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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2004

Registration No. 333-113572

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

PRE-EFFECTIVE
AMENDMENT NO. 1 to
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland 36-3910279
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)		 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

1808 Swift Drive
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
630-586-8000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

John S. Gates, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST
1808 Swift Drive
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
630-586-8000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

CARTER W. EMERSON, P.C.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312-861-2000		 JONATHAN A. KOFF, ESQ.
Chapman and Cutler LLP
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
312-845-3000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public:
From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as determined by market conditions.

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

        If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ý

        If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the Securities Act of 1933 registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

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

        If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434 under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box. ý

        Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act, the prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement is a combined prospectus relating also to Registration Statement No. 333-42748 and constitutes Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-42748.

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

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 26, 2004

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To prospectus dated                    , 2004)

$500,000,000

GRAPHIC

MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES A
DUE NINE MONTHS OR MORE FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE

            CenterPoint Properties Trust may offer from time to time its medium-term notes. We will include the specific terms of any notes we may offer in a pricing supplement to this prospectus supplement. Unless the pricing supplement provides otherwise, the notes that we offer will have the following general terms:


 
•
The notes will mature in 9 months to 30 years

 
•
The notes will bear interest at either a fixed or floating rate. The floating interest rate formula may be based on:

 
 
-
Commercial paper rate

 
 
-
LIBOR

 
 
-
CD rate

 
 
-
Federal funds rate

 
 
-
Prime rate

 
 
-
Treasury rate

 
 
-
CMT rate

 
 
-
Rates based on indices or formulas

 
•
Fixed rate notes may bear no interest when issued at a discount from the principal amount due at maturity

 
•
The notes may be subject to redemption at the option of CenterPoint or repurchase at the option of a holder of notes

 
•
Interest paid on the notes may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or at maturity
  • The notes may be in certificated or book-entry form

 
•
The notes may be denominated and/or payable in U.S. dollars or a foreign currency or currency units

 
•
The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000, and integral multiples of $1,000

            You should consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement and on page 4 of the accompanying prospectus.

            Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities or determined if this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any pricing supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

            We may sell the notes to the agents as principals for resale at varying or fixed offering prices or through the agents acting as agent using their reasonable best efforts on our behalf. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the price to the public for the notes will be 100% of their principal amount. If we sell all of the notes, we expect to receive proceeds of between $                    and $                    after paying the agents' discounts and commissions of between $             and $                and before deducting expenses payable by us. We may also sell the notes directly to investors and other purchasers on our own behalf where we are authorized to do so.

Wachovia Securities Banc One Capital Markets, Inc.
ABN AMRO Incorporated
Banc of America Securities LLC
Lehman Brothers

The date of this prospectus supplement is                    , 2004.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Prospectus Supplement

 
   Page
About This Prospectus Supplement and Pricing Supplements   S-3
Forward-Looking Statements   S-3
CenterPoint Properties Trust   S-4
Risk Factors   S-4
Description of Notes   S-7
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations   S-31
Plan of Distribution   S-39
Legal Matters   S-40

Prospectus

 
   Page
About this Prospectus   3
Forward-Looking Statements   3
Centerpoint Properties Trust   4
Risk Factors   4
Use of Proceeds   9
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges   9
Description of Debt Securities   9
Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest   25
Description of Securities Warrants   35
Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the CenterPoint Properties Trust Declaration of Trust and Bylaws   37
Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Our REIT Status   39
Plan of Distribution   46
Legal Matters   47
Experts   48
Where You Can Find More Information   49

            You should rely only on the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the applicable pricing supplement. We have not, and the agents have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the agents are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any pricing supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the applicable document.

            References in this prospectus supplement to "CenterPoint," "we," "us" or "our" are to CenterPoint Properties Trust and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

S-2



ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND PRICING SUPPLEMENTS

            The total initial public offering price of our Medium-Term Notes, Series A that we may offer from time to time by use of this prospectus supplement is $500,000,000 or the equivalent in foreign or composite currencies.

            We provide information to you about our notes in three separate documents that progressively provide more detail: (1) the accompanying prospectus, (2) the prospectus supplement, and (3) the pricing supplement. Because the specific terms of our notes may differ from the general information we have provided, you should rely on the information in the pricing supplement over different information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and rely on information in this prospectus supplement over different information in the accompanying prospectus. The following summary of the terms of our notes does not contain all the information that may be important to you. In addition to reading the pricing supplement, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should read carefully the Indenture. You should also read and consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" in the accompanying prospectus.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

            This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference contain "forward-looking statements," or statements that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections rather than historical facts. Our actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, uncertainties affecting real estate businesses generally (such as entry into new leases, renewals of leases, inflation and dependence on tenants' business operations and the effects of the state of the economy on tenants and potential tenants), risks relating to acquisition, construction and development activities, including risks relating to 1031 tax-free exchange transactions, possible environmental liabilities, risks relating to leverage, debt service and obligations with respect to the payment of dividends (including availability of financing terms acceptable to us and sensitivity of our operations to fluctuations in interest rates), the potential for the need to use borrowings to make distributions necessary for us to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, dependence on the primary market in which our properties are located, the existence of complex regulations relating to our status as a REIT and the potential adverse impact of the market interest rates on the cost of borrowings by us and on the market price for our securities. Many of the risks and uncertainties that we face are included under the caption "Risk Factors" in the accompanying prospectus. Because of these risks and uncertainties prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

S-3


CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST

            CenterPoint Properties Trust is a self-managed real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition, development, redevelopment, management and ownership of warehouse and industrial property. Substantially all of our properties are located within the greater Chicago area.

            Our principal executive office is located at 1808 Swift Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, and our telephone number is (630) 586-8000.


RISK FACTORS

            Your investment in the notes involves risks. Before deciding whether an investment in the notes is suitable for you, you should carefully consider the following risks.

Structure Risks

            If you invest in notes indexed, as to principal or interest or both, to one or more values of currencies (including exchange rates between currencies), commodities or interest rate or other indices, you will be assuming significant risks that are not associated with similar investments in a conventional debt security.    During the time that you own an Indexed Note, it may have an interest rate that is less than that payable on a conventional debt security issued at the same time, and it is possible that no interest will be paid to you. Furthermore, the terms of an Indexed Note may permit the principal amount payable at maturity to be less than the original purchase price of such Indexed Note, and it is possible that no principal will be paid to you.

            The secondary market for such Indexed Notes will be affected by a number of factors independent of the creditworthiness of the company and the value of the applicable currency, commodity or interest rate or other index, including the volatility of the applicable currency, commodity or interest rate or other index, the time remaining to the maturity of such indexed notes, the amount outstanding of such Indexed Notes and market interest rates. The value of the applicable currency, commodity or interest rate or other index depends on a number of interrelated factors, including economic, financial and political events, over which we have no control. Additionally, if the formula used to determine the principal amount or interest payable with respect to such Indexed Notes contains a multiplier or leverage factor, the effect of any change in the applicable currency, commodity or interest rate or other index may be increased.

            You should not assume that the historical experience of the relevant currencies, commodities or interest rates or other indices can serve as predictors of their future performance during the term of any note. Accordingly, you should consult your own financial and legal advisors as to the risk of investing in Indexed Notes and the suitability of such notes in light of your particular circumstances.

            We may redeem notes with optional redemption features at a time when interest rates are comparatively low and you may not be able to reinvest in a comparable security with a rate as high as the rate on the notes.    Any optional redemption feature of the notes might affect the market value of the notes. You should expect that we may redeem these notes when prevailing interest rates are relatively low. In these cases, you generally will not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the current interest rate on the notes.

            No trading market for the notes may develop and, if a trading market develops, it may be illiquid.    We cannot assure you that a trading market for the notes will ever develop or, if one develops, be maintained or that such market will be sufficiently liquid so as to allow you to sell your notes. The market value for the notes in any trading market will be affected by a number of factors unrelated to our creditworthiness. These factors include:

S-4

            Therefore, you may not be able to sell the notes readily or at prices that will enable you to realize your anticipated yield. You should not purchase notes unless you understand and are able to bear the risk that the notes may not be readily saleable, that the market value of the notes will fluctuate over time and that these fluctuations may be significant.

Foreign Currency Risks

            Judgments relating to obligations denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may not be rendered in such foreign currency.    The laws of the State of New York will govern the notes. Courts in the United States have not customarily rendered judgments for money damages denominated in any currency other than the U.S. dollar. The Judiciary Law of the State of New York provides, for example, that a judgment granted in connection with an obligation denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be granted in the foreign currency of the underlying obligation and converted into U.S. dollars at a rate of exchange on the date of the entry of the judgment. However, a state court outside the State of New York may not follow the same rules and procedures on conversions of foreign currency judgments.

            Investments in notes that are denominated in foreign currencies are subject to exchange rate risk and risks relating to the imposition of exchange rate controls by governments or monetary authorities.    If you invest in notes that are payable in one or more foreign currencies, there will be significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a debt security payable in U.S. dollars. These risks include the possibility of significant changes in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the applicable foreign currency, as well as the possibility of the imposition or modification of exchange controls by the applicable governments or monetary authorities. These risks generally depend on factors beyond our control, including economic, financial and political events and the supply and demand for the applicable currencies. In addition, if the formula used to determine the amounts payable under those notes contains a multiplier or leverage factor, the effect of any change in the applicable currencies will be magnified. In recent years, rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies have been highly volatile and this volatility may continue or increase in the future. Depreciation of the foreign currency in which those notes are payable against the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease in the yield and market value of those notes on a U.S. dollar equivalent basis.

            Governments or monetary authorities may impose exchange controls at or prior to the date on which any amount payable under one of those notes is due. Any of these actions could affect exchange rates as well as the availability of the foreign currency in which the payment is to be made on that date. Even if there are no exchange controls, it is possible that the applicable foreign currency would not be available on the applicable payment date due to other circumstances beyond our control. In these cases, we will be entitled to satisfy our payment obligations under those notes in U.S. dollars. See "Description of Notes—Payment of Principal and Interest."

            We have not described all of the risks of an investment in notes denominated in, or the payment of which is related to, a currency other than U.S. dollars. You should consult your own financial and legal advisors about the risks of an investment in notes that are payable in one or more foreign currencies, hereinafter referred to as Foreign Currency Notes. Such notes are not an appropriate investment if you have not had prior experience with foreign currency transactions.

S-5


            No Foreign Currency Note will be sold in or to residents of the country issuing the currency of the applicable Foreign Currency Note, with certain exceptions specified in the applicable pricing supplement. The information in this prospectus supplement is directed to prospective purchasers who are U.S. residents. We are not advising prospective purchasers who are residents of countries other than the United States with respect to any matters that may affect the purchase, holding or receipt of payments of principal (and premium, if any) or interest on any Foreign Currency Notes. These persons should consult their own counsel about such matters.

            Pricing supplements relating to Foreign Currency Notes will contain information about:

            You should use the exchange rate information contained in any pricing supplement for information only. Such information does not necessarily indicate the range of or trends in fluctuations in currency exchange rates that may occur in the future.

Effective Subordination

            The notes will be unsecured and therefore effectively subordinated to all of our secured debt. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the debt of our subsidiaries.    The notes are unsecured and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding, but will be effectively subordinated to all of our secured debt. The notes also will be structurally subordinated to all the unsecured and secured debt of our subsidiaries from time to time outstanding. See "Description of Notes—General."

Credit Rating Risks

            You should not rely upon credit ratings in making a decision to invest in the notes.    Any credit ratings that are assigned to our medium-term note program may not reflect the potential impact of all risks related to structure and other factors on the value of the notes. As a result, you should consult your own financial and legal advisors as to the risks of an investment in the notes and the suitability of investing in the notes. Any credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the notes, and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the organization assigning it. You should evaluate each credit rating independently of any other rating.

S-6


DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

Information About Our Medium-Term Note Program

            All notes issued under our medium-term note program will be part of a single series of debt securities issued under the Indenture described below.

            This section summarizes the material terms that will apply to each note offered under our medium-term note program and supplements and may modify the more general terms that apply to the notes as described in the accompanying prospectus under the caption "Description of Debt Securities." The specific terms of the notes as described in the applicable pricing supplement will supplement and, where applicable, modify or replace the general terms described in this section and in the accompanying prospectus. If the pricing supplement is inconsistent with this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, the pricing supplement will control with regard to the notes. Thus, the statements we make in this section or in the accompanying prospectus may not necessarily apply to the notes.

            When we refer to the pricing supplement, we mean the pricing supplement describing the specific terms of the notes. Unless we say otherwise, the terms used in this prospectus supplement that we also use in the accompanying prospectus have the meanings we give to them in the prospectus. Similarly, the terms we use in any pricing supplement that we also use in this prospectus supplement will have the meanings we give them in this prospectus supplement, unless we say otherwise in the pricing supplement.

            The notes will be issued under an Indenture, dated as of March 12, 2004, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, between us and SunTrust Bank, as trustee, hereafter referred to as the Indenture. The notes constitute a single series of securities under the Indenture. The Indenture is subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The following summary of certain provisions of the notes and the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual provisions of the notes and the Indenture. We urge you to read the Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture, which will be executed when and if we issue the notes, because such documents, and not this description or the one in the accompanying prospectus, define your rights as a holder of a note. The form of First Supplemental Indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part. Capitalized terms used but not defined shall have the meanings given to them in the accompanying prospectus, the notes or the Indenture, as the case may be. The term "debt securities" as used in this prospectus supplement, refers to all debt securities, including the notes, issued and issuable from time to time under the Indenture.

General

            All debt securities, including the notes, issued under the Indenture will be our direct, unsecured general obligations and will rank equal in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate initial offering price of debt securities that may be issued. Debt securities may be issued in one or more series up to the aggregate initial offering price from time to time authorized by us for each series. The notes will be effectively subordinated to the following:

            Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture, and as described under the section entitled "—Certain Covenants—Limitations on Incurrence of Debt," the Indenture will permit us to incur additional secured and unsecured indebtedness.

S-7


            We may, without the consent of the holders of the notes, provide for the issuance of notes (including further issuances of notes previously issued), or other debt securities under the Indenture, or the issuance of other debt under another indenture entered into by us, in addition to the $500,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of the notes offered by this prospectus supplement.

            The notes are currently limited up to $500,000,000 aggregate initial offering price, or its equivalent in one or more foreign currencies, composite currencies or currency units. However, the $500,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of the notes may be reduced by our sale of other securities referred to in the accompanying prospectus.

            We will at all times have a paying agent authorized to pay the principal, and premium, if any, or interest on any notes on our behalf. The paying agent will have an office or agency in The City of New York, New York, where the notes may be presented or surrendered for payment and where notices, designations, or requests in respect of payments with respect to notes may be served. We have initially appointed the trustee as the paying agent, with its office for such purposes currently at c/o Compushare, Wall Street Plaza, 88 Pine Street, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10005.

            Unless we redeem a note or repay the note at the option of the holder, the applicable note will mature on a date nine months or more from the date of issue that is specified on its face and in the applicable pricing supplement. This date is hereafter referred to as the "stated maturity." The "maturity" of any note refers to the date on which its principal becomes due and payable, whether at stated maturity, upon our redemption of the note, our repayment of the note at the option of the holder of the note, or otherwise.

            Each note will be denominated in a currency, currency unit or composite currency (referred to as "Specified Currency") as specified on its face and in the applicable pricing supplement. Purchasers of notes are required to pay for them by delivery of the requisite amount of the applicable currency to an agent, unless other arrangements have been made. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, payments on the notes will be made in the Specified Currency in which the notes are denominated. However, at the election of the holder of notes and in certain circumstances at our option, payments on notes denominated in other than U.S. dollars may be made in U.S. dollars. See the section entitled "—Payment of Principal and Interest."

            Each note will be represented by either a permanent global note registered in the name of, or a nominee of, The Depositary Trust Company (or such other depositary identified in the applicable pricing supplement) or a certificate issued in definitive registered form, without coupons, as set forth in the applicable pricing supplement. Each note represented by a permanent global note is referred to as a "Book-Entry Note." Except as set forth under the section entitled "—Book Entry Notes," Book-Entry Notes will not be issuable in certificated form. So long as the depositary or its nominee is the registered holder of any permanent global note, the depositary or its nominee will be considered the sole holder of the Book-Entry Note or notes represented by the applicable permanent global note for all purposes under the Indenture and the notes. For a further description of the forms, denominations, and transfer and exchange procedures for permanent global notes and the Book-Entry Notes, refer to the section entitled "—Book-Entry Notes" and to the applicable pricing supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the authorized denomination of any note denominated in U.S. dollars will be $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The authorized denomination of any note denominated in other than U.S. dollars will be the amount of the applicable currency for that note equivalent, at the noon buying rate, hereinafter referred to as the exchange rate, in The City of New York for cable transfers for that currency on the sixth Business Day in The City of New York and in the country issuing such currency next preceding the date of issue of such note, to U.S. $1,000 (rounded to the nearest 1,000 units of the relevant currency) and any greater amount that is an integral multiple of 1,000 units of the relevant currency unless specified in the applicable pricing supplement.

S-8


            We will sell notes having an interest rate and/or interest rate formula, if any, stated maturity, and date of original issuance as shall be selected by the applicable agents and agreed to by us. The interest rates we offer with respect to the notes may differ depending upon, among other things, the aggregate principal amount of the notes purchased in any single transaction. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, each note, except zero coupon notes (i.e., notes issued at a discount from the principal amount payable at maturity) will bear interest at a fixed rate and/or a rate determined by reference to one or more of the Commercial Paper Rate, the Prime Rate, LIBOR, the Treasury Rate, the CD Rate, CMT Rate or the Federal Funds Rate. If applicable, each rate will be adjusted by the spread, which is the number of basis points specified in the applicable pricing supplement as applying to the interest rate basis (as set forth in the applicable pricing supplement) for that note. The applicable rate may also be adjusted by the spread multiplier, which is the percentage specified in the applicable pricing supplement as applying to the interest rate basis (as set forth in the applicable pricing supplement), if any, for that note. See the section entitled "—Interest Rate." Zero coupon notes will be issued at a discount from the principal amount payable at their maturity, but holders of zero coupon notes will not receive periodic payments of interest.

            Some notes may be issued as Original Issue Discount Notes (referred to as "OID Notes"). An OID Note is a note, including any zero coupon note, that is issued at a price lower than its principal amount and that may provide that upon redemption or acceleration of maturity an amount less than its principal amount may become due and payable. In the event of redemption or acceleration of the maturity of an OID Note, the amount payable to the holder of the OID Note upon redemption or acceleration will be determined in accordance with the terms of the OID Note, but generally will be an amount less than the amount payable at the stated maturity of the OID Note. See "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the notes will not be subject to any sinking fund. Unless we specify an initial date on which we may redeem any note in the applicable pricing supplement, the notes will not be redeemable before their maturity. If we do specify a redemption commencement date for any note, the applicable pricing supplement will also specify one or more redemption prices and the redemption period or periods during which those redemption prices will apply. Unless otherwise specified in the pricing supplement, any such note shall be redeemable at our option at any time on or after the relevant specified redemption commencement date at the specified redemption price applicable to the redemption period during which that note is to be redeemed, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption.

            The notes (other than Book-Entry Notes) may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange at the paying agent's office in The City of New York, New York. With respect to transfers of Book-Entry Notes and exchanges of permanent global notes representing Book-Entry Notes, see "—Book-Entry Notes." The Indenture provisions relating to satisfaction and discharge and legal and covenant defeasance which are described in the accompanying prospectus under the section entitled "Description of Debt Securities—Provisions Applicable to Senior Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities—Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" will apply to the notes.

Interest Rate

            Each note, other than a zero coupon note, will bear interest from the date of issue or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest on the applicable note has been paid or duly provided for at a fixed rate per year or at a floating rate. Each note, other than a zero coupon note, will bear interest at the rate stated in such note and in the applicable pricing supplement until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be payable on each interest payment date and at maturity as specified below under the section entitled "—Payment of Principal and Interest."

            We may issue fixed rate notes or floating rate notes.

S-9


Fixed Rate Notes.

        A note of this type will bear interest at a fixed rate described in the applicable pricing supplement. This type includes zero coupon notes. The applicable pricing supplement relating to a fixed rate note will designate a fixed rate of interest per year payable on that fixed rate note, the interest payment dates, and the Regular Record Dates. If relevant, the applicable pricing supplement will also contain the Redemption Commencement Date, redemption prices and redemption periods relating to such fixed rate note. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, the "Regular Record Date" for any fixed rate note shall be the date 15 calendar days before each interest payment date, whether or not such date is a Business Day.

Floating Rate Notes.

        A note of this type will bear interest at a rate or rates that are determined by reference to an interest rate formula. In some cases, the rate may also be adjusted by adding or subtracting a spread or by applying a spread multiplier and may be subject to a minimum rate or a maximum rate. The various interest rate bases and these other features are described below. The interest rate formula and any adjustments that apply to the interest rate of a floating rate note will be specified in the applicable pricing supplement.

            If a floating rate note is designated as a "Regular Floating Rate Note," then, except as described below or in the applicable pricing supplement, it will bear interest at the rate determined by reference to the applicable interest rate basis (as set forth in the applicable pricing supplement), plus or minus the applicable spread, if any, and/or multiplied by the applicable spread multiplier, if any.

            If a floating rate note is designated as a "Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note," then, except as described below or in an applicable pricing supplement, that floating rate note will initially bear interest at the rate determined by reference to the applicable interest rate basis, plus or minus the applicable spread, if any, and/or multiplied by the applicable spread multiplier, if any. The interest rate in effect commencing on, and including, the date on which interest is to begin accruing at the fixed interest rate, to maturity shall be the fixed interest rate specified in the applicable pricing supplement. If no such fixed interest rate is specified in the pricing supplement, the fixed interest rate will be the interest rate in effect for such note on the day immediately preceding the fixed rate commencement date.

            If the floating rate note is designated as an "Inverse Floating Rate Note," then, except as described below or in the applicable pricing supplement, it will bear interest equal to the fixed interest rate specified in the related pricing supplement minus the rate determined by reference to the interest rate basis, plus or minus the applicable spread, if any, and/or multiplied by the applicable spread multiplier, if any.

            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the interest rate will not be less than zero.

            A floating rate note may also have either or both of the following:

            The applicable pricing supplement relating to a floating rate note will designate an interest rate basis for the floating rate note. The interest rate basis for the floating rate note will be one or more of the following:

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            The applicable pricing supplement for a floating rate note will specify the interest rate basis. If applicable, the applicable pricing supplement will also specify the calculation agent, the Index Maturity (as defined in the section entitled "Glossary" in this prospectus supplement), the spread and/or spread multiplier, the Maximum Rate, the Minimum Rate, the initial interest rate, the interest payment dates, the regular record dates, the calculation date, the interest determination date, and the interest reset date, which is the date on which the interest rate on each floating rate note is reset, for each note.

            The interest rate on each floating rate note will be reset daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or otherwise. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable pricing supplement, the trustee will be the calculation agent for floating rate notes. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable pricing supplement, the interest reset date will be:


            If any interest reset date for any floating rate note would otherwise be a day that is not a Market Day (as defined in the section entitled "Glossary" in this prospectus supplement) for that floating rate note, the interest reset date for that floating rate note will be postponed to the next day that is a Market Day for that floating rate note (except that for a LIBOR Note, if such Market Day is in the next succeeding calendar month, such interest reset date shall be the immediately preceding Market Day). In addition, if the Treasury Rate is the applicable base rate and the interest determination date would fall on an interest reset date, then that interest reset date will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day.

            The interest determination date pertaining to an interest reset date for a Commercial Paper Rate Note, a Prime Rate Note, a CD Rate Note, a CMT Rate Note and a Federal Funds Rate Note will be the second Market Day preceding the applicable interest reset date. The interest determination date pertaining to an interest reset date for a LIBOR Note will be the second London Business Day preceding the applicable interest reset date. The interest determination date pertaining to an interest

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reset date for a Treasury Rate Note will be the day of the week in which the applicable interest reset date falls on which treasury bills would normally be auctioned. Treasury bills are usually sold at auction on the Monday of each week, unless that day is a legal holiday, in which case the auction is usually held on the following Tuesday, except that such auction may be held on the preceding Friday. If, as the result of a legal holiday, an auction is so held on the preceding Friday, that Friday will be the treasury rate interest determination date pertaining to the interest reset date occurring in the next succeeding week. If an auction date shall fall on any interest reset date for a Treasury Rate Note, then such interest reset date shall instead be the first Market Day immediately following the auction date.

            All percentages resulting from any calculations referred to in this prospectus supplement will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upward (e.g., 9.876546% or .09876546 being rounded to 9.87655% or .0987655). All U.S. dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).

            In addition to any maximum interest rate that may apply to a floating rate note under the above provisions, the interest rate on the floating rate notes will in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law, as the same may be modified by U.S. law of general application. Under present New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per year on a simple interest basis, with certain exceptions. The limit may not apply to floating rate notes in which U.S. $2,500,000 or more has been invested.

            Upon the request of the holder of any floating rate note, the calculation agent will provide the interest rate then in effect, and, if determined, the interest rate that will become effective on the next interest reset date for that floating rate note. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the "calculation date" pertaining to any interest determination date will be the earlier of:

            The calculation agent's determination of any interest rate will be final and binding in the absence of manifest error.

Commercial Paper Rate Notes

            Commercial Paper Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to the Commercial Paper Rate and the spread and/or spread multiplier, if any), and such interest will be payable on the dates, specified on the face of the Commercial Paper Rate Note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

            Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, "Commercial Paper Rate" means, for any interest reset date, the Money Market Yield (calculated as described below) of the per year rate (quoted on a bank discount basis) for the relevant interest determination date for commercial paper having the specified Index Maturity as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates," or any successor publication of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("H.15(519)") under the heading "Commercial Paper—Non-Financial."

            The calculation agent will observe the following procedures if the Commercial Paper Rate cannot be determined as described above:

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            However, if fewer than three dealers selected by the calculation agent are quoting, as mentioned above, the Commercial Paper Rate for such interest reset date will be the Commercial Paper Rate in effect on the relevant interest determination date.

Prime Rate Notes

            Prime Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to the Prime Rate and the spread and/or spread multiplier, if any), and such interest will be payable on the dates specified on their faces and in the applicable pricing supplement.

            Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, "Prime Rate" means, for any interest reset date, the rate set forth for the relevant Prime Rate interest determination date in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime Loan."

            The calculation agent will observe the following procedures if the Prime Rate cannot be determined as described above:

            However, if fewer than three banks selected as provided above by the calculation agent are quoting as mentioned above, the Prime Rate for the relevant interest reset date will be the Prime Rate in effect on the applicable interest determination date.

LIBOR Notes

            LIBOR Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to LIBOR and the spread and/or spread multiplier, if any), and such interest will be payable on the dates specified on the face of the LIBOR Note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

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            If "LIBOR Telerate" is specified in the pricing supplement for your notes, LIBOR, for any interest determination date, will be the rate for deposits in the LIBOR Currency having the index maturity specified in your pricing supplement, as that rate appears on the Designated LIBOR Page (as defined below) as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on that relevant interest determination date.

            If "LIBOR Reuters" is specified in the pricing supplement for your notes, LIBOR, for any interest determination date, will be the average of the offered rates for deposits in the LIBOR Currency having the relevant index maturity specified in your pricing supplement, as those rates appear on the Designated LIBOR Page as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on that interest determination date, if at least two such offered rates appear on the Designated LIBOR Page.

            If neither LIBOR Reuters nor LIBOR Telerate is specified in the pricing supplement for your notes, LIBOR Telerate will be used. In addition, if the Designated LIBOR Page by its terms provides only for a single rate, that single rate will be used regardless of the foregoing provisions requiring more than one rate. If the pricing supplement for your notes does not specify the related interest determination date, the determination date will be the day that is two London Business Days before the applicable interest reset date.

            On any interest determination date, if no rate appears on the applicable Designated LIBOR Page, the calculation agent will determine LIBOR by reference to the other LIBOR page. If no rate appears on that second LIBOR page, then the calculation agent will determine LIBOR as follows:

            However, if fewer than three banks selected by the calculation agent are quoting as mentioned above, LIBOR will remain the LIBOR rate then in effect on that interest determination date.

            "Designated LIBOR Page" means (a) if "LIBOR Reuters" is designated in the pricing supplement for your notes, the display on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service, or a successor nominated as the information vendor, for the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for the LIBOR Currency, or (b) if "LIBOR Telerate" is designated in the pricing supplement for your notes, the display on the Telerate Page 3750, or a successor service nominated by the British Bankers' Association, for the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for the applicable index currency.

Treasury Rate Notes

            Treasury Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to the Treasury Rate and the spread and/or spread multiplier, if any), and such interest will be payable on the dates specified on the face of the Treasury Rate Note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

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            Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, "Treasury Rate" means, for any interest reset date,

            However, if fewer than three dealers so selected by the calculation agent are quoting as mentioned above, the Treasury Rate for the relevant interest reset date will be the Treasury Rate in effect on the applicable interest determination date.

            "Bond Equivalent Yield" means a yield (expressed as a percentage) calculated in accordance with the following formula:

Bond Equivalent Yield =   100   x   DxN
360-(DxM)

where "D" refers to the per annum rate for commercial paper quoted on a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal, "N" refers to the number of days in that year (365 or 366, as the case may be), and "M" refers to the number of days in the period for which accrued interest is being calculated.

            "H.15 Daily Update" means the daily update for H.15(519), available through the web site of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h15/update, or any successor site or publications.

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CD Rate Notes

            CD Rate notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to the CD Rate and the spread and/or spread multiplier, if any), and such interest will be payable on the dates specified on the face of the CD Rate note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

            Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, "CD Rate" means, for any interest reset date, the rate for the relevant CD Rate interest determination date for negotiable U.S. dollar certificates of deposit having the specified Index Maturity as published in H.15(519) under the heading "CDs (Secondary Market)."

            The calculation agent will observe the following procedures if the CD Rate cannot be determined as described above:

            However, if fewer than three dealers selected as provided above by the calculation agent are quoting as mentioned above, the CD Rate for such interest reset date will be the CD Rate in effect on the relevant interest determination date.

CMT Rate Notes

            CMT Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to the CMT Rate and the spread and/or spread multiplier, if any), and such interest will be payable on the dates specified on the face of the CMT Rate Note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, "CMT Rate" means, with respect to the applicable interest determination date, the rate displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate Page by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the relevant calculation date, under the caption ". . . Treasury Constant Maturities . . . Federal Reserve Board Release H.15 . . . Mondays Approximately 3:45 p.m.," under the column for the Designated CMT Maturity Index for:

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            The calculation agent will observe the following procedures if the CMT Rate cannot be determined as described above:

            However, if fewer than three reference dealers so selected by the calculation agent are quoting as mentioned herein, the CMT Rate determined as of the applicable interest determination date will be the CMT Rate in effect on such CMT Rate interest determination date. If two treasury notes with an original maturity as described in the second preceding sentence have remaining terms to maturity equally close to the Designated CMT Maturity Index, the calculation agent will obtain from five

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reference dealers quotations for the treasury note with the shorter remaining term to maturity and will use such quotations to calculate the CMT Rate as set forth above.

            "Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Telerate Service (or any successor service) on the page specified in the applicable pricing supplement (or any other page as may replace such page on that service (or any successor service) for the purpose of displaying Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519)) for the purpose of displaying Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519). If no such page is specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the Designated CMT Telerate Page shall be 7052 for the most recent week.

            "Designated CMT Maturity Index" means the original period to maturity of the U.S. Treasury securities (either 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20 or 30 years) specified in the applicable pricing supplement with respect to which the CMT Rate will be calculated. If no such maturity is specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the Designated CMT Maturity Index shall be two years.

Federal Funds Rate Notes

            Federal Funds Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to the Federal Funds Rate and the spread and/or spread multiplier, if any), and such interest will be payable on the dates specified on the face of the Federal Funds Rate Note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

            Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, "Federal Funds Rate" means, for any interest reset date, the rate on the relevant Federal Funds interest determination date for Federal Funds as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds (Effective)" as that rate is displayed on the calculation date pertaining to that interest determination date or Telerate Page 120 under the heading "Federal Funds Rate."

            The calculation agent will observe the following procedures if the Federal Funds Rate cannot be determined as described above:

            However, if fewer than three brokers selected by the calculation agent are quoting, as mentioned above, the Federal Funds Rate for such interest reset date will be the Federal Funds Rate in effect on the applicable interest determination date.

Indexed Notes

            Indexed Notes may be issued with the principal amount payable at maturity, and/or the amount of interest payable on an interest payment date, to be determined by reference to one or more currencies (including baskets of currencies), one or more commodities (including baskets of

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commodities), one or more securities (including baskets of securities) and/or any other index (each, an "Index") as set forth in the applicable pricing supplement.

            Holders of Indexed Notes may receive a principal amount at maturity that is greater than or less than the face amount (but not less than zero) of those notes depending upon the value at maturity of the applicable index. With respect to any Indexed Note, information as to the methods for determining the principal amount payable at maturity and/or the amount of interest payable on an interest payment date, as the case may be, as to any one or more currencies (including baskets of currencies), commodities (including baskets of commodities), securities (including baskets of securities) or other indices to which principal or interest is indexed, as to any additional foreign exchange or other risks or as to any additional tax considerations may be set forth in the applicable pricing supplement. See "Risk Factors—Structure Risks."

Original Issue Discount Notes

            Original Issue Discount Notes are notes issued at a discount from the principal amount payable at maturity (including any zero coupon note) and which are considered to be issued with original issue discount which must be included in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes at a constant rate. See the section entitled "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—United States Holders—Original Issue Discount." Certain additional considerations relating to Original Issue Discount Notes may be described in the pricing supplement relating to such notes.

Amortizing Notes

            We may from time to time offer notes for which payments of principal and interest are made over the life of the notes and are referred to as Amortizing Notes. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, interest on each Amortizing Note will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Payments with respect to Amortizing Notes will be applied first to interest due and payable and then to the reduction of the unpaid principal amount. Further information concerning additional terms and provisions of Amortizing Notes will be specified in the applicable pricing supplement, including a table setting forth repayment information for such Amortizing Notes.

Other Provisions

            Any provisions with respect to the notes, including the determination of an interest rate basis, the specification of an interest rate basis, the calculation of the interest rate applicable to a floating rate note, the interest payment dates or any other matter relating to the notes may be modified by the terms specified under "Other Provisions" on the faces of such notes or in an addendum to such notes, and in the applicable pricing supplements.

Payment of Principal and Interest

            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, payments of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all notes will be made in the relevant currency. However, payments of principal (and premium, if any) and interest on notes denominated in other than U.S. dollars will nevertheless be made in U.S. dollars in accordance with the following:

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            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, and except as provided in the next paragraph, payments of interest and principal (and premium, if any) for any note denominated in other than U.S. dollars will be made in U.S. dollars if the registered holder of such note on the relevant Regular Record Date, or at maturity, has transmitted a written request for such payment in U.S. dollars to the paying agent at the paying agent's office on or before such Regular Record Date, or the date 15 days before maturity. This request may be in writing (mailed or hand delivered) or by cable or other form of facsimile transmission. Any request made for any note by a registered holder will remain in effect for any further payments of interest and principal (and premium, if any) on such note payable to such holder, unless such request is revoked on or before the relevant Regular Record Date or the date 15 days before maturity. Holders of notes denominated in other than U.S. dollars whose notes are registered in the name of a broker or nominee should contact the relevant broker or nominee to determine whether and how to elect to receive payments in U.S. dollars.

            The U.S. dollar amount to be received by a holder of a note denominated in other than U.S. dollars who elects to receive payment in U.S. dollars will be determined by the exchange rate agent at approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date, by selecting the indicative quotations for the applicable currency appearing at such time on the bank composite or multi-contributor pages of the Quoting Source (as defined below) for the first three banks, in descending order of their appearance, on a list of banks to be agreed to by CenterPoint and the exchange rate agent (which may include an agent or the calculation and exchange rate agent) prior to such second Business Day, which are offering quotes on the Quoting Source. The exchange rate agent shall select from among the selected quotations the one which will yield the largest number of U.S. dollars upon conversion from the relevant currency. The "Quoting Source" shall mean Reuters Monitor Foreign Exchange Service, or if the exchange rate agent determines that such service is not available, Telerate Monitor Foreign Exchange Service. If the exchange rate agent determines that neither service is available, CenterPoint and the exchange rate agent shall agree on a comparable display or other comparable manner of obtaining quotations and such display or manner shall become the Quoting Source.

            If fewer than three bid quotations are available for a Specified Currency at a time a determination is to be made by the exchange rate agent in accordance with the preceding paragraph, or if the exchange rate agent received no later than 12:00 noon New York City time, on such second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date notice from CenterPoint that there exist exchange controls or other circumstances beyond CenterPoint's control rendering such Specified Currency unavailable, then the exchange rate agent shall, prior to such payment date, notify CenterPoint and the trustee of the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers, in the Specified Currency indicated in such notice, as certified for customers' purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the "Market Exchange Rate") as of such second Business Day. If the Market Exchange Rate for such date is not then available, the exchange rate agent shall immediately notify CenterPoint and the trustee of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate for such Specified Currency.

            Interest will be payable to the person in whose name a note is registered (which for a permanent global note representing Book-Entry Notes will be the depositary or a nominee of the depositary) at the close of business on the Regular Record Date next preceding each interest payment date. However, interest payable at maturity will be payable to the person to whom principal shall be payable (which for permanent global notes representing Book-Entry Notes will be the depositary or a nominee of the depositary). The first payment of interest on any note originally issued between a Regular Record Date and an interest payment date will be made on the second such interest payment date next succeeding its date of issue to the registered owner on the Regular Record Date relating to such second interest payment date.

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            Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement and except as provided below, interest will be payable as follows:

each an "interest payment date," and, in each case, at maturity. If an interest payment date (other than at stated maturity, a redemption date or an optional repayment date (if specified in the applicable pricing supplement)) with respect to any floating rate note would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Market Day with respect to such note, such interest payment date will be on the next succeeding Market Day (with interest accruing to but excluding the next succeeding Market Day) or, in the case of a LIBOR Note, if such day falls in the next calendar month, the next preceding Market Day (with interest accruing to but excluding the next preceding Market Day). If the stated maturity, redemption date or optional repayment date of a floating rate note falls on a day that is not a Market Day, the required payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made on the next succeeding Market Day as if made on the date such payment was due, and no interest will accrue on such payment for the period from and after the stated maturity, redemption date or optional repayment date, as the case may be, to the date of such payment on the next succeeding Market Day.

            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, interest payments in respect of fixed rate notes and floating rate notes will equal the amount of interest accrued from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date in respect of which interest has been paid or duly made available for payment (or from and including the date of issue, if no interest has been paid or duly made available for payment) to but excluding the applicable interest payment date or the stated maturity.

            For a floating rate note, accrued interest from (and including) the date of issue or from (and including) the last date to which interest has been paid is calculated by multiplying the face amount of such floating rate note by an accrued interest factor. That accrued interest factor is computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day from (and including) the date of issue, or from (and including) the last date to which interest has been paid, but excluding the date for which accrued interest is being calculated. The interest factor (expressed as a decimal) for each day is computed by dividing the interest rate (expressed as a decimal) applicable to that date by 360 for Commercial Paper Rate Notes, Prime Rate Notes, LIBOR Notes, CD Rate notes, or Federal Funds Rate Notes, or by the

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actual number of days in the year for Treasury Rate Notes or CMT Rate Notes. Interest on fixed rate notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

            A payment on any fixed rate note due on any day that is not a Business Day need not be made on such a day, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the due date, and no interest shall accrue for the period from and after such date.

            Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any interest due with respect to any note (other than a Book-Entry Notes) at maturity will be made in immediately available funds upon surrender of such note at the paying agent's office. However, the note must be presented to the paying agent in time for the paying agent to make the required payments in the applicable funds in accordance with its normal procedures. Payments of interest on any note (other than any Book-Entry Notes) other than at maturity will be made by check mailed to the address of the person (which, in the case of a permanent global note representing Book-Entry Notes, shall be the depositary) entitled thereto as it appears in the Security Register or by wire transfer to such account as may have been appropriately designated by such person. Payments in respect of Book-Entry Notes are further discussed under the section entitled "—Book-Entry Notes."

            If the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any note is payable in other than U.S. dollars and the relevant currency is not available due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control, we will be entitled to satisfy our obligations to holders of the notes by making such payment in U.S. dollars on the basis of the most recently available exchange rate. Any payment made under such circumstances in U.S. dollars where the required payment is in other than U.S. dollars will not constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture.

Repayment at the Option of the Holder; Repurchase By Company

            We may repay the notes at the option of the holders of the notes prior to stated maturity only if one or more optional repayment dates are specified in the applicable pricing supplement. If an optional repayment date is specified, the notes will be subject to repayment at the option of the holders of the notes on any optional repayment date in whole or in part in increments of U.S. $1,000 or such other minimum denomination specified in the applicable pricing supplement (provided that any remaining principal amount of the note shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such other minimum denomination), at a repayment price equal to 100% of the unpaid principal amount to be repaid (or, if the note is an Original Issue Discount Note, such lesser amount as provided), together with unpaid interest accrued to the date of repayment. For any note to be repaid, that note must be received, together with the form thereon entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" duly completed, by the trustee at its Corporate Trust Office (or such other address of which CenterPoint shall from time to time notify the holders of notes) not more than 60 nor less than 30 calendar days prior to the date of repayment. Exercise of such repayment option by the holder will be irrevocable.

            Only the depositary may exercise the repayment option in respect of Global Securities representing Book-Entry Notes. Accordingly, holders of beneficial interests of a permanent global note that desire to have all or any portion of the Book-Entry Notes represented by such permanent global note repaid must instruct the participant through which they own their interest to direct the depositary to exercise the repayment option on their behalf by delivering the related permanent global note and duly completed election form to the trustee as aforesaid. In order to ensure that such permanent global note and election form are received by the trustee on a particular day, the applicable holder of beneficial interests must so instruct the participant through which it owns its interest before such participant's deadline for accepting instructions for that day. Different firms may have different deadlines for accepting instructions from their customers. Accordingly, holders of beneficial interests should consult the participants through which they own their interest for the respective deadlines for such participants. All instructions given to participants from holders of beneficial interests of

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permanent global notes relating to the option to elect repayment shall be irrevocable. In addition, at the time such instructions are given, each holder of beneficial interests shall cause the participant through which it owns its interest to transfer the relevant holder's interest in the permanent global note or notes representing the related Book-Entry Notes, on the depositary's records, to the trustee. See the section entitled "—Book Entry Notes."

            If applicable, we will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with any such repayment.

            We may at any time purchase notes at any price or prices in the open market or otherwise. Notes so purchased by us may, at our discretion, be held, resold or surrendered to the trustee for cancellation.

Optional Redemption

            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the notes will not be subject to any sinking fund. Unless we specify an initial date on which we may redeem any note in the applicable pricing supplement, the notes will not be redeemable before their maturity. If one or more such dates are so specified with respect to any note, the applicable pricing supplement will also specify one or more redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of such note) and the redemption period or periods during which the redemption prices will apply. Unless otherwise specified in the pricing supplement, any such note shall be redeemable at our option at the specified redemption price applicable to the redemption period during which such note is to be redeemed, together with interest accrued to the redemption date.

            We may exercise these redemption rights as a whole or from time to time in part in increments of U.S. $1,000 or such other minimum denomination specified in the applicable pricing supplement (provided that any remaining principal amount of the note shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such other minimum denomination), at any time on or after the relevant specified redemption commencement date and prior to their stated maturity at a redemption price equal to 100% of the unpaid principal amount of the note plus accrued interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), plus a Make-Whole Amount (as defined below), if any.

            The "Make-Whole Amount" in respect of any note is intended to be the amount, if any, which, when added to the then outstanding principal amount of the applicable note, would, if invested on the redemption date of such note in U.S. Treasury securities with maturities equal to the Remaining Life (as defined below) of the notes, have a yield to maturity equal to the original yield to maturity of the notes, based on the initial public offering price of the notes set forth in the applicable pricing supplement. The amount of the Make-Whole Amount in respect of the principal amount of any note to be redeemed will be calculated by us and will be the positive difference, if any, of


            Such present values will be determined in accordance with generally accepted principles of financial analysis by discounting the amounts of such payments of interest and principal from their

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respective stated maturities to such redemption date at a discount rate equal to the Treasury Yield (as defined below), plus such amount, if any, as may be specified in the applicable pricing supplement.

            The "Treasury Yield" in respect of any note to be redeemed shall be determined as of the date on which notice of redemption of such note is sent to the holder thereof by reference to the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) (or successor publication) which has become publicly available not more than two Business Days prior to such date. If such Statistical Release (or successor publication) is no longer published or no longer contains the applicable data, the Treasury Yield will be determined by reference to the most recently published issue of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (Eastern Edition) published not more than two Business Days prior to such date that contains such data. If THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (Eastern Edition) is no longer published or no longer contains such data, the Treasury Yield will be determined by reference to any publicly available source of similar market data, and shall be the most recent weekly average yield on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity equal to the Remaining Life of the notes and, if applicable, converted to a bond equivalent yield basis as described below. The "Remaining Life" of the notes shall equal the number of years from the redemption date to the stated maturity of the notes. However, if the Remaining Life of the notes being redeemed is not equal to the constant maturity of a U.S. Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is specified in the applicable source, then the Remaining Life of the notes shall be rounded to the nearest one-twelfth of one year and the Treasury Yield shall be obtained by linear interpolation (computed to the fifth decimal place (one thousandth of a percentage point) and then rounded to the fourth decimal place (one hundredth of a percentage point)), after rounding to the nearest one-twelfth of one year, from the weekly average yields of:

            The Treasury Yield shall, if expressed on a yield basis other than that equivalent to a bond equivalent yield basis, be converted to a bond equivalent yield basis and shall be computed to the fifth decimal place (one thousandth of a percentage point) and then rounded to the fourth decimal place (one hundredth of a percentage point).

            Notice of redemption will be provided by mailing a notice of such redemption to each holder by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 calendar days and not more than 60 calendar days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the respective address of each holder as that address appears in the Security Register.

            We may purchase notes at any price in the open market or otherwise. Notes so purchased by us may, at the our discretion, be held or resold or surrendered to the trustee for cancellation.

Book-Entry Notes

            Upon issuance, all Book-Entry Notes of like tenor and having the same date of issue will be represented by a single permanent global note. Each permanent global note representing Book-Entry Notes will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depositary Trust Company, as depositary, located in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, and will be registered in the name of the depositary or a nominee of the depositary. Currently, the depositary will accept the deposit of only permanent global notes denominated in U.S. dollars.

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            Ownership of beneficial interests in a permanent global note representing Book-Entry Notes will be limited to institutions that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee (such institutions are referred to as participants herein) or persons that may hold interests through participants. In addition, ownership of beneficial interests by participants in such a permanent global note will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee for such permanent global note. Ownership of beneficial interests in such a permanent global note by persons that hold through participants will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest within such participant will be effected only through, records maintained by such participant. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in such a permanent global note.

            We have been advised by the depositary that upon the issuance of a permanent global note representing Book-Entry Notes, and the deposit of such permanent global note with the depositary, the depositary will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the Book-Entry Notes represented by such permanent global note to the accounts of participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the soliciting agent or, to the extent that the Book-Entry Notes are offered and sold directly, by us.

            Payment of principal of and any premium and interest on Book-Entry Notes represented by any permanent global note registered in the name of or held by the depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the permanent global note representing such Book-Entry Notes. Neither CenterPoint, the trustee, nor any agent of the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the depositary's records or any participant's records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a permanent global note representing such Book-Entry Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the depositary's records or any participant's records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

            We have been advised by the depositary that upon receipt of any payment of principal of or any premium or interest in respect of a permanent global note, the depositary will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, accounts of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such permanent global note as shown on the records of the depositary. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a permanent global note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street name," and will be the sole responsibility of such participants.

            No permanent global note described above may be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such permanent global note to a nominee of the depositary or by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary.

            A permanent global note representing Book-Entry Notes is exchangeable for definitive notes registered in the name of, and a transfer of a permanent global note may be registered to, any person other than the depositary or its nominee if we are notified by the depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for such permanent global note or if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act.

            Any permanent global note that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable in whole for definitive notes in registered form, of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of U.S. $1,000 and integral multiples of U.S. $1,000 in excess. Such definitive notes shall be registered in the name or names of such person or persons as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by

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the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such permanent global note.

            Except as provided above, owners of beneficial interests in such permanent global note will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in definitive form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no permanent global note representing Book-Entry Notes shall be exchangeable, except for another permanent global note of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in such permanent global note must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Indenture.

            The Indenture provides that the depositary, as a holder, may appoint agents and otherwise authorize participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, or other action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture. We understand that, under existing industry practices, in the event that we request any action of holders of notes or an owner of a beneficial interest in such permanent global note desires to give or take any action that a holder of a note is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the depositary would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

            DTC, the world's largest depository, is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Bank Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 2 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments from over 85 countries that DTC's participants ("Direct Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants' accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTCC"). DTCC, in turn, is owned by a number of Direct Participants of DTC and Members of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, Government Securities Clearing Corporation, MBS Clearing Corporation, and Emerging Markets Clearing Corporation, (NSCC, GSCC, MBSCC, and EMCC, also subsidiaries of DTCC), as well as by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC, and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). DTC has Standard & Poor's highest rating: AAA. The DTC rules applicable to its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com.

Certain Covenants

            When and if we execute the First Supplemental Indenture, the form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part, the Indenture will contain the following covenants, in addition to those set forth in the accompanying prospectus under

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"Description of Debt Securities—Provisions Applicable to Senior Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities—Certain Covenants."

            Limitations on incurrence of debt.    CenterPoint will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary (as defined below) to, incur any Debt (as defined below), other than Intercompany Debt (as defined below), if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt and the application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Debt of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP (as defined below) would be greater than 60% of the sum of:


            In addition to the foregoing limitation on the incurrence of Debt, CenterPoint will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Debt if the ratio of Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service (as defined below) to the Annual Service Charge (as defined below) on the date on which such additional debt is to be incurred, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt and to the application of the proceeds thereof, would have been less than 1.5 to 1 (Section 1004(b) of the First Supplemental Indenture).

            Further, CenterPoint will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Debt secured by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge, encumbrance or security interest of any kind upon any of the properties of CenterPoint or any Subsidiary, referred to herein as Secured Debt, whether owned at the date of the First Supplemental Indenture or thereafter acquired, if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Secured Debt and the application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Secured Debt of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would be greater than 40% of the sum of the following:

            Further, CenterPoint will at all times maintain an Unencumbered Total Asset Value (as defined below) in an amount not less than 150% of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding unsecured Debt of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (Section 1004(d) of the First Supplemental Indenture).

            For purposes of the foregoing paragraphs regarding the limitation on the incurrence of Debt, (i) Debt shall be deemed to be "incurred" by CenterPoint or a Subsidiary whenever CenterPoint or such Subsidiary shall create, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect thereof, (ii) outstanding Debt of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary shall be deemed to be "incurred" at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary, and (iii) any Debt that is extended, renewed or refunded shall be deemed to have been "incurred" at the time of any such extension, renewal or refunding.

Glossary

            "Adjusted Total Assets" of a Person as of any date means the total of all assets of such Person which would be shown as assets on a balance sheet of such Person as of such time prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") plus accumulated depreciation.

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            "Annual Service Charge" as of any date means the aggregate amount of any interest expensed by CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

            "Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The City of New York; provided, however, that, with respect to non-U.S. dollar-denominated notes, the day is also not a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in the Principal Financial Center, as defined below, of the country issuing the Specified Currency, or, if the Specified Currency is Euro, the day is also a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) System is open; provided, further, that, with respect to notes as to which LIBOR is an applicable interest rate basis, the day is also a London Business Day. "London Business Day" means a day on which commercial banks are open for business, including dealings in the LIBOR Currency, as defined below, in London.

            "Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service" as of any date means Consolidated Net Income (as defined below) of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries plus amounts that have been deducted in the computation thereof for (a) interest on Debt of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries; (b) provision for taxes of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries based on income; (c) amortization of debt discount; (d) depreciation and amortization; (e) the effect of any noncash charge resulting from a change in accounting principles in determining Consolidated Net Income; and (f) amortization of deferred charges, for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended, all as determined in accordance with GAAP, and without taking into account any provision for gains and losses on properties.

            "Consolidated Net Income" for any period means the amount of net income (or loss) of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Debt" of CenterPoint or any Subsidiary means any indebtedness of CenterPoint or any Subsidiary, whether or not contingent, in respect of: (1) borrowed money evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments; (2) indebtedness secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance or any security interest existing on property owned by CenterPoint or any Subsidiary; (3) reimbursement obligations in connection with any letters of credit actually issued or amounts representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable; or (4) any lease of property by CenterPoint or any Subsidiary as lessee which is reflected on CenterPoint's consolidated balance sheet as a capitalized lease in accordance with GAAP; but in the case of items of indebtedness incurred under (1) through (3) above only to the extent that any such items (other than letters of credit) would appear as a liability on CenterPoint's consolidated balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, and also includes, to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of CenterPoint or any Subsidiary to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise (other than for purposes of collection in the ordinary course of business), indebtedness of another person (other than CenterPoint or any Subsidiary).

            "Index Maturity" means, for a floating rate note, the period to maturity of the interest or obligation on which the interest rate formula is based, as specified in the applicable pricing supplement.

            "Intercompany Debt" means Debt to which the only parties are CenterPoint and any Subsidiary and, in the case of Debt owed by CenterPoint to any Subsidiary, such Debt is subordinate in right of payment to the holders of the notes.

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            "LIBOR Currency" means the currency specified in the applicable pricing supplement as to which LIBOR will be calculated or, if no currency is specified in the applicable pricing supplement, U.S. dollars.

            "Market Day" means:

            "Money Market Yield" shall be a yield (expressed as a percentage) calculated in accordance with the following formula:

Money Market Yield = 100 x 360 x D
360 – (D x M)

where "D" refers to the per year rate for commercial paper quoted on a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal and "M" refers to the actual number of days in the period from the interest reset date to but excluding the day that numerically corresponds to such Interest Rate Date (or, if there is not any such numerically corresponding day, the last day) in the calendar month that is the number of months corresponding to the specified Index Maturity after the month in which such interest reset date falls.

            "Principal Financial Center" means:

            "Security Register" means a register maintained at a place of payment for the registration and transfer of the notes.

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            "Subsidiary" means a corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership or limited liability company, a majority of the outstanding voting stock, partnership interests or membership interests, as the case may be, of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by CenterPoint or by one or more Subsidiaries of CenterPoint. CenterPoint Realty Services Corporation and its subsidiaries are Subsidiaries for purposes of this definition. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock having the voting power for the election of directors, trustees, general partners or managers, as the case may be, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

            "Undepreciated Real Estate Assets" as of any date means the amount (original cost plus capital improvements) of real estate assets of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries on such date, before depreciation and amortization, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Unencumbered Total Asset Value" as of any date means the sum of (1) the amount of each asset comprising Undepreciated Real Estate Assets not subject to an encumbrance; and (2) the amount of all other assets of CenterPoint and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis not subject to an encumbrance determined in accordance with GAAP (but excluding accounts receivable and intangibles).

            Reference is made to the section entitled "Description of Debt Securities—Provisions Applicable to Senior Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities—Certain Covenants" in the accompanying prospectus for a description of additional covenants applicable to the notes. Compliance with the covenants described herein and such additional covenants with respect to the notes generally may not be waived by our Board of Trustees, or by the trustee unless the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding notes consent to such waiver; provided, however, that, when and if we execute the First Supplemental Indenture, the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions of the Indenture described under "Description of Debt Securities—Provisions Applicable to Senior Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities—Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" in the accompanying prospectus will apply to the notes, including with respect to the covenants described in this prospectus supplement.

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

            The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a holder of a note who purchases the note upon its original issuance. The summary is based on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary deals only with holders that will hold notes as capital assets, and does not address tax considerations applicable to investors that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation, banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, common trust funds or dealers in securities or currencies, persons that will hold notes as part of an integrated investment (including a "straddle" or "conversion transaction") comprised of a note and one or more other positions, or persons that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar. Any special U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to a particular issue of notes, including any Variable Notes, notes providing for payment in more than one currency or notes providing for contingent payments, will be provided in the applicable pricing supplement. Purchasers of such notes should carefully examine the applicable pricing supplement and should consult with their tax advisors with respect to such notes.

            Investors should consult their tax advisors in determining the tax consequences to them of holding notes, including the application to their particular situation of the U.S. federal income tax considerations discussed below, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

            As used herein, the term "United States holder" means a person who is a citizen or resident of the United States, or that is a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source or a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust's administration and (2) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the trust's substantial decisions, and the term "United States" means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia).

United States Holders

Payments of interest

            Payments of "qualified stated interest" (as defined below under "Original Issue Discount") on a note will be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary interest income at the time that such payments are accrued or are received (in accordance with the United States holder's method of tax accounting). If such payments of interest are made with respect to a note that is denominated in the relevant currency other than the U.S. dollar, hereinafter referred to as a Foreign Currency Note, the amount of interest income realized by a U.S. holder that uses the cash method of tax accounting will be the U.S. dollar value of the applicable currency payment based on the spot rate of exchange on the date of receipt regardless of whether the payment in fact is converted into U.S. dollars. A U.S. holder of notes that uses the accrual method of tax accounting will accrue interest income on the Foreign Currency Note in the relevant foreign currency and translate the amount accrued into U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate in effect during the interest accrual period (or portion thereof within such holder's taxable year), or, at such holder's election, at the spot rate of exchange on

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Purchase, sale and retirement of notes

            A U.S. holder's tax basis in a note generally will equal the cost of the note to such holder, increased by any amounts includible in income by the holder as original issue discount and reduced by any amortized bond premium (each as described below) and any payments other than payments of qualified stated interest made on such note. In the case of a Foreign Currency Note, the cost of such note to a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency purchase price on the date of purchase. In the case of a Foreign Currency Note that is traded on an established securities market, a U.S. holder that uses the cash method of tax accounting (and, if it so elects, a U.S. holder that uses the accrual method of tax accounting) will determine the U.S. dollar value of the cost of such note by translating the amount paid at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the purchase. The amount of any subsequent adjustments to a U.S. holder's tax basis in a Foreign Currency Note in respect of Original Issue Discount, and amortizable bond premium denominated in a Specified currency other than the U.S. dollar will be determined in the manner described under the sections entitled "Original Issue Discount" and "Notes Purchased at a Premium" below. The conversion of U.S. dollars to another currency and the immediate use of the relevant currency to purchase a Foreign Currency Note generally will not result in taxable gain or loss for a U.S. holder of notes.

            Upon the sale, exchange or retirement of a note, referred to herein as a disposition, a U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition (less any accrued qualified stated interest, which will be taxable as ordinary income) and the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in such note. If a U.S. holder receives a currency other than the U.S. dollar in respect of the disposition of a note, the amount realized will be the U.S. dollar value of the relevant currency received calculated at the spot rate of exchange on the date of disposition. In the case of a Foreign Currency Note that is traded on an established securities market, a U.S. holder that uses the cash method of tax accounting, and if it so elects, a U.S. holder that uses the accrual method of tax accounting, will determine the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized by translating such amount at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the disposition. The election available to accrual basis U.S. holders in respect of the purchase and sale of Foreign Currency Notes traded on an established securities market, discussed above, must be applied consistently by the U.S. holder to all debt instruments from year to year and can be changed only with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. Except as discussed below with respect to Short-Term Notes (as defined below) and foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder will generally be long term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder's holding period for the note exceeded one year at the time of disposition. Recently enacted U.S. tax legislation reduced the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to long term capital gains recognized by individuals. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible effect of such legislation on such investors. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder of notes on the disposition of a Foreign Currency Note generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss to the extent that the gain or loss is attributable to changes in exchange rates during the period in which the holder held such note.

Original issue discount

            In General. Notes with a term greater than one year may be issued with Original Issue Discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, hereinafter referred to as Original Issue Discount Notes. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. holders generally must accrue Original Issue Discount in gross income over the term of the Original Issue Discount Notes on a constant yield basis, regardless of their

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regular method of tax accounting. As a result, U.S. holders generally will recognize income in respect of an Original Issue Discount Note in advance of the receipt of cash attributable to that income.

            Original Issue Discount generally will arise if the "stated redemption price at maturity" of the note exceeds its "issue price" by more than a de minimis amount (0.25% of the note's stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity, or if a note has certain interest payment characteristics such as interest holidays, interest payable in additional securities or stopped interest, by the weighted average maturity of such note). For this purpose, the "issue price" of a note is the first price at which a substantial amount of notes is sold for cash (other than to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers), and the "stated redemption price at maturity" of a note is the sum of all payments due under the note, other than payments of "qualified stated interest." The term "qualified stated interest" generally means stated interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or property (other than our debt instruments of CenterPoint) at least annually during the entire term of the Original Issue Discount Notes at a single fixed rate of interest or, subject to certain conditions, based on one or more interest indices. Unless an election to treat all interest as Original Issue Discount is made, a U.S. holder of a note issued with de minimis Original Issue Discount must include such de minimis Original Issue Discount in income as capital gain, as stated principal payments on the note are made. The includible amount with respect to such payment will equal the product of the total amount of the de minimis Original Issue Discount and a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the principal payments made and the denominator of which is the stated principal amount of the note.

            For each taxable year of a U.S. holder, the amount of Original Issue Discount that must be included in gross income in respect of an Original Issue Discount Note will be the sum of the daily portions of Original Issue Discount for each day during such taxable year (or any portion thereof) in which such a U.S. holder held the Original Issue Discount Note. Such daily portions are determined by allocating to each day in an accrual period a pro rata portion of the Original Issue Discount allocable to that accrual period. Accrual periods may be of any length and may vary in length over the term of an Original Issue Discount Note, provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs on the first day or the final day of such period. The amount of Original Issue Discount allocable to any accrual period generally will equal the product of the Original Issue Discount Note's "adjusted issue price" at the beginning of such accrual period multiplied by its yield to maturity (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and properly adjusted for the length of the accrual period) and subtracting from that product the amount (if any) of qualified stated interest allocable to that accrual period. The "adjusted issue price" of an Original Issue Discount Note at the beginning of any accrual period will equal the issue price of the Original Issue Discount Note, as defined above, increased by previously accrued Original Issue Discount from prior accrual periods, and reduced by any payment made on such note (other than payments of qualified stated interest) on or before the first day of the accrual period.

            Foreign currency notes.    In the case of an Original Issue Discount Note that is also a Foreign Currency Note, a U.S. holder should determine the U.S. dollar amount includible in income as Original Issue Discount for each accrual period by

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Notes purchased at a premium

            A U.S. holder that purchases a note for an amount in excess of all amounts payable with respect to such note other than qualified stated interest will be considered to have purchased the note at a premium. Such holder may elect to amortize such premium (as an offset to interest income), using a constant-yield method, over the remaining term of the note. Such election, once made, generally applies to all debt instruments held or subsequently acquired by the U.S. holder of notes on or after the first taxable year to which the election applies, and may be revoked only with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. A U.S. holder that elects to amortize such premium must reduce its tax basis in a note by the amount of the premium amortized during its holding period. With respect to a U.S. holder that does not elect to amortize bond premium, the amount of such premium will be included in the U.S. holder's tax basis when the note matures or is disposed of by the U.S. holder. Amortizable bond premium in respect of a Foreign Currency Note will be computed in the relevant currency and will reduce interest income in the relevant currency. At the time amortized bond premium offsets interests income, exchange gain or loss, which will be taxable as ordinary income or loss, will be realized with respect to amortized bond premium on such note based on the difference between the spot rate of exchange on the date or dates such premium is recovered through interest payments on the note and the spot rate of exchange on the date on which the U.S. holder acquired the note.

Variable rate notes

            A "Variable Rate Note" is a note that:

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            An "objective rate" is a rate, other than a qualified floating rate, that is determined using a single, fixed formula and that is based on objective financial or economic information that is not within the control of or unique to the circumstances of CenterPoint or a related party. A variable rate is not an objective rate, however, if it is reasonably expected that the average value of the rate during the first half of the note's term will be either significantly less than or significantly greater than the average value of the rate during the final half of the note's term. An objective rate is a "qualified inverse floating rate" if

            In general, if a Variable Rate Note provides for stated interest at a single qualified floating rate or an objective rate and the interest is generally unconditionally payable at least annually in cash or property (other than debt instruments of CenterPoint), all stated interest on the note is qualified stated interest and the amount of Original Issue Discount, if any, is determined as described in the section of this prospectus supplement entitled "—Original Issue Discount" above by using, in the case of a qualified floating rate or qualified inverse rate, the value as of the issue date of the qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate, or, in the case of any other objective rate (other than a qualified inverse floating rate), a fixed rate that reflects the yield reasonably expected on the note. The qualified stated interest allocable to an accrual period is increased (or decreased) if the interest actually paid during an accrual period exceeds (or is less than) the interest assumed to be paid during the accrual period.

            If a Variable Rate Note does not provide for stated interest at a single qualified floating rate or an objective rate and also does not provide for interest payable at a fixed rate (other than a fixed rate for an initial period only), the amount of interest and Original Issue Discount accruals on the note are generally determined by

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            If a Variable Rate Note provides for stated interest either at one or more qualified floating rates or at a qualified inverse floating rate, and in addition provides for stated interest at a single fixed rate (other than at a single fixed rate for an initial period only), the amount of interest and Original Issue Discount accruals are determined as in the immediately preceding paragraph with the modification that the Variable Rate Note is treated, for purposes of the first three steps of the determination, as if it provides for a qualified floating rate (or a qualified inverse floating rate) rather than the fixed rate. The qualified floating rate (or qualified inverse floating rate) replacing the fixed rate must be such that the fair market value of the Variable Rate Note as of the issue date would be approximately the same as the fair market value of an otherwise identical debt instrument that provides for the qualified floating rate (or qualified inverse floating rate) rather than the fixed rate.

Short-term notes

            The rules set forth above also will generally apply to notes having maturities of not more than one year from the date of issuance, referred to herein as Short-Term Notes, but with certain modifications.

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            As described above, certain of the notes may be subject to special redemption features. These features may affect the determination of whether a note has a maturity of not more than one year and thus is a Short-Term Note. Purchasers of notes with such features should carefully examine the applicable pricing supplement and should consult their tax advisors with respect to such features.

Information reporting and backup withholding

            The trustee will be required to file information returns with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to payments made to certain U.S. holders of notes. In addition, certain U.S. holders may be subject to a 28 percent backup withholding tax in respect of such payments if they do not provide their taxpayer identification numbers to the trustee, or if other conditions are met.

Non-U.S. Holders

Payments of interest

            Interest (including Original Issue Discount) paid by us to Non-U.S. holders will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax if the requirements of section 871(b) or 881(c) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (referred to as the "Code") are satisfied as described below under the heading "Owner's Statement Requirement," and provided that:

Gain on disposition

            A Non-U.S. holder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on a sale, redemption, or other disposition of a note unless

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Federal estate taxes

            A note held by an individual who at the time of death is not a citizen or resident of the U.S. will not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax as a result of such individual's death, provided that

Owner's statement requirement

            Sections 871(h) and 881(c) of the Code require that either the beneficial owner of a note or a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and that holds a note on behalf of such owner file a statement with us or our agent to the effect that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. holder in order to avoid withholding of U.S. federal income tax. Under current regulations, this requirement will be satisfied if we or our agent receives

Backup withholding and information reporting

            Current U.S. federal income tax law provides that in the case of payments of interest to Non-U.S. holders of notes, the 28% backup withholding tax will not apply to payments made outside the U.S. by us or a paying agent on a note if an owner's statement is received or an exemption has otherwise been established; provided in each case that CenterPoint or the paying agent, as the case may be, does not have actual knowledge that the payee is a U.S. holder.

            Under current Treasury Regulations, payments of the proceeds of the sale of a note to or through a foreign office of a "broker" will not be subject to backup withholding but will be subject to information reporting if the broker is a U.S. holder, a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or a foreign holder has 50% or more of its gross income is from a U.S. trade or business for a specified three-year period, unless the broker has in its records documentary evidence that the holder is not a U.S. holder and certain conditions are met or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the proceeds of a sale to or through the U.S. office of a broker is subject to backup withholding and information reporting unless the holder certifies its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

            CenterPoint and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, Banc One Capital Markets, Inc., ABN AMRO Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC and Lehman Brothers Inc., as agents, will enter into a distribution agreement with respect to the notes, a form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part. Subject to a number of conditions, under the distribution agreement, the agents agree to use their reasonable efforts to solicit purchases of the notes. We have the right under the distribution agreement to accept offers to purchase notes and may reject any proposed purchase of the notes. Each agent's obligations are separate and several from those of other agents. Each agent has the right, in its discretion reasonably exercised, to reject in whole or in part any proposed purchase of notes through it. We will pay the applicable agent a commission on any notes sold through that agent. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the commission will range from       % to       % of the principal amount of the notes, depending upon the maturity of the notes. For notes with a maturity of more than 30 years, the commission will be negotiated between us and the applicable agent at the time of sale. In addition, we estimate that our expenses to be incurred in connection with the offer and sale of the notes, including reimbursement of certain of the agent's expenses, will be approximately $615,000. This estimate of expenses includes a proportional amount of the fees relating to the initial registration of securities in addition to the fees associated with the offer and sale of notes pursuant to this prospectus supplement.

            We may appoint agents, other than or in addition to the agents named above, with respect to the notes. Any other agents will be named in the applicable pricing supplement and will enter into the distribution agreement referred to above.

            We may also sell notes to any agent, acting as principal, for its own account or for resale to one or more investors or other purchasers including other broker-dealers. The agents may sell any notes they have purchased as principal to any dealer at a discount. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, any note sold to an agent as principal will be purchased by that agent at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of that note less a percentage of that principal amount. The notes may be resold by the agent to investors and other purchasers from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or the notes may be resold to certain dealers as described above. After the initial public offering of any notes, the public offering price and discount may be changed.

            In connection with certain offerings of the notes, the agents may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position for the agents. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the notes in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the notes. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the notes to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of those transactions. Those activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

            We may also sell notes directly to investors, without the involvement of any agent or underwriter. In this case, we would not be obligated to pay any commission or discount in connection with the sale.

            The name of the applicable agents, underwriters or other persons through which we sell any notes, as well as any commissions or discounts payable to those persons, will be set forth in the pricing supplement with respect to such notes.

            Unless otherwise specified in the applicable pricing supplement, the purchase price of the notes will be required to be paid in immediately available funds in New York City.

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            Each agent, whether acting as agent or principal that participates in the offering of the notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. We have agreed to indemnify the agents against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the agents may be required to make in respect thereof.

            The notes are a new issue of securities, and there will be no established trading market for any note before its original issue date. We do not plan to list the notes on a securities exchange or quotation system. The agents have advised us that they may from time to time purchase and sell the notes in the secondary market. However, no agent is obligated to do so and any agent may discontinue making a market in the notes at any time without notice. We can give no assurance as to the existence or liquidity of any secondary market for the notes.

            The agents and their affiliates may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business. Currently, Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. is the Sole Lead Arranger/Book Manager on our $350 million unsecured credit facility. Wachovia Bank, National Association (an affiliate of Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC) acts as Syndication Agent and a participating lender in the facility, Bank One, NA (an affiliate of Bank One Capital Markets, Inc.) acts as Administrative Agent and a participating lender in the facility and Bank of America, N.A. (an affiliate of Banc of America Securities LLC) acts as Syndication Agent and a participating lender in the facility. Proceeds that we receive from the sale of the notes may be used to repay any outstanding indebtedness under such credit facility.


LEGAL MATTERS

            The legality of the notes offered hereby will be passed upon for CenterPoint by Kirkland & Ellis LLP (a limited liability partnership including professional corporations), Chicago, Illinois. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the agents by Chapman and Cutler LLP, Chicago, Illinois. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Chapman and Cutler LLP will rely on the opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews and Ingersoll, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, as to certain matters of Maryland law. The opinions of Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Chapman and Cutler LLP will be based upon, and subject to, certain assumptions as to future actions required to be taken in connection with the issuance and sale of the notes and as to other events that may affect the validity of the notes but that cannot be ascertained on the date of such opinions.

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 26, 2004

PROSPECTUS

$700,000,000

CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST

Debt Securities, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Securities Warrants

        We may use this prospectus to offer and sell securities from time to time. The types of securities we may sell include:

        We may also issue common shares or preferred shares upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any of the securities listed above. The securities will have an aggregate initial offering price of up to $700,000,000 or an equivalent amount in U.S. dollars if any securities are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. The securities may be offered separately or together in any combination and as separate series.

        Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 4 in this prospectus.

        We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus in connection with each offering. These terms may include:

In the case of any securities:
   In the case of debt securities:
   In the case of preferred shares:
   In the case of warrants:
• offering price
• size of offering
• underwriting discounts
• denomination of currency
• limitations on direct or beneficial ownership
• restrictions on transfer		   • interest rate
• maturity
• ranking
• redemption provisions
• additional covenants		   • dividend rights
• liquidation preferences
• redemption provisions
• conversion privileges
• voting and other rights		   • the types of securities that may be acquired upon exercise
• expiration date
• exercise price
• terms of exercisability

        Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CNT."

        The securities offered will contain other significant terms and conditions. Please read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

        These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                        , 2004.


Table of Contents

About this Prospectus   3
Forward-Looking Statements   3
CenterPoint Properties Trust   4
Risk Factors   4
Use of Proceeds   9
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges   9
Description of Debt Securities   9
Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest   25
Description of Securities Warrants   35
Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the CenterPoint Properties Trust Declaration of Trust and Bylaws   37
Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Our REIT Status   39
Plan of Distribution   46
Legal Matters   47
Experts   48
Where You Can Find More Information   49

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a "shelf" registration process. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus.

        The registration statement that contains this prospectus and the exhibits to the registration statement contain additional important information about CenterPoint Properties Trust and the securities offered under this prospectus. Specifically, we have filed certain legal documents that control the terms of the securities offered by this prospectus as exhibits to the registration statement. We will file certain other legal documents that control the terms of the securities offered by this prospectus as exhibits to reports we file with the Commission. The registration statement and the other reports can be read at the website maintained by the Commission or at the office of the Commission referred to under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference contain "forward-looking statements," or statements that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections rather than historical facts. Our actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, uncertainties affecting real estate businesses generally (such as entry into new leases, renewals of leases, inflation and dependence on tenants' business operations and the effects of the state of the economy on tenants and potential tenants), risks relating to acquisition, construction and development activities, including risks relating to 1031 tax-free exchange transactions, possible environmental liabilities, risks relating to leverage, debt service and obligations with respect to the payment of dividends (including availability of financing terms acceptable to us and sensitivity of our operations to fluctuations in interest rates), the potential for the need to use borrowings to make distributions necessary for us to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, dependence on the primary market in which our properties are located, the existence of complex regulations relating to our status as a REIT and the potential adverse impact of the market interest rates on the cost of borrowings by us and on the market price for our securities. Many of the risks and uncertainties that we face are included under the caption "Risk Factors" in this prospectus. Because of these risks and uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST

        CenterPoint Properties Trust is a self-managed real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition, development, redevelopment, management and ownership of warehouse and other industrial property. Substantially all of our properties are located within the greater Chicago area.

        Our principal executive office is located at 1808 Swift Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, and our telephone number is (630) 586-8000.


RISK FACTORS

        Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware that there are risks. We believe the risks described below are the most important ones. You should carefully consider these risks, together with all other information included in this prospectus, before you decide to purchase our securities.

Real Estate Investment Risks

        CenterPoint is subject to the general risks of investing in real estate.    The business of owning and investing in real estate is highly competitive. Several factors may adversely affect the economic performance and value of our properties. These include:

        In addition, these same factors may affect our ability to sell our properties.

        Acquiring, redeveloping and improving properties may involve unexpected costs.    We acquire properties from time to time. The acquisition of properties involves risks, including the risk that the acquired property will not perform as anticipated, that the actual costs for rehabilitation, renovation and improvements identified in the pre-acquisition due diligence process exceed estimates, that the properties may operate at a cash deficit during the redevelopment and/or lease-up period and that a contractor will be unable to control costs or conform to the original plans and timetables. The contractor's ability to control costs or conform to plans and timetables may be affected by strikes, weather, government regulations and other conditions beyond the contractor's control. As a result, we may not realize the projected benefits from the acquisition, redevelopment and improvement of properties.

        We may be unable to renew leases or relet space.    When our tenants decide not to renew their leases upon their expiration, we may not be able to relet the space. Even if our tenants do renew or we are able to relet the space, the terms of renewal or reletting (including the cost of renovations, if necessary) may be less favorable than expiring lease terms. If we are unable to promptly renew our leases or relet space, or if the rental rates upon such renewal or reletting are significantly lower than current rates, then our profitability will be adversely affected.

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        Tenant defaults may adversely affect our distributable cash flow.    Our results of operations and distributable cash flow would be adversely affected if tenants are unable to meet their obligations to us. In the event of default by tenants, we may experience delays and incur substantial costs in enforcing our rights as landlord. Upon a default, we may not be able to relet the space or to relet the space on terms that are as favorable to us as the defaulted lease, which could adversely affect our profitability.

        We are not diversified geographically or by property type.    Substantially all of our properties are located in the greater Chicago area, and substantially all of our properties are warehouse or other industrial properties. While we believe that our focus on this geographical area and property type is an advantage, adverse economic developments in the greater Chicago area may adversely affect our properties and, therefore, our profitability.

        We face competition in our markets.    Our properties are located in areas that have other warehouse and industrial properties which may be more attractive to potential tenants. Competition from other warehouse or industrial properties may adversely affect our ability to lease our properties and to increase the rentals charged on our leases. We also expect competition in the acquisition of existing properties and the development of new properties. This competition could increase prices for properties of the type that we would like to pursue. As a result, we may not be able, or have the opportunity, to make suitable investments on favorable terms in the future. This could adversely affect our profitability.

        Real estate investments are not as liquid as other types of assets.    The illiquid nature of real estate investments may limit our ability to react promptly to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, significant expenditures associated with real estate investments, such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investments. Thus, the illiquid nature of our real estate investments could adversely affect our profitability under certain economic conditions.

        We may incur uninsured losses or liabilities.    We carry comprehensive liability, fire, flood (where appropriate), extended coverage and rental loss insurance on all of our properties. There are, however, certain types of losses that are generally not insured, such as losses relating to earthquakes, riots, acts of war, acts of terrorism, losses caused by the presence of mold or losses relating to contract or lease claims. If an uninsured loss occurred or if a loss was incurred in excess of our insurance coverage limits, it could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Financing and Capital Risks

        We are subject to debt financing risks.    We regularly borrow money to finance our business. As a result, our business is subject to the risks normally associated with debt financing, including the risks that:

        If we have mortgaged a property to secure payment of indebtedness and we are unable to meet the mortgage payments, the lender may foreclose on the property and we will lose the income and asset value of such property.

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        We would be adversely affected by rising interest rates. Advances under our credit facility bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR or prime. Increases in interest rates would increase our interest expense which could adversely affect our profitability and our ability to service our debt. In addition, increases in costs of financing may lessen the appeal of some development or acquisition opportunities to us.

        The financial covenants in our credit facility may limit our flexibility and dividend growth.    The terms of our credit facility entered into on June 30, 2003 require us to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios and maintaining insurance coverage. These covenants may limit our flexibility in our operations, and breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the credit facility even if we have satisfied our payment obligations. One covenant in particular prohibits us from paying dividends in amounts that exceed 90% of our funds from operations, provided that we may pay dividends in excess of 90% of our funds from operations as required to maintain our qualification as a REIT. This restriction on paying dividends may adversely affect our ability to increase dividends in the future.

        We may not be able to access financial markets to obtain capital.    In order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we are required to distribute 90% of our taxable income to shareholders each year. As a result, we rely on third party capital sources for many of our capital needs, including capital for acquisitions and development. The public debt and equity markets are among the sources we rely on. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to access these markets, or any other source of capital. Our ability to access the public debt and equity markets depends on a variety of factors, including:

Environmental Risks

        Ownership of properties involves environmental risks.    Federal, state and local laws and regulations to protect the environment may require a current or previous owner or operator of real estate to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum product releases at such property. The owner or operator may have to pay a governmental entity or third parties for property damage and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by such parties in connection with the contamination. These laws typically impose clean-up responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the presence of the contaminants. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination arising from that site. Recently, indoor air quality issues, including mold, have been highlighted in the media and the industry is seeing mold claims from lessees rising. To date, we have not incurred any material costs or liabilities relating to claims of mold exposure or abating mold conditions. However, due to the recent increase in mold claims and given that the law relating to mold is unsettled and subject to change, we could incur losses from claims relating to the presence of, or exposure to, mold or other microbial organisms, particularly if we are unable to maintain adequate insurance to cover such losses. We may also incur unexpected expenses relating to the abatement of mold on our properties.

        Environmental laws also govern the presence, maintenance and removal of asbestos. Such laws require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos (1) properly manage and maintain the asbestos, (2) notify and train those who may come into contact with asbestos and (3) undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, if asbestos would be disturbed during renovation or

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demolition of a building. Such laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to comply with these requirements. These laws may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos fibers.

Certain Risks Related to Federal Income Tax Requirements and Our REIT Status

        Our failure to qualify as a REIT could adversely affect shareholders.    We elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 1994. We believe we have qualified for taxation as a REIT for all subsequent periods, and we plan to continue to meet the requirements for REIT status. The rules for maintaining REIT status are highly technical and complex. Some of the requirements depend on factors that are not entirely within our control. For example, at least 95% of our gross income must come from sources itemized in the REIT tax laws. We are also required to distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding capital gains. This requirement limits our ability to accumulate capital. We may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet the distribution requirements. Difficulties in meeting the distribution requirements might arise due to competing demands for our funds or to timing differences between tax reporting and cash receipts and disbursements, because income may have to be reported before cash is received, because expenses may have to be paid before a deduction is allowed or because deductions may be disallowed or limited or the Internal Revenue Service may make a determination that adjusts reported income. In those situations, we might be required to borrow funds or sell properties on adverse terms in order to meet the distribution requirements and interest and penalties could apply. Even a technical or inadvertent failure to meet all the requirements could jeopardize our REIT status.

        Although we are not aware of any currently pending or proposed changes that would have this effect, changes in the tax law could make it more difficult for us to maintain REIT status.

        If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we would be subject to federal income tax at corporate rates. We would be disqualified as a REIT for a period of at least five years, including the year of disqualification, unless the IRS granted relief from this waiting period. During any period we did not qualify as a REIT, we would have to pay income taxes and would therefore have significantly less money available for investments, for distributions to shareholders, or for payments to creditors. In addition, we would no longer be required to make distributions to shareholders. These consequences would likely have an adverse effect on the value of our securities.

        Even if we qualify as a REIT, we have to pay certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and property. In addition, we hold interests in entities that are required to pay federal and state income tax on their net taxable income.

        Prohibited transaction income could result from certain property transfers.    Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), if a sale of property is deemed to be a prohibited transaction, a 100% penalty tax on the resulting income could be assessed. The question of what constitutes a prohibited transaction is based on the facts and circumstances surrounding each transaction. The Internal Revenue Service could contend that certain sales by us are prohibited transactions. While management does not believe that the Internal Revenue Service would prevail in such a dispute, if the matter was successfully argued by the Internal Revenue Service, the 100% penalty tax could be assessed against the profits from these sales. Additionally, any income from a prohibited transaction may adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT.

Limitations on a Change in Control of CenterPoint Properties Trust

        We have a Shareholder Rights Plan that could prevent a change in control of the Company.    The Board of Trustees has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan under which we granted a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right on each of our outstanding common shares. The preferred share purchase rights generally become exercisable (1) if a person becomes an "acquiring

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person" by acquiring 15% or more of our outstanding common shares or (2) if a person commences a tender offer that would result in that person owning 15% or more of our outstanding common shares. The Shareholder Rights Plan may delay or prevent a change in control of the Company or other transaction that could provide shareholders with a premium over the then-prevailing market price of the common shares. The Board has amended the Plan to allow one mutual fund group to own up to 20% of our outstanding common shares. As of December 31, 2003, this mutual fund group owned approximately 3,572,370 common shares, or 15.3% of the outstanding common shares.

        Because of our REIT status, there are limitations on ownership of our shares, which could discourage a change in control of the Company.    In order to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares of beneficial interest may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities). Due to this limitation on the concentration of ownership of shares of beneficial interest in a REIT, the Declaration of Trust restricts ownership of more than 9.8% of the value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest by any person treated as a single shareholder. Our Declaration of Trust contains an exemption for our former parent company, Capital and Regional plc, which we refer to as "CR-London," to permit it to own up to 18% of the value of our outstanding shares of beneficial interest. As of May 20, 2004, CR-London does not own any of our shares of beneficial interest.

        These ownership limits may discourage a change in control of the Company. The ownership limits may also (1) deter tender offers for the common shares, which offers may be advantageous to shareholders, and (2) limit the opportunity for shareholders to receive a premium over then prevailing market prices for their common shares.

        Certain provisions of Maryland law and our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws could hinder, delay or prevent changes in control.    The Maryland General Corporation Law establishes special restrictions against "business combinations" between a Maryland real estate investment trust and "interested shareholders" or their affiliates unless an exemption is applicable. The business combination statute could have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire us and of increasing the difficulty of consummating any offers to acquire us, even if our acquisition would be in our shareholders' best interest.

        Maryland law also provides that "control shares" of a Maryland real estate investment trust acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of beneficial interest owned by the acquiror, by officers or by trustees who are employees of the trust. The control share acquisition statute could have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire us and of increasing the difficulty of consummating any control share acquisitions, even if our acquisition would be in our shareholders' best interests. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws (which we refer to in this prospectus as our Bylaws) contain a provision exempting us from the application of the control share acquisition statute. However, we cannot assure you that such provision will not be amended or repealed in the future, in which case any prior or subsequent acquisition of our shares in a control share acquisition may be subject to such statute.

        In addition, certain provisions of our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws could inhibit or prevent a change in control. These provisions include the following:

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Other Risks

        We are dependent on key personnel.    Our executive and other senior officers have a significant role in our success. Our ability to retain our management group or to attract suitable replacements should any members of the management group leave is dependent on the competitive nature of the employment market. The loss of services from key members of the management group or a limitation in their availability could adversely affect our financial condition and cash flow. Further, such a loss could be negatively perceived in the capital markets.

        Share prices may be affected by market interest rates.    The annual distribution rate of our common shares as a percentage of the market price may influence the trading price of our common shares. An increase in market interest rates may lead investors to demand a higher annual distribution rate, which could adversely affect the market price of our common shares.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to invest the net proceeds of any sale of securities for general business purposes. These purposes include the development and acquisition of additional properties, the repayment of outstanding debt and the repurchase by us of our shares of beneficial interest.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        Our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated are as follows:

Three Months
Ended March 31,
   Year Ended December 31,
2004
   2003
   2002
   2001
   2000
   1999
1.6   1.7   1.7   1.3   2.2   2.8

        Our ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends for each of the periods indicated are as follows:

Three Months
Ended March 31,
   Year Ended December 31,
2004
   2003
   2002
   2001
   2000
   1999
1.4   1.4   1.4   1.0   1.7   2.0


DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The following is a general description of the debt securities that we may offer from time to time. The particular terms of the debt securities being offered and the extent to which such general

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provisions may apply are set forth in the applicable Indenture or in one or more indenture supplements and described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        We will issue the senior debt securities under a senior indenture, between us and SunTrust Bank, as trustee, dated March 12, 2004, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time (the "Senior Indenture"). We will issue the subordinated debt securities under a separate subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, between us and a trustee to be selected by us (the "Subordinated Indenture"). The Subordinated Indenture will be executed when and if we issue subordinated debt securities. The Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are each called an "Indenture" or "Indentures." The senior trustee and the subordinated trustee are each called a trustee or trustees. The Senior Indenture and a form of the Subordinated Indenture have been filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The Indentures are subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The following summary of certain provisions of the debt securities and the Indentures does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the Indentures, including the definitions of certain terms and the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read the Indentures carefully to fully understand the terms of the debt securities.

Provisions Applicable to Senior Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities

        General.    The debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities.

        Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the indebtedness represented by the senior debt securities will be our unsecured obligations and will rank equally with our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt that may be outstanding from time to time. The indebtedness represented by our subordinated debt securities will be our unsecured obligations, subordinated, to the extent provided in the Subordinated Indenture, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of our senior debt, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Each Indenture provides that the debt securities may be issued without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series, in each case as established from time to time (1) in or pursuant to authority granted by a resolution of our Board of Trustees, (2) as established in the applicable Indenture or (3) as may be established in one or more indentures supplemental to the applicable Indenture. All debt securities of one series need not be issued at the same time. Unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional debt securities of that series. This may be done without the consent of the holders of that series.

        Each Indenture provides that any trustee under an Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities. A successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to that series. If two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each of those trustees will be a trustee of a trust under the applicable Indenture separate from the trust administered by any other trustee. Except as otherwise indicated, any action described to be taken by each trustee may be taken by each trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the applicable Indenture.

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        The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will contain the specific terms of that series, including the following:

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        The debt securities may provide for less than the entire principal amount to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of such debt securities. Special federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to securities issued with original issue discount will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The Indentures do not contain any provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction in which we are involved or in the event of a change in control, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Restrictions on ownership and transfers of our common shares and preferred shares are designed to preserve our status as a REIT and, therefore, may act to prevent or hinder a change of control. See "Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest—Restrictions on Transfer" and "Risk Factors—Limitations on a Change in Control of CenterPoint Properties Trust." You should read the applicable prospectus supplement carefully for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to our Events of Default. The applicable prospectus supplement may also contain changes to the covenants described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

        Denomination, Interest, Registration and Transfer.    Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of any series will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal, applicable premium, make-whole amount, interest and additional amounts on any series of debt securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. The address of that trustee will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, at our option, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the applicable register for such debt securities. Such payment may also be made by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States.

        Any interest not punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date with respect to a debt security will from that time cease to be payable to the holder on the applicable regular record

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date. It may be paid to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of that interest which record date will be fixed by the applicable trustee. Notice of the payment will be given to the holder of that debt security not less than ten days before the special record date. It may also be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more completely described in the applicable Indenture.

        Subject to certain limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series upon surrender of the debt securities at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. In addition, subject to certain limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series may be surrendered for conversion or registration of transfer or exchange at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. Every debt security surrendered for conversion, registration of transfer or exchange must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. If the applicable prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agent (in addition to the applicable trustee) initially designated by us with respect to any series of debt securities, we may at any time rescind the designation of that transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any of those transfer agents act. However, we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for that series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities.

        We will not nor will any trustee be required to do any of the following:

        Merger, Consolidation or Sale.    We will be permitted to consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity, if:

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        Existence.    Except as described above under "Merger, Consolidation or Sale," we are required to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our existence, rights and franchises. However, we will not be required to preserve any right or franchise if we determine that:

        Maintenance of Properties.    We are required to cause all of our material properties used or useful in our business or the business of any subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order. We are required to cause these properties to be supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof. We will decide what actions are necessary that the related business may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times. However, we will not nor will any of our subsidiaries be prevented from selling or otherwise disposing of our properties for value in the ordinary course of business.

        Insurance.    We are required to, and are required to cause each of our subsidiaries to, keep all of our insurable properties insured against loss or damage in an amount at least equal to their then full insurable value with financially sound and reputable insurers. If the applicable prospectus supplement so states, the insurer will have a specified rating from a recognized insurance rating service.

        Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.    We are required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged the following obligations:

        However, we will not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any tax, assessment, charge or claim:

        Provision of Financial Information.    We will, to the extent required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, file with the Commission the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents that we may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or before the respective dates by which we may be required to file those documents. We will also, within 15 days of each required filing date, mail to all holders of debt securities, as their names and addresses appear in the security register, copies of the annual reports and quarterly reports. These reports will be sent without cost to each holder of debt securities. We will also file with the trustees copies of these documents. If our filing of such documents with the Commission is not required under the Exchange Act, we will promptly upon written request and payment of the

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reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, supply copies of these documents to any prospective holder of debt securities.

        Additional Covenants and/or Modifications to the Covenants Described Above.    Any additional covenants and/or modifications to the covenants we have described above with respect to any debt securities or series of debt securities will be set forth in the applicable Indenture or an indenture supplemental to the applicable Indenture and described in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities. These covenants will include any covenants relating to limitations on incurrence of indebtedness or other financial covenants.

        Events of Default, Notice and Waiver.    The following are events of default (each an "Event of Default") under the Indentures with respect to the debt securities of any series:

        If an Event of Default under any Indenture with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the principal amount (or, if the debt securities of that series are securities issued with original issue discount or indexed securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice to us (and to the applicable trustee if given by the holders). However, at any time after that declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of that series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under any Indenture, as the case may be) has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be) may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences. This rescission may occur if:

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        Each Indenture provides that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be) may waive any past default with respect to such series and its consequences. This waiver does not apply to the following:

        Each trustee is required to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default under the applicable Indenture. Notice is not required if the default has been cured or waived. However, the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default with respect to that series (except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or interest on any debt security of that series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of the series) if the trustee considers such withholding to be in the interest of the holders.

        Each Indenture provides that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to that Indenture or for any remedy allowed under the Indenture. However, proceedings may be instituted in the cases of failure of the applicable trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an Event of Default from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series, as well as an offer of security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it. However, this provision will not prevent any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of, premium, make-whole amount and interest on, and any additional amounts in respect of those debt securities at the respective due dates.

        Subject to provisions in each Indenture relating to its duties in case of default, no trustee will be under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under an Indenture at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under that Indenture. However, if such holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity the trustee is obligated to exercise its rights or powers under the applicable Indenture. The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under an Indenture, as the case may be) will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee exercising any trust or power conferred upon that trustee. However, a trustee may refuse to follow any direction which is in conflict with any law or the applicable Indenture, which may involve that trustee in personal liability or which may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of that series not joining therein.

        Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we will be required to deliver to each trustee a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers. This certificate will state whether or not the officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable Indenture. If the officer has this knowledge, the certificate will specify each default and the nature and status of that default.

        Modification of the Indentures.    Modifications and amendments of an Indenture are not permitted to be made unless the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities issued under that Indenture which are affected by the modification or

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amendment is obtained. However, none of these modifications or amendments may, without the consent of the holder of each such debt security affected thereby, do any of the following things:

        The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of each series affected by those covenants in the Indenture have the right to waive compliance by us with certain covenants in the Indenture.

        We may amend and modify each Indenture and substitute the respective trustee thereunder without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

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        In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the applicable Indenture or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of debt securities, each Indenture provides that:

        Each Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting may be called at any time by the applicable trustee or, upon request, by us or the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series upon notice given as provided in the Indenture. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by certain modifications and amendments of an Indenture, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. However, except as referred to above, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made,

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given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened. Such resolution must be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of the holders of that required percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of any series duly held in accordance with an Indenture will be binding on all holders of debt securities of that series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series. However, if any action is to be taken at the meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding or representing that specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series will constitute a quorum.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Indenture provides that if any action is to be taken at a meeting of holders of debt securities of any series with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver and other action that the Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected thereby, or the holders of such series and one or more additional series: (1) there will be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting, and (2) the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action will be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under that Indenture.

        Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.    We are permitted under the applicable Indenture to discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under the applicable Indenture that have not already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation if those obligations have either:

        Each Indenture provides that, if the provisions of Article Fourteen are made applicable to the debt securities of or within any series pursuant to Section 301 of the Indenture, we may elect either:

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        The foregoing type of trust will be permitted if, among other things, we have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in the applicable Indenture) that the holders of the debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. The opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, will be required to refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the Indenture.

        "Government Obligations" is defined in the Indentures to mean securities which are:

        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if after we have deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series, (1) the holder of a debt security of such series is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 301 of the applicable Indenture or the terms of such debt security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency other than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such debt security, or (2) a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such deposit has been made, the indebtedness represented by such debt security will be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal, premium and interest on such debt security as they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount so deposited in respect of such debt security into the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt security becomes payable as a result of such election or such cessation of usage based on the applicable market exchange rate. "Conversion Event" means the cessation of use of a currency, currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country which issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, all payments

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of principal of, premium and interest on any debt security that is payable in a foreign currency that ceases to be used by its government of issuance will be made in U.S. dollars.

        If we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of an Event of Default, the amount in such currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt securities are payable, and Government Obligations on deposit with the applicable trustee, may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default even though such amount would be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of their stated maturity. In that event, we would remain liable to make payment of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.

        The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting such defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.

        Conversion Rights.    The terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into common shares or preferred shares will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. The terms will include:

        Redemption of Securities.    Each Indenture provides that our debt securities may be redeemed at any time at our option, in whole or in part, at the redemption price, except as otherwise provided in connection with any debt securities or series of debt securities under the applicable Indenture and as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        From and after notice has been given as provided in the Indentures, if funds for the redemption of any debt securities called for redemption have been made available on the redemption date, those debt securities will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for the redemption specified in that notice. The only right of the holders of the debt securities will be to receive payment of the redemption price.

        Notice of any optional redemption of any debt securities will be given to holders at their addresses, as shown in the security register, not more than 60 nor less than 30 days before the date fixed for redemption. The notice of redemption will specify, among other items, the redemption price and the principal amount of the debt securities held by such holder to be redeemed. With respect to bearer securities, notice will be sufficiently given if published in an authorized newspaper in the city of New York and in such other city or cities as may be specified in the debt securities.

        If we elect to redeem debt securities, we will notify the applicable trustee at least 45 days before the redemption date (or such shorter period as satisfactory to the trustee) of the aggregate principal amount of debt securities to be redeemed and the redemption date. If less than all the debt securities are to be redeemed, the applicable trustee will select the debt securities to be redeemed, by lot or in such manner as it deems fair and appropriate.

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        Global Securities.    The following will apply to debt securities of any series unless the prospectus supplement relating to that series provides otherwise.

        The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series. Global securities, if any, issued in the United States are expected to be deposited with the Depository Trust Company, as depository. Global securities may be issued in fully registered form and may be issued in either temporary or permanent form. Unless and until a global security is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual securities represented thereby, it may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for such global security to a nominee of such depository or by a nominee of such depository to the depository or another nominee of the depository or by the depository or any nominee of the depository to a successor depository or any nominee of a successor depository.

        The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to particular securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We expect that unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to depository arrangements.

        Upon the issuance of a global security, the depository for such global security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the individual securities represented by the global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with that depository, who we will refer to as "participants." The accounts will be designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents with respect to the securities or by us if the securities are offered directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository for such global security or its nominee (with respect to beneficial interests of participants) and records of participants (with respect to beneficial interests of persons who hold through participants). The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair the ability to own, pledge or transfer beneficial interest in a global security.

        So long as the depository for a global security or its nominee is the registered owner of a global security, the depository or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by that global security for all purposes. Except as described below or in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interest in a global security will not:

        Payment with respect to securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee (including dividends, with respect to common shares, dividends and any redemption payments on preferred shares and principal of, any premium or make-whole amount and any interest on, or any additional amounts payable with respect to, individual debt securities) will be made to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security. None of the Company, any trustee, any paying agent, the security registrar or any transfer agent for securities represented by a global security will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security for such securities. Neither will they have any responsibility for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

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        We expect that the depository for any securities or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment with respect to securities represented by a global security, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the global security as shown on the records of that depository or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in street name. Those payments will be the responsibility of the applicable participants.

        If a depository for any securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depository and we do not appoint a successor depository within 90 days, we will issue individual securities in exchange for the global security representing those securities. Individual securities will also be issued in exchange for a global security if:

        Individual debt securities so issued will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

Provisions Applicable Solely to Subordinated Debt Securities

        General.    Subordinated debt securities will be issued under the Subordinated Indenture and will rank equally with certain other of our subordinated debt that may be outstanding from time to time and will rank junior to all of our senior debt. This senior debt shall include the senior debt securities that may be outstanding from time to time. All section references appearing below are to sections of the Subordinated Indenture.

        If subordinated debt securities are issued under the Subordinated Indenture, the aggregate principal amount of senior debt outstanding as of a recent date will be set forth in the prospectus supplement. The Subordinated Indenture does not restrict the amount of senior debt that we may incur.

        The term "Senior Debt" is defined in the Subordinated Indenture to mean the following:

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unless, in each case, the instrument by which we incurred, assumed or guaranteed the indebtedness or obligations described in the above clauses expressly provides that such indebtedness or obligation is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any other of our indebtedness or obligations. As used in the preceding sentence, the term "purchase-money obligations" means indebtedness or obligations evidenced by a note, debenture, bond or other instrument (whether or not secured by any lien or other security interest but excluding indebtedness or obligations for which recourse is limited to the property purchased) issued or assumed as all or a part of the consideration for the acquisition of property, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise. However, it will not include any trade accounts payable.

        Subordination.    The payment of the principal of premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities is expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Subordinated Indenture, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt.

        No payment or distribution will be made by us, the trustee or the paying agent on account of principal of, premium or interest on the subordinated debt securities, whether upon stated maturity, upon redemption or acceleration, or otherwise, or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of subordinated debt securities, whether upon stated maturity, upon redemption or acceleration, or otherwise, if there has occurred and be continuing a default with respect to any senior debt permitting the acceleration thereof or with respect to the payment of any senior debt and (1) such default is the subject of a judicial proceeding or (2) notice of such default in writing or by telegram has been given to us by any holder or holders of any senior debt, unless and until we have received written notice from such holder or holders that such default or event of default has been cured or waived or has ceased to exist.

        Upon any acceleration of the principal of the subordinated debt securities or any payment by us or distribution of our assets of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon our dissolution or winding up or liquidation or reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due or to become due upon all senior debt will first be paid in full in cash, or payment thereof provided for to the satisfaction of the holders thereof, before any payment or distribution is made on account of the redemption price or principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the subordinated debt securities; and (subject to the power of a court of competent jurisdiction to make other equitable provision, which has been determined by such court to give effect to the rights conferred in Article 16 of the Subordinated Indenture upon the senior debt and the holders thereof with respect to the subordinated debt securities or the holders thereof or the trustee, by a lawful plan of reorganization or readjustment under applicable law) upon any such dissolution or winding up or liquidation or reorganization, any payment or distribution by us or distribution of our assets of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the holders of the subordinated debt securities or the trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of Article 16 of the Subordinated Indenture, will be paid by us or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other person making such payment or distribution directly to the holders of our senior debt or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any senior debt may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, to the extent necessary to pay all senior debt in full in cash, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of senior debt, before any payment or distribution is made to the holders of the subordinated debt securities or to the trustee, except that the trustee will have a lien for the payment of its fees and expenses.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any payment or distribution we make of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, prohibited by the foregoing, will be received by the trustee or the holders of the subordinated debt securities before all senior debt is paid in full in cash, or provision is made for such payment to the satisfaction of the holders thereof, and if such fact has then been or

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thereafter is made known to the trustee or, as the case may be, such holder, then and in such event such payment or distribution will be paid over or delivered to the holders of senior debt or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any senior debt may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, for application to the payment of all senior debt remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all senior debt in full in cash, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of such senior debt, and, until so delivered, the same will be held in trust by any holder of a security as the property of the holders of senior debt.

        The holders of senior debt may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the holders of the subordinated debt securities, without incurring responsibility to the holders of the subordinated debt securities and without impairing or releasing the obligations of the holders of the subordinated debt securities to the holders of senior debt:

        Subrogation.    Subject to the payment in full in cash of all amounts then due (whether by acceleration of the maturity thereof or otherwise) on account of all senior debt at the time outstanding, the holders of the subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of senior debt to receive payments or distributions of our cash, property or securities applicable to the senior debt until the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the subordinated debt securities is paid in full. For the purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of senior debt to which the holders of the subordinated debt securities or the trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of Article 16 of the Subordinated Indenture, and no payments other than pursuant to the provisions of Article 16 of the Subordinated Indenture to the holders of senior debt by holders of the subordinated debt securities or the trustee, will, as between us, our creditors other than holders of senior debt, and the holders of the subordinated debt securities, be deemed to be a payment by us to or on account of the senior debt. The provisions of Article 16 of the Subordinated Indenture are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the holders of the subordinated debt securities, on the one hand, and the holders of senior debt, on the other hand.


DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

        The following is a summary of the terms of the shares of beneficial interest. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. You should read these documents carefully to fully understand the terms of the shares of beneficial interest. For a summary of certain relevant provisions of Maryland law and our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws, see the section below entitled "Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the CenterPoint Properties Trust Declaration of Trust and Bylaws."

General

        Our Declaration of Trust was recently amended to authorize the issuance of up to 130,000,000 of our shares of beneficial interest, of which 120,000,000 are common shares, par value $.001 per share, and 10,000,000 are Series Preferred Shares, par value $.001 per share. Of the 10,000,000 authorized Series Preferred Shares, 50,000 are Junior Participating Preferred Shares, Series A, and 1,000,000 are 7.50% Series B Convertible Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest. As of May 20, 2004, there were 23,344,912 common shares, and 894,531 Series B Preferred Shares issued and outstanding, all of which are fully-paid and non-assessable. There are no Junior Participating Preferred Shares, Series A issued and outstanding.

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        The Maryland REIT Law and our Declaration of Trust provide that no shareholder shall be personally liable for any obligation of the Company. However, with respect to tort claims, claims for taxes and certain statutory liabilities, shareholders may, in some jurisdictions, be personally liable to the extent such claims are not satisfied by the Company. Because we have public liability insurance in amounts that we consider adequate, any risk of personal liability to shareholders would be limited to situations in which our assets, together with our insurance coverage, would be insufficient to satisfy the claims against the Company and its shareholders.

Common Shares

        Holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Trustees out of funds legally available therefor after payment of any preferential dividends to the holders of any series of preferred shares that may then be issued and outstanding. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of common shares are entitled to receive ratably any assets remaining after payment in full of all of our liabilities and any preferential payments to the holders of preferred shares. The holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted on by shareholders, including elections of trustees, and, except as otherwise required by law with respect to class voting rights, or provided in any resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees with respect to any series of preferred shares establishing the designation and the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption of such series, the holders of common shares possess all voting powers. Holders of common shares do not possess preemptive rights to subscribe for additional securities we may issue or the right to cumulate their shares in the election of trustees or in any other matter. All common shares offered by us will be, and all issued and outstanding common shares are, fully paid and non-assessable.

        The current transfer agent and registrar for the common shares is Equiserve Trust Company, N.A., Canton, Massachusetts.

Shareholder Rights Plan

        On July 30, 1998, our Board of Trustees adopted a Preferred Share Purchase Rights Agreement and declared a dividend distribution of one Preferred Share Purchase Right, which we refer to as a Right, on each outstanding share of our common shares of beneficial interest.

        Each Right entitles the holder to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a Junior Participating Preferred Share, Series A, which we refer to as a Rights Preferred Share, at a price of $120, subject to adjustment. The Rights Preferred Shares (1) are non-redeemable, (2) are entitled to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment equal to the greater of $25 per share or 1,000 times the Company's common share dividend, (3) have a minimum liquidation preference equal to the greater of $100 per share or 1,000 times the liquidation payment made per common share and (4) are entitled to vote with the common shares with each Rights Preferred Share having 1,000 votes.

        The Rights trade together with our common shares and do not become exercisable until the "distribution date." A distribution date will occur ten days after any person (including a group) becomes an "acquiring person" by acquiring 15% or more of our outstanding common shares or if a person commences a tender offer that would result in that person owning 15% or more of our outstanding common shares. Pursuant to an amendment to our Rights Plan, dated October 25, 1999, our Board of Trustees exempted Davis Select Advisers, L.P. from such provision so long as it does not acquire more than 20% of our outstanding common shares. On the distribution date, (1) the Rights will be traded separately from our common shares and (2) a holder of the Rights (other than an "acquiring person"), instead of purchasing Rights Preferred Shares, may exercise the Rights for a number of common shares having a market value equal to two times the exercise price of the Rights.

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        At any time after the person becomes an "acquiring person," if we are involved in any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which we are not the survivor, if our common shares are exchanged, or if 50% or more of our consolidated assets or earning power are sold, the holder of the Rights (other than an "acquiring person") may exercise the Rights to purchase a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring corporation having a market value equal to two times the exercise price of the Rights. In addition, at any time after a person becomes an "acquiring person" but before such person has acquired 50% or more of our common shares, we may elect to exchange any or all of the Rights (other than those held by an "acquiring person") for our common shares of beneficial interest on a one-for-one basis.

        We may generally redeem the Rights, in whole but not in part, at a price of $.01 per right. If not exercised or redeemed, the Rights will expire on the close of business on July 30, 2008.

Preferred Shares

        General.    Preferred shares may be issued from time to time, in one or more series, as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Before issuance of shares of each series, the Board is required, by resolution, to fix for each such series, subject to the provisions of Maryland law and the Declaration of Trust, the designation thereof and to set the terms, preferences or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption. The Board could authorize the issuance of preferred shares with terms and conditions which could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction which holders of some, or a majority of, common shares might believe to be in their best interests, or in which holders of some, or a majority of, common shares might receive a premium for their common shares over the then market price of such shares. The preferred shares will, when issued, be fully-paid and non-assessable and will have no preemptive rights, unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to such preferred shares.

        The prospectus supplement relating to any preferred shares offered thereby will contain the specific terms, including:

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        The Registrar and Transfer Agent for the preferred shares will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The description of the provisions of the preferred shares set forth in this prospectus and in the related prospectus supplement is only a summary, does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, reference to the definitive Articles Supplementary to our Declaration of Trust relating to such series of preferred shares. You should read these documents carefully to fully understand the terms of the preferred shares. In connection with any offering of preferred shares, Articles Supplementary will be filed with the Commission as an exhibit or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

        Rank.    Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred shares will, with respect to dividend rights and/or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, rank as follows:

        The term "Equity Shares" includes common shares and preferred shares and does not include convertible debt securities.

        Dividends.    Holders of the preferred shares of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Trustees, out of assets legally available for payment, cash dividends at such rates (or method of calculation thereof) and on such dates as will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each such dividend will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock transfer books on such record dates as are fixed by the Board of Trustees.

        Dividends on any series of preferred shares may be cumulative or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the Board of Trustees fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of the preferred shares for which dividends are non-cumulative, then the holders of such series of the preferred shares will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date. We will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment date.

        Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, if any preferred shares of any series are outstanding, no full dividends will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any of our preferred

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shares of any other series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the preferred shares of such series for any period unless (1) if such series of preferred shares has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the preferred shares of such series for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period or (2) if such series of preferred shares does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends for the then current dividend period have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for the payment on the preferred shares of such series. When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the preferred shares of any series and the shares of any other series of preferred shares ranking on a parity as to dividends with the preferred shares of such series, all dividends declared upon the preferred shares of such series and any other series of preferred shares ranking on a parity as to dividends with such preferred shares will be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share on preferred shares of such series and such other series of preferred shares will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the preferred shares of such series (which will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred shares do not have a cumulative dividend) and such other series of preferred shares bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on preferred shares of the series which may be in arrears.

        Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph or otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, unless (1) if the series of preferred shares has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on the preferred shares of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, and (2) if the series of preferred shares does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on the preferred shares of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend period, no dividends (other than in common shares or other shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to the preferred shares of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation) will be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other distribution upon the common shares, or any other of our shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred shares of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor will any common shares, or any other of our shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred shares of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for other of our shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to the preferred shares of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation).

        Any dividend payment made on a series of preferred shares will first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of the series which remains payable.

        Redemption.    If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred shares will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, in whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred shares that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of preferred shares, if any, that we will redeem in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (which will not, if the preferred shares do not have a cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash or other property as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred shares of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of our shares of beneficial

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interest, the terms of such preferred shares may provide that if no such shares of beneficial interest have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred shares will automatically and mandatorily be converted into the applicable shares of beneficial interest pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing and except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless (1) the series of preferred shares has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on all preferred shares of any series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the current dividend period and (2) if such series of preferred shares does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on all shares of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend period, no preferred shares of such series will be redeemed unless all outstanding preferred shares of such series are simultaneously redeemed. However, the foregoing will not prevent the purchase or acquisition of preferred shares of that series to preserve our REIT status or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred shares of such series. In addition, except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless (1) if such series of preferred shares has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on all outstanding preferred shares of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, and (2) if such series of preferred shares does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on all shares of such series of preferred shares have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend period, we will not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any preferred shares of such series (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to the preferred shares of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation). However, the foregoing will not prevent the purchase or acquisition of preferred shares of such series to preserve our REIT status or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred shares of such series.

        If fewer than all of the outstanding preferred shares of any series are to be redeemed, we will determine the number of shares to be redeemed and such shares may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held or for which redemption is requested by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or in any other manner determined by us.

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        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred shares of any series to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock transfer books. Each notice will include:

        If fewer than all of the preferred shares of any series are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to each such holder thereof will also specify the number of preferred shares to be redeemed from each such holder. If notice of redemption of any preferred shares has been given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been irrevocably set aside by us in trust for the benefit of the holders of any preferred shares so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date dividends will cease to accrue on such preferred shares, such preferred shares will no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.

        Liquidation Preference.    Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before any distribution or payment will be made to the holders of any common shares or any other class or series of our shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to the preferred shares in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of each series of preferred shares will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for distribution to shareholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement), plus an amount equal to all dividends accrued and unpaid thereon (which will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred shares do not have a cumulative dividend). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, after payment of the full amount for the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares of a particular class or series will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. If, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our legally available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred shares of a particular class or series and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of our shares of beneficial interest ranking on a parity with such preferred shares in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred shares and all other applicable classes or series of shares of beneficial interest will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

        If liquidating distributions have been made in full to all holders of a series of preferred shares, the remaining assets will be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to the preferred shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other trust, corporation or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

        Voting Rights.    Holders of preferred shares will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below or as otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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        Unless provided otherwise for any series of preferred shares, so long as any preferred shares remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of each series of preferred shares outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such series voting separately as a class):

        However, with respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in the second provision above, so long as the preferred shares remain outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into account that upon the occurrence of an event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of preferred shares and provided further that (1) any increase in the amount of the authorized preferred shares or the creation or issuance of any other series of preferred shares, or (2) any increase in the amount of authorized shares of the series or any other series of preferred shares, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the preferred shares of the series with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.

        The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or before the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required is effected, all outstanding preferred shares of such series have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

        Conversion Rights.    The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of preferred shares is convertible into common shares will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of common shares into which the preferred shares are convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of the preferred shares or us, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion if such series of preferred shares is redeemed.

        Outstanding Preferred Shares, Dividends and Voting Rights.    As of May 20, 2004, we have outstanding 894,531 shares of 7.50% Series B Convertible Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest.

        Holders of the Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to receive, when and as authorized by the Board of Trustees, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7.50% per annum of the $50 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to $3.75 per annum per share). Dividends on the Series B Preferred shares are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or about the 30th day of each March, June, September and December or, if not a business day, the next business day. The Series B Preferred Shares are not redeemable before June 30, 2004. On and after June 30, 2004, we may, at our option, redeem the Series B Preferred Shares, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $50 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption.

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        Whenever dividends on any Series B Preferred Shares are in arrears for six or more consecutive or non-consecutive quarterly periods, the holders of such Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to vote for the election of a total of two additional trustees to our Board at a special meeting called by the holders of record of at least 20% of the outstanding Series B Preferred Shares or at the next annual meeting of the shareholders, and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated on such Series B Preferred Shares for the past dividend periods and the accrued dividend for the then current period have been fully paid, or a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside for payment in full. When all accumulated dividends and the accrued dividend for the then current dividend period on the Series B Preferred Shares have been paid in full or set aside for payment in full, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares are divested of the voting rights described in this paragraph and the term of each trustee elected by the holders of Series B Preferred Shares will terminate.

        So long as any Series B Preferred Shares remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Series B Preferred Shares outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such Series B Preferred Shares voting separately as a class):

        However, with respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in the second or third provision above, so long as the Series B Preferred Shares remain outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, or the terms of the securities issued in exchange for the Series B Preferred Shares in the consolidation or merger are not materially different from those of the Series B Preferred Shares, the occurrence of any such event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares. In addition, any increase in the amount of our authorized preferred shares or the creation or issuance of any other series of preferred shares, or any increase in the amount of authorized shares of such series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series B Preferred Shares with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences privileges or voting powers.

        Upon the death of any holder of Series B Preferred Shares, such shareholder's personal representative or surviving joint tenant(s) has a limited right to have us redeem their Series B Preferred Shares which we may pay for in cash or our common shares.

Restrictions on Transfer

        To qualify as a REIT under the Code, our common shares must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the issued and outstanding shares of

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beneficial interest may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. To ensure compliance with these requirements, the Declaration of Trust contains provisions restricting the ownership and acquisition of our shares of beneficial interest, including any of our preferred shares.

        The Declaration of Trust, subject to an exception in favor of our former parent company, Capital and Regional plc, which we refer to as CR-London, provides that no holder may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% in value of the issued and outstanding common shares or preferred shares. The constructive ownership rules are complex and may cause the equity shares owned directly or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of the equity shares (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity which owns equity shares) by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity (or another individual or entity) to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of the equity shares, and thus subject such equity shares to the ownership limit of 9.8%. In addition, for these purposes, common shares that may be acquired upon conversion or exchange of convertible debt securities directly or constructively held by an investor, but not necessarily common shares issuable with respect to convertible debt securities held by others, will be deemed to be outstanding before conversion or exchange, for purposes of determining the percentage of ownership of equity shares held by that investor. The Board of Trustees may, upon the receipt of a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to it, waive the ownership limit with respect to a given holder if such holder's ownership will not then or in the future jeopardize our status as a REIT.

        For purposes of determining whether five or fewer individuals own 50% or more of the shares of a REIT in violation of the ownership concentration limitation, shares held by certain domestic pension trusts are, subject to certain restrictions and special rules, treated under the Code as held by the beneficiaries of those trusts. We do not intend to rely on this rule to maintain compliance with the ownership concentration limitation. Accordingly, under the Declaration of Trust, domestic pension funds are subject to the restriction on ownership of more than 9.8% of the value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest. In addition, for purposes of determining whether five or fewer individuals own 50% or more of the shares of a REIT and whether the 9.8% ownership limit is satisfied, shares held by certain entities, including corporations, partnerships, mutual funds, estates, or trusts (other than domestic pension funds) are, subject to certain restrictions and special rules, treated under the Code as owned proportionately by shareholders, partners or beneficiaries of such entities.

        The Declaration of Trust contains a provision which limits the right of any shareholder to transfer or otherwise dispose of his common or preferred shares in a manner which is contrary to the 9.8% ownership limit. If any shareholder purports to transfer his shares to another person and either the transfer would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT or such transfer would cause the transferee to hold more than the ownership limit, the purported transfer will be null and void and the shareholder will be deemed not to have transferred his shares. Moreover, if any person holds shares in excess of the ownership limit, this person will be deemed to hold such excess shares solely in trust for our benefit. Such person will not receive distributions with respect to the excess shares or be entitled to vote such shares. In this event, this person will be deemed to have offered to sell the excess shares to us for the lesser of the amount paid for the shares or the market price of the shares, which offer we can accept for a period of 90 days after the later of (1) the date of the transfer resulting in such excess shares and (2) the date our Board of Trustees determines that the excess shares exist. In our sole discretion, we may repurchase the shares for cash.

        Federal income tax regulations require that we demand within 30 days after the end of each of our taxable years written statements from shareholders of record holding more than a specified percentage of the Company's shares of beneficial interest, in which the shareholders set out information with

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respect to their actual and constructive ownership of the equity shares and debentures. In addition, each shareholder must on demand disclose to us in writing such additional information as we may request to determine the effect of such shareholder's direct, indirect and constructive ownership of such shares on our status as a REIT.

        All certificates representing common shares and/or preferred shares will bear a legend referring to the restrictions on transfer described above.

        These ownership limitations could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transactions in which holders of some, or a majority, of equity shares might receive a premium for their shares over the prevailing market price or which such holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interest.


DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS

        We may issue securities warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred shares or common shares. Securities warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from such securities. Each series of securities warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the securities warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of securities warrants. Copies of the forms of debt warrant agreements and the forms of warrant certificates will be filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part. The following summary of certain provisions of the securities warrant agreement and the securities warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the securities warrant agreement and the securities warrant certificates relating to each series of securities warrants which will be filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part at or before the time of the issuance of that series of securities warrants.

        If securities warrants are offered, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of those securities warrants, including, in the case of securities warrants for the purchase of debt securities, the following:

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        In the case of securities warrants for the purchase of preferred shares or common shares, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of those securities warrants, including the following where applicable:


        Securities warrant certificates may be exchanged for new securities warrant certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Before the exercise of any securities warrant to purchase debt securities, holders of such securities warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such debt securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable Indenture. Before the exercise of any securities warrants to purchase preferred shares or common shares, holders of such securities warrants will not have any rights of holders of such preferred shares or common shares, including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on such preferred shares or common shares, or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

Exercise of Securities Warrants

        Each securities warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase for cash the principal amount of debt securities or number of preferred shares or common shares, as the case may be, at the exercise price determinable from the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date (or such later date to which such expiration date may be extended by us), unexercised securities warrants will become void.

        Securities warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such securities warrants. Upon receipt of payment and the securities warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the securities warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the securities warrants represented by the securities warrant certificate are exercised, a new securities warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of securities warrants.

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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE
CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BYLAWS

        The following paragraphs summarize certain provisions of Maryland law and our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. The summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and the Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. You should read these documents carefully to fully understand the terms of Maryland law, our Declaration of Trust and our Bylaws.

The Board of Trustees

        Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Trustees. Each trustee on the Board is required to be an individual at least 21 years of age who is not under legal disability and may not be a business or commercial entity. Our Bylaws provide that the number of our trustees may be established by the Board at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose but may not be fewer than eight nor more than twelve. Any vacancy will be filled at any annual meeting of shareholders, or by the remaining trustees. Our Bylaws provide that no shareholder has the right to cumulate his votes in elections for trustees.

Resignation and Removal of Trustees

        Under our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws, a trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice to the other trustees.

        Under our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws, our shareholders may remove any trustee, with or without cause, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes entitled to be cast for the election of trustees. However, our Bylaws specify that no trustee may be removed at a meeting of shareholders unless the notice of the meeting states that a purpose of the meeting is to vote upon the removal of one or more trustees named in the notice, and only named trustees may be removed at the meeting. A trustee may also be removed under our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws, with or without cause, by the Board upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the then acting trustees.

Business Combinations

        As a Maryland real estate investment trust, we are subject to certain restrictions concerning certain "business combinations" (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between us and an interested shareholder (defined as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our shares or our affiliate who, at any time within the two-year period before the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding voting shares of beneficial interest in the Company) or an affiliate thereof. A person is not an interested shareholder if the Board of Trustees approved in advance the transaction by which such person otherwise would have become an interested shareholder, although in approving such a transaction, the Board of Trustees may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the Board. Such business combinations are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested shareholder became an interested shareholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the Board of Trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of our outstanding voting shares voting together as a single group and of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting shares other than voting shares owned by the person with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, our shareholders receive a "minimum price" (as determined under Maryland law) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested shareholder for its shares. These provisions of Maryland

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law do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the Board of Trustees before the time that the interested shareholder becomes an interested shareholder.

Control Share Acquisitions

        Maryland law provides that "control shares" of a Maryland real estate investment trust acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by trustees who are employees of the trust are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. "Control shares" are voting shares which, if aggregated with all other shares owned by the acquiror or shares for which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

        Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained shareholder approval. Except as otherwise specified in the statute, a "control share acquisition" means the acquisition of control shares. Once a person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition has undertaken to pay expenses and satisfied other conditions, the person may compel the Board of Trustees to call a special meeting of shareholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, we may present the question at any shareholders' meeting. If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the real estate investment trust may be able to redeem any or all of the control shares for fair value except for control shares for which voting rights previously have been approved. Fair value is determined without regard to the absence of voting rights for control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition or of any meeting of shareholders at which the voting rights of control shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a shareholders' meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of these appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share acquisition.

        Our Bylaws contain a provision exempting the Company from the application of the control share acquisition statute. However, we cannot assure that such provision will not be amended or repealed at any time in the future, in which case the control share acquisition statute may apply to a prior or subsequent control share acquisition.

Amendment to the Declaration of Trust

        Any amendment to our Declaration of Trust must generally be approved by our shareholders by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, except that our Board of Trustees, by a two-thirds vote may amend provisions of our Declaration of Trust from time to time to enable us to qualify as a real estate investment trust under the Code or under the Maryland REIT Law.

Dissolution of CenterPoint Properties Trust

        Our dissolution must be approved by our shareholders by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

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Advance Notice of Trustee Nominations and New Business

        Our Declaration of Trust establishes an advance notice procedure for shareholders to make nominations of candidates for election as trustees or to bring other business before an annual meeting of shareholders.

        These procedures provide that (1) only persons who are nominated by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees, or by a shareholder who has given timely written notice containing specified information to the Secretary of the Company before the meeting at which trustees are to be elected, will be eligible for election as trustees and (2) at an annual meeting only such business may be conducted as has been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees or by a shareholder who has given timely written notice to the Secretary of such shareholder's intention to bring such business before the meeting. In general, to be considered timely, notice of shareholder nominations to be made or business to be conducted at an annual meeting must be received not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days before the date fixed by the Board of Trustees for the annual meeting.

        The purpose of requiring such advance notice by shareholders is to provide the Board of Trustees a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees or the advisability of the other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by the Board of Trustees, to inform shareholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of shareholders. Although these provisions of our Declaration of Trust do not give the Board of Trustees any power to disapprove of shareholder nominations or proposals for action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of trustees or the consideration of shareholder proposals if the proper procedures are not followed. In addition, these provisions may discourage or deter a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of trustees or to approve its own proposal, without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and the Declaration of Trust and Bylaws

        The business combination provisions of Maryland law, the control share acquisition provisions of Maryland law (if the exemption therefrom contained in our Bylaws is modified or repealed), our shareholder rights plan, the advance notice provisions of our Declaration of Trust and certain other provisions of Maryland law and our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or change in control of our Company that might involve a premium price for holders of our shares or otherwise be in their best interests.


FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO OUR REIT STATUS

        The following is a summary of certain federal income tax considerations regarding our REIT election. The tax treatment of a holder of any of the securities will vary depending on the terms of the specific securities acquired by such holder, as well as his particular situation, and this discussion does not attempt to address any aspects of federal income taxation relating to holders of securities. A description of certain federal income tax considerations pertaining to holders of the securities will be provided in the relevant prospectus supplement.

        The following summary is based on federal income tax law in effect as of the date hereof. Such law is subject to change without notice, and may be changed with retroactive effect. The summary is for general information only, and does not constitute tax advice.

        Each prospective purchaser is advised to consult the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as his own tax advisor, regarding the specific federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences, in

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light of his individual circumstances, of the acquisition, ownership and sale of the securities, and of potential changes in applicable tax laws.

Qualification as a REIT; Opinion of Counsel

        Our REIT election was effective as of January 1, 1994. The tax consequences described herein and in any prospectus supplement are largely contingent on our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Our failure to maintain our REIT status would materially alter the tax and economic consequences to a purchaser. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Our REIT Status—Failure to Qualify as a REIT" below. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Chicago, Illinois, has provided its opinion that our method of operation as described herein and as represented by us will permit us to continue to qualify as a REIT for the current and subsequent taxable years. Such opinion is based upon the Code, as amended, applicable Treasury Regulations adopted thereunder, reported judicial decisions, and IRS rulings, all as of the date hereof, and certain of our representations and factual assumptions related to the ownership and operation of the Company. It should be noted that whether we will maintain our status as a REIT under the Code will depend upon whether we meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code through actual annual operating results. No assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations will satisfy these requirements. The principal requirements we must meet to maintain our status as a REIT are described below.

Share Ownership

        Transferability.    In general, shares representing ownership of a REIT must be transferable. Our shares will be subject to certain restrictions designed to assure compliance with the rule prohibiting closely-held status, described below. A REIT will not fail the requirement of transferability by reason of such restrictions.

        100 Shareholders Required.    The beneficial ownership of an entity seeking to qualify as a REIT must be held by 100 or more persons. This requirement must be met for at least 335 days of a 12-month year, or a proportionate part of a shorter tax year. For purposes of this rule, the word "person" generally includes individuals and entities, with pension and profit-sharing trusts, rather than their beneficiaries, being treated as persons. We anticipate that we will continue to meet this requirement.

        Closely-held Status Not Permitted.    An entity does not qualify as a REIT if a group of five or fewer individuals own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of the entity at any time during the last half of the taxable year. For this purpose, certain entities are treated as individuals, but stock owned, directly or indirectly, by a corporation, partnership, estate or trust is generally considered as being owned proportionately by that entity's shareholders, partners or beneficiaries. In addition, compliance with certain procedural requirements may protect us from loss of REIT status by reason of an inadvertent violation of this rule. The Declaration of Trust provides certain restrictions on ownership of shares designed to assure compliance with this requirement.

        Domestic pension funds generally are not treated as a single person for purposes of this rule. Instead, the beneficiaries of the fund are treated as holding stock in the REIT in proportion to their actual interests in the fund. However, if we rely on this rule to maintain our status as a REIT, it is possible that pension funds holding more than 10% of our interests will be subject to unrelated business income tax on a portion of the dividends they receive from us. Under our Declaration of Trust, pension funds are subject to the same ownership restrictions as other persons, without regard to this rule.

        Shareholder Information.    Federal income tax regulations require that we demand within 30 days after the end of each of our taxable years written statements from shareholders of record holding more

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than a specified percentage of the Company's shares of beneficial interest, in which the shareholders set out information with respect to their actual and constructive ownership of the common shares and the debentures.

Asset Tests

        An entity seeking to maintain its qualification as a REIT must meet certain tests, described below, with regard to its assets. The asset tests are applied on the last day of each calendar quarter. Assets held by a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as if they were owned directly by the REIT. A corporation is a qualified REIT subsidiary if 100% of its stock is owned by a REIT and the corporation is not treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary.

        75% Asset Test.    At least 75% of a REIT's assets must consist of real estate assets, cash and cash items, and government securities. Real estate assets include interests in real property, interests in mortgages on real property, and shares in other qualified REITs. In addition, real estate assets include any property attributable to the temporary investment of new capital if (1) the property is stock or a debt instrument, and (2) the investment is only for the one-year period beginning on the date the REIT receives the capital (a "Qualified Temporary Investment"). Cash and cash items include receivables that arise in the ordinary course of the REIT's business, but not receivables purchased from another person. We intend to comply with this requirement.

        20% Asset Test.    A REIT must not own securities of one or more "taxable REIT subsidiaries" in an amount greater in value than 20% of the total value of the REIT's assets. We intend to comply with this requirement.

        5% Asset Test.    A REIT must not own securities of any one non-governmental issuer (other than another qualified REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary) in an amount greater in value than 5% of the value of the REIT's total assets. We intend to comply with this requirement.

        10% Vote Test.    A REIT must not own securities of any one non-governmental issuer (other than another qualified REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary) representing more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. We intend to comply with this requirement.

        10% Value Test.    A REIT must not own securities of any one non-governmental issuer (other than securities of another qualified REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary, a taxable REIT subsidiary or certain securities owned by the REIT on July 12, 1999) representing more than 10% of the total value of outstanding securities of that issuer. We intend to comply with this requirement. Our stock ownership of any corporation which conducts activities that, if conducted by us, would jeopardize our REIT status is subject to the 10% value test. We intend to comply with this test by causing any such corporation either to (a) be treated as taxable REIT subsidiary or (b) satisfy a "grandfather" rule described below. Under the "grandfather" rule, corporate stock that we owned on July 12, 1999 is not subject to the 10% value test unless the corporation, after July 12, 1999, engages in a substantial new line of business or acquires substantial assets (other than pursuant to certain tax-free exchanges).

        After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient non-qualifying assets within 30 days after the close of the quarter. We intend to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. We also intend to take such other actions within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.

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Income Tests

        An entity will not maintain its qualification as a REIT unless its income meets certain income-source tests. In connection with these tests, income received from a qualified REIT subsidiary is treated as having the same character as it had when received by the subsidiary.

        75% Income Test.    At least 75% of the REIT's gross income (excluding gross income from "prohibited transactions," as described below) for each taxable year must be derived from:

        95% Income Test.    At least 95% of the REIT's gross income (excluding gross income from "prohibited transactions") for each taxable year must be derived from sources qualifying for the 75% test, plus dividend and interest income, certain hedging income and capital gain on the sale or other disposition of stocks or securities.

        Rents From Real Property.    Rents we receive will constitute "rents from real property," qualifying for the 75% and 95% income tests, if the following requirements are met:

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        Prohibited Transactions.    The 75% and 95% income tests described above are measured by reference to our gross income. For this purpose, however, gross income does not include income from "prohibited transactions." Moreover, income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax.

        We will have engaged in a prohibited transaction if we sell property of a kind which would properly be included in inventory if on hand at the close of the taxable year, or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. The Code provides a safe harbor under which certain sales of real estate assets will not be considered to be prohibited transactions. The safe harbor applies if:

        Failure to Meet Income Tests.    If certain requirements are met, we may retain our status as a REIT even in a year in which we fail either the 75% or the 95% income test. In this case, however, we will be subject to an excise tax based on the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% or 95% gross income test for that year, less expenses. We will qualify for this relief if (1) we report the amount and nature of each item of our gross income in our federal income tax return for that year; (2) the inclusion of any incorrect information in our return is not due to fraud with intent to evade tax; and (3) the failure to meet such tests is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.

Distributions to Shareholders

        Distribution Requirement.    To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends (other than capital gains dividends) to our shareholders in an amount equal to 90% of the sum of (1) our "REIT taxable income" before deduction of dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain, plus (2) any net income from foreclosure property less the tax on such income, minus (3) any "excess noncash income" (the "Distribution Requirement"). The deduction for dividends paid is discussed below. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Our REIT Status—Taxation of the Company."

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        "REIT taxable income" for purposes of this requirement is the taxable income of a REIT, computed as if it were an ordinary corporation, adjusted by certain items, including an exclusion for net income from foreclosure property, a deduction for the excise tax on the failure of the 75% or 95% income tests, a deduction for tax imposed as a result of redetermined rents, redetermined deductions and excess interest and an exclusion for an amount equal to any net income derived from prohibited transactions.

        "Foreclosure property" is any real property, interest in real property, or personal property incident to the real property, acquired by the REIT in a foreclosure or by a deed in lieu of foreclosure following a default of a debt obligation or after termination of a defaulted lease, provided the REIT elects to treat the property as foreclosure property. The property ceases to be foreclosure property as of the close of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquires it, unless the IRS consents to an extension of this time period.

        "Excess noncash income" means the excess of certain amounts that the REIT is required to recognize as income in advance of receiving cash. Such excess noncash income may include original issue discount on purchase money debt or income from cancellation of indebtedness, over 5% of REIT taxable income before deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain.

        We intend to make distributions to the shareholders on a quarterly basis sufficient to meet the Distribution Requirement. However, because of the possible receipt of income without corresponding cash receipts, timing differences that may rise between the realization of taxable income and net cash flow, and the possible disallowance by the IRS of deductions claimed by us, it is possible that we may not have sufficient cash or liquid assets at a particular time to meet the Distribution Requirement. To assure compliance with the Distribution Requirement, we will closely monitor the relationship between our REIT taxable income and cash flow. If necessary, we will borrow funds to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we fail to meet the Distribution Requirement as a result of an adjustment to our tax return by the Service, we may retroactively cure the failure by paying a "deficiency dividend" (plus applicable penalties and interest) within a specified period.

        Non-REIT Accumulated Earnings And Profits.    We will not qualify as a REIT if, as of the close of our taxable year, we have earnings and profits accumulated in any non-REIT year. For purposes of this rule, positive earnings and profits of a corporation that is liquidated or merged into another corporation may not be netted against the other corporation's deficit in earnings and profits. We believe that we and each of our subsidiaries had negative earnings and profits as of the effective date of our REIT election.

Failure to Qualify as a REIT

        For any taxable year we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will be taxed as a corporation. We would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to our shareholders in computing our taxable income. Our assets and distributions to shareholders would be reduced to the extent necessary to pay our resulting tax liability. Our distributions at such time would be taxable to shareholders as dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and would be eligible for the 70% dividend-received deduction for shareholders which are corporations.

        If our election to be treated as a REIT is terminated as a result of our failure to qualify as a REIT, we will not be eligible to elect REIT status until the fifth taxable year which begins after the year for which our election was terminated, unless (1) we did not willfully fail to file a timely return with respect to the termination taxable year (2) the incorrect information in such return was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax, and (3) we establish that failure to meet the REIT requirements was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

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Taxation of The Company

        General.    In general, corporations are subject to federal income tax on their net income regardless of whether such income is currently distributed to shareholders. Distributions to shareholders constitute taxable dividends to the extent of the corporation's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Under this general rule, double taxation of corporate profits—that is, taxation at the corporate level and the shareholder level—is the norm. However, the rules pertaining to REITs provide an exception to this general rule. Except as otherwise discussed below, for any taxable year in which we qualify as a REIT, we will generally be able to deduct for federal income tax purposes the portion of our ordinary income or capital gain which is timely distributed to shareholders.

        Even if we are treated as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, however, we are subject to tax on any REIT taxable income and net capital gain not distributed to shareholders. We may reinvest income or gain recognized upon the sale of property or repayment of an investment, although we do not intend to do so unless we have satisfied the 90% income distribution test. Capital gain income which is not distributed will be taxable to us. We will not be required to distribute capital gain income to maintain our status as a REIT. In addition, we will be taxed at regular corporate tax rates on net income from foreclosure property which is not otherwise REIT qualifying income. Any tax we incur for these reasons, or for any of the reasons discussed below, would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to shareholders, and ultimately reduce the return on an investment in our shares.

        Dividends Paid Deduction.    For any taxable year we qualify as a REIT, we can claim the dividends paid deduction for dividends actually and constructively paid during that tax year. We can also claim a dividends paid deduction for dividends paid in the following year if we declare the dividends before the time prescribed by law for filing our return for the year, including extensions, and distribute the amount of the dividend during the 12-month period following the close of the year but not later than the date of the first regular dividend payment made after the declaration. In this event, we will be required to specify the dollar amount of the dividend, and send any notices required with respect to the dividend not later than 30 days after the close of the tax year or by mail with our annual report for the tax year. Certain so-called consent dividends declared in subsequent years are also eligible for the dividends paid deduction.

        Tax on Built-in Gain.    A REIT has built-in gain to the extent it has, at the time its status as a REIT commences, (i) any asset with a fair market value in excess of its adjusted tax basis, or (ii) any other items of income. Some or all of our assets on January 1, 1994, the effective date of our REIT election, had built-in gain. IRS rules that apply to conversion transactions occurring between June 10, 1987 and January 2, 2002 provide that a corporation that becomes a REIT recognizes net built-in gain, and pays corporate level tax, as if it had been liquidated at the end of the last taxable year before it qualified as a REIT unless it makes an election under which it will recognize such gain only upon disposition of such assets within the first ten years of its conversion into a REIT. If the election is made, the portion of any gain on such dispositions is taxable to the REIT without regard to whether the gain is distributed to shareholders. We made this election. Accordingly, we will not be subject to the corporate level tax with respect to any disposition of such assets after January 1, 2004.

        Excise Tax on Failure to Meet 75% or 95% Income Tests.    Regardless of distributions to shareholders, if we fail either or both of the 75% and 95% income tests, but still maintain our qualification as a REIT, we will be subject to an excise tax on an amount equal to the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% test or the 95% test multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is REIT taxable income (determined without deductions for dividends paid or net operating losses and excluding capital gains) and the denominator of which is the gross income of the REIT (determined, generally, by excluding income from prohibited transactions, certain gross income from foreclosure property, long-term capital gain, and short-term capital gain to the extent of any short-term capital loss).

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        100% Tax on Prohibited Transactions.    We will be subject to a 100% tax on the net income we derive from a prohibited transaction. See "Risk Factors—Certain Risks Related to Federal Income Tax Requirements and Our REIT Status—Prohibited Transaction Income Could Result from Certain Property Transfers."

        100% Tax on Redetermined Rents.    We will be subject to a 100% excise tax on any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions and excess interest paid or claimed between us and any of our taxable REIT subsidiaries. "Redetermined rents" and "redetermined deductions" are defined as rents or deductions, respectively, paid or claimed by a taxable REIT subsidiary that would be required to be decreased on distribution, apportionment or allocation in order to clearly reflect income between the subsidiary and its related REIT. "Excess interest" is defined as interest payment by a taxable REIT subsidiary to its related REIT to the extent that the interest payment is in excess of an interest rate that is commercially reasonable.

        Alternative Minimum Tax.    We will also be subject to the alternative minimum tax on items of tax preference allocable to us. The Code authorizes the Treasury Department to issue regulations allocating items of tax preference between a REIT and its shareholders. Such regulations have not been issued. We do not expect to have any significant items of tax preference.

        4% Excise Tax.    A 4% excise tax applies if a REIT's "distributed amount" for any year is less than its "required distribution." In that event, the excise tax applies to the difference between the "required distribution" and "distributed amount". For this purpose, the required distribution is specially defined, and does not correspond to the amount the REIT must distribute to maintain its status as a REIT. The required distribution is (1) 85% of the REIT's ordinary income for the year, plus (2) 95% of the REIT's capital gain net income reduced by any net ordinary loss. This amount must be "grossed up" for certain amounts of undistributed income from prior years. For purposes of this rule, the REIT's ordinary income is determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction. The distributed amount includes dividends paid during the calendar year, plus any tax imposed on REIT taxable income or capital gains, plus any excess of the distributed amount for the preceding calendar year over the grossed up required distribution for the preceding year.

        Tax Elections.    Our taxable year ends December 31. We use the accrual method of accounting. The effective date of our election to be taxed as a REIT is January 1, 1994.

State and Local Taxes

        We may be subject to state and local taxes in various jurisdictions such as those in which we own property or may be deemed to be engaged in activities. The tax treatment of the Company in states having taxing jurisdiction over us may differ from the federal income tax treatment described in this summary. No discussion of the state taxation of the Company or its shareholders is provided herein.


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may sell securities to one or more underwriters for public offer and sale by them or may sell securities offered hereby to investors directly or through agents. Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prices related to the prevailing market prices at the time of sale or at negotiated prices (any of which may represent a discount from the prevailing market prices). We also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as our agents to offer and sell the securities upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from

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purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

        Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of securities and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and such underwriters will be obligated to purchase all such securities, if any are purchased. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

        If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize the underwriters, dealers or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in that prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in such prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount of securities sold pursuant to contracts will not be less than nor greater than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other institutions, but will in all cases be subject to our approval. Contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that (1) the purchase by an institution of the securities covered by its contract will not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which such institution is subject; and (2) if the securities are being sold to underwriters, we have sold to such underwriters the total principal amount of the securities less the principal amount thereof covered by the contracts.

        In connection with the offering of securities, we may grant to the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities to cover over-allotments, if any, at the initial public offering price, with an additional underwriting commission, as may be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement. If we grant any over-allotment option, the terms of such over-allotment option will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such securities.

        The securities may be a new issue of securities that have no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom securities are sold for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Such securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any securities.

        Some of the underwriters and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services for us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.


LEGAL MATTERS

        Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Chicago, Illinois and Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland will pass upon certain legal matters for us. Chapman and Cutler LLP, Chicago, Illinois will pass upon certain legal matters for the underwriters. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Chapman and Cutler LLP will rely on the opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, as to certain matters of Maryland law. The opinions of Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Chapman and Cutler

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LLP will be based upon, and subject to, certain assumptions as to future actions required to be taken in connection with the issuance and sale of the securities and as to other events that may affect the validity of the securities but that cannot be ascertained on the date of such opinions.


EXPERTS

        The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 2004 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Commission to register the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus forms a part of that registration statement and does not contain all of the information in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement.

        We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act and therefore file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. Our filings with the Commission are available to the public over the Internet at the web site maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the Commission at its public reference facilities at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities. Our filings with the Commission are also available at the office of the New York Stock Exchange. For further information on obtaining copies of our public filings at the New York Stock Exchange, you should call (212) 656-5060.

        We "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the information we file with the Commission, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus and information that we file subsequently with the Commission will automatically update this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any filings we make with the Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the initial filing of the registration statement that contains this prospectus and before we sell all the securities offered by this prospectus:

        You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing to or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

Daniel J. Hemmer, Secretary
CenterPoint Properties Trust
1808 Swift Drive
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
Telephone: (630) 586-8000
www.centerpoint-prop.com

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We may only use this prospectus to sell securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. We are only offering these securities in jurisdictions where the offer is permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the dates on the front of those documents.

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$500,000,000

GRAPHIC

MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES A

DUE NINE MONTHS OR MORE FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

Wachovia Securities Banc One Capital Markets, Inc.
ABN AMRO Incorporated  
Banc of America Securities LLC
    Lehman Brothers

                    , 2004


PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.    OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

        The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered:

SEC Registration Fee   $ 63,350
Fees for Rating Agencies     100,000
Printing and Engraving Expenses     200,000
Trustee, Transfer Agent and Registrar Expenses     100,000
Legal Fees and Expenses     150,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses     100,000
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses     45,000
Miscellaneous     100,000
   
  Total   $ 858,350
   

        All expenses, except the SEC registration fee, are estimated.

ITEM 15.    INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

        Maryland law permits the declaration of trust of a Maryland real estate investment trust to expand or limit the liability of its trustees and officers, except to the extent that:

However, the Maryland REIT Law also provides that, although trustees and officers of a Maryland real estate investment trust are not personally liable for the obligations of the trust, trustees are not relieved from liability for any act that constitutes (a) bad faith, (b) willful misfeasance, (c) gross negligence or (d) reckless disregard of the trustee's duties.

        Our Declaration of Trust provides that, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law from time to time, no trustee or officer acting on our behalf shall be held liable to us or any of our shareholders for monetary damages. Our Declaration of Trust also provides our trustees and officers with limited liability in the absence of any Maryland statute limiting the liability of the trustees and officers of the Company for money damages in a suit by or on our behalf or by any of our shareholders except if:

        Pursuant to Maryland law, a real estate investment trust may indemnify its trustees and officers in respect of any proceeding, except to the extent that any trustee or officer actually received an improper

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benefit, whether or not involving action in his official capacity, in which the trustee or officer was adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. Maryland law permits a Maryland real estate investment trust to indemnify its trustees and officers against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their service to or at the request of the Company unless it is established that the act or omission of the indemnified party was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and:

        Our Declaration of Trust authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Maryland law, to indemnify our present and former trustees and officers and to pay or reimburse their expenses in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding. In addition, our Declaration of Trust permits us to indemnify any individual who, while acting as our trustee and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee.

        Our Bylaws require us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding to any of our present or former trustees or officers who is made a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether or not by or in our right, and whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise, by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Our Bylaws also require us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding to any individual who, while acting as our employee or trustee and at our request, serves or has served another trust, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, corporation, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made a party to, or threatened to be made a party to, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. In addition, our Bylaws permit us, with the approval of the Board, to provide such indemnification and advance for expenses to any of our employees or agents.

        Our Bylaws permit us to maintain insurance at our expense to protect us and any of our trustees, officers or non-officer employees against any liability of any character asserted against or incurred by us or any such trustee, officer or non-officer employee, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under Maryland law or under our Bylaws.

        It is the position of the Commission that indemnification of trustees for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy and is unenforceable pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Act.

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ITEM 16.    EXHIBITS

        The following exhibits are included as part of this Registration Statement:

EXHIBIT
   DESCRIPTION
1.1   Form of underwriting agreement*
1.2   Form of distribution agreement
3.1   Declaration of Trust, as restated
3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws
4.1   Form of certificate representing common shares**
4.2   Form of certificate representing preferred shares*
4.3   Senior Securities Indenture***
4.4   Form of Subordinated Securities Indenture***
4.5   Form of warrant agreement*
4.6   Form of warrant certificate*
4.7   Rights Agreement dated July 30, 1998 between the Company and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent, including the form of Articles Supplementary Relating to Designation, Preferences and Rights of Junior Participating Preferred Shares, Series A attached thereto as Exhibit A and the form of Rights Certificate attached thereto as Exhibit B****
4.8   Form of First Supplemental Indenture to be entered into between CenterPoint Properties Trust and SunTrust Bank
5.1   Opinion Letter of Kirkland & Ellis LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered***
5.2   Opinion Letter of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered***
8   Opinion Letter of Kirkland & Ellis LLP regarding certain tax matters***
12.1   Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges*****
12.2   Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends*****
23.1   Consent of Kirkland & Ellis LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)***
23.2   Consent of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.2)***
23.3   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
24   Power of Attorney***
25.1   Statement of Eligibility under Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Trustee under the Senior Indenture***
25.2   Statement of Eligibility under Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture******
*
To be filed, if applicable, subsequent to the effectiveness of this registration statement by an amendment to the registration statement or incorporated by reference pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with the offering of securities.

**
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12630).

***
Previously filed.

****
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-A filed August 3, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12630).

*****
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2004.

******
To be filed separately pursuant to Trust Indenture Act Section 305(b)(2).

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ITEM 17.    UNDERTAKINGS

(a)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

(i)
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement, or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof, which individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered, if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered, and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

        However, paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

(b)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such

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(d)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

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

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

(e)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Oak Brook, Illinois, on the 26th day of May, 2004.

    CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST

 
 
By:
 
/s/  JOHN S. GATES, JR.*      
John S. Gates, Jr.
 Chief Executive Officer

 
 
By:
 
/s/  PAUL S. FISHER      
Paul S. Fisher
 Executive Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Name
   Title
   Date

 
 
 
 
 
/s/  MARTIN BARBER*      
Martin Barber		   Co-Chairman and Trustee   May 26, 2004

/s/  JOHN S. GATES, JR.*      
John S. Gates, Jr.
 
Co-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

/s/  ROBERT L. STOVALL*      
Robert L. Stovall
 
Vice Chairman and Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

/s/  NICHOLAS C. BABSON*      
Nicholas C. Babson
 
Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

/s/  MICHAEL M. MULLEN*      
Michael M. Mullen
 
President, Chief Operating Officer and Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

/s/  PAUL S. FISHER      
Paul S. Fisher
 
Executive Vice President, Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Trustee
 
May 26, 2004
         


/s/  ALAN D. FELD*      
Alan D. Feld
 
Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

/s/  JOHN C. STALEY*      
John C. Staley
 
Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

/s/  THOMAS E. ROBINSON*      
Thomas E. Robinson
 
Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

/s/  NORMAN R. BOBINS*      
Norman R. Bobins
 
Trustee
 
May 26, 2004

*By:
 
/s/  PAUL S. FISHER      
Paul S. Fisher
Executive Vice President,
Assistant Secretary
and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT
   DESCRIPTION
1.1   Form of underwriting agreement*
1.2   Form of distribution agreement
3.1   Declaration of Trust, as restated
3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws
4.1   Form of certificate representing common shares**
4.2   Form of certificate representing preferred shares*
4.3   Senior Securities Indenture***
4.4   Form of Subordinated Securities Indenture***
4.5   Form of warrant agreement*
4.6   Form of warrant certificate*
4.7   Rights Agreement dated July 30, 1998 between the Company and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent, including the form of Articles Supplementary Relating to Designation, Preferences and Rights of Junior Participating Preferred Shares, Series A attached thereto as Exhibit A and the form of Rights Certificate attached thereto as Exhibit B****
4.8   Form of First Supplemental Indenture to be entered into between CenterPoint Properties Trust and SunTrust Bank
5.1   Opinion Letter of Kirkland & Ellis LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered***
5.2   Opinion Letter of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered***
8   Opinion Letter of Kirkland & Ellis LLP regarding certain tax matters***
12.1   Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges*****
12.2   Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends*****
23.1   Consent of Kirkland & Ellis LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)***
23.2   Consent of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.2)***
23.3   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
24   Power of Attorney***
25.1   Statement of Eligibility under Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Trustee under the Senior Indenture***
25.2   Statement of Eligibility under Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture******
*
To be filed, if applicable, subsequent to the effectiveness of this registration statement by an amendment to the registration statement or incorporated by reference pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with the offering of securities.

**
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12630).

***
Previously filed.

****
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-A filed August 3, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12630).

*****
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2004.

******
To be filed separately pursuant to Trust Indenture Act Section 305(b)(2).



QuickLinks

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND PRICING SUPPLEMENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST
RISK FACTORS
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
LEGAL MATTERS
Table of Contents
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST
RISK FACTORS
USE OF PROCEEDS
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BYLAWS
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO OUR REIT STATUS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS