date (as defined in the Note), discounted at the rate which, when compounded monthly, is equivalent to the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Note) plus 25 basis points (one-quarter of one percentage point) compounded semi-annually, less (y) the amount of the principal then outstanding (immediately prior to the prepayment), or (B) one percent (1%) of the amount of the principal being prepaid.

 

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10.2 PROHIBITION ON SUBORDINATE FINANCING.

(a) Except as set forth below in this Section, Grantor shall not incur or permit the incurring of (i) any financing (other than equipment leases) in addition to the Loan that is secured by a lien, security interest or other encumbrance of any part of the Property or (ii) any pledge or encumbrance of any constituent who is a controlling member of Grantor of its interest in Grantor.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Piedmont Lender shall be permitted to hold the Subordinate Loan (as such term is defined in that certain Amended and Restated Subordination and Standstill Agreement of even date herewith (the “Standstill Agreement”) by and among Grantor, Beneficiary, and Piedmont Lender, which is being recorded concurrently herewith), subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Standstill Agreement.

10.3 RESTRICTIONS ON ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS. During the term of the Loan, Grantor shall not, without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, become liable with respect to any indebtedness or other obligation except for (i) the Loan, the Subordinate Loan, and equipment leases, (ii) Leases entered into in the ordinary course of owning and operating the Property for the Use, (iii) other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of owning and operating the Property for the Use but excluding any loans or borrowings, (iv) liabilities or indebtedness disclosed in writing to and approved by Beneficiary on or before the Execution Date, (v) liabilities or indebtedness incurred solely for purposes of making capital improvements to the Property not to exceed, in the aggregate, the amount of $750,000.00 (which limit of $750,000.00 shall automatically be reduced by the aggregate amount of any indebtedness or liability which exists and which is covered by the limitation set forth in the following clause (vi)), and (vi) any other single item of indebtedness or liability which does not exceed $50,000.00 or, when aggregated with other items of indebtedness or liability, does not exceed $250,000.00.

10.4 STATEMENTS REGARDING OWNERSHIP. Grantor agrees to submit or cause to be submitted to Beneficiary within thirty (30) days after December 31st of each calendar year during the term of this Deed of Trust and ten (10) days after any written request by Beneficiary, a sworn, notarized certificate, signed by an authorized (i) individual who is Grantor or one of the individuals comprising Grantor, (ii) member of Grantor, (iii) partner of Grantor or (iv) officer of Grantor, as the case may be, stating since the date hereof or the last statement given hereunder (as the case may be) whether (x) any part of the Property, or any interest in the Property, has been conveyed, transferred, assigned, encumbered (other than Permitted Exceptions), or sold, and if so, to whom; (y) any conveyance, transfer, pledge or encumbrance of any interest in Grantor has been made by Grantor and if so, to whom; or (z) there has been any change in the individual(s) comprising Grantor or in the partners, members, shareholders or beneficiaries of Grantor from those on the Execution Date, and if so, a description of such change or changes. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to transfers of any direct or indirect interests in Piedmont Partnership by the Shareholders.

 

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ARTICLE 11

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

11.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Any of the following shall be deemed to be a material breach of Grantor’s covenants in this Deed of Trust and shall constitute a default (“Event of Default”):

(a) The failure of Grantor to pay any installment of principal, interest or principal and interest, any required escrow deposit or any other sum required to be paid under any Loan Document, whether to Beneficiary or otherwise, within seven (7) days of the due date of such payment;

(b) The failure of Grantor to perform or observe any other term, provision, covenant, condition or agreement under any Loan Document for a period of more than thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of such failure or such longer period as is necessary to cure such failure in the exercise of due diligence, but in no event longer than ninety (90) days from the receipt of notice of such failure, provided Grantor commences the cure within the initial thirty (30) day period and continuously pursues such cure to completion;

(c) The filing by Grantor or one of the Liable Parties (an “Insolvent Entity”) of a voluntary petition or application for relief in bankruptcy, the filing against an Insolvent Entity of an involuntary petition or application for relief in bankruptcy which is not dismissed within ninety (90) days, or an Insolvent Entity’s adjudication as a bankrupt or insolvent, or the filing by an Insolvent Entity of any petition, application for relief or answer seeking or acquiescing in any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief for itself under any present or future federal, state or other statute, law, code or regulation relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief for debtors, or an Insolvent Entity’s seeking or consenting to or acquiescing in the appointment of any trustee, custodian, conservator, receiver or liquidator of an Insolvent Entity or of all or any substantial part of the Property or of any or all of the Rents and Profits, or the making by an Insolvent Entity of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission in writing by an Insolvent Entity of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due;

(d) If any warranty, representation, certification, financial statement or other information made or furnished at any time pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents by Grantor, or by any person or entity otherwise liable under any Loan Document, shall be materially false or misleading, and the failure of Grantor to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of such breach or such longer period as is necessary to cure such breach in the exercise of due diligence, but in no event longer than ninety (90) days from the receipt of notice of such breach, provided Grantor commences the cure within the initial thirty (30) day period and continuously pursues such cure to completion;

(e) If Grantor shall suffer or permit the Property, or any part of the Property, to be used in a manner that might (1) impair Grantor’s title to the Property, (2) create rights of adverse use or possession, or (3) constitute an implied dedication of any part of the Property;

(f) If Liable Parties shall default under the Guaranty;

 

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(g) If Grantor or Liable Parties shall default under the Indemnity Agreement beyond any applicable periods of notice and/or grace set forth therein;

(h) If an Event of Default (as defined in the Related Deed of Trust) shall occur under any of the Related Loan Documents; or

(i) If Grantor or Piedmont Lender shall default under the Standstill Agreement beyond any applicable periods of notice and/or grace set forth therein.

11.2 REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. Upon the happening of an Event of Default the Secured Indebtedness and/or the Secured Indebtedness (as defined in the Related Deed of Trust) shall, at the option of Beneficiary, become immediately due and payable, without further notice or demand, and Beneficiary may undertake any one or more of the following remedies:

(a) Foreclosure. Institute a foreclosure action in accordance with the law of the State, or take any other action as may be allowed, at law or in equity, for the enforcement of the Loan Documents and realization on the Property or any other security afforded by the Loan Documents and/or the Related Loan Documents. In the case of a judicial proceeding, Beneficiary may proceed to final judgment and execution for the amount of the Secured Indebtedness owed as of the date of the judgment, together with all costs of suit, reasonable attorneys’ fees and interest on the judgment at the maximum rate permitted by law from the date of the judgment until paid. If Beneficiary is the purchaser at the foreclosure sale of the Property, the foreclosure sale price shall be applied against the total amount due Beneficiary. At any foreclosure sale, such portion of the Property as is offered for sale may, at Beneficiary’s option, be offered for sale for one total price, and the proceeds of such sale accounted for in one account without distinction between the items of security or without assigning to them any proportion of such proceeds, Grantor hereby waiving the application of any doctrine of marshaling. If less than all of the Property is sold at foreclosure and any of the Secured Indebtedness remains outstanding after the sale proceeds are applied thereto, this Deed of Trust shall continue as a lien on the Property remaining unsold, and Beneficiary may at any time thereafter direct Trustee to sell the same as provided above; and/or

(b) Power of Sale. Institute a non-judicial foreclosure proceeding in compliance with applicable law in effect on the date foreclosure is commenced for Trustee to sell the Property either as a whole or in separate parcels as Beneficiary may determine at public sale or sales to the highest bidder for cash, in order to pay the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations. If the Property is sold as separate parcels, Beneficiary may direct the order in which the parcels are sold. Trustee shall deliver to the purchaser a trustee’s deed or deeds without covenant or warranty, express or implied. Trustee may postpone the sale of all or any portion of the Property by public announcement at the time and place of sale, and from time to time may further postpone the sale by public announcement in accordance with applicable law; and/or

(c) Entry. Enter into possession of the Property, lease the Improvements, collect all Rents and Profits and, after deducting all costs of collection and administration expenses, apply the remaining Rents and Profits in such order and amounts as Beneficiary, in Beneficiary’s sole discretion, may elect to the payment of Impositions, operating costs, costs of

 

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maintenance, restoration and repairs, Premiums and other charges, including, but not limited to, costs of leasing the Property and fees and costs of counsel and receivers, and in reduction of the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations; and/or

(d) Receivership. Have a receiver appointed to enter into possession of the Property, lease the Property, collect the Rents and Profits and apply them as the appropriate court may direct. Beneficiary shall be entitled to the appointment of a receiver without the necessity of proving either the inadequacy of the security or the insolvency of Grantor or any of the Liable Parties. Grantor and Liable Parties shall be deemed to have consented to the appointment of the receiver. The collection or receipt of any the Rents and Profits by Beneficiary or any receiver shall not affect or cure any Event of Default. Beneficiary’s rights hereunder include all rights and powers permitted under the laws of the State.

11.3 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS OF SALE. In the event of a sale of the Property pursuant to Section 11.2 of this Deed of Trust, to the extent permitted by law, Beneficiary shall determine in its sole discretion the order in which the proceeds from the sale shall be applied to the payment of the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, including without limitation, the expenses of the sale and of all proceedings in connection with the sale, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses; Impositions, Premiums, liens, and other charges and expenses; the outstanding principal balance of the Secured Indebtedness and/or the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations; any accrued interest; any Prepayment Fee; and any other amounts owed under any of the Loan Documents and/or the Related Loan Documents.

11.4 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Grantor and Beneficiary HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY in any action, proceeding and/or hearing on any matter whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with, the Note, this Deed of Trust or any of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents, or the enforcement of any remedy under any law, statute, or regulation. Neither party will seek to consolidate any such action in which a jury has been waived, with any other action in which a jury trial cannot or has not been waived. Each party has received the advice of counsel with respect to this waiver.

11.5 BENEFICIARY’S RIGHT TO PERFORM GRANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS. Grantor agrees that, if Grantor fails to perform any act or to pay any money which Grantor is required to perform or pay under the Loan Documents, Beneficiary may make the payment or perform the act at the cost and expense of Grantor and in Grantor’s name or in its own name. Any money paid by Beneficiary under this Section 11.5 shall be reimbursed to Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6.

11.6 BENEFICIARY REIMBURSEMENT. All payments made, or funds expended or advanced by Beneficiary pursuant to the provisions of any Loan Document, shall (1) become a part of the Secured Indebtedness, (2) bear interest at the Interest Rate (as defined in the Note) from the date such payments are made or funds expended or advanced, (3) become due and payable by Grantor upon demand by Beneficiary, and (4) bear interest at the Default Rate (as defined in the Note) from the date of such demand. Grantor shall reimburse Beneficiary within ten (10) days after receipt of written demand for such amounts.

 

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11.7 FEES AND EXPENSES. If Beneficiary becomes a party (by intervention or otherwise) to any action or proceeding affecting, directly or indirectly, Grantor, the Property or the title thereto or Beneficiary’s interest under this Deed of Trust, or employs an attorney to collect any of the Secured Indebtedness or to enforce performance of the obligations, covenants and agreements of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents, Grantor shall reimburse Beneficiary in accordance with Section 11.6 for all expenses, costs, charges and legal fees incurred by Beneficiary (including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of experts and consultants), whether or not suit is commenced. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Grantor shall not be required to reimburse Beneficiary for such expenses to the extent Grantor is the prevailing party in any action or other proceeding commenced by Grantor against Beneficiary.

11.8 WAIVER OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Grantor covenants and agrees that in no event shall Beneficiary be liable for consequential damages, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, Grantor expressly waives all existing and future claims that it may have against Beneficiary for consequential damages.

11.9 INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEE. Except for gross negligence and willful misconduct, Trustee shall not be liable for any act or omission or error of judgment. Trustee may rely on any document believed by it in good faith to be genuine. All money received by Trustee shall be held in trust, but need not be segregated (except to the extent required by law), until used or applied as provided in this Deed of Trust. Trustee shall not be liable for interest on the money. Grantor shall protect, indemnify and hold harmless Trustee against all liability and expenses which Trustee may incur in the performance of its duties.

11.10 ACTIONS BY TRUSTEE. At any time, upon written request of Beneficiary and presentation of this Deed of Trust and the Note for endorsement, and without affecting the personal liability of any entity or the Liable Parties for payment of the Secured Indebtedness or the Related Indebtedness or the effect of this Deed of Trust upon the remainder of the Property, Trustee may take such actions as Beneficiary may request which are permitted by this Deed of Trust or by applicable law.

11.11 SUBSTITUTION OF TRUSTEE. Beneficiary has the power and shall be entitled, at any time and from time to time, to remove Trustee or any successor trustee and to appoint another trustee in the place of Trustee or any successor trustee, by an instrument recorded in the land records of the State. The recorded instrument shall be conclusive proof of the proper substitution and appointment of the successor Trustee without the necessity of any conveyance from the predecessor Trustee.

11.12 NO REINSTATEMENT. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and Beneficiary or Trustee shall have commenced to exercise any of the remedies permitted hereunder, then a tender of payment by Grantor or by anyone on behalf of Grantor of the amount necessary to satisfy all sums due hereunder, or the acceptance by Beneficiary of any such payment so tendered, shall not, without the prior consent of Beneficiary, constitute a reinstatement of the Note or this Deed of Trust.

 

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11.13 WAIVER RELATING TO REMEDIES. Grantor (i) waives, to the full extent provided by law, any requirement that Beneficiary or Trustee present evidence or otherwise proceed before any court, clerk or other judicial or quasi-judicial body before exercising the power of sale contained in this Deed of Trust and (ii) agrees that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, neither Grantor nor anyone claiming through or under Grantor will seek to take advantage of any moratorium, reinstatement, forbearance, appraisement, valuation, stay, extension, homestead exemption or redemption law now or hereafter in force, in order to prevent or hinder the enforcement of the provisions of this Deed of Trust and hereby waives to the full extent that it may lawfully so do, the benefit of all such laws.

ARTICLE 12

GRANTOR AGREEMENTS AND FURTHER ASSURANCES

12.1 PARTICIPATION AND SALE OF LOAN.

(a) Beneficiary may sell, transfer or assign its entire interest or one or more participation interests in the Loan and the Loan Documents at any time and from time to time, including, without limitation, its rights and obligations as servicer of the Loan. Beneficiary may forward to each purchaser, transferee, assignee, servicer, or participant (collectively, the “Investor”) and each prospective Investor, all documents and information which Beneficiary now has or may hereafter acquire relating to the Secured Indebtedness and to Grantor or any Liable Parties and the Property, whether furnished by Grantor, any Liable Parties or otherwise, as Beneficiary determines necessary or desirable.

(b) Grantor will cooperate with Beneficiary in furnishing such information and providing such other assistance, reports and legal opinions as Beneficiary may reasonably request in connection with any such transaction. Grantor’s obligation to cooperate with Beneficiary does not include the obligation to incur any expenses to any third parties. In addition, Grantor acknowledges that Beneficiary may release or disclose to potential purchasers or transferees of the Loan, or potential participants in the Loan, originals or copies of the Loan Documents, title information, engineering reports, financial statements, operating statements, appraisals, Leases, rent rolls, and all other materials, documents and information in Beneficiary’s possession or which Beneficiary is entitled to receive under the Loan Documents, with respect to the Loan, Grantor, Liable Parties or the Property. Grantor shall also furnish to such Investors or such prospective Investors any and all information concerning the Property, the Leases, the financial condition of Grantor or any Liable Parties as may be requested by Beneficiary, any Investor or any prospective Investor in connection with any sale, transfer or participation interest. Beneficiary shall use reasonable efforts to advise any party to whom Beneficiary provides any information provided by Grantor under this Section to keep such information confidential.

12.2 REPLACEMENT OF NOTE. Upon notice to Grantor of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of the Note, Grantor will execute and deliver, in lieu of the original

 

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Note, a replacement note, identical in form and substance to the Note and dated as of the Execution Date. Upon the execution and delivery of the replacement note, all references in any of the Loan Documents to the Note shall refer to the replacement note.

12.3 GRANTOR’S ESTOPPEL. Within ten (10) days after a request by Beneficiary, Grantor shall furnish an acknowledged written statement in form satisfactory to Beneficiary (i) setting forth the amount of the Secured Indebtedness, (ii) stating either that no offsets or defenses exist against the Secured Indebtedness or the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, or if any offsets or defenses are alleged to exist, their nature and extent, (iii) whether any default then exists under the Loan Documents or any event has occurred and is continuing, which, with the lapse of time, the giving of notice, or both, would constitute such a default, and (iv) any other matters as Beneficiary may reasonably request. If Grantor does not furnish an estoppel certificate within the 10-day period, Grantor appoints Beneficiary as its attorney-in-fact to execute and deliver the certificate on its behalf, which power of attorney shall be coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable.

12.4 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Grantor shall, without expense to Beneficiary and/or Trustee, execute, acknowledge and deliver all further acts, deeds, conveyances, mortgages, deeds of trust, assignments, security agreements, and financing statements as Beneficiary and/or Trustee shall from time to time reasonably require, to assure, convey, assign, transfer and confirm unto Beneficiary and/or Trustee the Property and rights conveyed or assigned by this Deed of Trust or which Grantor may become bound to convey or assign to Beneficiary and/or Trustee, or for carrying out the intention or facilitating the performance of the terms of this Deed of Trust or any of the other Loan Documents, or for filing, refiling, registering, reregistering, recording or rerecording this Deed of Trust. If Grantor fails to comply with the terms of this Section, Beneficiary may, at Grantor’s expense, perform Grantor’s obligations for and in the name of Grantor, and Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints Beneficiary as its attorney-in-fact to do so. The appointment of Beneficiary as attorney-in-fact is coupled with an interest.

12.5 SUBROGATION. Beneficiary shall be subrogated to the lien of any and all encumbrances against the Property paid out of the proceeds of the Loan and to all of the rights of the recipient of such payment.

ARTICLE 13

SECURITY AGREEMENT

13.1 SECURITY AGREEMENT. THIS DEED OF TRUST CREATES A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY. IN ADDITION, TO THE EXTENT THE PROPERTY IS PERSONAL PROPERTY OR FIXTURES UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, THIS DEED OF TRUST CONSTITUTES A SECURITY AGREEMENT UNDER THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE (THE “U.C.C.”) AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE LAW WITH RESPECT TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND IS FILED AS A FIXTURE FILING WITH RESPECT TO GOODS WHICH ARE OR ARE TO BECOME FIXTURES ON THE LAND OR THE IMPROVEMENTS. UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT OF

 

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DEFAULT, BENEFICIARY MAY, AT ITS OPTION, PURSUE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A SECURED PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY PORTION OF THE PROPERTY, AND/OR BENEFICIARY MAY, AT ITS OPTION, PROCEED AS TO ALL OR ANY PART OF THE PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH BENEFICIARY’S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO THE LIEN CREATED BY THIS DEED OF TRUST. THIS FINANCING STATEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT AS A FIXTURE FILING UNTIL THIS DEED OF TRUST IS RELEASED OR SATISFIED OF RECORD. WITH RESPECT TO SUCH FIXTURE FILING, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED:

 

Name of Debtor:    1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
Address of Debtor:   

c/o Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P.

6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Attention: Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

Name of Secured Party:    Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York corporation
Address of Secured Party:   

10 Park Avenue

Morristown, New Jersey 07962

Attn: Senior Vice President, Real Estate Investments

13.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Grantor warrants, represents and covenants as follows:

(a) Grantor owns the Personal Property free from any lien, security interest, encumbrance or adverse claim, except for any item of personal property which is the subject of an equipment lease and except as otherwise expressly approved by Beneficiary in writing. Grantor will notify Beneficiary of, and will protect, defend and indemnify Beneficiary against, all claims and demands of all persons at any time claiming any rights or interest in the Personal Property.

(b) The Personal Property shall not be used or bought for personal, family, or household purposes, but shall be bought and used solely for the purpose of carrying on Grantor’s business.

(c) Grantor will not remove the Personal Property without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, except the items of Personal Property which are consumed or worn out in ordinary usage shall be promptly replaced by Grantor with other Personal Property of value equal to or greater than the value of the replaced Personal Property.

 

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13.3 CHARACTERIZATION OF PROPERTY. The grant of a security interest to Beneficiary in this Deed of Trust shall not be construed to limit or impair the lien of this Deed of Trust or the rights of Beneficiary with respect to any property which is real property or which the parties have agreed to treat as real property. To the fullest extent permitted by law, everything used in connection with the production of Rents and Profits is, and at all times and for all purposes and in all proceedings, both legal and equitable, shall be regarded as real property, irrespective of whether or not the same is physically attached to the Land and/or Improvements.

13.4 PROTECTION AGAINST PURCHASE MONEY SECURITY INTERESTS. It is understood and agreed that in order to protect Beneficiary from the effect of U.C.C. Section 28:9-334, as amended from time to time and as enacted in the State, in the event that Grantor intends to purchase any goods which may become fixtures attached to the Property, or any part of the Property, and such goods will be subject to a purchase money security interest held by a seller or any other party:

(a) Before executing any security agreement or other document evidencing or perfecting the security interest, Grantor shall obtain the prior written approval of Beneficiary. All requests for such written approval shall be in writing and contain the following information: (i) a description of the fixtures (ii) the address at which the fixtures will be located; and (iii) the name and address of the proposed holder and proposed amount of the security interest.

(b) Grantor shall pay all sums and perform all obligations secured by the security agreement. A default by Grantor under the security agreement shall constitute a default under this Deed of Trust. If Grantor fails to make any payment on an obligation secured by a purchase money security interest in the Personal Property or any fixtures, Beneficiary, at its option, may pay the secured amount and Beneficiary shall be subrogated to the rights of the holder of the purchase money security interest.

(c) Beneficiary shall have the right to acquire by assignment from the holder of the security interest for the Personal Property or fixtures, all contract rights, accounts receivable, negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, or other evidence of indebtedness and to enforce the security interest as assignee.

(d) The provisions of subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 13.4 shall not apply if the goods which may become fixtures are of at least equivalent value and quality as the Personal Property being replaced and if the rights of the party holding the security interest are expressly subordinated to the lien and security interest of this Deed of Trust in a manner satisfactory to Beneficiary.

ARTICLE 14

RELATED LOAN PROVISIONS

14.1 RELATED LOAN. As used in this Deed of Trust, “1201 Guaranteed Obligations” means (a) the payment of the Related Indebtedness (as hereafter defined), and (b) the full performance by Related Borrower (as hereafter defined) of all of the terms, covenants and obligations set forth in the Related Deed of Trust and any of the other Related Loan

 

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Documents (as hereafter defined). “Related Indebtedness” or “Related Loan” means the indebtedness evidenced by that certain Amended and Restated Promissory Note of even date herewith (the “Related Note”) in the principal amount of $82,400,000.00 executed by 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Related Borrower”), with interest at the rates set forth in the Related Note, together with all renewals, modifications, consolidations and extensions of the Related Note, all additional advances or fundings made by Beneficiary thereunder, and any other amounts required to be paid by Related Borrower under any of the Related Loan Documents, as defined below. “Related Deed of Trust” means that certain Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing of even date herewith executed by Related Borrower, as grantor, in favor of Beneficiary, as beneficiary, which secures payment of the Related Note and is being recorded in the Land Records of the District of Columbia on or about the date hereof. “Related Loan Documents” means the Loan Documents, as defined in the Related Deed of Trust.

14.2 LIMITED RECOURSE GUARANTY. Subject to Section 14.2(b), Grantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to Beneficiary, as and for Grantor’s own debt, until final and indefeasible payment thereof has been made, payment and performance of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, in each case when and as the same shall become due and payable, it being the intent of Grantor that the guaranty set forth herein shall be a guaranty of payment and not a guaranty of collection.

(a) This Guaranty is a primary and original obligation of Grantor, is not merely the creation of a surety relationship, and is an absolute and unconditional guaranty of payment and performance which shall remain in full force and effect without respect to future changes in conditions, including any change of law or any invalidity or irregularity with respect to the Related Loan Documents or the execution and delivery thereof. Grantor agrees that it is directly, jointly and severally with any and all other guarantors of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, liable to Beneficiary, that the obligations of Grantor hereunder are independent of the obligations of Related Borrower or any other guarantor, and that a separate action may be brought against each person or entity signing as Grantor whether such action is brought against Related Borrower or any other guarantor or whether Related Borrower or any such other guarantor is joined in such action. Grantor agrees that its liability hereunder shall be immediate and shall not be contingent upon the exercise or enforcement by Beneficiary of whatever remedies it may have against Related Borrower or any other guarantor, or the enforcement of any lien or realization upon any security Beneficiary may at any time possess. Grantor agrees that any release which may be given by Beneficiary to Related Borrower or any other guarantor shall not release Grantor. Grantor consents and agrees that Beneficiary shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets of Related Borrower or any other guarantor in favor of Grantor, or against or in payment of any or all of the Guaranteed Obligations.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Guaranty, the rights of Beneficiary and the obligations of Grantor hereunder are limited by Section 9.1 hereof; provided that nothing herein shall in any way release, impair or otherwise affect any of the Related Loan Documents or any environmental indemnification agreements (including any Unsecured Indemnity Agreements) to which Grantor, Related Borrower or any guarantor is a party or the validity hereof or thereof, or the lien of any mortgage or deed of trust.

 

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14.3 WAIVERS. Grantor absolutely, unconditionally, knowingly, and expressly waives:

(a) (i) Notice of acceptance hereof; (ii) notice of any loans or other financial accommodations made or extended under the Related Loan Documents or the creation or existence of any 1201 Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) notice of the amount of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, subject, however, to Grantor’s right to make inquiry of Beneficiary to ascertain the amount of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations at any reasonable time; (iv) notice of any adverse change in the financial condition of Related Borrower or of any other fact that might increase Grantor’s risk hereunder; (v) notice of presentment for payment, demand, protest, and notice thereof as to any promissory notes or other instruments among the Related Loan Documents; (vi) notice of any event of default under the Related Loan Documents; and (vii) all other notices (except if such notice is specifically required to be given to Grantor hereunder or under any Related Loan Document to which Grantor is a party) and demands to which Grantor might otherwise be entitled.

(b) Grantor’s right by statute or otherwise to require Beneficiary to institute suit against Related Borrower or to exhaust any rights and remedies which Beneficiary has or may have against Related Borrower or any collateral for the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations provided by Related Borrower, Grantor or any third party. In this regard, Grantor agrees that it is bound to the payment of all 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, whether now existing or hereafter accruing, as fully as if such 1201 Guaranteed Obligations were directly owing to Beneficiary by Grantor. Grantor further waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense (other than the defense that the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations shall have been fully and finally performed and indefeasibly paid) of Related Borrower or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of Related Borrower in respect thereof.

(c) (i) Any rights to assert against Beneficiary any defense (legal or equitable), set-off, counterclaim, or claim which Grantor may now or at any time hereafter have against Related Borrower or any other party liable to Beneficiary; (ii) any defense, set-off, counterclaim, or claim, of any kind or nature, arising directly or indirectly from the present or future lack of perfection, sufficiency, validity, or enforceability of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations or any security therefor; (iii) any defense Grantor has to performance hereunder, and any right Grantor has to be exonerated arising by reason of: the impairment or suspension of Beneficiary’s rights or remedies against Related Borrower; the alteration by Beneficiary of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations; any discharge of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations by operation of law as a result of Beneficiary’s intervention or omission; or the acceptance by Beneficiary of anything in partial satisfaction of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations; and (iv) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting Grantor’s liability hereunder or the enforcement thereof, and any act which shall defer or delay the operation of any statute of limitations applicable to the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations shall similarly operate to defer or delay the operation of such statute of limitations applicable to Grantor’s liability hereunder.

(d) Grantor absolutely, unconditionally, knowingly, and expressly waives any defense arising by reason of or deriving from (i) any claim or defense based upon an election of remedies by Beneficiary; or (ii) any election by Beneficiary under Bankruptcy Code Section 1111(b) to limit the amount of, or any collateral securing, its claim against Related Borrower.

 

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(e) Until such time as the Related Indebtedness and all 1201 Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, Grantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally, knowingly, and expressly waives: (i) any right of subrogation Grantor has or may have as against Related Borrower with respect to the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any right to proceed against Related Borrower or any other person or entity, now or hereafter, for contribution, indemnity, reimbursement, or any other suretyship rights and claims, whether direct or indirect, liquidated or contingent, whether arising under express or implied contract or by operation of law, which Grantor may now have or hereafter have as against Related Borrower with respect to the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations; and (iii) any right to proceed or seek recourse against or with respect to any property or asset of Related Borrower.

14.4 RELEASES. Grantor consents and agrees that, without notice to or by Grantor and without affecting or impairing the obligations of Grantor hereunder, Beneficiary may, by action or inaction:

(a) Compromise, settle, extend the duration or the time for the payment of, or discharge the performance of, or may refuse to or otherwise not enforce this Deed of Trust, the other Loan Documents, the Indemnity Agreement, the Related Loan Documents or any part thereof, or the Indemnity Agreement for the Related Loan, with respect to Related Borrower or any other person or entity;

(b) Release Related Borrower or any other person or entity or grant other indulgences to Related Borrower or any other person or entity in respect thereof;

(c) Amend or modify in any manner and at any time (or from time to time) any of the Loan Documents; or

(d) Release or substitute any other guarantor, if any, of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, or enforce, exchange, release, or waive any security for the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations or any other guaranty of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations, or any portion thereof.

14.5 NO ELECTION. Beneficiary shall have all of the rights to seek recourse against Grantor to the fullest extent provided for herein, and no election by Beneficiary to proceed in one form of action or proceeding, or against any party, or on any obligation, shall constitute a waiver of Beneficiary’s right to proceed in any other form of action or proceeding or against other parties unless Beneficiary has expressly waived such right in writing. Specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no action or proceeding by Beneficiary under any document or instrument evidencing the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations shall serve to diminish the liability of Grantor under this Deed of Trust except to the extent that Beneficiary finally and unconditionally shall have realized indefeasible payment by such action or proceeding

14.6 INDEFEASIBLE PAYMENT. The 1201 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness shall not be considered indefeasibly paid for purposes of this Deed of Trust unless and until all payments to Beneficiary are no longer subject to any right on the part

 

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of any person, including Related Borrower, Related Borrower as a debtor in possession, or any trustee (whether appointed under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise) of any of Related Borrower’s assets, to invalidate or set aside such payments or to seek to recoup the amount of such payments or any portion thereof, or to declare same to be fraudulent or preferential. Upon such full and final performance and indefeasible payment of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations whether by Grantor or Related Borrower, Beneficiary shall have no obligation whatsoever to transfer or assign its interest in the Related Loan Documents to Grantor. In the event that, for any reason, any portion of such payments to Beneficiary is set aside or restored, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, after the making thereof, then the obligation intended to be satisfied thereby shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if said payment or payments had not been made, and Grantor shall be liable for the full amount Beneficiary is required to repay plus any and all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred pursuant to proceedings arising under the Bankruptcy Code) paid by Beneficiary in connection therewith.

14.7 FINANCIAL CONDITION OF GRANTOR. Grantor represents and warrants to Beneficiary that:

(a) Grantor is materially interested in the financial success of Related Borrower, and maintains significant business relationships with Related Borrower;

(b) Grantor expects to derive material benefits from the contemplated uses of the proceeds of the Related Loan, and desires that Beneficiary make the Related Loan. Grantor is familiar with the transactions contemplated by the Related Note and the other Related Loan Documents and Grantor has read and understands the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents and the Related Loan Documents.

(c) Grantor is currently informed of the financial and other condition of Related Borrower and of all other circumstances which a diligent inquiry would reveal and which bear upon the risk of nonpayment of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations. Grantor hereby covenants that Grantor will continue to keep informed of Related Borrower’s financial condition, the financial condition of other guarantors, if any, and of all other circumstances which bear upon the risk of nonpayment or nonperformance of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations

14.8 SUBORDINATION. Grantor hereby agrees that any and all present and future indebtedness of Related Borrower owing to Grantor is deferred, postponed in favor of and subordinated to the prior payment, in full, in cash, of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness. In this regard, no payment of any kind whatsoever shall be made with respect to such indebtedness until the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness have been indefeasibly paid in full. Until payment in full of the 1201 Guaranteed Obligations and the Related Indebtedness, Grantor agrees not to accept any payment or satisfaction of any kind of indebtedness of Related Borrower to Grantor and hereby assigns such indebtedness to Beneficiary, including the right to file proof of claim and to vote thereon in connection with any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code, including the right to vote on any plan of reorganization.

 

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ARTICLE 15

MISCELLANEOUS COVENANTS

15.1 NO WAIVER. No single or partial exercise by Beneficiary and/or Trustee, or delay or omission in the exercise by Beneficiary and/or Trustee, of any right or remedy under the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents shall preclude, waive or limit the exercise of any other right or remedy. Beneficiary shall at all times have the right to proceed against any portion of, or interest in, the Property without waiving any other rights or remedies with respect to any other portion of the Property. No right or remedy under any of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy but shall be cumulative and may be exercised concurrently with or independently from any other right and remedy under any of the Loan Documents or the Related Loan Documents or under applicable law.

15.2 NOTICES. All notices, demands and requests given or required to be given by, pursuant to, or relating to, this Deed of Trust shall be in writing. All notices shall be deemed to have been properly given if mailed by United States registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by United States Express Mail or other comparable overnight courier service to the parties at the addresses set forth in the Defined Terms (or at such other addresses as shall be given in writing by any party to the others) and shall be deemed complete upon receipt or refusal to accept delivery as indicated in the return receipt or in the receipt of such United States Express Mail or courier service.

15.3 HEIRS AND ASSIGNS; TERMINOLOGY.

(a) This Deed of Trust applies to, inures to the benefit of, and binds Grantor, Beneficiary, Liable Parties and Trustee, their heirs, legatees, devisees, administrators, executors, successors and assigns. The term “Grantor” shall include both the original Grantor and any subsequent owner or owners of any of the Property. The term “Beneficiary” shall include both the original Beneficiary and any subsequent holder or holders of the Note. The term “Trustee” shall include both the original Trustee and any subsequent successor or additional trustee(s) acting under this Deed of Trust. The term “Liable Parties” shall include both the original Liable Parties and any subsequent or substituted Liable Parties.

(b) In this Deed of Trust, whenever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine and/or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural.

(c) If more than one party executes this Deed of Trust as Grantor, the obligations of such parties shall be the joint and several obligations of each of them.

15.4 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Deed of Trust should be held unenforceable or void, then that provision shall be separated from the remaining provisions and shall not affect the validity of this Deed of Trust except that if the unenforceable or void provision relates to the payment of any monetary sum, then, Beneficiary may, at its option, declare the Secured Indebtedness immediately due and payable.

 

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15.5 APPLICABLE LAW. This Deed of Trust shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State.

15.6 CAPTIONS. The captions are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference, and in no way define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of any provisions of this Deed of Trust.

15.7 TIME OF THE ESSENCE. Time shall be of the essence with respect to all of Grantor’s obligations under this Deed of Trust and the other Loan Documents.

15.8 NO MERGER. In the event that Beneficiary should become the owner of the Property, there shall be no merger of the estate created by this Deed of Trust with the fee estate in the Property.

15.9 NO MODIFICATIONS. This Deed of Trust may not be changed, amended or modified, except in a writing expressly intended for such purpose and executed by Grantor and Beneficiary.

15.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

[Signature on following page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed this Deed of Trust, or has caused this Deed of Trust to be executed by its duly authorized representative(s) as of the Execution Date.

 

1225 EYE STREET, N.W. ASSOCIATES LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:   Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, formerly known as Wells Washington Properties, Inc., its Manager
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Its:  

 

[Seal]

 

Address:   6200 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500
  Norcross, Georgia 30092
  Attention:   Executive Vice President, Capital Markets

 

49


EXHIBIT A

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Lot(s) numbered Forty-seven (47) in Square numbered Two Hundred Eighty-five (285) in a subdivision made by 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates Limited Partnership as per plat recorded in Liber 173 at folio 67 in the Office of the Surveyor for the District of Columbia.


EXHIBIT B

LEASING GUIDELINES

“Leasing Guidelines” shall mean the guidelines approved in writing by Beneficiary, from time to time, with respect to the leasing of the Property. The following are the initial Leasing Guidelines:

(a) All Leases shall be on the standard form of lease approved by Beneficiary in writing (subject to modifications reasonably approved by Beneficiary and customary to similar properties and landlords in the East End submarket of Washington, D.C.);

(b) All Leases shall have an initial term of at least five (5) years but not more than ten (10) years;

(c) Except for the renewal of Existing Leases, none of the Leases shall cover more than 24,000 square feet of net leasable area;

(d) All Leases shall have an annual minimum rent and net effective rent at least equal to market rates per square foot of net leasable area in the East End submarket of the Washington D.C. MSA;

(e) All net Leases shall contain provisions requiring the tenant to pay its proportionate share of operating expenses and taxes, and all other Leases shall contain provisions requiring the tenant to pay, after the first year, its proportionate share of increases in taxes and operating expenses; and

(f) No Leases shall be entered into without the written approval of Beneficiary if there exists an Event of Default.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (e) above shall not be applicable to Leases of retail space on the first floor of the Improvements provided that such Leases shall have an annual minimum rent and net effective rent at least equal to market rates and contain terms which are otherwise consistent with those then prevailing in the market.


STATE OF                                 

COUNTY OF                             : ss:

This instrument was acknowledged before me on October     , 2007 by                     , the                      of Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., the Manager of 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC, as the free act and deed of said 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC.

 

 

Notary Public

[SEAL]

My Commission expires:                    

List of Subsidiaries of the Company

Exhibit 21.1

 

Subsidiaries of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (formerly known as Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.) and Piedmont Operating Partnership, LP (formerly known as Wells Operating Partnership, L.P.)

 

Subsidiary

  

State of Organization

Piedmont Operating Partnership, LP (formerly known as Wells Operating Partnership, L.P.)   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Independence Square, LLC   

Delaware

Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc. (formerly known as Wells Washington Properties, Inc.)   

Maryland

Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Wells REIT Sub, Inc.)   

Delaware

Piedmont Office Management, LLC (formerly known as WRT Acquisition Company, LLC)   

Georgia

Piedmont Government Services, LLC (formerly known as WGS Acquisition Company, LLC)   

Georgia

Wells REIT—Pasadena, CA GP, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Pasadena, CA, L.P.   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Montgomery, LLC   

Delaware

Wells Bridgewater I, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT Bridgewater NJ, LLC   

Delaware

35 W. Wacker Owner, LLC   

Delaware

35 West Wacker Venture, L.P.   

Delaware

Wells-Buck Venture, L.P.   

Delaware

Wells 35 W. Wacker, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT I—3100 Clarendon LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT I—Shady Grove V LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT I—1075 West Entrance, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Multi-State Owner, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Nashville, TN, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Austin, TX, L.P.   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Austin, TX, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Orange County, CA, L.P.   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Orange County, CA, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—One Brattle Square I, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—One Brattle Square II, LLC   

Delaware

4250 North Fairfax Property LLC   

Delaware

400 Virginia Avenue LLC   

Delaware

1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC   

Delaware

1215 ESDI, LLC   

Delaware

1225 Equity LLC   

Delaware

1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC   

Delaware

1201 Equity LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT I—400 Bridgewater Crossing, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Two Pierce Place, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Las Colinas Corporate Center I, LP   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Las Colinas Corporate Center I, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Las Colinas Corporate Center II, LP   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Las Colinas Corporate Center II, LLC   

Delaware

TTF Lending LLC   

Delaware


Subsidiary

  

State of Organization

TZO Lending LLC   

Delaware

Cypress Concourse A, LLC   

Delaware

Wells 60 Broad Street, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—800 Nicollett Avenue, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—800 Nicollett Avenue Owner, LLC   

Delaware

4250 N. Fairfax Owner, LLC   

Delaware

Wells 1901 Market Business Trust   

Delaware

Wells 1901 Market LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Chicago Center Owner, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Holtsville, NY, LLC   

Georgia

Wells REIT Glendale, CA, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Chicago Center, Chicago, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—1430 Enclave Parkway, L.P.   

Delaware

Wells REIT—1430 Enclave Parkway, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Windy Point I, LLC   

Delaware

Wells REIT—Windy Point II, LLC   

Delaware

Wells Real Estate, LLC-SC I   

Georgia

Wells REIT—2300 Cabot Drive, LLC   

Delaware

Rock Spring, L.L.C.   

Delaware

Wells REIT-800 Nicollett Avenue Springing Member, LLC   

Delaware

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-3 No. 333-114212 and Form S-8 No. 333-142448) of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. and in the related Prospectuses of our report dated March 14, 2008 (except for the last three paragraphs of Note 17, as to which the date is March 25, 2008), with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

LOGO

 

Atlanta, Georgia

March 25, 2008

Section 302 Certification of CEO

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Donald A. Miller, CFA, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of this annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 25, 2008

 

By:  

/s/ DONALD A. MILLER, CFA

  Donald A. Miller, CFA
  Principal Executive Officer
Section 302 Certification of CFO

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Robert E. Bowers, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of this annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 25, 2008

 

By:  

/s/ ROBERT E. BOWERS

  Robert E. Bowers
  Principal Financial Officer
Section 906 Certification of CEO

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned, Donald A. Miller, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge and belief:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for the purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

By:    

/s/ DONALD A. MILLER, CFA

 

Donald A. Miller, CFA

Chief Executive Officer

March 25, 2008

 
 
Section 906 Certification of CFO

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned, Robert E. Bowers, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge and belief:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for the purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

By:  

 

/s/ ROBERT E. BOWERS

 

Robert E. Bowers

Chief Financial Officer

March 25, 2008