NANOPHASE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
LEASE AGREEMENT
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.23
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>c60965ex10-23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>LEASE AGREEMENT
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.23



                                                              Property Address:
                                                           1319 Marquette Drive
                                                           Romeoville, Illinois

                            INDUSTRIAL BUILDING LEASE

     THIS LEASE is made as of this 15th day of June, 2000 between CP FINANCING
TRUST, a Maryland real estate financing trust ("Landlord"), and NANOPHASE
TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Tenant").

                                   ARTICLE I
                                  LEASE TERMS

     SECTION 1.1. DEFINITIONS. In addition to the other terms, which are
elsewhere defined in this Lease, the following terms and phrases, whenever used
in this Lease shall have the meanings set forth in this Subsection, and only
such meanings, unless such meanings are expressly contradicted, limited or
expanded elsewhere herein.

          A. BASE RENT SCHEDULE:
             -----------------------------------------------------------------
                      PERIOD                    ANNUAL BASE      MONTHLY BASE
                                                   RENT              RENT
             -----------------------------------------------------------------
             Commencement Date-July 31, 2001    $272,604.00       $22,717.00
             -----------------------------------------------------------------
             August 1, 2001-July 31, 2002       $280,782.12       $23,398.51
             -----------------------------------------------------------------
             August 1, 2002-July 31, 2003       $289,205.58       $24,100.47
             -----------------------------------------------------------------
             August 1, 2003-July 31, 2004       $297,881.75       $24,823.48
             -----------------------------------------------------------------
             August 1, 2004-July 31, 2005       $306,818.20       $25,568.18
             -----------------------------------------------------------------
             August 1, 2005-July 31, 2006       $316,022.75       $26,335.23
             -----------------------------------------------------------------

          B. COMMENCEMENT DATE: June 15, 2000

          C. INITIAL DEPOSIT: $5,200.00

             (i)      Initial Tax Deposit:  $5,000.00

             (ii)     Initial insurance Deposit:  $200.00

          D. INITIAL TERM: The initial six (6) year term, commencing as of the
     Commencement Date.

          E. LANDLORD'S BROKER: Cawley Chicago Real Estate


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          F. MAILING ADDRESS (LANDLORD):
             1808 Swift Road
             Oak Brook, Illinois  60690
             Attn:  Michael M. Mullen

             MAILING ADDRESS (TENANT):
             1319 Marquette Drive
             Romeoville, Illinois  60446

          G. OPTION TO RENEW: See Section XXXV.

          H. SECURITY DEPOSIT: $30,000.00

          I. TENANT'S BROKER: JSQ, Inc.

          J. TERM: The Initial Term as same may be extended or sooner
             terminated.

          K. TERMINATION DATE:  July 31, 2006.

          L. USE: Manufacturing, warehouse, distribution and storage of
             nanocrystalin, ceramic and metal powders, dry, coated and
             disbursed in liquids (such as oil and silicone) and related
             research, development and ancillary uses.

     SECTION 1.2. SIGNIFICANCE OF DEFINITIONS. Each reference in this Lease to
any of the Definitions contained in Section 1.1 of this Article shall be deemed
and construed to incorporate all of the terms provided under each such
Definition.

     SECTION 1.3. ENUMERATION OF EXHIBITS. The exhibits in this Section and
attached to this Lease are incorporated in this Lease by this reference and are
to be construed as a part of this Lease.

          EXHIBIT "A" - Legal Description
          EXHIBIT "B" - Form of Estoppel Certificate
          EXHIBIT "C" - Form of SNDA
          EXHIBIT "D" - Permitted Exceptions

                                   ARTICLE II
                                    PREMISES

     SECTION 2.1. LEASE. Landlord, for and in consideration of the rents herein
reserved and of the covenants and agreements herein contained on the part of
Tenant to be kept, observed and performed, does by these presents, lease to
Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, the real estate located at 1319
Marquette, Romeoville, Illinois, and legally described on Exhibit "A" attached
hereto and by this reference incorporated herein ("Land"), together with all
improvements now located or hereafter constructed thereon ("Improvements") (the
Land and the Improvements are sometimes collectively referred to as the
"Premises"), subject to covenants,


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conditions, agreements, easements, encumbrances and restrictions affecting the
Land and the Improvements thereon ("Restrictions").

                                  ARTICLE III
                                      TERM

     SECTION 3.1. TERM. The Initial Term of this Lease shall commence on the
Commencement Date and shall end on the Termination Date, unless sooner
terminated as hereinafter set forth.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                          CONDITION OF DEMISED PREMISES

     SECTION 4.1. CONDITION OF PREMISES. Subject to Landlord's obligation to
complete Landlord's Work as set forth in Section 4.2 below, Tenant agrees to
accept the Premises in an absolutely "as-is" condition, and Tenant acknowledges
that Landlord, its agents, attorneys, representatives and employees have not and
do not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, to Tenant
regarding the Premises, including, but not limited to: (i) the zoning of the
Premises; (ii) the condition of any underground, above ground or surface
improvements; (iii) the size, area, use or type of the Premises or the fitness
of the Premises for any intended or particular use; (iv) the nature of the soil
on and underlying the Premises or its suitability for development or any other
use thereof; (v) any financial information pertaining to the operation of the
Premises; (vi) the status of any requirements or obligations imposed, implied or
to be undertaken by the owner or developer of the Premises pursuant to any
zoning, subdivision, development laws or agreements with any governmental
entities; (vii) the presence or absence of any toxic wastes, hazardous materials
or structural defects in, on or under the Premises or any improvements thereon;
or (viii) the presence or absence of any rights of any governmental authority,
or of owners of property in the vicinity of the Premises, to obtain
reimbursement, recapture or special assessments from any owner of the Premises
for all or a portion of the cost of any utilities, roads or other improvements
heretofore or hereafter located on or in the vicinity of the Premises (and if
such rights exist, Tenant agrees to pay all sums due pursuant thereto, it being
expressly acknowledged and agreed that, Tenant hereby waives any claim Tenant
may have or may hereafter acquire against Landlord, its agents, attorneys,
representatives or employees for said costs), any and all such representations
and warranties, express or implied, being hereby expressly waived by Tenant and
disclaimed by Landlord. Tenant waives any claim that may exist for patent and/or
latent defects or for mutual or unilateral mistake of fact. Except as set forth
in Section 4.2 below, no promise of Landlord to alter, remodel, decorate, clean
or improve the Premises or any portion thereof and no representation respecting
the condition of the Premises or any portion thereof have been made by Landlord
to Tenant.

     SECTION 4.2. LANDLORD'S WORK. Landlord warrants that, as of the
Commencement Date, the roof shall not contain any leaks and the HVAC,
mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems shall be in working order. As soon
as practicable after the Commencement Date (which shall include the availability
of asphalt) Landlord shall repair the cracks and resurface the parking lot of
the Building.




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                                   ARTICLE V
                                      RENT

     SECTION 5.1. BASE RENT. Subject to the terms of Section 5.2 hereof, in
consideration of the leasing aforesaid, Tenant agrees to pay Landlord, without
offset or deduction (except for abatements provided in Sections 5.3 and 11.1
hereof), base rent for the Initial Term ("Base Rent"), payable monthly in
advance in the amount of the Monthly Base Rent set forth in the Base Rent
Schedule commencing on the Commencement Date and continuing on the first (1st)
day of each month thereafter for the balance of the Term of this Lease, and in
addition thereto, shall pay such charges as are herein described as "Additional
Rent". The term "Rent" when used in this Lease shall include all Base Rent
payable under this Section 5.1., as well as the charges herein described as
Additional Rent. All Rent payable hereunder shall be payable to Landlord at 135
S. LaSalle Street, Dept. 2023, Chicago, Illinois 60674-2023, or as Landlord may
otherwise from time to time designate in writing.

     SECTION 5.2. INTEREST AND LATE CHARGES ON LATE PAYMENTS. Tenant
acknowledges that its late payment of any Rent will cause Landlord to incur
certain costs and expenses not contemplated under this Lease, the exact amount
of which is extremely difficult or impracticable to fix. Such costs and expenses
will include, without limitation, loss of use of money, administrative and
collection costs and processing and accounting expenses. Therefore, on the third
(3rd) occasion during any calendar year on which any installment of monthly Base
Rent is not received by Landlord when due or any other sum due hereunder is not
paid when due after any applicable notice and cure periods, Tenant shall
immediately pay to Landlord a late charge equal to three percent (3%) of the
unpaid amount and on each subsequent such occasion during any calendar year, the
late charge shall increase by an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the unpaid
amount. By way of example, in the event five (5) payments are late during a
single calendar year, there would be no late charge for the first two late
payments, 3% for the third, 4% for the fourth and 5% for the fifth. Such late
charge is in addition to any interest due as set forth below. Landlord and
Tenant agree that this late charge represents a reasonable estimate of costs and
expenses incurred by Landlord from, and is fair compensation to Landlord for,
its loss suffered, by such non-payment by Tenant. In addition to the foregoing,
Rent not paid within thirty (30) days of the date when due after any applicable
notice and cure periods shall bear interest from the date when the same is
payable under the terms of this Lease until the same shall be paid at an annual
rate of interest equal to the rate of interest announced from time to time by
Bank One ("Bank One") as its Corporate Base Rate, plus three percent (3%),
unless a lesser rate shall then be the maximum rate permissible by law, in which
event said lesser rate shall be charged ("Lease Interest Rate"). The term
"Corporate Base Rate" means that rate of interest announced by Bank One from
time to time as its "Corporate Base Rate" of interest, changing automatically
and simultaneously with each change in the Corporate Base Rate made by Bank One
from time to time. Any publication issued or published by Bank One from time to
time or a certificate signed by an officer of Bank One stating its Corporate
Base Rate as of a date shall be conclusive evidence of the Corporate Base Rate
on that date. Acceptance of the late charge shall not constitute a waiver of
Tenant's default with respect to such non-payment by Tenant or prevent Landlord
from exercising any other rights and remedies available to Landlord under this
Lease. Failure to pay the late charge shall constitute a default under this
Lease.


<PAGE>   5


     SECTION 5.3. RENT ABATEMENT. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Article V, so long as Tenant is not in default under the terms
and conditions of this Lease, Tenant shall be entitled to an abatement of Base
Rent from the Commencement Date through July 31, 2000 ("Abatement Period").

                                   ARTICLE VI
                              TAXES AND IMPOSITIONS

     SECTION 6.1. TAXES. Tenant further agrees to pay, as Additional Rent for
the Premises, all Taxes (as hereinafter defined) which accrue during the Term of
this Lease, and are levied, assessed or become a lien imposed upon the Premises
or any part thereof. Such Additional Rent shall be payable notwithstanding the
fact that the amount of such Taxes may not be ascertainable or due and payable
until after the expiration of the Term of this Lease; provided, however, that
the Taxes levied against the Premises shall be prorated between Landlord and
Tenant for the first and last year of the Initial Term hereof as of the
Commencement Date, and as of the date of expiration of the Term of this Lease
for the last year of said Term, all on the basis of the most recent
ascertainable taxes as applied to the most recent assessed valuation of the
Premises. Tenant shall be responsible for all increases in Taxes based upon
Tenant's occupancy of the Premises. After the expiration of the Term hereof,
including any extensions thereof, Tenant hereby agrees to reprorate Taxes. In
the event of any increase in Taxes from the Taxes reflected on the proration
made upon the expiration of the Term of this Lease, Tenant agrees to immediately
pay to Landlord such sums as reflected by such reproration. Benefit may be taken
by Tenant of the provisions of any statute or ordinance permitting any special
assessment to be paid over a period of years; provided, however, that Tenant
shall pay all installments of special assessments due during the Term hereof
provided the same relate to the Term hereof. Tenant shall, in addition to the
foregoing, pay any new Tax of a nature not presently in effect but which may
hereafter be levied or assessed upon Landlord or upon the Premises or imposed as
a lien upon the Premises, if such Tax shall be based upon or arise out of the
ownership, use or operation of the Premises; provided, however, that for the
purpose of computing Tenant's liability for such new type of Tax, the Premises
shall be deemed the only property of Landlord. Tenant's obligations under this
Section hall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease. As used
herein, "Taxes" means real estate taxes, assessments, sewer rents, rates and
charges, permit and license fees, transit taxes, taxes based upon the receipt of
rent, and any other federal, state or local governmental charge, general,
special, ordinary or extraordinary, which may now or hereafter be assessed,
accrue or become a lien against the Premises or any portion thereof in any year
during the Term of this Lease, and also shall include any personal property
taxes (attributable to the year in which paid) imposed upon the furniture,
fixtures, machinery, equipment, apparatus, systems and appurtenances used in
connection with the operation of the Premises and any fine, penalty, interest or
cost that may be added to the foregoing as a result of Tenant's nonpayment of
Landlord's invoice therefor.

     Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require Tenant to pay any
franchise, inheritance, estate, succession or transfer tax of Landlord or any
income or excess profits tax assessed upon or in respect of all income of
Landlord or chargeable to or required to be paid by Landlord unless such tax
shall be specifically levied against the rental income of Landlord derived
hereunder (as opposed to a general income tax), which tax shall be paid by
Tenant as



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part of Taxes hereunder provided said rental income shall be considered as the
sole income of Landlord.

     SECTION 6.2. UTILITIES. Commencing as of the Commencement Date, Tenant
shall pay, directly to the appropriate supplier, all costs of natural gas,
electricity, heat, light, power, sewer service, telephone, water, refuse
disposal and other utilities and services supplied to the Premises. Landlord
shall, at Landlord's sole cost and expense, separately meter the Premises.
Landlord shall not in any way be liable or responsible to Tenant for any cost or
damage or expense which Tenant may sustain or incur if either the quality or
character of such service is changed or is no longer available or suitable for
Tenant's requirements.

     SECTION 6.3. EXPENSES. Tenant further agrees to pay as Additional Rent for
the Premises an annual administrative charge equal to one and one half percent
(1.5%) of the Annual Base Rent payable by Tenant pursuant to the Base Rent
Schedule.

     SECTION 6.4. DEPOSITS. As security for the obligations contained in
Sections 6.1., 6.3. and 10.3. hereof, Tenant shall deposit monthly with
Landlord, or such other entity as Landlord may designate, on the first (1st) day
of each and every month of the Term, a sum equal to one twelfth (1/12) of
Landlord's estimate of the current amount of Taxes levied with respect to the
Premises, Insurance Premiums (as hereinafter defined) and Expenses. All monthly
deposits need not be kept separate and apart by Landlord and shall be held by
Landlord in such account or accounts as may be authorized by the then current
state or federal banking laws, rules or regulations. The monthly deposits shall
be used as a fund to be applied, to the extent thereof, to the payment of Taxes,
Expenses and Insurance Premiums, as the same become due and payable. The
existence of said fund shall not limit or alter Tenant's obligation to pay the
Taxes, Expenses and Insurance Premiums for which the fund was created. Tenant
shall not be entitled to interest on said fund. Tenant shall pay Landlord as its
monthly deposit for the period commencing on the Commencement Date and
terminating on the December 31st immediately thereafter the Initial Deposit. On
or prior to each December 31st occurring within the Term, Landlord shall advise
Tenant as to Landlord's estimate of the monthly deposits that will be required
for the next Lease Year (as hereinafter defined).

     SECTION 6.5. ADJUSTMENT STATEMENT. As soon as reasonably feasible after the
expiration of each calendar year contained within the Term ("Lease Year"),
Landlord will furnish Tenant a statement ("Adjustment Statement") showing the
following:

               (i)   Actual Taxes, Insurance Premiums and Expenses for the
          Lease Year last ended and the amount of Taxes, Insurance Premiums and
          Expenses payable by Tenant for such Lease Year;

               (ii)  The amount of Additional Rent due Landlord for the Lease
          Year last ended, less credits for monthly deposits paid, if any; and

               (iii) The monthly deposits due in the current Lease Year.

     SECTION 6.6. PAYMENTS. Within thirty (30) days after Tenant's receipt of
each Adjustment Statement, Tenant shall pay to Landlord:


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               (i)   The amount of Additional Rent shown on said Adjustment
          Statement to be due Landlord for the Lease Year last ended; plus

               (ii)  The amount, which when added to the monthly deposits
          theretofore paid in the current Lease Year would provide that
          Landlord has then received such portion of the monthly deposits as
          would have theretofore been paid to Landlord had Tenant paid one
          twelfth (1/12) of the monthly deposits, for the current Lease Year, to
          Landlord monthly on the first day of each month of such Lease Year.

During the last Lease Year, Landlord may include in the monthly deposits its
estimate of the Additional Rent which may not be finally determined until after
the expiration of the Term. Tenant's obligation to pay such Additional Rent
shall survive the Term.

     SECTION 6.7. PAYMENT ADJUSTMENTS. Tenant's payment of the monthly deposits
for each Lease Year shall be credited against the Additional Rent for such Lease
Year. If the monthly deposits paid by Tenant for any Lease Year exceed the
Additional Rent due for such Lease Year, then Landlord shall give a credit to
Tenant in an amount equal to such excess against the Additional Rent due for the
next succeeding Lease Year, except that if any such excess relates to the last
Lease Year of the Term, then, provided that no default of Tenant exists
hereunder, Landlord shall refund such excess to Tenant at the time the actual
amounts of Additional Rent are known which, with respect to Taxes, shall be
deemed to be the issuance of a final tax bill. The obligation of Landlord to
refund such excess shall survive the expiration of the Term of this Lease.

     SECTION 6.8. RIGHT TO PAY. Landlord shall, at its option, have the right,
without notice to Tenant, at all times during the Term to pay any such Taxes not
timely paid by Tenant, and, subject to any applicable notice and grace period,
the amounts so paid, including reasonable expenses, shall be so much Additional
Rent due at the next rent day after any such payments, with interest at the
Lease Interest Rate from the date of payment thereof.

     SECTION 6.9. LANDLORD'S CONTEST OF TAXES. To the extent Landlord desires,
in Landlord's reasonable business judgment, to contest the imposition of any
Taxes against the Land and Improvements, Landlord shall proceed with such
protest in accordance with applicable law. Tenant agrees Taxes shall include all
of Landlord's reasonable costs and expenses, including legal fees and court
costs, in pursuing any such contest whether or not Landlord is successful in
such contest. There shall be deducted from Taxes the amount of any Taxes
refunded in any Lease Year, provided said refund relates to an assessment year
included within the Term of the Lease.

     SECTION 6.10. TENANT'S CONTEST OF TAXES. Upon the written request of Tenant
during each calendar year of the Term, Landlord shall acknowledge that it will
be contesting taxes or shall waive its right to do so for such calendar year
within ten (10) days after receipt of Tenant's request. In the event Landlord
waives its right to contest Taxes with respect to any calendar year during the
Term, Tenant shall have the right, at Tenant's sole expense, to contest such
Taxes. At Tenant's request, Landlord shall provide copies of current tax bills
and notices of assessment, if any, to Tenant. For purposes of contesting Taxes,
any valuation by Tenant of the personal


<PAGE>   8


properly in the Premises shall be subject to Landlord's approval, which shall
not be unreasonably withheld.

     Upon written request by Tenant no more often than two (2) times in any
calendar year, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant copies of any assessment notices
or real estate tax bills with respect to the Property then in the possession of
Landlord.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                                       USE

     SECTION 7.1. USE. The Premises shall be used for the Use only, and for no
other purpose.

     SECTION 7.2. PROHIBITED USES. Tenant shall not permit the Premises, or any
portion thereof, to be used in such manner which impairs Landlord's right, title
or interest in the Premises or any portion thereof, or in such manner which
gives rise to a claim or claims of adverse possession or of a dedication of the
Premises, or any portion thereof, for public use. Tenant shall not use or occupy
the Premises or permit the Premises to be used or occupied contrary to any
statute, rule, order, ordinance, requirement, regulation or restrictive covenant
applicable thereto or in any manner which would violate any certificate of
occupancy affecting the same or which would render the insurance thereon void or
the insurance risk more hazardous, or which would cause structural injury to the
Improvements or cause the value or usefulness of the Premises or any part
thereof to diminish or which would constitute a public or private nuisance or
waste, and Tenant agrees that it will, promptly upon discovery of any such use,
immediately notify Landlord and take all necessary steps to compel the
discontinuance of such use. Landlord acknowledges that the Use set forth in
Section 1.1 shall not render Landlord's insurance on the Premises void or the
insurance risk more hazardous.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENTS OF PREMISES

     SECTION 8.1. TENANT'S OBLIGATIONS. Subject to Landlord's obligations as set
forth in Section 8.5 below, Tenant agrees, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, to
take good care of the Premises, including the Improvements, and keep same and
all parts thereof, including without limitation, the entire exterior and
interior, the roof, foundations, parking areas, sidewalks, railroad tracks,
water, sewer, gas and electricity connections, pipes, mains and all other
fixtures, machinery, apparatus, equipment, overhead cranes, and appurtenances
thereto together with any and all alterations and additions thereto, in good
order, condition and repair, suffering no waste or injury. Tenant shall, at its
sole cost and expense, promptly make all necessary repairs and replacements,
structural or otherwise, ordinary as well as extraordinary, foreseen as well as
unforeseen, in and to any Improvements or equipment now or hereafter located
upon the Land, including, without limitation, the entire interior and exterior
of the Improvements, the roof, the foundations, sidewalks, parking areas,
railroad tracks, water, sewer, gas and electricity connections, pipes, mains and
all other fixtures, machinery, apparatus, equipment and appurtenances now or
hereafter belonging to, connected with or used in conjunction with the Premises.
All such repairs and replacements shall be of first-class quality and sufficient
for the proper maintenance and operation of the Premises. Tenant shall keep and
maintain the Premises, including the Improvements and all sidewalks, vault
space, parking areas and areas adjacent





<PAGE>   9



thereto, safe, secure and clean, specifically including, but not by way of
limitation, snow and ice clearance, landscaping and removal of waste and refuse
matter. Tenant shall not permit anything to be done upon the Premises (and shall
perform all maintenance and repairs thereto so as not) to invalidate, in whole
or in part, or prevent the procurement of any insurance policies which may, at
any time, be required under the provisions of this Lease. Tenant shall not
obstruct or permit the obstruction of any parking area, adjoining street or
sidewalk.

     No less than one (1) time in any calendar year, Tenant shall cause a roof
inspection to be performed by a contractor reasonably acceptable to Landlord.
Tenant shall deliver a copy of the report with respect to such inspection to
Landlord and shall comply with the recommendations contained therein.

     No more often than one (1) time in any calendar year, Landlord shall pay to
Tenant an amount equal to the lesser of (i) actual expenses incurred by Tenant
in connection with Tenant's maintenance, repair or replacement of the roof
(including the costs of any roof inspection) except to the extent required by
any alteration Tenant has made to the roof, or (ii) $369.00 ("Landlord's Roof
Contribution"). Landlord shall pay Landlord's Roof Contribution to Tenant within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of a request from Tenant, which request shall be
accompanied by invoices for work performed and other evidence of the amount
expended by Tenant as reasonably requested by Landlord.

     SECTION 8.2. GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS. Subject to Landlord's requirements
as set forth in Section 8.5 below, Tenant, at its own cost and expense, shall
promptly comply with any and all governmental requirement to or affecting the
Premises or any part thereof, irrespective of the nature of the work required to
be done, extraordinary as well as ordinary, whether or not the same involve or
require any structural changes or additions in or to the improvements and
irrespective of whether or not such changes or additions be required on account
of any particular use to which the Premises or any part thereof are being put.
Included in the obligations set forth above, but not in limitation thereof,
Tenant, at its own cost and expense shall promptly comply with OSHA regulations
relating to overhead cranes, CFR 1910-179(j)(2) and 184(d), CFR 1910-179(j)(3),
CFR 1910-179(e)(1) through (4) and CFR 1910-179(b)(5).

     SECTION 8.3. TENANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES. Landlord shall not be required to
furnish any services or facilities whatsoever to the Premises. Tenant hereby
assumes full and sole responsibility for condition, operation, repair,
alteration, improvement, replacement, maintenance and management of the
Premises. Landlord shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to the person
or property of Tenant, any guests or invitees, any persons using or working on
the Premises, or any persons claiming by, through or under, or any agents,
employees, heirs, legal representatives, successors or assigns of, any of the
foregoing.

     SECTION 8.4. MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. At Landlord's option, Tenant shall enter
into a maintenance contract, in form and substance and with a firm reasonably
satisfactory to Landlord, for the maintenance of the HVAC systems in the
Premises.

     SECTION 8.5. LANDLORD'S MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS. Landlord shall keep,
maintain (except for ordinary daily maintenance, which shall be the
responsibility of Tenant), repair and replace the structural members of the
Building. For purposes of this Lease, the phrase "structural



<PAGE>   10



members" shall mean the exterior face of the exterior walls (excluding windows,
window frames, doors and door frames), load bearing portions of load bearing
walls and foundation of the Premises. Landlord shall make any required
replacements to the parking areas, except to the extent such replacement is as a
result of any use of the parking area which is not customary for similar
buildings in the Chicago metropolitan area or reasonably deemed excessive for
the parking area.

     To the extent that any component of the roof requires replacement and if
such replacement constitutes a capital expenditure under generally accepted
accounting principals, then Landlord shall replace the roof or the applicable
component thereof. Landlord shall pay all expenses of such replacement except to
the extent such replacement is required as a result of alterations to the roof
made by Tenant, Tenant's negligence or by Tenant's failure to maintain the roof
in the same manner a reasonably prudent property owner would ("Tenant's Roof
Share"). All expenses incurred by Landlord in replacing the roof, after
deducting Tenant's Roof Share, are hereinafter referred to as "Landlord's Roof
Share." Landlord shall be responsible for the payment of Landlord's Roof Share.
Tenant shall pay Tenant's Roof Share to Landlord within fifteen (15) days after
demand by Landlord.

     In addition to the foregoing, to the extent that any component of the
Building (other than structural components) requires replacement and if such
replacement constitutes a capital expenditure under generally accepted
accounting principals, then Landlord shall, at its cost, replace the item in
question. In such event, the cost thereof shall be amortized over the useful
life of such item with interest at the rate of eleven and one half percent
(11.5%) per annum, and the portion thereof allocable to such cost during the
Term of this Lease (and any Renewal Term) shall be considered Additional Rent
and shall be due and payable from Tenant to Landlord within thirty (30) days
after Landlord bills Tenant from time to time. Such amounts shall be prorated
for any partial year remaining during the Term or Renewal Term.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                               TENANT'S INSURANCE

     SECTION 9.1. COVERAGE REQUIRED. Tenant shall procure and maintain, or cause
to be maintained, at all times during the term of this Lease, at Tenant's sole
cost and expense, and until each and every obligation of Tenant contained in the
Lease has been fully performed, the types of insurance specified below, with
insurance companies authorized to do business in the State of Illinois covering
all operations under this Lease, whether performed by Tenant or by Contractors.
For purposes of this Article IX, "Contractors" shall mean Tenant and contractors
and subcontractors and materialmen or any tier providing services, material,
labor, operation or maintenance on, about or adjacent to the Premises, whether
or not in privity with Tenant.

          A. IN GENERAL. Upon execution of the Lease, Tenant shall procure and
     maintain the following kinds and amounts of insurance:

               (i)   WORKER'S COMPENSATION AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE INSURANCE.
          Worker's Compensation and Occupational Disease Insurance, in statutory
          amounts, covering all employees who provide a service under this



<PAGE>   11



          Lease. Employer's liability coverage with limits of not less than
          $100,000 each accident or illness shall be included.

               (ii)  COMMERCIAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (PRIMARY AND UMBRELLA).
          Commercial Liability Insurance or equivalent with limits of not less
          than $5,000,000 per occurrence, combined single limit, for bodily
          injury, personal injury, and property damage liability.
          Products/completed operation, independent contractors, broad form
          property damage and contractual liability (with no limitation)
          coverages are to be included. Landlord is to be named as additional
          insureds, on a primary, non-contributory basis for any liability,
          arising directly or indirectly from this Lease.

               (iii) AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE. When any motor vehicles are
          used in connection with this Lease, Tenant shall provide Automobile
          Liability Insurance with limits of not less than $2,000,000 per
          occurrence combined single limit, for bodily and property damage.

               (iv)  CONTENTS INSURANCE. Insurance against fire, sprinkler
          leakage, vandalism, and the extended coverage perils for the full
          insurable value of all contents of Tenant within the Premises, and of
          all office furniture, trade fixtures, office equipment, merchandise
          and all other items of Tenant's property on the Premises and business
          interruption insurance.

          B. CONSTRUCTION. During any construction (other than with respect to
     the construction of the Initial Improvements by Landlord, but including
     improvements, betterments or repairs), Tenant shall procure and maintain,
     or cause to be maintained, the following kinds and amounts of insurance:

               (i)   WORKER'S COMPENSATION AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE INSURANCE.
          Worker's Compensation and Occupational Disease Insurance, in statutory
          amounts, covering all employees who are to provide a service under
          this construction. Employer's liability coverage with limits of not
          less than $500,000 for each accident or illness shall be included.

               (ii)  COMMERCIAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (PRIMARY AND UMBRELLA).
          Commercial Liability Insurance or equivalent with limits of not less
          than $5,000,000 per occurrence, combined single limit, for bodily
          injury, personal injury, and property liability. Products/completed
          operations, explosion, collapse, underground, independent contractors,
          broad form property damage and contractual liability coverages are to
          be included. Landlord is to be named as additional insureds on a
          primary non-contributory basis for any liability arising directly or
          indirectly from the Lease.

               (iii) AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE (PRIMARY AND UMBRELLA). When
          any motor vehicles are used in connection with work to be performed,
          Tenant or contractor shall provide Automobile Liability Insurance with
          limits of not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence combined single
          limit, for


<PAGE>   12



          bodily injury and property damage. Landlord is to be named as an
          additional insured on a primary non-contributory basis.

               (iv)  ALL RISK BUILDERS RISK INSURANCE. Tenant or Contractor
          shall provide All Risk Blanket Builder's Risk Insurance to cover the
          materials, supplies, equipment, machinery and fixtures that are or
          will be part of the Project. Coverage extensions shall include the
          following: right to partial occupancy, material stored off-site and
          in-transit, boiler and machinery, earthquake, flood (including surface
          water backup), collapse, water damage, debris removal, faulty
          workmanship or materials, testing, mechanical-electrical breakdown and
          failure, deletion of freezing and temperature exclusions, business
          interruption, extra expense, loss of revenue, loss of rents and loss
          of use of property, as applicable, Landlord shall be named as loss
          payee.

               (v)   PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY. When any architects, engineers, or
          consulting firms perform work in connection with this Lease,
          Professional Liability Insurance shall be maintained with limits of
          $1,000,000. The policy shall have an extended reporting period of two
          (2) years. When policies are renewed or replaced, the policy
          retroactive date must coincide with, or precede, start of work.

     SECTION 9.2. POLICIES. All insurance policies shall be written with
insurance companies and shall be in form satisfactory to Landlord. Landlord
hereby approves The Chubb Insurance Group as Tenant's insurance carrier. All
insurance policies shall name Landlord as an additional insured and loss payee
as their respective interests may appear and shall provide that they may not be
terminated or modified without thirty (30) days' advance written notice to
Landlord. The minimum limits of insurance specified in this Section shall in no
way limit or diminish Tenant's liability under this Lease. Tenant shall furnish
to Landlord, not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the date such insurance is
first required to be carried by Tenant, and thereafter at least fifteen (15)
days prior to the expiration of each such policy, certificates of insurance, and
such other evidence of coverages as Landlord may reasonably request, and
evidence of payment of all premiums and other expenses owed in connection
therewith. Upon Tenant's default in obtaining or delivering the policy for any
such insurance or Tenant's failure to pay the charges therefor, Landlord may, at
its option, on or after the tenth (10th) day after written notice thereof is
given to Tenant, procure or pay the charges for any such policy or policies and
the total cost and expense (including attorneys' fees) thereof shall be
immediately paid by Tenant to Landlord as Additional Rent upon receipt of a bill
therefor. Within thirty (30) days after demand by Landlord that the minimum
amount of any coverage be so increased, Tenant shall furnish Landlord with
evidence of Tenant's compliance with such demand.

     SECTION 9.3. SUBROGATION. Landlord and Tenant agree to have all fire and
extended coverage and material damage insurance which may be carried by either
of them endorsed with a clause providing that any release from liability of or
waiver of claim for recovery from the other party or any of the parties named in
Section 9.2 above entered into in writing by the insured thereunder prior to any
loss or damage shall not affect the validity of said policy or the right of the
insured to recover thereunder, and providing further that the insurer waives all
rights of subrogation which such insurer might have against the other party or
any of the parties named in




<PAGE>   13


Section 9.2 above. Without limiting any release or waiver of liability or
recovery contained in any other Section of this Lease but rather in confirmation
and furtherance thereof, Landlord and any beneficiaries of Landlord waive all
claims for recovery from Tenant, and Tenant waives all claims for recovery from
Landlord, any beneficiaries of Landlord and the managing agent for the Project
and their respective agents, partners and employees, for any loss or damage to
any of its property insured under valid and collectible insurance policies to
the extent of any recovery collectible under such insurance policies.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything contained in this Lease to the
contrary, any release or any waiver of claims shall not be operative, nor shall
the foregoing endorsements be required, in any case where the effect of such
release or waiver is to invalidate insurance coverage or invalidate the right of
the insured to recover thereunder or increase the cost thereof (provided that in
the case of increased cost the other party shall have the right, within ten (10)
days following written notice, to pay such increased cost, thereby keeping such
release or waiver in full force and effect).

     SECTION 9.4. MISCELLANEOUS INSURANCE PROVISIONS. Landlord and Tenant
further agree as follows:

          A. Tenant and Contractors expressly understand and agree that any
     insurance coverages and limits furnished by the Tenant and Contractors
     shall in no way limit the Tenant's and Contractor's liabilities and
     responsibilities specified under the Lease, or contracts executed relating
     to the Project, or by law.

          B. The failure of Landlord to obtain such evidence from Tenant or
     Contractors before permitting Tenant or Contractors to commence work shall
     not be deemed to be a waiver by Landlord, and Tenant or contractors shall
     remain under continuing obligation to maintain the insurance coverage.

          C. Any and all deductibles on referenced insurance coverages shall be
     borne by Tenant and Contractors.

          D. Tenant expressly understands and agrees that any insurance
     maintained by Landlord shall apply in excess of and not contribute with
     insurance provided by the Tenant or Contractor under the Lease.

          E. If Tenant or any Contractors desire additional coverage, higher
     limits of liability, or other modifications for their own protection,
     Tenant and such Contractors shall be responsible for the acquisition and
     cost of such additional protection.

          F. Tenant agrees, and shall cause each Contractor in connection with
     the Project to agree, that all insurers shall waive their rights of
     subrogation against Landlord.

          G. Tenant and Contractors shall not violate or permit to be violated
     any of the conditions or provisions of any of the insurance policies, and
     Tenant and Contractors shall so perform and satisfy or cause to be
     performed and satisfied the requirements of the companies writing such
     policies so that at all times companies of good standing, satisfactory to
     Landlord shall be willing to write and continue such insurance.




<PAGE>   14


          H. Landlord shall not be limited in the proof of any damages which
     Landlord may claim against Tenant and Contractors arising out of or by
     reason of Tenant's and Contractor's failure to provide and keep in force
     insurance, as aforesaid, to the amount of the insurance premium or premiums
     not paid or incurred by Tenant and Contractors and which would have been
     payable under such insurance, but Landlord shall also be entitled to
     recover as damages for such breach the uninsured amount of any loss, to the
     extent of any deficiency in the insurance required by the provisions of
     this Lease, and damages, costs and expenses of suit suffered or incurred by
     reason of damage to, or destruction of, the Project or the Premises
     occurring during any period when Tenant or Contractors shall have failed or
     neglected to provide insurance as aforesaid.

          I. The insurance required by this Lease, at the option of Tenant or
     Contractors, may be effected by blanket or umbrella policies issued to
     Tenant or Contractors covering the Premises and other properties owned or
     leased by Tenant or Contractors, provided that the policies otherwise
     comply with the provisions of this Lease and allocate to the Premises the
     specified coverage, without possibility of reduction or coinsurance by
     reason of, or damage to, any other premises covered therein.

          J. All insurance companies shall have a Best rating of not less than
     A/VII, or an equivalent rating in the event Best ceases to exist or provide
     a rating.

          K. Tenant and Contractors shall provide and keep in force such other
     insurance in such amounts as may from time to time be reasonably required
     by Landlord or a holder of a Mortgage (defined in Section 23.1 hereof)
     against such other insurable hazards as at the time are commonly insured
     against in the case of prudent owners of properties similar to the Project
     and the Premises, and in that connection Landlord may require changes in
     the forms, types and amounts of insurance required pursuant to this Section
     or add to, modify or delete other requirements; and in any event, if under
     applicable law, rule, regulation or ordinance of any governmental
     authority, state or federal, having jurisdiction in the Premises, liability
     may be imposed upon Landlord on account of the use or operation of the
     Premises or the Project or other improvements, insurance within limits
     reasonably satisfactory to Landlord shall be maintained by Tenant and
     Contractors against any such liability.

          L. The required insurance to be carried shall not be limited by any
     limitations expressed in the indemnification language herein or any
     limitation placed on the indemnity therein given as a matter of law.

                                   ARTICLE X
                               PROPERTY INSURANCE

     SECTION 10.1. KINDS AND AMOUNTS. Landlord shall at all times during the
Term of this Lease keep in effect insurance on all Improvements against loss by
fire and lightning, the risks covered by what is commonly known as extended
coverage, malicious mischief and vandalism, and all other risks of direct
physical loss in an amount equal to the full replacement value on the
replacement form basis, of such Improvements. The policy or policies evidencing
such insurance shall be written by a company or companies reasonably
satisfactory to Landlord and to



<PAGE>   15



Landlord's mortgagee, if any, and authorized to do business in the state where
the Premises are located, shall name Landlord as insured thereunder, and shall
provide that losses shall be paid to Landlord or its mortgagee, if applicable.
At the request of Landlord, a mortgage clause may be included in said policies
covering Landlord's mortgagee, if any. Tenant further agrees that if and when
obtainable, Landlord will procure and maintain so-called war risk and war damage
insurance, earthquake and flood insurance on the Improvements for not less than
one hundred percent (100%) of the full insurance value above foundation. Such
insurance shall provide for payment of loss thereunder to Landlord and shall, at
Landlord's request, contain a mortgage clause in favor of Landlord's mortgagee,
if any. Landlord shall also obtain (i) boiler and machinery insurance in an
amount equal to the full replacement value of the Improvements, (ii) insurance
against loss of Rents due to the occurrence of any casualty or hazard in the
amount of all Base Rent payments, taxes, assessments and insurance premiums
required hereunder for a twelve (12) month period, (iii) liability insurance,
(iv) insurance against breakage of all plate glass in the Improvements and (v)
such other insurance reasonably required by Landlord, all in amounts and under
terms customarily carried by Landlord for similar buildings owned by it. Tenant
shall be named as an additional insured on Landlord's liability insurance
policy.

     SECTION 10.2. INSURANCE APPRAISALS. From time to time during the Term
hereof upon the request of Landlord, or Landlord's mortgagee, if any, Tenant
shall furnish to Landlord, at Tenant's expense, insurance appraisals,
satisfactory to Landlord, as such are regularly and ordinarily made by or for
the benefit of insurance companies, in order to determine the then replacement
value of the Improvements. Such insurance appraisals shall not be required more
frequently than once in each Lease Year during the Term hereof.

     SECTION 10.3. TENANT PAYMENTS. All such insurance described in this Article
X shall be kept in full force throughout the Term of this Lease, and any amounts
paid therefor by Landlord (hereinafter referred to as the "Insurance Premiums")
shall be payable by Tenant as Additional Rent in accordance with Sections 6.4.
and 6.6. hereof.

     SECTION 10.4. WAIVER OF RECOVERY. Landlord and Tenant hereby waive all
claims for recovery from the other party for any loss or damage (whether or not
such loss or damage is caused by negligence of the other party and,
notwithstanding any provision or provisions obtained in the Lease to the
contrary) to any person or property insured under valid and collectible property
insurance policies to the extent of any recovery collectible under such
insurance.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                              DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION

     SECTION 11.1. DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION BY FIRE OR CASUALTY. In the event the
Premises are damaged by fire, explosion or other casualty, Landlord shall
diligently proceed with respect to the proposed restoration promptly after
receipt of the insurance proceeds. Landlord shall commence the repair,
restoration or rebuilding thereof and shall complete such restoration, repair or
rebuilding within six (6) months after the receipt of such proceeds, subject to
extension due to delay because of changes, deletions, or additions in
construction requested by Tenant, acts of Tenant, strikes, lockouts, casualties,
acts of God, war, fuel or energy shortages, material or labor shortages,
governmental regulation or control, severe weather conditions or other causes
beyond



<PAGE>   16



the control of Landlord ("Extension Events"). In the event of any such casualty
all insurance proceeds shall be payable to Landlord. In no event shall Landlord
be required to repair or replace any alterations or improvements made by Tenant
which are not related to the Building, Tenant's Equipment or any other fixtures,
furnishing and personal property of Tenant. Tenant agrees that Tenant shall
deposit with Landlord prior to the commencement of such restoration any sums in
the amount of the deductible amounts carried by Landlord under its insurance
policies. Landlord's obligation to repair, restore or rebuild the Premises shall
be limited to restoring the Premises to substantially the condition in which the
same existed prior to the casualty. Rent and all other charges payable by Tenant
hereunder shall abate during the period of such repair, restoration or
rebuilding to the extent that the Improvements are not tenantable because of any
damage or destruction. In the event the casualty causes fifty percent (50%) or
more of the Premises to be untenantable during the last twenty-four (24) months
of the Term and provided Tenant and Landlord have not agreed to extend the Term
on terms acceptable to both parties or Tenant has not exercised its option to
renew within fifteen (15) days after the date of such casualty. Landlord or
Tenant may terminate this Lease as of the date of such casualty by providing
notice to Tenant within thirty (30) days after occurrence of the fire or other
casualty causing the damage, in which event, all insurance proceeds shall be
paid to the Landlord and in addition Tenant shall pay to Landlord the amount of
any deductible carried by Tenant under its insurance policies.

                                  ARTICLE XII
                                      LIENS

     SECTION 12.1. LIEN CLAIMS. Tenant shall not do any act which shall in any
way encumber the title of Landlord in and to the Premises, nor shall any
interest or estate of Landlord in the Premises be in any way subject to any
claim by way of lien or encumbrance, whether by operation of law or by virtue of
any express or implied contract by Tenant, and any claim to or lien upon the
Premises arising from any act or omission of Tenant shall accrue only against
the leasehold estate of Tenant and shall in all respects be subject and
subordinate to the paramount title and rights of Landlord in and to the
Premises. Tenant will not permit the Premises to become subject to any
mechanics', laborers' or materialmen's lien on account of labor or material
furnished to Tenant or claimed to have been furnished to Tenant in connection
with work of any character performed or claimed to have been performed on the
Premises by or at the direction of sufferance of Tenant; provided, however that
Tenant shall have the right to contest in good faith and with reasonable
diligence, the validity of any such lien or claimed lien if Tenant shall first
give to Chicago Title Insurance Company ("Title Company") an amount equal to one
hundred twenty percent (120%) of the amount of the lien or claimed lien which,
together with interest earned thereon, shall be held by Title Company for the
benefit of Landlord as security to insure payment thereof and to prevent any
sale, foreclosure or forfeiture of the Premises by reason of non-payment
thereof. The amount so deposited with the Title Company shall be held in an
account established at a federally insured banking institution until
satisfactory removal of said lien or claim of lien. On any final determination
of the lien or claim for lien, Tenant will immediately pay any judgment
rendered, with all proper costs and charges, and will, at its own expense, have
the lien released and any judgment satisfied. Should Tenant fail to diligently
contest and pursue such lien contest, Landlord may, at its option, direct the
Title Company to use the sums so deposited to discharge any such lien and upon
the satisfaction of such lien or



<PAGE>   17



encumbrance Landlord shall direct the Title Company to pay all such sums
remaining on deposit to Tenant.

     SECTION 12.2. LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO CURE. If Tenant shall fail to contest the
validity of any lien or claimed lien or fail to give security to Landlord to
insure payment thereof, or shall fail to prosecute such contest with diligence,
or shall fail to have the same released and satisfy any judgment rendered
thereon, then Landlord may, at its election (but shall not be so required) and
upon ten (10) days' written notice to Tenant, remove or discharge such lien or
claim for lien (with the right, in its discretion, to settle or compromise the
same), and any amounts advanced by Landlord, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, for such purposes shall be so much additional rent due from Tenant to
Landlord at the next rent date after any such payment, with interest thereon at
the Lease Interest Rate from the date so advanced.

                                  ARTICLE XIII
                          ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

     SECTION 13.1. ALTERATIONS. Subject to Tenant's rights to make Improvements
as set forth in Article XXXVI, Tenant shall not at any time during the Term of
this Lease make any openings in the roof or exterior walls of the Building or
make any Tenant alteration, addition or improvement to the Premises or any
portion thereof (collectively, "Alterations") without in each instance, the
prior written consent of Landlord; provided, however, upon notice to, but
without the consent of Landlord, Tenant shall have the right to make any
Alterations where same are non-structural, do not require openings on the roof
or exterior walls of the Improvements, do not affect any Building system, and do
not exceed TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($25,000.00) in the aggregate
in any twelve (12)-month period. Tenant may submit a plan for proposed
Alterations over an extended period ("Alteration Plan") to Landlord for
Landlord's approval. Tenant shall not be required to seek Landlord's consent for
any subsequent Alterations made in accordance with the Alteration Plan, as the
same has been approved by Landlord. Landlord shall have a period of ten (10)
business days from receipt of the Alteration Plan, which shall be accompanied by
cost estimates and other information set forth below, in which to notify Tenant
of Landlord's approval or disapproval of the Alteration Plan or any portion
thereof. In the event Landlord fails to notify Tenant of Landlord's disapproval
of the Alteration Plan or any portion thereof within said ten (10) business day
period, the Alteration Plan as submitted to Landlord shall be deemed approved;
provided, however, all such Alterations so deemed approved shall be removed by
Tenant at the expiration or termination of this Lease.

     No Alteration to the Premises for which Landlord's consent is required
shall be commenced by Tenant until Tenant has furnished Landlord with a
satisfactory certificate or certificates from an insurance company acceptable to
Landlord, evidencing workmen's compensation coverage, and insurance coverage in
amounts satisfactory to Landlord and protecting Landlord against public
liability and property damage to any person or property, on or off the Premises,
arising out of and during the making of such alterations, additions or
improvements.

     Any Alteration by Tenant hereunder shall be done in a good and workmanlike
manner in compliance with any applicable governmental law, statute, ordinance or
regulation. Upon completion of any Alteration by Tenant hereunder, Tenant shall
furnish Landlord with a copy of



<PAGE>   18




the "as built" plans covering such construction, if the same are available
without additional cost to Tenant. Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, will
make all Alterations on the Premises which may be necessary by the act or
neglect of any other person or corporation (public or private), except Landlord,
its agents, employees or contractors provided, nothing contained herein shall be
deemed to be a waiver by Tenant of any right of Tenant to contest the necessity
of such Alteration. Before commencing any Alterations involving an estimated
cost of more than TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($25,000.00) or upon
submittal of the Alteration Plan: (a) plans and specifications therefor,
prepared by a licensed architect, shall be submitted to and approved by Landlord
(such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); (b) Tenant shall
furnish to Landlord an estimate of the cost of the proposed work, certified by
the architect who prepared such plans and specifications; (c) all contracts for
any proposed work shall be submitted to and approved by Landlord; and (d) Tenant
shall either furnish to Landlord a bond in form and substance satisfactory to
Landlord, or such other security reasonably satisfactory to Landlord to insure
payment for the completion of all work free and clear of liens. Before
commencing any Alteration, Tenant shall provide Landlord with a written
certification that the Alteration does not have any environmental impact on the
Premises. Prior to the commencement of any construction activity for which
Landlord's consent shall be required, certificates of such insurance coverages
shall be provided to Landlord.

     SECTION 13.2. OWNERSHIP OF ALTERATIONS. All Alterations (except Tenant's
Equipment, as defined in Section 21.2 hereof), put in at the expense of Tenant
shall become the property of Landlord and shall, unless the Landlord request
their removal (provided, in the event Tenant has requested Landlord's consent
for any Alteration, Landlord's request for removal shall be included at the time
Landlord's consent is delivered to Tenant) remain upon and be surrendered with
the Premises as a part thereof at the termination of this Lease, without
compensation or allowance to Tenant. Landlord may, at its sole option, request
that Tenant, at Tenant's sole cost, remove any such Alterations and if Tenant
shall fail to do so, Landlord may remove the same and Tenant shall pay the cost
of such removal to Landlord upon demand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon
Tenant's request prior to such time as Tenant intends to make any Alteration,
Landlord shall indicate to Tenant whether or not such Alterations must be
removed upon surrender of the Premises.

     SECTION 13.3. SIGNS. Tenant shall not place any signs on any part of the
Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld provided that: (i) the installation and dimensions of
said sign is in strict accordance with applicable law, ordinances and
restrictions; (ii) Tenant continually maintains said sign in a first-class
manner; and (iii) Tenant, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, removes said sign
at the expiration of the Term and restores the area in which said sign is placed
to its condition prior to the installation of said sign.

     SECTION 13.4. TENANT INDEMNITY. Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend
and hold the Landlord, its beneficiaries, shareholders, partners or members and
their respective agents and employees harmless from any and all liabilities of
every kind and description which may arise out of or be connected in any way
with said Alterations. Upon completing any Alterations, Tenant shall furnish
Landlord with contractors' affidavits and full and final waivers of lien and
receipted bills covering all labor and materials expended and used. All
Alterations shall comply with all insurance requirements and with all ordinances
and regulations of any pertinent


<PAGE>   19



governmental authority. All alterations and additions shall be constructed in a
good and workmanlike manner and only good grades of materials shall be used.

                                  ARTICLE XIV
                                  CONDEMNATION

     SECTION 14.1. TAKING: LEASE TO TERMINATE. In the event the whole of the
Premises shall be taken as a result of the exercise of the power of eminent
domain or condemned for a public or quasi-public use or purpose by any competent
authority or sold to the condemning authority under threat of condemnation, or
in the event a portion of the Premises shall be taken or sold as a result of
such event, and as a result thereof the balance of the Premises cannot be used
for the same purpose as before such taking, sale or condemnation, then and in
either of such events, the Term of this Lease shall terminate as of the date of
vesting of title pursuant to such proceeding or sale. The total award,
compensation or damages received from such proceeding or sale (collectively, the
"Award"), shall be paid to and be the property of Landlord, whether the Award
shall be made as compensation for diminution of the value of the leasehold or
the fee of the Premises or otherwise, and Tenant hereby assigns to Landlord, all
of Tenant's right, title and interest in and to the Award, subject to the
provisions of Section 4.3 below. Tenant shall execute, immediately upon demand
of Landlord, such documents as may be necessary to facilitate collection by
Landlord of any such Award.

     SECTION 14.2. TAKING: LEASE TO CONTINUE. In the event only a part of the
Premises shall be taken as a result of the exercise of the power of eminent
domain or condemned for a public or quasi-public use or purpose by any competent
authority or sold to the condemning authority under threat of condemnation, and
as a result thereof the balance of the Premises can be used for the same purpose
as before such taking, sale or condemnation, this Lease shall not terminate and
Landlord, at its sole cost and expense, shall, to the extent practical, promptly
repair and restore the Premises, subject to any Extension Events. Any Award paid
as a consequence of such taking, sale, or condemnation, shall be paid to
Landlord. Any sums not so disbursed shall be retained by Landlord. In the event
of a taking of land only, this Lease shall not terminate and Landlord shall not
be obligated to repair or restore the Premises. In the event such taking results
in a decrease in the useable area of the Premises, Rent shall be equitably
reduced based on the size and location of the area taken.

     SECTION 14.3. TENANT'S AWARD. To the extent permitted by law and subject to
the rights of any lender with respect to the Premises, Tenant shall be allowed
to pursue a claim against the condemning authority (hereinafter referred to as
the "Tenant's Claim") that shall be independent of and wholly separate from any
action, suit or proceeding relating to any award to Landlord for reimbursement
of relocation expenses or for Tenant's Equipment, leasehold improvements paid
for by Tenant and personal property, provided: (i) Tenant's Claim shall in no
way limit, affect, alter or diminish in any kind or way whatsoever Landlord's
award as a result of such taking, sale or condemnation so that the award payable
to Landlord shall be less than Landlord's basis in the Building, as determined
by generally accepted accounting principles, and (ii) Tenant's Claim shall in no
event include any claim for any interest in real property, it being expressly
understood and agreed that all sums paid with respect to the real property
interests taken, sold or condemned shall be the sole property of Landlord.



<PAGE>   20


                                   ARTICLE XV
                                  RENT ABSOLUTE

     SECTION 15.1. RENT ABSOLUTE. Except for Landlord's obligations set forth in
Section 8.5 of this Lease, this Lease shall be deemed and construed to be a "net
lease" and Tenant agrees to pay all costs and expenses of every kind and nature
whatsoever, ordinary and extraordinary, arising out of or in connection with the
ownership, maintenance, repair, replacement, use and occupancy of the Premises
during the Term of this Lease, which, except for the execution and delivery
hereof, would otherwise have been payable by Landlord.

                                  ARTICLE XVI
                       ASSIGNMENT -- SUBLETTING BY TENANT

     SECTION 16.1. NO ASSIGNMENT, SUBLETTING OR OTHER TRANSFER. Tenant shall not
assign this Lease or any interest hereunder, nor shall Tenant sublet or permit
the use or occupancy of the Premises or any part thereof by anyone other than
Tenant, without the express prior written consent of Landlord which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. No assignment or subletting shall
relieve Tenant of its obligations hereunder, and Tenant shall continue to be
liable as a principal and not as a guarantor or surety, to the same extent as
though no assignment or sublease had been made, unless specifically provided to
the contrary in Landlord's consent. Consent by Landlord pursuant to this Article
shall not be deemed, construed or held to be consent to any additional
assignment or subletting, but each successive act shall require similar consent
of Landlord. Landlord shall be reimbursed by Tenant for any costs or expenses
incurred pursuant to any request by Tenant for consent to any such assignment or
subletting. In the consideration of the granting or denying of consent, Landlord
may, at its option, take into consideration: (i) the business reputation and
creditworthiness of the proposed subtenant or assignee; (ii) any required
alteration of the Premises; (iii) the intended use of the Premises by the
proposed subtenant or assignee; and (iv) any other factors which Landlord shall
deem relevant.

     SECTION 16.2. OPERATION OF LAW. Tenant shall not allow or permit any
transfer of this Lease, or any interest hereunder, by operation of law, or
convey, mortgage, pledge or encumber this Lease or any interest hereunder.

     SECTION 16.3. EXCESS RENTAL. If Tenant shall, with Landlord's prior consent
as herein required, sublet the Premises other than under a Permitted Sublease
(as defined in Section 16.6), an amount equal to (i) fifty percent (50%) of the
rental in excess of the base rent and any additional rent herein provided to be
paid, and (ii) fifty percent (50%) of any other consideration payable to Tenant
in connection with such sublease shall be for benefit of Landlord and shall be
paid to Landlord promptly when due under any such subletting as additional rent
due hereunder.

     SECTION 16.4. MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION. If Tenant is a corporation whose
stock is not publicly traded, any transaction or series of transactions
(including, without limitation, any dissolution, merger, consolidation or other
reorganization of Tenant, or any issuance, sale, gift, transfer or redemption of
any capital stock of Tenant, whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of
law, or any combination of any of the foregoing transactions) resulting in the
transfer of control of Tenant, other than by reason of death, shall be deemed to
be a voluntary



<PAGE>   21




assignment of this Lease by Tenant subject to the provisions of this Section 16.
If Tenant is a partnership, any transaction or series of transactions (including
without limitation any withdrawal or admittance of a partner or a change in any
partner's interest in Tenant, whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of
law, or any combination of any of the foregoing transactions) resulting in the
transfer of control of Tenant, other than by reason of death, shall be deemed to
be a voluntary assignment of this Lease by Tenant subject to the provisions of
this assignment of this Lease by Tenant subject to the provisions of this
Section 16. If Tenant is a corporation, a change or series of changes in
ownership of stock which would result in direct or indirect change in ownership
by the stockholders or an affiliated group of stockholders of less than fifty
percent (50%) of the outstanding stock as of the date of the execution and
delivery of this Lease shall not be considered a change of control.
Notwithstanding the immediately foregoing, Tenant may, upon notice to, but
without Landlord's consent, assign (either voluntarily or by operation of law)
this Lease to any entity resulting from a merger or consolidation of Tenant,
provided that the total assets and the total net worth of such assignee after
such consolidation or merger shall be in excess of the greater of (i) the net
worth of Tenant immediately prior to such consolidation or merger, or (ii) the
net worth of Tenant as of the date hereof, determined by generally accepted
accounting principles and provided that Tenant is not at such time in default
hereunder, and provided further that, in the event of an assignment, such
successor shall execute an instrument in writing, acceptable to Landlord in its
reasonable discretion, fully assuming all of the obligations and liabilities
imposed upon Tenant hereunder and deliver the same to Landlord. Tenant shall
provide in its notice to Landlord such information as may be reasonably required
by Landlord to determine that the requirements of this Section 16.4 have been
satisfied. As used in this Section 16.4, the term "control" means possession of
the power to vote not less than a majority interest of any class of voting
securities and partnership or limited liability company interests or to direct
or cause the direction (directly or indirectly) of the management or policies of
a corporation, or partnership or limited liability company through the ownership
of voting securities, partnership interests or limited liability company
interests, respectively.

     SECTION 16.5. UNPERMITTED TRANSACTION. Any assignment, subletting, use,
occupancy, transfer or encumbrance of this Lease or the Premises without
Landlord's prior written consent shall be of no effect and shall, at the option
of Landlord, constitute a default under this Lease.

     SECTION 16.6. PERMITTED SUBLEASE. Notwithstanding anything contained herein
to the contrary, provided Tenant is not in default under the terms of this
Lease, Tenant may sublease not more than thirty percent (30%) of the Premises
without Landlord's consent ("Permitted Sublease(s)"), provided (i) no such
sublease shall relieve Tenant of its liability hereunder, and (ii) Tenant
provides Landlord with not less than three (3) business days' written notice of
such sublease.

                                  ARTICLE XVII
                                ANNUAL STATEMENTS

     SECTION 17.1. ANNUAL STATEMENTS. Tenant agrees to furnish Landlord annually
upon Landlord's request, within ninety (90) days of the end of such fiscal year
with a copy of its quarterly 10Q and 10K ("Financial Information") and agrees
that Landlord may deliver such



<PAGE>   22



Financial Information to any mortgagee, prospective mortgagee or prospective
purchaser of the Premises.

                                 ARTICLE XVIII
                            INDEMNITY FOR LITIGATION

     SECTION 18.1. TENANT'S INDEMNITY FOR LITIGATION. Tenant agrees to pay, and
to indemnify and defend Landlord against, all costs and expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by or imposed upon Landlord by or in
connection with any litigation to which Landlord becomes or is made a party
without fault on its part, whether commenced by or against Tenant, or any other
person or entity or that may be incurred by Landlord in enforcing any of the
covenants and agreements of this Lease with or without the institution of any
action or proceeding relating to the Premises or this Lease, or in obtaining
possession of the Premises after an Event of Default hereunder or upon
expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. The foregoing notwithstanding,
Tenant's responsibility under this Section 18.1 to pay Landlord's costs and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) shall not extend to such costs
and expenses incurred in defending an action brought by Tenant to enforce the
terms of this Lease in which there is a court determination that Landlord failed
to perform its obligations under this Lease. The provisions of this Section 18.1
shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

     SECTION 18.2. LANDLORD'S INDEMNITY FOR LITIGATION. Landlord agrees to pay,
and to indemnify and defend Tenant against all costs and expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by or imposed upon Tenant by or in
connection with any litigation to which Tenant becomes or is made a party
without fault on its part and commenced by or against Landlord and arising out
of Tenant's use or occupancy of the Premises or that may be incurred by Tenant
in enforcing any of the covenants and agreements of this Lease. The foregoing
notwithstanding, Landlord's responsibility under this Section 18.2 to pay
Tenant's costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) shall not
extend to such costs and expenses incurred in defending an action brought by
Landlord to enforce the terms of this Lease in which there is a court
determination that Tenant failed to perform its obligations under this Lease.
The provisions of this Section 18.2 shall survive the expiration or earlier
termination of this Lease.

                                  ARTICLE XIX
                              ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES

     SECTION 19.1. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE. Tenant agrees that on the Commencement
Date and at any time and from time to time thereafter, upon not less than ten
(10) days' prior written request by Landlord, it will execute, acknowledge and
deliver to Landlord, or Landlord's mortgagee to the extent factually accurate, a
statement in writing in the form of Exhibit "B" attached hereto and by this
reference incorporated herein; provided, however, Tenant agrees to certify to
any prospective purchaser or mortgagee any other reasonable information
specifically requested by such prospective purchaser or mortgagee.

     SECTION 19.2. LANDLORD'S ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE. Landlord agrees that at any
time and from time to time, upon not less than ten (10) days' prior written
request by Tenant, Landlord will execute, acknowledge and deliver to Tenant, or
Tenant's lender, to the extent factually


<PAGE>   23



accurate, a statement in writing stating that this Lease is in full force and
effect and setting forth the lease term, the amount of Rent then payable by
Tenant, the amount of the Security Deposit then held by Landlord and stating
that this Lease is free from default to Landlord's actual knowledge.

                                   ARTICLE XX
                             INSPECTION OF PREMISES

     SECTION 20.1. INSPECTIONS. Tenant agrees to permit Landlord and any
authorized representatives of Landlord, to enter the Premises at all reasonable
times on reasonable advance notice, except in the case of emergency, for the
purpose of inspecting the same. Any such inspections shall be solely for
Landlord's purposes and may not be relied upon by Tenant or any other person.
Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to minimize any interference with the
operation of Tenant's business during the pendency of such inspections.

     SECTION 20.2. SIGNS. Tenant agrees to permit Landlord and any authorized
representative of Landlord to enter the Premises at all reasonable times during
business hours on reasonable advance notice to exhibit the same for the purpose
of sale, mortgage or lease, and during the final year of the Term hereof or any
extension thereof, Landlord may display on the Premises customary "For Sale" or
"For Rent" signs.

                                  ARTICLE XXI
                                    FIXTURES

     SECTION 21.1. BUILDING FIXTURES. All improvements and all plumbing,
heating, lighting, electrical and air-conditioning fixtures and equipment, and
other articles of personal property used in the operation of the Premises (as
distinguished from operations incident to the business of Tenant), whether or
not attached or affixed to the Premises ("Building Fixtures"), shall be and
remain a part of the Premises and shall constitute the properly of Landlord.

     SECTION 21.2. TENANT'S EQUIPMENT. All of Tenant's trade fixtures, trade
equipment and all personal property, fixtures, apparatus, machinery and
equipment now or hereafter located upon the Premises, other than Building
Fixtures, as shall be and remain the personal property of Tenant, and the same
are herein referred to as "Tenant's Equipment."

     SECTION 21.3. REMOVAL OF TENANT'S EQUIPMENT. Tenant's Equipment may be
removed from time to time by Tenant; provided, however, that if such removal
shall injure or damage the Premises, Tenant shall repair the damage and place
the Premises in the same condition as it would have been if such Tenant's
Equipment had not been installed.

                                  ARTICLE XXII
                                     DEFAULT

     SECTION 22.1. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Tenant agrees that any one or more of the
following events shall be considered "Events of Default" as said term is used
herein:

               (a) If an order, judgment or decree shall be entered by any court
          adjudicating Tenant a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving a petition
          seeking



<PAGE>   24



          reorganization of Tenant or appointing a receiver, trustee or
          liquidator of Tenant, or of all or a substantial part of its assets,
          and such order, judgment or decree shall continue unstayed and in
          effect for any period of sixty (60) days; or

               (b) Tenant shall file an answer admitting the material
          allegations of a petition filed against Tenant in any bankruptcy,
          reorganization or insolvency proceeding or under any laws relating to
          the relief of debtors, readjustment or indebtedness, reorganization,
          arrangements, composition or extension; or

               (c) Tenant shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors
          or shall apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver,
          trustee or liquidator of Tenant, or any of the assets of Tenant; or

               (d) Tenant shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or
          shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they come
          due, or shall file a petition or an answer seeking reorganization or
          arrangement with creditors or take advantage of any insolvency law; or

               (e) A decree or order appointing a receiver of the property of
          Tenant shall be made and such decree or order shall not have been
          vacated within sixty (60) days from the date of entry or granting
          thereof; or

               (f) Tenant shall abandon the Premises and cease the payment of
          Rent or the performance of Tenant's other obligations under this Lease
          during the Term hereof; or

               (g) Tenant shall default in making any payment of Rent or other
          payment required to be made by Tenant hereunder when due as herein
          provided, and such default continues for five (5) days after written
          notice from Landlord; or

               (h) Tenant shall be in default in the performance of or
          compliance with any of the agreements, terms, covenants or conditions
          in this Lease other than those referred to in the foregoing
          subparagraphs (a) through (g) of this Section for a period of thirty
          (30) days after notice from Landlord to Tenant specifying the items in
          default, or in the case of a default which cannot, with due diligence,
          be cured within said thirty (30) day period, Tenant fails to proceed
          within said thirty (30) day period to cure the same and thereafter to
          prosecute the curing of such default with due diligence (it being
          intended in connection with a default not susceptible of being cured
          with due diligence within said thirty (30) day period that the time of
          Tenant within which to cure the same shall be extended for such period
          as may be necessary to complete the same with all due diligence).

     Upon the occurrence of any one or more of such Events of Default, Landlord
may at its election terminate this Lease or terminate Tenant's right to
possession only, without terminating this Lease. Upon termination of this Lease
or of Tenant's right to possession, Tenant shall immediately surrender
possession and vacate the Premises, and deliver possession thereof to Landlord,
and Landlord or Landlord's agents may immediately or any time thereafter without


<PAGE>   25




notice, re-enter the Premises and remove all persons and all or any property
therefrom, either by any suitable action or proceeding at law or equity or by
force or otherwise, without being liable in indictment, prosecution or damages,
therefor, and repossess and enjoy the Premises, together with the right to
receive all income of, and from, the Premises.

     In the event Tenant is in default (after any applicable grace or cure
periods) under the terms and conditions of this Lease during the Abatement
Period, then any amounts due to Landlord under this Lease whether Landlord
terminates this Lease or Tenant's right to possession only shall include the
monthly installment of Base Rent which would have been due and owing hereunder
but for the abatement.

     In the event of the termination of this Lease by Landlord as provided for
above, Landlord shall be entitled to recover from Tenant all damages and other
sums which Landlord is entitled to recover under any provision of this Lease or
at law or equity, including, but not limited to, all Rent accrued and unpaid for
the period up to and including such termination date, as well as all other
additional sums payable by Tenant, or for which Tenant is liable or in respect
of which Tenant has agreed to indemnify Landlord under any of the provisions of
this lease, which may be then owing and unpaid, and all costs and expenses,
including, without limitation, court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees
incurred by Landlord in the enforcement of its rights and remedies hereunder
and, in addition, any damages provable by Landlord as a matter of law including,
without limitation, an amount equal to the excess of the Rent provided to be
paid for the remainder of the Term over the fair market rental value of the
Premises (determined at the date of termination of this Lease) after deduction
of all anticipated expenses of reletting and taking into consideration the time
necessary to relet the Premises. In the alternative, Landlord shall have the
right, from time to time, to recover from Tenant, and Tenant shall remain liable
for, all Rent and other amounts due and owing under this Lease not paid pursuant
to the provisions of this Lease plus (x) damages equal to all other sums which
would have accrued under this Lease after the date of termination had it not
been terminated, such damages to be due and payable as such sums would have
become due, less (y) such amounts as Landlord may receive from reletting after
first paying all costs of such reletting, including, without limitation,
brokerage commissions and the costs of repairs, alterations, additions and
redecorations, and the expenses of re-entry, and the net amounts of rent
collected remaining after such expenses shall operate only as an off-setting
credit against the amount due hereunder with any excess or residue belonging to
Landlord solely. Should the fair market rental value of the Premises after and
taking into consideration the time necessary to relet the Premises after
deduction of all anticipated expenses of reletting exceed the Rent provided to
be paid by Tenant for the remainder of the Term, Landlord shall not be obligated
to pay to Tenant any part of such excess or to credit any part of such excess
against any other sums or damages for which Tenant may be liable to Landlord.

     SECTION 22.2. WAIVERS. Tenant hereby expressly waives, so far as permitted
by law, the service of any notice of intention to re-enter provided for in any
statute, except as is herein otherwise provided. Tenant for and on behalf of
itself and all persons claiming through or under Tenant, also waives any and all
rights of redemption or re-entry or repossession in case Tenant shall be
dispossessed by a judgment or by warrant of any court or judge or in case of
re-entry or repossession by Landlord or in case of any expiration or termination
of this Lease. The terms



<PAGE>   26



"enter," "re-enter," "entry" or "re-entry" as used in this Lease are not
restricted to their technical legal meanings.

     SECTION 22.3. BANKRUPTCY. If Landlord shall not be permitted to terminate
this Lease, as provided in this Article XXII because of the provisions of the
United States Code relating to Bankruptcy, as amended (the "Bankruptcy Code"),
then Tenant as a debtor-in-possession or any trustee for Tenant agrees promptly,
within no more than sixty (60) days after the filing of the bankruptcy petition,
to assume or reject this Lease. In such event, Tenant or any trustee for Tenant
may only assume this Lease if: (a) it cures or provides adequate assurances that
the trustee will promptly cure any default hereunder; (b) compensates or
provides adequate assurance that Tenant will promptly compensate Landlord of any
actual pecuniary loss to Landlord resulting from Tenant's default; and (c)
provides adequate assurance of performance during the fully stated term hereof
of all of the terms, covenants, and provisions of this Lease to be performed by
Tenant. In no event after the assumption of this Lease shall any then-existing
default remain uncured for a period in excess of the earlier of ten (10) days or
the time period set forth herein. Adequate assurance of performance of this
Lease, as set forth hereinabove, shall include, without limitation, adequate
assurance: (i) of the source of rent reserved hereunder; and (ii) that the
assumption of this Lease will not breach any provision hereunder.

     If Tenant assumes this Lease and proposes to assign the same pursuant to
the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code to any person or entity who shall have
made a bona fide offer to accept an assignment of this Lease on terms acceptable
to Tenant, then notice of such proposed assignment, setting forth: (i) the name
and address of such person; (ii) all of the terms and conditions of such offer,
and (iii) the adequate assurance to be provided Landlord to assure such person's
future performance under the Lease, including, without limitation, the assurance
referred to in Section 365(b)(3 ) of the Bankruptcy Code, shall be given to
Landlord by the Tenant no later than twenty (20) days after receipt by the
Tenant but in any event no later than ten (10) days prior to the date that the
Tenant shall make application to a court of competent jurisdiction for authority
and approval to enter into such assignment and assumption, and Landlord shall
thereupon have the prior right and option, to be exercised by notice to the
Tenant given at any time prior to the effective date of such proposed
assignment, to accept an assignment of this Lease upon the same terms and
conditions and for the same consideration, if any, as the bona fide offer made
by such person, less any brokerage commissions which may be payable out of the
consideration to be paid by such person for the assignment of this Lease.

     If this Lease is assigned to any person or entity pursuant to the
provisions of the Bankruptcy Code any and all monies or other considerations
payable or otherwise to be delivered to Landlord, shall be and remain the
exclusive property of Landlord and shall not constitute property of Tenant or of
the estate of the Tenant within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code. Any and all
monies or other considerations constituting the Landlord's properly under the
preceding sentence not paid or delivered to the Landlord shall be held in trust
for the benefit of Landlord and shall be promptly paid to the Landlord.

     Any person or entity to which this Lease is assigned pursuant to the
provisions of the Bankruptcy Code shall be conclusively deemed without further
act or deed to have assumed all of the obligations arising under this Lease on
and after the date of such assignment. Any such



<PAGE>   27



assignee shall upon demand execute and deliver to Landlord an instrument
confirming such assumption. Any such assignee shall be permitted to use the
Leased Premises only for the Use.

     Nothing contained in this Section shall, in any way, constitute a waiver of
the provisions of Article XVI of this Lease relating to alienation. Tenant shall
not, by virtue of this section, have any further rights relaxing to assignment
other than those granted in the Bankruptcy Code. Notwithstanding anything in
this Lease to the contrary, all amounts payable by Tenant to or on behalf of
Landlord under this Lease, whether or not expressly denominated as rent, shall
constitute rent for the purpose of Section 501(b)(6) or any successive section
of the Bankruptcy Code.

                                 ARTICLE XXIII
                            PERFORMANCE OF COVENANTS

     SECTION 23.1. LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO PERFORM TENANT'S OBLIGATIONS. In the
event Tenant shall fail to maintain any insurance required to be paid by it
under the terms hereof, or in an Emergency Situation or upon occurrence of an
Event of Default, Landlord may (but shall not be obligated so to do), and
without waiving or releasing Tenant from any obligation of Tenant hereunder,
make any payment or perform any other act which Tenant is obligated to make or
perform under this Lease in such manner and to such extent as Landlord may deem
desirable; and in so doing Landlord shall also have the right to enter upon the
Premises for any purpose reasonably necessary in connection therewith and to pay
or incur any other necessary and incidental costs and expenses, including
reasonable attorneys' fees. All sums so paid and all liabilities so incurred by
Landlord, together with interest thereon at the Lease Interest Rate and shall be
payable to Landlord upon demand as Additional Rent. Landlord shall use
reasonable efforts to give prior notice (which may be oral) of its performance,
if reasonably feasible under the circumstances. The performance of any such
obligation by Landlord shall not constitute a waiver of Tenant's default in
failing to perform the same. Inaction of Landlord shall never be considered as a
waiver of any right accruing to it pursuant to this Lease. Landlord, in making
any payment hereby authorized: (a) relating to Taxes, may do so according to any
bill, statement or estimate, without inquiry into the validity of any tax,
assessment, sale, forfeiture, tax lien or title or claim thereof; (b) for the
discharge, compromise or settlement of any lien, may do so without inquiry as to
the validity or amount of any claim for lien which may be asserted; or (c) in
connection with the completion of construction of improvements to the Premises
or the repair, maintenance or the payment of operating costs thereof, may do so
in such amounts and to such persons as Landlord reasonably may deem appropriate.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require Landlord to advance
monies for any purpose. Landlord shall not in any event be liable for
inconvenience, annoyance, disturbance, loss of business or other damage of
Tenant or any other occupant of the Premises or any part thereof, by reason of
making repairs or the performance of any work on the Premises or on account of
bringing materials, supplies and equipment into or through the Premises during
the course thereof and the obligations of Tenant under this Lease shall not
thereby be affected in any manner. In doing so, however, Landlord shall use
reasonable efforts not to interfere with the normal operation of the Premises.
The term "EMERGENCY SITUATION" shall mean a situation which has caused or is
likely to cause bodily injury to persons, contamination of or physical damage to
the Premises or adjoining property or economic liability or criminal jeopardy to
Landlord.




<PAGE>   28


     SECTION 23.2. TENANT'S RIGHT TO PERFORM LANDLORD'S OBLIGATIONS. If Landlord
shall be in default in the performance of or compliance with any of the
agreements, terms, covenants or conditions in this Lease for a period of thirty
(30) days after notice from Tenant to Landlord specifying the items in default,
or in the case of a default which cannot, with due diligence, be cured within
said thirty (30)-day period, Landlord fails to proceed within said thirty
(30)-day period to cure the same and thereafter to prosecute the curing of such
default with due diligence (it being intended in connection with a default not
susceptible of being cured with due diligence within said thirty (30)-day period
that the time of Landlord within which to cure the same shall be extended for
such period as may be necessary to complete the same with all due diligence),
then Tenant may, at its option (but shall not be required to) do the same or
cause the same to be done, the amounts paid and expenses incurred by tenant in
connection therewith shall accrue interest at the Lease Interest Rate and shall
be due and payable by Landlord to Tenant within thirty (30) days after demand
therefor from Tenant. Tenant, in making any payment hereby authorized in
connection with the completion of construction of improvements to or repair or
maintenance of the Premises may do so in such amounts and to such persons as
Tenant reasonably may deem appropriate. Nothing contained herein shall be
construed to require Tenant to advance monies for any purpose.

                                  ARTICLE XXIV
                              EXERCISE OF REMEDIES

     SECTION 24.1. CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No remedy contained herein or otherwise
conferred upon or reserved to either party shall be considered exclusive of any
other remedy, but the same shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every
other remedy given herein, now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by
statute, and every power and remedy given by this Lease to either party may be
exercised from time to time and as often as occasion may arise or as may be
deemed expedient. No delay or omission of either party to exercise any right or
power arising from any default shall impair any such right or power or shall be
construed to be a waiver of any such default or an acquiescence therein.

     SECTION 24.2. NO WAIVER. No waiver of any breach of any of the covenants of
this Lease shall be construed, taken or held to be a waiver of any other breach,
or a waiver, acquiescence in or consent to any further or succeeding breach of
the same covenant. The acceptance by Landlord of any payment of Rent or other
sums payable hereunder after the termination by Landlord of this Lease or of
Tenant's right to possession hereunder shall not, in the absence of agreement in
writing to the contrary by Landlord, be deemed to restore this Lease or Tenant's
right to possession hereunder, as the case may be, but shall be construed as a
payment on account and not in satisfaction of damages due from Tenant to
Landlord. Receipt of Rent by Landlord, with knowledge of any breach of this
Lease by Tenant or of any default by Tenant in the observance or performance of
any of the conditions or covenants of this Lease, shall not be deemed to be a
waiver of any provision of this Lease.

     SECTION 24.3. EQUITABLE RELIEF. In the event of any breach or threatened
breach by either party of any of the agreements, terms, covenants or conditions
contained in this Lease, the other party shall be entitled to enjoin such breach
or threatened breach and shall have the right to invoke any right and remedy
allowed at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise as though re-entry,
summary proceedings, and other remedies were not provided for in this Lease.



<PAGE>   29


                                  ARTICLE XXV
                           SUBORDINATION TO MORTGAGES

     SECTION 25.1. SUBORDINATION. Landlord may execute and deliver a mortgage or
trust deed in the nature of a mortgage (both sometimes hereinafter referred to
as "Mortgage") against the Premises or any portion thereof. This Lease and the
rights of Tenant hereunder, shall automatically, and without the requirement of
the execution of any further documents, be and are hereby made expressly subject
and subordinate at all times to the lien of any Mortgage now or hereafter
encumbering any portion of the Improvements, and to all advances made or
hereafter to be made upon the security thereof; provided, however, the holder of
said Mortgage agrees in writing not to disturb the rights of Tenant under this
Lease so long as Tenant is not in default hereunder beyond any applicable grace
or cure period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant agrees to execute and
deliver a Subordination, Nondisturbance and Attornment Agreement in the form
attached hereto as EXHIBIT "C" ("SNDA") or such other instruments subordinating
this Lease to the lien of any such Mortgage in form reasonably acceptable to
Tenant as may be requested in writing by Landlord from time to time. In the
event Tenant does not execute and deliver the SNDA or such other instruments
subordinating this Lease to the lien of any such Mortgage as may be requested in
writing by Landlord, Landlord may execute such document on Tenant's behalf and
deliver the same to the holder of the aforesaid Mortgage. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, any mortgagee under a Mortgage may,
by notice in writing to the Tenant, subordinate its Mortgage to this Lease.

     Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that, as of the Commencement Date, the
Project is encumbered by a Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases and Security
Agreement dated November 1,1995 and recorded December 5, 1995 as Document Number
R95-94469 ("Mortgage"). Landlord agrees that, until such time as Landlord either
(i) receives a release of the Mortgage, or (ii) obtains an Subordination,
Nondisturbance and Attornment Agreement in substantially the same form as the
SNDA executed by the holder of the Mortgage, Landlord shall indemnify and hold
harmless Tenant from and against all losses incurred by Tenant in connection
with the actual unreimbursed expenditures (as amortized over the balance of the
Term) for improvements to the Premises made and not removed or removable by
Tenant in the event the holder of the Mortgage terminates this Lease and
Tenant's right to possession of the Premises as part of a foreclosure of the
lien of the Mortgage. In the event Tenant continues to occupy the Premises
subsequent to a judgment of foreclosure pursuant to the terms of an agreement
between Tenant and the holder of the Mortgage, the indemnity granted hereunder
shall be null and void.

     SECTION 25.2. MORTGAGE PROTECTION. Tenant agrees to give the holder of any
Mortgage, by registered or certified mail, a copy of any notice of default
served upon the Landlord by Tenant, provided that prior to such notice Tenant
has received notice (by way of service on Tenant of a copy of an assignment of
rents and leases, or otherwise) of the address of such mortgagee and containing
a request therefor. Tenant further agrees that mortgagee shall have the right to
cure such default. Until the time allowed as aforesaid for said mortgagee to
cure such defaults has expired without cure, Tenant shall have no right to, and
shall not, terminate this Lease on account of default. This Lease may not be
modified or amended so as to reduce the Rent or shorten the Term, or so as to
adversely affect in any other respect to any material extent



<PAGE>   30



the rights of the Landlord, nor shall this Lease be cancelled or surrendered,
without the prior written consent, in each instance, of the mortgagee.

                                  ARTICLE XXVI
                              INDEMNITY AND WAIVER

     SECTION 26.1. TENANT'S INDEMNITY. Tenant shall not do or permit any act or
thing to be done or omit to do any act or thing upon the Premises which may
subject Landlord to any liability or responsibility for injury, damage to
persons or property, or to any liability by reason of any violation of
applicable laws and shall exercise such control over the Premises so as to fully
protect Landlord against any such liability. Tenant shall defend, indemnify and
save Landlord, and any official, agent, beneficiary, contractor, director,
employee, lessor, mortgagee, officer, parent, partner, shareholder and trustee
of Landlord (each an "Indemnified Party") representatives, successors and
assigns harmless from and against any and all liabilities, suits, judgments,
settlements, obligations, fines, damages, penalties, claims, costs, charges and
expenses, including, without limitation, engineers', architects' and attorneys'
fees, court costs and disbursements, which may be imposed upon or incurred by or
asserted against any Indemnified Party by reason of any of the following
occurring during or after (but attributable to a period of time falling within)
the Term:

               A.   any demolition or razing or construction of any improvements
                    or any other work or thing done in, on or about the Premises
                    or any part thereof by Tenant or any member of the Tenant
                    Group (defined below), including any claim that such work
                    constitutes "public works";

               B.   any use, nonuse, possession, occupation, alteration, repair,
                    condition, operation, maintenance or management of the
                    Premises or any part thereof or of any tunnel, creek, ditch,
                    detention area, sidewalk, curb or vault adjacent thereto by
                    Tenant or any member of the Tenant Group;

               C.   any act or failure to act on the part of Tenant or any
                    member of the Tenant Group;

               D.   any accident, injury (including death) or damage to any
                    person or property occurring in, on or about the Premises or
                    any part thereof or in, on or about any tunnel, creek,
                    ditch, detention area, sidewalk, curb or vault adjacent
                    thereto as a result of the act or neglect of Tenant or any
                    member of the Tenant Group;

               E.   any failure to perform or comply with any of the covenants,
                    agreements, terms or conditions in this Lease on Tenant's
                    part to be performed or complied with (other than the
                    payment of money);


               F.   any lien or claim which may be alleged to have arisen
                    against or on the Premises, or any lien or claim which may
                    be alleged to have arisen out of this Lease and created or
                    permitted to be created by Tenant or any member of the
                    Tenant Group against any assets of Landlord, or any
                    liability which may be asserted against Landlord with
                    respect thereto;



<PAGE>   31


               G.   any failure on the part of Tenant to keep, observe and
                    perform any of the terms, covenants, agreements, provisions,
                    conditions or limitations contained in the contracts and
                    agreements affecting the Premises on Tenant's part to be
                    kept, observed or performed; and

               H.   any contest permitted pursuant to the provisions of this
                    Lease.

     No agreement or covenant of Tenant in this Section 26.1 shall be deemed to
exempt Landlord from, and Tenant's obligations under this Section 26.1 shall not
include liability or damages for injury to persons or damage to property caused
by or resulting from the negligence of Landlord, its agents or employees, in the
operation or maintenance of the Project.

     The obligations of Tenant under this Section 26.1 shall not be affected in
any way by the absence in any case of covering insurance or by the failure or
refusal of any insurance earner to perform any obligation on its part under
insurance policies affecting the Premises or any part thereof.

     SECTION 26.2. LANDLORD'S INDEMNITY. Landlord will protect, indemnify and
save Tenant, its partners, shareholders, employees, officers, directors, agents
and their respective successors and assigns harmless from and against all
liabilities, obligations, claims, damages, penalties, causes of action, costs
and expenses (including without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses) imposed upon, incurred by or asserted against Tenant by reason of any
accident, injury to or death of persons or loss of or damage to property
occurring on or about the Premises or any part thereof or the adjoining
properties, sidewalks, curbs, streets or ways resulting from the negligent act
or omission of Landlord or anyone claiming by, through or under Landlord.

     SECTION 26.3. WAIVER OF CLAIMS. Tenant waives all claims it may have
against Landlord and Landlord's agents for damage or injury to person or
property sustained by Tenant or any persons claiming through Tenant or by any
occupant of the Premises, or by any other person, resulting from any part of the
Premises becoming out of repair, or resulting from any accident on or about the
Premises or resulting directly or indirectly from any act or neglect of any
person, excluding Landlord. This Section 26.3. shall include, but not by way of
limitation, damage caused by water, snow, frost, steam, excessive heat or cold,
sewage, gas, odors, or noise, or caused by bursting or leaking pipes or plumbing
fixtures, and shall apply equally whether any such damage results from the act
or neglect of Tenant or of any other person, excluding Landlord, and whether
such damage be caused or result from anything or circumstance above mentioned or
referred to, or to any other thing or circumstance whether of a like nature or
of a wholly different nature. All Tenant's Equipment and other personal property
belonging to Tenant or any occupant of the Premises that is in or on any part of
the Premises shall be there at the risk of Tenant or of such other person only,
and Landlord shall not be liable for any damage thereto or for the theft or
misappropriation thereof.



<PAGE>   32


                                 ARTICLE XXVII
                                    SURRENDER

     SECTION 27.1. CONDITION. Upon the termination of this Lease whether by
forfeiture, lapse of time or otherwise, or upon the termination of Tenant's
right to possession of the Premises, Tenant will at once surrender and deliver
up the Premises to Landlord, broom clean, in good order, condition and repair,
reasonable wear and tear and casualty damage excepted. "Broom clean" means free
from all debris, dirt, rubbish, personal property of Tenant, oil, grease, tire
tracks or other substances, inside and outside of the Improvements and on the
grounds comprising the Premises. Any damage caused by removal of Tenant from the
Premises, including any damages caused by removal of Tenant's Equipment as
defined above, shall be repaired and paid for by Tenant prior to the expiration
of the Term.

     SECTION 27.2. REMOVAL OF TENANT'S EQUIPMENT. Upon the termination of this
Lease by lapse of time, or otherwise, Tenant may remove Tenant's Equipment
provided, however, that Tenant shall repair any injury or damage to the Premises
which may result from such removal. If Tenant does not remove Tenant's Equipment
from the Premises prior to the end of the Term, however ended, Landlord may, at
its option, remove the same and deliver the same to any other place of business
of Tenant or warehouse the same, and Tenant shall pay the cost of such removal
(including the repair of any injury or damage to the Premises resulting from
such removal), delivery and warehousing to Landlord on demand, or Landlord may
treat tenant's equipment as having been conveyed to Landlord with this Lease as
a Bill of Sale, without further payment or credit by Landlord to Tenant.

     SECTION 27.3. HOLDOVER. If Tenant retains possession of the Premises or any
part thereof after the termination of the Term, by lapse of time and otherwise,
then Tenant shall pay to Landlord monthly rent equal to the sum of (i) one and
one half times the monthly Base Rent rate, plus (ii) any deposits for Taxes,
Insurance Premiums or Expenses payable for the month immediately preceding said
holding over (including increases for additional rent which Landlord may
reasonably estimate), computed on a per-month basis, for each month or part
thereof (without reduction for any such partial month) that Tenant thus remains
in possession, and in addition thereto, in the event such holdover continues for
a period in excess of thirty (30) days, Tenant shall pay Landlord all damages,
consequential as well as direct, sustained by reason of Tenant's retention of
possession. Alternatively, at the election of Landlord expressed in a written
notice to Tenant and not otherwise, such retention of possession shall
constitute a renewal of this Lease for one (1) year, at a rental equal to one
hundred twenty percent (120%) of the Rent during the previous year. The
provisions of this paragraph do not exclude the Landlord's rights of re-entry or
any other right hereunder. Any such extension or renewal shall be subject to all
other terms and conditions herein contained.

                                 ARTICLE XXVIII
                           COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT

     SECTION 28.1. COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT. Landlord covenants that Tenant,
on paying the Rent and all other charges payable by Tenant hereunder, and on
keeping, observing and performing all the other terms, covenants, conditions,
provisions and agreements herein contained on the part of Tenant to be kept,
observed and performed, all of which obligations of



<PAGE>   33


Tenant are independent of Landlord's obligations hereunder, shall, during the
Term, peaceably and quietly have, hold and enjoy the Premises subject to the
terms, covenants, conditions, provisions and agreement hereof free from
hindrance by Landlord or any person claiming by, through or under Landlord.

                                  ARTICLE XXIX
                                  NO RECORDING

     SECTION 29.1. MEMORANDUM OF LEASE. A Memorandum of Lease in form and
content acceptable to Landlord and Tenant may be recorded by Tenant at Tenant's
cost.

                                  ARTICLE XXX
                                     NOTICES

     SECTION 30.1. NOTICES. All notices, consents, approvals to or demands upon
or by Landlord or Tenant desired or required to be given under the provisions
hereof, shall be in writing. Any notices or demands from Landlord to Tenant
shall be deemed to have been duly and sufficiently given if a copy thereof has
been personally served, forwarded by messenger or recognized overnight courier
service with evidence of delivery or mailed by United States registered or
certified mail in an envelope properly stamped and addressed to Tenant at
Tenant's Mailing Address, or at such other address as Tenant may theretofore
have furnished by written notice to Landlord. Any notices or demands from Tenant
to Landlord shall be deemed to have been duly and sufficiently given if
forwarded by expedited messenger or recognized overnight courier service with
evidence of delivery or mailed by United States registered or certified mail in
an envelope properly stamped and addressed to Landlord at Landlord's Mailing
Address, with a copy to Mark S. Richmond, Katz Randall & Weinberg, 333 West
Wacker Drive, Suite 1800, Chicago, Illinois 60606, or at such other address as
Landlord may theretofore have furnished by written notice to Tenant. The
effective date of such notice shall be the date of actual delivery, except that
if delivery is refused, the effective date of notice shall be the date delivery
is refused.

                                  ARTICLE XXXI
                             COVENANTS RUN WITH LAND

     SECTION 31.1. COVENANTS. All of the covenants, agreements, conditions and
undertakings in this Lease contained shall extend and inure to and be binding
upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the
respective parties hereto, the same as if they were in every case specifically
named, and shall be construed as covenants running with the Land, and wherever
in this Lease reference is made to either of the parties hereto, it shall be
held to include and apply to, wherever applicable, the heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns of such party. Nothing herein contained
shall be construed to grant or confer upon any person or persons, firm,
corporation or governmental authority, other than the parties hereto, their
heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, any right, claim or
privilege by virtue of any covenant, agreement, condition or undertaking in this
Lease contained.

     SECTION 31.2. RELEASE OF LANDLORD. The term "Landlord" as used in this
Lease, so far as covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord are concerned,
shall be limited to mean and include only the owner or owners at the time in
question of title to the Premises, and in the event



<PAGE>   34



of any transfer or transfers of the title, Landlord herein named (and in the
case of any subsequent transfers or conveyances, the then grantor) shall be
automatically freed and relieved, from and after the date of such transfer or
conveyance, of all personal liability as respects the performance of any
covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease
thereafter to be performed; provided that any funds in the hands of such
Landlord or the then grantor at the time of such transfer, in which Tenant has
an interest, shall be turned over to the grantee and such grantee assumes the
obligations of Landlord hereunder.

                                 ARTICLE XXXII
                              ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

     SECTION 32.1. DEFINED TERMS.

          A. "Hazardous Material" shall include but shall not be limited to any
     substance, material, or waste that is regulated by any federal, state, or
     local governmental authority because of toxic, flammable, explosive,
     corrosive, reactive, radioactive or other properties that may be hazardous
     to human health or the environment, including without limitation asbestos
     and asbestos-containing materials, radon, petroleum and petroleum products,
     urea formaldehyde foam insulation, methane, lead based paint,
     polychlorinated biphenyl compounds, hydrocarbons or like substances and
     their additives or constituents, pesticides, agricultural chemicals, and
     any other special, toxic, or hazardous substances, materials, or wastes of
     any kind, including without limitation those now or hereafter defined,
     determined, or identified as "hazardous substances," "hazardous materials,"
     "toxic substances," or "hazardous wastes" in any Environmental Law.

          B. "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal, state, or local law,
     statute, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, policy, common law, license,
     authorization, decision, order, or injunction which pertains to health,
     safety, any Hazardous Material, or the environment (including but not
     limited to ground, air, water, or noise pollution or contamination, and
     underground or aboveground tanks) and shall include, without limitation,
     the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. 86901 et seq., as
     amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984; the
     Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
     1980, 42 U.S.C. 89601 et seq., as amended by the Superfund Amendments and
     Reauthorization Act of 1986; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49
     U.S.C. 81801 et seq.; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C.
     81251 et seq.; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 87401 et seq.; the Toxic
     Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. 82601 et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water
     Act, 42 U.S.C.ss. 300f et seq.; the Illinois Environmental Protection Act,
     415 ILCS 4/1 et seq.; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
     Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. 11001 et seq. ("EPCRA"), the Federal Insecticide,
     Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. 136 to 136y; the Oil Pollution Act
     of 1990, 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.; and the Occupational Safety and Health
     Act, 29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.; and any other federal, state, or local
     environmental requirements, together with all rules, regulations, orders,
     and decrees now or hereafter promulgated under any of the foregoing, as any
     of the foregoing now exist or may be changed or amended or come into effect
     in the future.



<PAGE>   35


          C. "Environmental Claim" shall mean and include any demand, notice of
     violation, inquiry, cause of action, proceeding, or suit for damages
     (including reasonable attorneys', consultants', and experts' fees, costs or
     expenses), losses, injuries to person or property, damages to natural
     resources, fines, penalties, interest, cost recovery, compensation, or
     contribution resulting from or in any way arising in connection with any
     Hazardous Material or any Environmental Law.

          D. "Pre-Existing Condition" shall mean the presence of any Hazardous
     Material on the Premises, to the extent such Hazardous Material was not
     introduced on to the Premises after the Commencement Date.

          E. "Environmental Condition" shall mean (i) the presence on the
     Premises of one or more underground storage tanks or (ii) the existence of
     any Hazardous Material on the Premises, other than a Pre-Existing
     Condition,

               (a) in violation of or requiring cleanup under any Environmental
          Law or the provisions of this Article XXXII, or

               (b) in concentrations or at levels exceeding applicable federal,
          state, or local standards for soil, groundwater, or waste on
          residential properties,

either of which subjects Landlord to liability for any Environmental Claim or
which must be remediated to prevent Landlord from incurring loss of any kind.

          F. "Environmental Remediation" shall mean any investigation, cleanup,
     removal, containment, remediation, or other action relating to an
     Environmental Condition (i) required pursuant to any Environmental Law, or
     (ii) necessary to prevent Landlord from incurring, or relieve Landlord
     from, loss of any kind as a result of an Environmental Claim.

          G. "Remediating Party" shall mean the party which has elected (or is
     deemed to have elected) to perform any Environmental Remediation.

          H. "Tenant Group" shall mean any or all of Tenant's agents, employees,
     representatives, contractors, workmen, mechanics, suppliers, customers,
     guests, licensees, invitees, sublessees, assignees and all of their
     respective successors and assigns or any party claiming by, through or
     under any of them. I. "Permitted Materials" shall mean Hazardous Materials
     in quantities customarily used, stored, generated or disposed of by Tenant
     in the ordinary course of Tenant's business.

     SECTION 32.2. TENANT'S COVENANTS WITH RESPECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
During the Term, Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall:

          A. comply with all Environmental Laws relating to the use and
     operation of the Premises;


<PAGE>   36


          B. keep the Premises free of any Hazardous Material except for the
     Permitted Materials and any Pre-Existing Condition;

          C. not exacerbate a Pre-Existing Condition known to Tenant;

          D. upon the discovery of an Environmental Condition:

               (i) promptly, but not later than three (3) business days after
          the discovery of the Environmental Condition, notify Landlord of the
          Environmental Condition;

               (ii) furnish a letter of credit, personal guaranty, escrow of
          funds, or other security reasonably acceptable to Landlord to secure
          performance of Environmental Remediation and to assure Landlord that
          all necessary funds are readily available to Landlord to pay the costs
          and expenses of Environmental Remediation;

               (iii) prior to commencement of any Environmental Remediation
          except where immediate action is required or necessary to minimize
          impact submit a proposed scope of work for the Environmental
          Remediation, together with a timetable and a cost estimate, to
          Landlord for review and approval;

               (iv) after obtaining Landlord's approval, diligently perform the
          approved Environmental Remediation;

               (v) submit to Landlord in a timely manner for Landlord's review
          and comment the documentation and information required by Sections
          32.6 and 32.7 of this Lease relating to each phase of the
          Environmental Remediation;

               (vi) comply with applicable release reporting requirements and
          provide Landlord with any information necessary for Landlord to comply
          with Environmental Law; and

               (vii) obtain a so-called "no further action letter" or other
          acknowledgment from the federal, state, or local governmental agency
          with jurisdiction over the Environmental Condition that the Premises
          have been fully remediated without reliance on institutional controls
          (including but not limited to deed restrictions) or engineered
          barriers;

          E. not install or operate any above or below ground tank, sump, pit,
     pond, lagoon, or other storage or treatment vessel or device on the
     Premises without first obtaining Landlord's prior written consent, which in
     the case of above ground tanks, sumps, storage or treatment vessels which
     do not result in structural alterations to the Premises may not be
     unreasonably delayed or withheld.

          F. not handle, use, generate, treat, dispose of, or permit the use,
     handling, generation, treatment, storage, or disposal of any Hazardous
     Material except for the


<PAGE>   37



     Permitted Materials in, on, under, around, or above the Premises at any
     time during the Term;

          G. not use any above-ground or below-ground tank (including barrels
     and drums), of any size within or without the Premises, except (i) in
     compliance with all Environmental Laws and any and all applicable laws,
     ordinances, regulations and codes including, without limitation any
     municipal requirements to maintain such tank in accordance with National
     Fire Protection Association standards, and (ii) if secondary containment
     approved by Landlord is provided. Empty tanks, barrels and drums shall be
     presumed to have one (1) inch of product remaining when declared empty.

     SECTION 32.3. CONDUCT OF TENANT. If Tenant generates, uses, transports,
stores, treats, or disposes of any Hazardous Material:

          A. Tenant shall, at its own cost and expense, comply with all
     Environmental Laws relating to any Hazardous Material;

          B. Tenant shall (i) not dispose of any Hazardous Material in dumpsters
     or trash containers or at any other location at the Premises, except in
     compliance with applicable Environmental Law or a permit issued to Tenant
     and approved by Landlord; (ii) not discharge any Hazardous Material into
     drains or sewers except in compliance with applicable Environmental Law or
     a permit issued to Tenant and approved by Landlord; (iii) not cause or
     allow the release, discharge, emission, or run-off of any Hazardous
     Material to air, surface waters, the land, or ground water, whether
     directly or indirectly except in compliance with applicable Environmental
     Law or a permit issued to Tenant and approved by Landlord; (iv) at Tenant's
     own cost and expense, arrange for the lawful transportation and off-site
     disposal of all Hazardous Materials generated by Tenant; (v) provide
     secondary containment around all Hazardous Material storage containers,
     storage facilities, and above-ground storage tanks; (vi) conduct all
     necessary environmental inspections, including but not limited to asbestos
     inspections prior to any renovation or demolition as required by 40 CFR
     Part 61, and provide copies of all reports associated with such inspections
     to Landlord; (vii) comply with all reporting requirements under any
     federal, state, or local ordinance, statute, or regulation, including but
     not limited to toxics inventory reporting under EPCRA, the provisions of 40
     CFR Part 61, or various regulations controlling the emissions of volatile
     organic compounds, and Tenant shall provide copies of all such reports and
     notifications to Landlord; and (viii) use only highly skilled people
     reasonably acceptable to Landlord to address all environmental issues
     associated with the Premises, and ensure that such people and all employees
     of the Tenant shall receive all training or certification required under
     any federal, state, or local legal requirement specifically mentioned or
     alluded to in Section 30.1 of this Lease;

          C. Tenant shall promptly provide Landlord with copies of all
     communications, permits, or agreements with any governmental authority or
     agency (federal, state, or local) or any private entity relating in any way
     to the violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Laws or to any
     violation of Tenant's obligations under subparagraph (B) above;



<PAGE>   38


          D. Landlord and Landlord's agents and employees shall have the right
     to enter the Premises and/or conduct appropriate tests for the propose of
     ascertaining that Tenant complies with all applicable laws, rules or
     permits relating in any way to the presence of any Hazardous Materials on
     the Premises; and

          E. In the event that Landlord has reason to believe an environmental
     problem exists at the Premises, Tenant shall provide Landlord the results
     of appropriate tests of air, water, and soil to demonstrate (i) that Tenant
     is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules or permits relating in any
     way to the presence of any Hazardous Material on the Premises and (ii) the
     lack of any unpermitted releases, discharges, or emissions.

     If the presence, release, threat of release, or placement of any hazardous
Material on or in the Premises occurs or is caused in whole or in part during
the Term of this Lease, or the generation, transportation, storage, treatment,
or disposal of any Hazardous Material at the Premises occurs or is caused in
whole or in part during the Term of this Lease, and such gives rise to liability
(including, but not limited to, a response action, remedial action, or removal
action) under any Environmental Law or common law theory, including but not
limited to nuisance, strict liability, negligence and trespass, Tenant shall
promptly take any and all action necessary to clean up the Premises and mitigate
exposure to liability arising from the Hazardous Material, whether or not
required by law.

     SECTION 32.4. EXACERBATION. If Tenant exacerbates a known Pre-Existing
Condition (as a result of Tenant's investigative or remedial activities or
otherwise) during the Lease Term, the provisions of this Article XXXII shall
apply to such exacerbation of the Pre-Existing Condition as if it were an
Environmental Condition, and Tenant shall perform Environmental Remediation as
to such exacerbation. Tenant shall be responsible for all fines and penalties
caused by Tenant or to the extent exacerbated by Tenant at any time during the
Lease Term.

     SECTION 32.5. RIGHTS OF INSPECTION. Landlord and their respective agents
and representatives shall have a right of entry and access to the Premises at
any time in Landlord's discretion for the purposes of (i) inspecting the
documentation relating to Hazardous Materials or environmental matters
maintained by Tenant or occupant of the Premises; (ii) ascertaining the nature
of the activities being conducted on the Premises and investigating whether
Tenant is in compliance with its obligations under Article XXXII of this Lease;
and (iii) determining the type, kind, and quantity of all products, materials,
and substances brought onto the Premises, or made or produced thereon. Landlord
and its agents and representatives shall have the right to take samples in
quantities sufficient for analysis of all products, materials, and substances
present on the Premises including, but not limited to, samples, products,
materials, or substances brought onto or made or produced on the Premises by
Tenant or occupant of the Premises or their respective agents, employees,
contractors or invitees and shall also have the right to conduct other tests and
studies as may be reasonably determined by Landlord to be appropriate in order
to investigate whether Tenant is in compliance with its obligations under
Article XXXII. All information disclosed to Landlord subsequent to the date
hereof may be disclosed to Landlord's consultants, mortgagees, prospective
mortgagees or prospective purchasers for the Premises but otherwise shall be
maintained on a confidential basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord may
disclose such information to any party as may be required by Environmental Laws,
court order, on the Illinois Responsible Property Transfer Act, or any similar
statute.



<PAGE>   39


     SECTION 32.6. CONIES OF NOTICES. During the term of this Lease, Tenant and
Landlord shall each provide the other promptly with copies of all summons,
citations, directives, information inquiries or requests, notices of potential
responsibility, notices of violation or deficiency, orders or decrees,
Environmental Claims, complaints, investigations, judgments, letters, notices of
environmental liens or response actions in progress, and other communications,
written or oral, actual or threatened, received in the case of Tenant, by Tenant
or occupant of the Premises, or in the case of Landlord, by Landlord, from the
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Office of the
State Fire Marshall, Chicago Department of the Environment, or other federal,
state, or local agency or authority, or any other entity or individual
(including both governmental and non-governmental entities and individuals),
concerning (a) any actual or alleged release of any Hazardous Material on, to,
or from the Premises; (b) the imposition of any lien on the Premises relating to
any Hazardous Material; (c) any actual or alleged violation of or responsibility
under Environmental Laws; or (d) any actual or alleged liability under any
theory of common law tort or toxic tort, including without limitation,
negligence, trespass, nuisance, strict liability, or ultrahazardous activity.

     SECTION 32.7. TESTS AND REPORTS.

          A. Upon written request by Landlord, Tenant shall provide Landlord, at
     Tenant's expense, with (i) copies of all environmental reports and tests
     prepared or obtained by or for Tenant or occupant of the Premises; (ii)
     copies of transportation and disposal contracts (and related manifests,
     schedules, reports, and other information) entered into or obtained by
     Tenant with respect to any Hazardous Material; (iii) copies of any permits
     issued to Tenant under Environmental Laws with respect to the Premises;
     (iv) prior to filing, copies of any and all reports, notifications, and
     other filings to be made by Tenant or occupant of the Premises to any
     federal, state, or local environmental authorities or agencies, and after
     filing, copies of such filings; and (v) any other relevant documents and
     information with respect to environmental matters relating to the Premises.
     Tenant shall be obligated to provide such documentation only to the extent
     that the documentation is within Tenant's possession or control.

          B. In addition, if Landlord ever reasonably believes that Tenant has
     breached the terms of this Article XXXII, or if any Environmental Claim is
     made or threatened, or if a default shall have occurred under the Lease, or
     at Landlord's discretion, one (1) time per Lease Year. Landlord shall have
     the right, but not the duty, to enter upon the Premises and conduct an
     environmental assessment of the Premises, including but not limited to a
     visual site inspection, review of records pertaining to the site, and
     interviews of Tenant's representatives or others concerning the site use
     and history and other matters. The investigation may also include
     reasonable subsurface or other invasive investigation of the Premises,
     including but not limited to soil borings and sampling of site soil and
     ground or surface water for laboratory analysis, as may be recommended by
     the Landlord's consultant (discussed below) as part of its inspection of
     the Premises or based upon such other reasonable evidence of Environmental
     Conditions warranting such subsurface or other invasive investigation.
     Landlord shall have the right, but not the duty, to retain any independent
     professional consultant to conduct any such environmental assessment;
     provided, however, that Landlord agrees to limit, in the



<PAGE>   40


     absence of an Environmental Claim or default under this Article XXXII, the
     number of such environmental assessments to one (1) per Lease Year for the
     Lease Term. Tenant will cooperate with the Landlord's consultant and will
     supply to the consultant, promptly upon request, any information reasonably
     requested by Landlord to facilitate the completion of the environmental
     assessment. Landlord and its designees are hereby granted access to the
     Premises at any time or times, upon reasonable notice (which may be written
     or oral) to perform such environmental assessment. In exercising its right,
     Landlord shall use its reasonable efforts to minimize disruption of
     operations at the Premises. Any costs associated with performance of the
     environmental assessment, including but not limited to the consultant fees
     and restoration of any property damaged by such environmental assessment,
     shall be paid by Landlord unless such investigation discloses an
     Environmental Condition, in which case Tenant shall pay such costs.

          C. Tenant shall pay reasonable costs incurred by Landlord (including
     consultants' fees, costs and expenses) to review and comment on all reports
     and other documentation and information required by Sections 32.5 and 32.6,
     and to monitor the performance of any Environmental Remediation performed
     by Tenant.

     SECTION 32.8. INDEMNIFICATION. Tenant shall reimburse, defend with counsel
chosen by Landlord, indemnify, and hold Landlord and any other Indemnified Party
free and harmless from and against any and all Environmental Claims, response
costs, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including without
limitation loss of rental income, loss due to business interruption, and
reasonable attorneys' and consultants' fees, costs and expenses arising out of
or in any way connected with any or all of the following:

          A. any Hazardous Material (other than a Pre-Existing Condition) which,
     at any time during the Term, is or was actually or allegedly generated,
     stored, treated, released, disposed of, or otherwise located on or at the
     Premises as a result of the act or omission of Tenant or any member of the
     Tenant Group (regardless of the location at which such Hazardous Material
     is now or may in the future be located or disposed of), including, but not
     limited to any and all (i) liabilities under any common law theory of tort,
     nuisance, strict liability, ultrahazardous activity, negligence, or
     otherwise based upon, resulting from or in connection with any Hazardous
     Material; (ii) obligations to take response, cleanup, or corrective action
     pursuant to any Environmental Laws; and (iii) the costs and expenses of
     investigation or remediation in connection with the decontamination,
     removal, transportation, incineration, or disposal of any of the foregoing;
     and

          B. any actual or alleged illness, disability, injury, or death of any
     person, in any manner arising out of or allegedly arising out of exposure
     to any Hazardous Material or other substances or conditions present at the
     Premises as a result of the act or omission of Tenant or any member of the
     Tenant Group (including, but not limited to, ownership, operation, and
     disposal of any equipment which generates, creates, or uses electromagnetic
     files, x-rays, other forms of radiation and radioactive materials),
     regardless of when any such illness, disability, injury, or death shall
     have occurred or been incurred or manifested itself; and


<PAGE>   41


          C. any actual or alleged failure of Tenant or any member of the Tenant
     Group at any time and from time to time to comply with all applicable
     Environmental Laws or any permit issued thereunder;

          D. any failure by Tenant to comply with any obligation under this
     Article XXXII relating to an Environmental Condition for which Tenant is
     Remediating Party;

          E. Tenant's failure to provide any information, make any submission,
     and take any step required by any relevant governmental authorities;

          F. the imposition of any lien for damages caused by, or the recovery
     of any costs for, the remediation or cleanup of any Hazardous Material as a
     result of events that took place during the Term of this Lease as a result
     of the act or omission of Tenant or any member of the Tenant Group;

          G. costs of removal of any and all Hazardous Materials from all or any
     portion of the Premises, which Hazardous Materials came to be present at
     the Premises during the Term of this Lease as a result of the act or
     omission of Tenant or any member of the Tenant Group;

          H. costs incurred to comply, in connection with all or any portion of
     the Premises, with all governmental requirements with respect to any
     Hazardous Material on, in, under or affecting the Premises, which Hazardous
     Material came to be present at the Premises during the Term of this Lease
     as a result of the act or omission of Tenant or any member of the Tenant
     Group;

          I. any spills, charges, leaks, escapes, releases, dumping,
     transportation, storage, treatment, or disposal of any Hazardous Material
     which occur during the Term of this Lease, but only to the extent that such
     Hazardous Material originated from or were or are located on the Premises.

     In the event Environmental Claims or other assertion of liability shall be
made against any Indemnified Party for which the Indemnified Party is entitled
to indemnity hereunder, the procedure set forth in Section 24.1 shall apply. The
obligations of Tenant under this Section 32.8 shall survive any termination or
expiration of this Lease.

     SECTION 32.9. TENANT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
Tenant acknowledges that the Premises are being leased in their present "as is"
condition. Tenant further acknowledges that Landlord has made no representation
whatsoever regarding any Hazardous Material on or about the Premises.

     SECTION 32.10. NO LIABILITY OF LANDLORD.

          A. Landlord shall not have any liability to Tenant or any of its
     employees, agents, shareholders, officers or directors, or any other
     persons as a result of any Hazardous Material now or hereafter located on
     the Premises.



<PAGE>   42


          B. Tenant hereby waives and releases Landlord from all Environmental
     Claims arising from or relating to Pre-Existing Conditions.

                                 ARTICLE XXXIII
                                SECURITY DEPOSIT

     SECTION 33.1. SECURITY DEPOSIT. Tenant agrees to deposit with Landlord,
upon the execution of this Lease, the Security Deposit as security for the full
and faithful performance by Tenant of each and every term, provision, covenant
and condition of this Lease. If Tenant defaults in respect to any of the terms,
provisions, covenants and conditions of this Lease including, but not limited
to, payment of all rental and other sums required to be paid by Tenant
hereunder, Landlord may use, apply or retain the whole or any part of the
security so deposited for the payment of such rent in default, for any sum which
Landlord may expend or be required to expend by reason of Tenant's default
including, without limitation, any damages or deficiency in the reletting of the
Premises, whether such damages or deficiency shall have accrued before or after
re-entry by Landlord. If any of the security deposit shall be so used, applied
or retained by Landlord at any time or from time to time, Tenant shall promptly,
in each such instance, on written demand therefor by Landlord, pay to Landlord
such additional sums as may be necessary to restore the security deposit to the
original amount set forth in the first sentence of this section. If Tenant shall
fully and faithfully comply with all the terms, provisions, covenants and
conditions of this Lease, the security deposit, or the balance thereof, shall be
returned to Tenant after the following: (a) the time fixed as the expiration of
the Term of this Lease; (b) the removal of Tenant from the Premises; (c) the
surrender of the Premises by Tenant to Landlord in accordance with this Lease;
and (d) final determination of all amounts payable by Tenant hereunder and
payment of same. Except as otherwise required by law, Tenant shall not be
entitled to any interest on the aforesaid security deposit. In the absence of
evidence satisfactory to Landlord of an assignment of the right to receive the
security deposit or the remaining balance thereof, Landlord may return the
security deposit to the original Tenant, regardless of one or more assignments
of this Lease.

     SECTION 33.2. FIXTURE REMOVAL DEPOSIT. Tenant agrees to deposit with
Landlord, no later than fifteen (15) days after Landlord's approval has been
granted for any Alterations or Improvements to be made by Tenant, an amount
equal to the sum of:

          A. with respect to Alterations or Improvements made to the Building in
     excess of the first $150,000.00 of Improvements or Alterations, the lesser
     of (i) Landlord's reasonable determination of the cost to remove Tenant's
     Equipment and any Alterations or Improvements, or (ii) an amount equal to
     25% of the actual cost of any Alterations or Improvements made by Tenant in
     excess of the first $150,000.00 ("Removal Deposit"); plus

          B. With respect to Alterations or Improvements made to the land
     surrounding the Building, Landlord's reasonable determination of the cost
     to remove Tenant's Equipment and any Alterations or Improvements.

     If Tenant fails to remove Tenant's Equipment and surrender the Premises to
Landlord at the expiration or termination of the Term in the manner and the
condition set forth in this Lease,




<PAGE>   43



Landlord may use, apply or retain the whole or any part of the Removal Deposit
for the payment of any sum which Landlord may expend or be required to expend by
reason of Tenant's failure to remove Tenant's Equipment and any Alterations or
Improvements and surrender the Premises to Landlord at the expiration or
termination of the Term in the manner and the condition set forth in this Lease.
If Tenant shall fully and faithfully comply with all the terms, provisions,
covenants and conditions of this Lease with respect to the removal of Tenant's
Equipment and any Alterations or Improvements made by Tenant and surrender of
the Premises, then the Removal Deposit, or the balance thereof, shall be
returned to Tenant after the following: (a) the time fixed as the expiration of
the Term of this Lease; (b) the removal of Tenant, Tenant's Equipment and any
Alterations or Improvements made by Tenant from the Premises; and (c) the
surrender of the Premises by Tenant to Landlord in accordance with this Lease.
Except as otherwise required by law, Tenant shall not be entitled to any
interest on the aforesaid Removal Deposit. In the absence of evidence
satisfactory to Landlord of an assignment of the right to receive the Removal
Deposit or the remaining balance thereof, Landlord may return the Removal
Deposit to the original Tenant, regardless of one or more assignments of this
Lease.

     SECTION 33.3. LETTER OF CREDIT. At Tenant's election, in lieu of paying the
Security Deposit or the Removal Deposit in cash, Tenant may, on or before the
date on which the Security Deposit or Removal Deposit is due, deliver to
Landlord an irrevocable, unconditional letter of credit running in favor of
Landlord's beneficiary issued by a bank satisfactory to Landlord in the amount
of the Security Deposit or Removal Deposit, as applicable. The letter of credit
shall be irrevocable for one (1) year and shall provide that it is automatically
renewable for one (1) year periods ending not earlier than sixty (60) days after
the expiration of the Term without any action whatsoever on the part of
Landlord; provided that the issuing bank shall have the right not to renew said
letter of credit on written notice to Landlord not less than sixty (60) days
prior to the expiration of the then current term thereof (it being understood,
however, that the privilege of the issuing bank not to renew said letter of
credit shall not, in any event, diminish the obligation of Tenant to maintain
such irrevocable letter of credit with Landlord through the date which is sixty
(60) days after the date of such notice). In the event the issuing bank elects
not to renew the letter of credit, Tenant shall either provide Landlord with a
substitute letter of credit which meets all of the criteria contained herein or
deposit the amount of the Security Deposit with Landlord in cash.

     The form and terms of the letter of credit shall be acceptable to Landlord
in all respects and shall provide, among other things, in effect that:

               (a) Landlord, its beneficiary, or its then managing agent shall
          have the right to draw down an amount up to the face amount of the
          letter of credit upon the presentation to the issuing bank of a sight
          draft only.

               (b) The letter of credit will be honored by the issuing bank
          without inquiry as to the accuracy thereof and regardless of whether
          the Tenant disputes the content of such statement.

               (c) In the event of a transfer of Landlord's interest in the
          Premises, Landlord shall have the right to transfer the letter of
          credit to the transferee and thereupon the Landlord shall, without any
          further agreement between the parties,


<PAGE>   44
          be released by Tenant from all liability therefor, and it is agreed
          that the provisions hereof shall apply to every transfer or assignment
          of said letter of credit to a new Landlord.

     If, as a result of any draw on the letter of credit the Security Deposit
evidenced by the letter of credit shall be reduced, Tenant shall, within ten
(10) days thereafter, provide Landlord with additional letter(s) of credit in
the form required hereunder in an amount equal to the deficiency so that the
letter(s) of credit shall be in the aggregate amount of the Security Deposit.

     Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the letter of credit
expires earlier than sixty (60) days after the expiration of the Term of this
Lease, or the issuing bank notifies Landlord that it shall not renew the letter
of credit, Landlord will accept a renewal thereof or substitute letter of credit
(such renewal or substitute letter of credit to be in effect not later than
thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the original letter of credit),
irrevocable and automatically renewable as above provided to sixty (60) days
after the end of the Term of this Lease upon the same terms as the expiring
letter of credit or such other terms as may be acceptable to Landlord. However,
(i) if the letter of credit is not timely renewed or a substitute letter of
credit is not timely received, (ii) or if Tenant fails to maintain the letter of
credit in the amount and terms set forth in this Article XXXIII, Tenant, at
least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the letter of credit, or
immediately upon its failure to comply with each and every term of this Article
XXXIII must deposit with Landlord cash or a substitute letter of credit from a
bank as financial institution acceptable to Landlord in the amount of the
Security Deposit or Removal Deposit, as applicable, required by this Lease. The
cash or letter of credit shall to be held subject to and in accordance with, all
of the terms and conditions set forth in Section 33.1 and 33.2 hereof, as
applicable, or this Section 33.3. In the event Tenant does not deposit with
Landlord cash or the substitute letter of credit, the Landlord, its beneficiary
or managing agent may present such letter of credit to the issuing bank, in
accordance with the terms of this Article XXXIII and the entire sum secured
thereby shall be paid to Landlord, to be held by Landlord as provided in Section
33.1 or 33.2, as applicable.

                                 ARTICLE XXXIV
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     SECTION 34.1. CAPTIONS. The captions of this Lease are for convenience only
and are not to be construed as part of this Lease and shall not be construed as
defining or limiting in any way the scope or intent of the provisions hereof.

     SECTION 34.2. SEVERABILITY. If any covenant, agreement or condition of this
Lease or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation or to any
circumstances, shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of
this Lease, or the application of such covenant, agreement or condition to
persons, firms or corporations or to circumstances other than those as to which
it is invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby. Each covenant,
agreement or condition of this Lease shall be valid and enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

     SECTION 34.3. APPLICABLE LAW. This Lease shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the state where the Premises are located.



<PAGE>   45


     SECTION 34.4. AMENDMENTS IN WRITING. None of the covenants, terms or
conditions of this Lease, to be kept and performed by either party, shall in any
manner be altered, waived, modified, changed or abandoned, except by a written
instrument, duly signed, acknowledged and delivered by the other party.

     SECTION 34.5. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES. Nothing contained herein shall be
deemed or construed by the parties hereto, nor by any third party, as creating
the relationship of principal and agent or of partnership, or of joint venture
by the parties hereto, it being understood and agreed that no provision
contained in this Lease nor any acts of the parties hereto shall be deemed to
create any relationship other than the relationship of Landlord and Tenant.

     SECTION 34.6. BROKERAGE. Tenant warrants that it has no dealings with any
real estate broker or agent in connection with this lease other than Landlord's
Broker and Tenant's Broker, and Tenant covenants to pay, hold harmless and
indemnify Landlord from and against any and all cost, expense or liability for
any compensation, commissions and charges claimed by any other broker or other
agent with respect to this Lease or the negotiation thereof arising out of any
acts of Tenant.

     SECTION 34.7. NO ACCORD AND SATISFACTION. No payment by Tenant or receipt
by Landlord of a lesser amount than the monthly rent herein stipulated and
additional rent shall be deemed to be other than on account of the earliest
stipulated rent, nor shall any endorsement or statement on any check or any
letter accompanying any check or payment as rent be deemed an accord and
satisfaction, and Landlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to
Landlord's right to recover the balance of such rent or pursue any other remedy
in this Lease provided.

     SECTION 34.8. JOINT EFFORT. The preparation of this Lease has been a joint
effort of the parties hereto and the resulting documents shall not, solely as a
matter of judicial construction, be construed more severely against one of the
parties than the other.

     SECTION 34.9. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. Tenant hereby waives a jury trial in
action brought by Landlord with respect to the nonpayment of any sums due
hereunder. If Landlord commences any proceeding for nonpayment of rent or any
other sum due to be paid by Tenant under this Lease, Tenant hereby agrees that
Tenant will not impose any noncompulsory counterclaim of any nature or
description in any such proceeding, provided however, such agreement of Tenant
shall not be construed as a waiver of the right of Tenant to assert such claim
in a separate action or actions brought by Tenant.

     SECTION 34.10. TIME. Time is of the essence of this Lease, and all
provisions herein relating thereto shall be strictly construed.

     SECTION 34.11. CONSENT. The granting of any consent under this Lease by
Landlord or Tenant, or either party's failure to object to any action taken by
the other party without the consent required under this Lease, shall not be
deemed a waiver by either party of its rights to require such consent for any
further similar act by the other party. No waiver by either party of any other
breach of the covenants of this Lease shall be construed, taken or held to be a
waiver of any other breach or to be a waiver, acquiescence in or consent to any
further or succeeding



<PAGE>   46



breach of the same covenant. Neither party's covenants under this Lease, and no
breach thereof, shall be waived, altered or modified except by a written
instrument executed by both parties.

     SECTION 34.12. NO PARTNERSHIP. Landlord is not, and shall not be deemed to
be, in any way or for any purpose, the partner, employer, principal, master or
agent of or with Tenant.

     SECTION 34.13. LANDLORD'S LIABILITY. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein contained, there shall be absolutely no personal liability
asserted or enforceable against Landlord or on any persons, firms or entities
who constitute Landlord with respect to any of the terms, covenants, conditions
and provisions of this Lease, and Tenant shall, subject to the rights of any
mortgagee, look solely to the interest of Landlord, its successors and assigns
in the Premises for the satisfaction of each and every remedy of Tenant in the
event of default by Landlord hereunder, such exculpation of personal liability
is absolute and without any exception whatsoever. If the entity constituting
Landlord is a partnership, Tenant agrees that the deficit capital account of any
such partner shall not be deemed an asset or property of said partnership.
Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, with respect to any
provision of this Lease which requires Landlord's consent or approval, Tenant
shall not be entitled to make, nor shall Tenant make, any claim for (and Tenant
hereby waives any claim for) money damages as a result of any claim by Tenant
that Landlord has unreasonably withheld or unreasonably delayed any consent or
approval, but Tenant's sole remedy shall be an action or proceeding to enforce
such provision, or for specific performance, injunction or declaratory judgment.

     SECTION 34.14. LANDLORD RIGHTS. This Lease does not grant any rights to
light or air over or about the Premises. Landlord specifically excepts and
reserves to itself the use of any roofs, the exterior and structural components
of the Building, all rights to the land and improvements below the improved
floor level of the Building, to the improvements and air rights above the
Building and to the improvements and air rights located outside the demising
walls of the building and to such areas within the Building required for
installation of utility lines and other installations and to such portions of
the Premises necessary to access, maintain and repair same, and no rights with
respect thereto are conferred upon Tenant.

     SECTION 34.15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that all
understandings and agreements heretofore had between the parties hereto are
merged in this Lease, the exhibits annexed hereto and the instruments and
documents referred to herein, which alone fully and completely express their
agreements, and that no party hereto is relying upon any statement or
representation, not embodied in this Agreement, made by the other. Each party
expressly acknowledges that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the
other party and the agents and representatives of the other party have not made,
and the other party is not liable for or bound in any manner by, any express or
implied warranties, guaranties, promises, statements, inducements,
representations or information pertaining to the transactions contemplated
hereby.

     SECTION 34.16. TENANT AUTHORITY. Simultaneously with the execution and
delivery of this Lease by Tenant, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord:

          A. Certified resolutions of its board of directors of Tenant executing
     this Lease on behalf of Tenant authorizing the execution and delivery of
     this Lease.



<PAGE>   47


          B. A certificate of incumbency executed by the secretary of any
     corporate partner of Tenant executing this Lease on behalf of Tenant
     identifying by name, office and facsimile signature the officers of Tenant.

          C. A current certificate of good standing issued by the Secretary of
     State of the state of incorporation of Tenant and the State of Illinois.

                                  ARTICLE XXXV
                                 RENEWAL OPTIONS

     SECTION 35.1. RENEWAL OPTION(S). Tenant shall have the option ("Renewal
Option") to renew the Initial Term for all of the Premises as of the expiration
date of the Initial Term, for two (2) additional periods of five (5) years each
(each of said renewals is a "Renewal Term") upon the following terms and
conditions:

          A. Tenant gives Landlord written notice of its exercise of the Renewal
     Option at least twelve (12) months prior to the expiration of the Initial
     Term or the expiration of the first Renewal Term, as applicable.

          B. Tenant is not in default under this Lease either on the date Tenant
     delivers the notice required under subparagraph A. above or at any time
     thereafter prior to the commencement of the Renewal Term so exercised.

          C. All of the terms and provisions of this Lease (except this Article
     XXXV) shall be applicable to the Renewal Term, except that Base Rent for
     the Renewal Terms shall be determined in accordance with the following
     schedule:

        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                            PERIOD             Annual           Monthly
                                             Base Rent         Base Rent
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        FIRST RENEWAL TERM
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2006-July 31, 2007          $325,503.43         $27,125.29
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2007-July 31, 2008          $335,268.53         $27,939.04
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2008-July 31, 2009          $345,326.59         $28,777.22
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2009-July 31, 2010          $355,686.39         $29,640.53
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2010-July 31, 2011          $366,356.98         $30,529.75
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        SECOND RENEWAL TERM
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2011-July 31, 2012          $377,347.69         $31,445.64
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2012-July 31, 2013          $388,668.12         $32,389.01
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------



<PAGE>   48


        August 1, 2013-July 31, 2014          $400,328.16         $33,360.68
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2014-July 31, 2015          $412,338.01         $34,361.50
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        August 1, 2015-July 31, 2106          $424,708.15         $35,392.35
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------

     SECTION 35.2. "AS IS" CONDITION. Tenant agrees to accept the Premises to be
covered by this Lease during each Renewal Term in an "as is" physical condition
and Tenant shall not be entitled to receive any allowance, credit, concession or
payment from Landlord for the improvement thereof.

     SECTION 35.3. AMENDMENT. In the event that Tenant exercises either Renewal
Option, then Landlord and Tenant shall mutually execute and deliver an amendment
to this Lease reflecting the renewal of the Term on the terms herein provided,
which amendment shall be executed and delivered promptly after the determination
of Rent to be applicable to the Renewal Term as hereinabove provided.

     SECTION 35.4. TERMINATION. The Renewal Options herein granted shall
automatically terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) the expiration or
termination of this Lease, (ii) the termination of Tenant's right to possession
of the Premises, or (iii) the failure of Tenant to timely or properly exercise
the Renewal Option pursuant to the terms of Section 35.1. The second Renewal
Option for the period consisting of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2106 shall
automatically terminate upon any assignment or subletting by Tenant other than a
Permitted Sublease.

     SECTION 35.5. NO COMMISSIONS. Landlord and Tenant acknowledge and agree
that no real estate brokerage commission or finder's fee shall be payable by
Landlord in connection with any exercise by Tenant of the Renewal Option herein
contained.

                                 ARTICLE XXXVI
                              TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

     SECTION 36.1. TENANT IMPROVEMENTS. Landlord acknowledges that Tenant
desires to make certain improvements and alterations to the Premises
("Improvements"). The Improvements shall (i) be of the same character as the
existing improvements in the Premises; (i) be non-structural in nature except
for vents in the roof necessary for the operation of Tenant's business provided
the same do not materially impair the structural integrity of the roof; (iii)
not require openings on the roof (except as set forth in (i) above)or exterior
walls of the Building; (iv) not affect any building system; (v) be completed
within six (6) months after the date hereof; (vi) be capital in nature, and
(vii) be otherwise acceptable to Landlord in its reasonable discretion. The
Improvements shall be constructed in a good and workmanlike manner and only new
and good grades of material shall be used. All work performed by or on behalf of
Tenant with respect to the Improvements shall comply with all applicable
insurance requirements, all laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations of the
City of Romeoville, the State of Illinois and the United States of America.
Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall file all necessary plans with



<PAGE>   49



the appropriate governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the
construction of the Improvements.

     SECTION 36.2. APPROVAL. Tenant shall, at Tenant's sole cost and expense
(subject to Landlord's Contribution), cause to be prepared and submitted to
Landlord plans and specifications for the Improvements ("Tenant's Plans").
Tenant shall not commence actual construction of the Improvements until Tenant
has obtained Landlord's prior approval to Tenant's Plans and Tenant has obtained
and appropriate building permits and construction contracts. Landlord agrees to
review and either approve or disapprove (and noting with such disapproval the
specific items not approved and the reasons therefor) Tenant's Plans within ten
(10) business days of Landlord's receipt of a complete set of Tenant's Plans. In
the event Tenant's Plans are disapproved, Tenant shall revise and resubmit
Tenant's Plans and Landlord shall review the same and notify Tenant of its
approval or disapproval within ten (10) business days thereafter in the same
manner as required for the initial submittal. In the event Landlord fails to
approve or disapprove such Plans within such ten (10) day period, the Plans
shall be deemed approved. Landlord's approval of the Plans shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

     SECTION 36.3. TENANT CONTRACTORS. Tenant is hereby granted the right to
utilize contractors of Tenant's own choice ("Tenant's Contractors") for the
construction of the Improvements subject to Landlord's reasonable approval,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Tenant shall
permit Landlord to observe all construction operations performed by Tenant's
Contractors. No silence or statement by Landlord's supervisor shall be deemed or
construed as an assumption by said supervisor or Landlord of any responsibility
for or in relation to the construction of the Improvements or any guarantee that
the Improvements comply with laws or with Tenant's Plans, or are suitable or
acceptable to Tenant for Tenant's intended purposes.

     Tenant shall at all times keep the demised premises and adjacent areas free
from accumulations of waste materials or rubbish caused by its suppliers,
contractors or workmen. Landlord reserves the right to do clean-up at the
expense of Tenant if Tenant fails to comply with Landlord's reasonable cleanup
requirements. At the completion of construction of the Improvements, Tenant's
Contractors shall forthwith remove all rubbish and all tools, equipment and
surplus materials from and about the demised premises and Building. Any damage
caused by Tenant's Contractors to any portion of the Building or to any property
of Landlord shall be repaired forthwith by Tenant at its expense to its
condition prior to such damage.

     Tenant and Tenant's Contractors shall assume responsibility for the
prevention of accidents and shall take all reasonable safety precautions with
respect to the construction of the Improvements and shall comply with all
reasonable and customary safety measures initiated by Landlord and with all
applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders including those of
any public authority for the safety of persons or property to the extent
applicable to Tenant's Work. Tenant shall advise Tenant's Contractors to report
to Landlord any injury to any of its agents or employees and shall furnish
Landlord a copy of the accident report filed with its insurance earner within
three (3) days of its occurrence.

     SECTION 36.4. LANDLORD'S CONTRIBUTION. Provided no default exists under the
Lease, Landlord shall pay as Landlord's contribution for the costs of
construction of the Improvements


<PAGE>   50



(including hard and soft costs) a sum equal to the lesser of (i) the actual cost
of the Improvements (including hard and soft costs), or (ii) ONE HUNDRED FIFTY
THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($150,000.00) DOLLARS ("Landlord's Contribution"). The cost
of all work necessary to construct the Improvements (including, but not limited
to, all labor, material, permits) and to pay architectural fees, permit fees and
engineering fees) in excess of Landlord's Contribution shall be the
responsibility of Tenant. Landlord's Contribution shall be paid in monthly
installments by the Landlord to Tenant's Contractors as the work progresses
within ten (10) days of Tenant's presentation of reasonable documentation
evidencing (i) the amounts due to Tenant's Contractors, including presentation
of a contractor's statement and partial and final lien waivers, as the case may
be, covering all work for which the Tenant is requesting payment; (ii) the
percentage of the work completed; (iii) a sworn statement from Tenant setting
forth in detail all contractors and material suppliers with whom Tenant has
contracted, their addresses, work or materials to be furnished, amounts of
contracts, amounts paid to date, amounts of current payments and balances due;
and (iv) a certification by the architect who prepared Tenant's Plans that the
Improvements for which payment is requested have been completed and materials
are in place as indicated by the request for payment and that all work which has
progressed to date conforms to Tenant's Plans.

     Tenant shall be responsible for obtaining and submitting to Landlord all
documentation reasonably required by the Landlord in relation to draw requests
made by Tenant. Tenant's draw amounts shall never exceed, in the aggregate, the
lesser of: (i) the remaining unpaid amount of Landlord's Contribution, or (ii)
that amount equal to ninety percent (90%) of the cost of the Improvements then
completed. The ten percent (10%) of the cost of Improvements not disbursed shall
be disbursed to Tenant with the final payment for the Improvements. Landlord
reserves the right to disburse any fiends pursuant to an escrow with Chicago
Title Insurance Company and Tenant shall pay all costs associated therewith. .

     The final payment of Landlord's Contribution shall not be made until the
architect or contractor who prepared the Tenant's Plans shall have certified to
Landlord and Tenant that the Improvements are substantially complete in
accordance with the Tenant's Plans, any applicable certificate of occupancy or
other governmental license or permit has been issued, all final waivers of lien
have been deposited with Landlord and there are no liens of public record
resulting from the Improvements.

     SECTION 36.5. CEILING TILE ALLOWANCE. Provided no default exists under the
Lease, Landlord shall pay as Landlord's contribution for the costs of repair or
replacement of damaged ceiling tiles in the Premises a sum equal to the lesser
of (i) the actual cost of the repair or replacement of damaged ceiling tiles, or
(ii) $5,000.00 ("Ceiling Tile Contribution"). The Ceiling Tile Contribution
shall be paid in a single installment by Landlord to Tenant within ten (10) days
of Tenant's request for payment and presentation of reasonable documentation
evidencing the amounts paid by Tenant to repair or replace damaged ceiling tiles
provided Tenant has requested payment of the Ceiling Tile Contribution prior to
December 31, 2000.



<PAGE>   51


                                 ARTICLE XXXVII
                        RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER TO PURCHASE

     SECTION 37.1. RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER TO PURCHASE. Landlord agrees that if, at
any time during the Initial Term of this Lease, Landlord decides to offer the
Premises for sale and provided no Event of Default exists under the terms of
this Lease, Landlord shall first offer the Premises to Tenant on the following
terms and conditions:

          (a) The right granted to Tenant hereunder shall not be effective if
     Landlord determines to create a joint venture or partnership and to which
     joint venture or partnership Landlord sells or contributes the Premises.
     Furthermore, Tenant shall have no rights hereunder if Landlord obtains a
     bona fide first mortgage from an institutional lender not related to or
     affiliated with Landlord which mortgage is a so-called "Participating
     Mortgage" under which the lender has a right to participate in the profits
     or cash flow or both of the Premises of if the Premises is sold in a
     transaction involving the simultaneous lease back of the Premises by
     Landlord or if the Premises are sold in connection with a foreclosure of
     any mortgage.

          (b) If Landlord decides to offer the Premises for sale, Landlord shall
     submit such offer to Tenant and Tenant shall have the right, within fifteen
     (15) days after receipt of the offer, to elect to purchase the Premises on
     the same terms and conditions as set forth in the offer and the terms and
     conditions of Sections 38.4 through 38.13 below shall be deemed to apply to
     such purchase, and except that any due diligence period or similar
     contingency shall not be a condition of any agreement between Landlord and
     Tenant. If Tenant does not give Landlord notice in writing within said
     fifteen (15) day period that Tenant intends to exercise its rights
     hereunder, then Landlord shall be free to sell the Premises on the terms
     and conditions set forth in the offer submitted to Tenant and in such event
     (i) Tenant's rights hereunder shall terminate, and (ii) within fifteen (15)
     days after the request of Landlord, Tenant shall acknowledge in writing
     that it has not exercised its right of first offer; provided, however, that
     in the event such sale to a third party on the terms and conditions set
     forth in the offer submitted to Tenant shall not close, then Tenant's
     rights hereunder shall be reinstated as to subsequent bona fide offers.

                                ARTICLE XXXVIII
                               OPTION TO PURCHASE

     SECTION 38.1. OPTION. Provided that (a) Tenant has not either assigned this
Lease or sublet the Premises other than for a Permitted Sublease, and (b) no
Event of Default under the terms of this Lease then exists, then Tenant is
granted an option (hereinafter referred to as the "Purchase Option") to purchase
the Premises on and after the Commencement Date and on or before July 1, 2002.

     SECTION 38.2. CONDITIONS. The Purchase Option shall be exercisable only
prior to July 1, 2002. If the Purchase Option is not duly exercised within the
period allowed hereunder or does not include the earnest money deposit referred
to below, the Purchase Option shall automatically terminate and be of no further
force and effect. The Purchase Option shall be exercised by Tenant by written
notice signed by Tenant and received by Landlord on or before



<PAGE>   52



July 1, 2002. The date of Tenant's election shall be the date that Landlord
receives the notice of election. The closing date for the purchase and sale of
the Premises shall be on the date which is either (i) ninety (90) days after the
date of Tenant's election provided the date of Tenant's election is no later
than July 1, 2002, or (ii) on a date selected by Landlord provided the same is
no later than nine (9) months after the date of Tenant's election. The notice of
exercise to be effective shall be accompanied by a cashier's or certified check
in the sum of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/00 DOLLARS ($100,000.00), which sum
shall be earnest money and shall be applied toward the Purchase Price at the
Closing, as such terms are hereinafter defined; such sum shall be placed in an
interest bearing account with interest accruing until Closing for Tenant's
benefit. In the event that after exercising the Purchase Option Tenant fails to
consummate the purchase of the Premises on the date of the Closing for any
reason other than as a result of Landlord's failure to deliver title to the
Premises as required hereunder, the earnest money deposit plus accrued interest
shall be forfeited to Landlord as liquidated damages for the breach of this
provision of the Lease. At all times after the exercise of the Purchase Option
and prior to the actual Closing or if the Closing does not occur due to a
default by Tenant, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect and all of
the obligations of Tenant, including, but not limited to, the obligation to pay
Rent shall continue.

     SECTION 38.3. PURCHASE PRICE. The total Purchase Price for the Premises
shall be an amount equal $3,870,000.00 provided Landlord has not made any
additional improvements to or expansion of the Premises. In the event Landlord
has made any additional improvements or expansion of the Premises, Landlord
shall within fifteen (15) days after receipt of Tenant's notice exercising its
option to purchase, provide Tenant with a revised purchase price for the
Premises. Tenant shall have a period of fifteen (15) days after receipt of
Landlord's notice in which to accept or reject Landlord's revised purchase price
and Tenant's failure to respond within said fifteen (15) day period shall be
deemed to be Tenant's acceptance of the revised purchase price. In the event
Tenant rejects the revised purchase price, Tenant's exercise of its option to
purchase shall be deemed withdrawn and this Lease shall continue in full force
and effect.

     The balance of the Purchase Price, plus or minus prorations, shall be paid
by wire transfer at Closing.

     SECTION 38.4. PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS. Landlord agrees to convey, or cause to
be conveyed, to Tenant, or Tenant's nominee, title to the Premises by a
recordable, stamped special warranty deed, subject only to: (a) general real
estate taxes and special assessments; (b) acts of Tenant and those parties
acting through or for Tenant; (c) the matters set forth on Exhibit "D" attached
hereto and by this reference made a part hereof; and (d) this Lease.

Section 38.5. Closing. The consummation of the transaction herein described
(herein referred to as the "Closing") shall be at 10:00 a.m. on the date set
forth above at the offices of Chicago Title and Trust Company in Chicago,
Illinois in accordance with standard Deed and Money Escrow. If the date for
Closing or performance of an obligation under this Article XXXVIII falls on a
Saturday, Sunday or holiday, then the date shall be deferred until the first
(1st) business day prior thereto.

     SECTION 38.6. POSSESSION. Landlord shall deliver and Tenant agrees to
accept possession of the Premises on the day of the Closing.




<PAGE>   53


     SECTION 38.7. TITLE. Landlord shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to
Tenant or Tenant's nominee, within thirty (30) days after Landlord's receipt of
the exercise notice, a current title commitment from Chicago Title Insurance
Company or such other title company chosen by Landlord for an ALTA (1992) Form
Owner's Title Insurance Policy in the amount of the Purchase Price. At the
Closing, Landlord shall cause to be issued to Tenant or Tenant's nominee an ALTA
(1992) Form Owner's Title Insurance Policy with extended coverage in the amount
of the applicable Purchase Price hereof covering title to the Premises on the
date thereof. The aforesaid commitment and policy shall be subject only to the
title exceptions set forth in Section 38.4 hereof. The commitment may also be
subject to title exceptions pertaining to liens or encumbrances of a definite or
ascertainable amount which may be removed by the payment of money at the Closing
and which Landlord will so remove at that time by using the funds to be paid to
Landlord hereunder (all of which are herein referred to as the "Permitted
Exceptions"). The title policy shall be conclusive evidence of good title as
therein shown as to all matters insured by the policy subject to the exceptions
therein stated.

     SECTION 38.8. TITLE CLEARANCE. If the title commitment discloses
unpermitted exceptions, Landlord shall have thirty (30) days from the date of
delivery thereof to have the exceptions removed from the commitment or to have
the title insurer commit to insure against loss or damage that may be occasioned
by such exceptions provided such alternative insurance is acceptable to Tenant's
Lender. If Landlord fails to have the exceptions removed, or in the alternative,
to obtain the commitment for title insurance specified above as to such
exceptions within the specified time, Tenant may terminate the Purchase Option
or may elect, upon notice to Landlord within ten (10) days after the expiration
of the thirty (30)-day period, to take title as it then is with the right to
deduct from the Purchase Price liens or encumbrances of a definite or
ascertainable amount. If Tenant does not so elect, the Purchase Option shall
become null and void without further actions or liability of the parties and the
earnest money deposited by Tenant pursuant to the terms hereof shall be returned
to Tenant, together with all interest earned thereon, but this Lease shall
remain in full force and effect and all of the covenants, agreements and
obligations of Tenant hereunder shall continue.

     SECTION 38.9. TRANSFER TAXES. Landlord shall pay the amount of any stamp or
transfer tax imposed by law by the State of Illinois and the County of Will on
the transfer of title, and shall furnish completed Real Estate Transfer
Declarations signed by Landlord or Landlord's agent in the forms required
pursuant to the Real Estate Transfer Tax Acts of the State of Illinois and the
County of Will. The Tenant shall pay the amount of the local transfer taxes, if
any. All tax and other deposits held by Landlord hereunder shall be returned to
Tenant at closing.

     SECTION 38.10. UNIFORM VENDOR RISK ACT. The provisions of the Uniform
Vendor and Tenant Risk Act of the State of Illinois shall not be applicable to
the Purchase Option.

     SECTION 38.11. TIME. Time is of the essence with respect to the Purchase
Option.

     SECTION 38.12. TERMINATION. The Purchase Option herein granted shall
automatically terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) July 1, 2002 if the
Purchase Option has not been exercised; (ii) the termination of Tenant's right
to possession of the Premises; (iii) the termination of the Term; (iv) the
assignment of this Lease or the subletting of the Premises other


<PAGE>   54



than for a Permitted Sublease; or (v) the failure of Tenant to timely or
properly exercise the Purchase Option.

     SECTION 38.13. LIKE-KIND EXCHANGE. Tenant agrees to cooperate with Landlord
if Landlord notifies Tenant that it desires to complete a like-kind exchange
under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. Tenant agrees to execute any
documents requested by Landlord, provided Tenant incurs no additional
liabilities in connection therewith. In the event that Landlord elects to engage
in such like-kind exchange, the rights of Landlord and the obligations of Tenant
under this Article may, at Landlord's option, be assigned to a qualified
intermediary and one or more exchange trusts in order to consummate same.

                                 ARTICLE XXXIX
                            EXPANSION OF IMPROVEMENTS

     SECTION 39.1. OPTION TO EXPAND. Upon written request from Tenant, and upon
satisfaction of the conditions hereinafter set forth, Landlord agrees, subject
to and to the extent permitted under applicable laws and ordinances, to
construct an addition to the Improvements ("Addition"), which Addition shall, in
Landlord's determination, be architecturally compatible with the existing
improvements on the Premises and which Addition shall be constructed so that all
of the Improvements, including the Addition, will not constitute a single
purpose building. Landlord's obligation to construct the Addition shall be
subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:

          (a) No Event of Default shall exist at the time of Tenant's request
     for the Addition and thereafter and no event shall have occurred during
     such time which would, with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or
     both, constitute such an Event of Default; and

          (b) this Lease shall not have been terminated; and

          (c) the Tenant has not sublet any portion of the Premises (other than
     the Permitted Subleases) and has not assigned any rights hereunder other
     than an Approved Transfer; and

          (d) Tenant's written request shall be received by Landlord on or
     before July 1, 2004; and

          (e) Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall furnish to Landlord
     full and complete plans and specifications for the Addition (hereinafter
     referred to as the "Plans") prepared by an architect licensed in Illinois
     who is reasonably acceptable to Landlord, which Plans shall be sufficiently
     detailed so as to enable Landlord to obtain all necessary building permits
     and otherwise satisfactory to Landlord; and

          (f) all trade fixtures of Tenant and other equipment necessary for the
     operation of Tenant's business shall not be included in the Plans and shall
     be paid for by Tenant; and




<PAGE>   55


          (g) this Lease shall be amended to incorporate the increase in rent
     hereinafter provided and other terms herein contained.

         The option to expand granted hereunder shall terminate upon any sale of
the Premises by Landlord.

     SECTION 39.2. CONSTRUCTION COSTS. Within ninety (90) days after receipt by
Landlord of the written request and the Plans, Landlord shall obtain and deliver
to Tenant (i) a bid from a general contractor for the construction of the
Addition, based on the approved plans and specifications; (ii) the amount of the
fee payable to Landlord in an amount equal to the usual and customary Landlord
sponsored development fee as determined by Landlord not to exceed five percent
(5%) of the total costs to be incurred in connection with the Addition,
including, without limitation, reasonable costs of Landlord allocated to
staffing of the construction of the Addition ("Landlord's Fee"); and (iii) a
factor of return determined by Landlord ("Multiplier"). If the general
contractor bid is not acceptable to Tenant, Tenant may, subject to the approval
of Landlord, make revisions to the Plans, and thereupon, Landlord will obtain a
further bid based on the revised Plans. If the final bid, development fee and
Multiplier are not acceptable to Tenant, Tenant shall be deemed to have
withdrawn its request for the expansion.

     SECTION 39.3. CHANGES. Provided the bid for construction of the Addition is
accepted by Tenant, Landlord shall cause the Addition to be constructed in
accordance with the Plans. Changes to the plans and specifications after
commencement of construction must be approved by Landlord and, if any such
change results in an increase in the cost of construction, Tenant shall be
responsible for the payment of such increased cost upon demand from Landlord.

     SECTION 39.4. INCREASED RENT. On the earlier to occur of the date of
substantial completion of the Addition and the date of occupancy thereof by
Tenant (such earlier date is hereinafter referred to as the "Addition Date"),
the monthly Base Rent due under this Lease as set forth in Section 5.1 hereof
shall be increased by one twelfth (1/12) of an amount equal to the product of
the "Cost of Tenant's Work" (as hereinafter defined) multiplied by the
Multiplier. As used herein, the date of substantial completion shall be the date
on which the Village of Romeoville issues a permanent, temporary or conditional
certificate of occupancy or otherwise acknowledges that Tenant may occupy the
Addition; provided, however, that in the event that the Addition cannot be
occupied due to work required to be performed, but which is not the obligation
of Landlord to perform in accordance with the Plans, the Addition shall be
deemed substantially complete. The increase in the monthly Base Rent ("Increased
Rent") shall be payable monthly in the manner provided in Section 5.1 hereof.
The Increased Rent shall increase on each July 1 during the Term following the
Addition Date by an amount equal to one hundred and three percent (103 %) of the
then Increased Rent.

     SECTION 39.5. COST OF WORK. As used herein, "Cost of Tenant's Work" shall
mean one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate of all hard and soft costs and
expenses of any nature whatsoever, including Landlord's Fee, required directly
or indirectly to design and construct the Addition in accordance with the Plans.




<PAGE>   56




     SECTION 39.6. AMENDMENT. Landlord and Tenant agree to enter into an
amendment to this Lease to document the expansion of the Improvements, the
Addition Date, the Increased Rent and the extension of the Term.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease as of the date
set forth above.

LANDLORD:

                                    CP FINANCING TRUST,
                                    a Maryland real estate financing trust

                                    By:  CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST, a
                                         Maryland real estate investment trust

                                    Its: Beneficiary

                                    By:            /s/ illegible
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Its:      illegible
                                             ---------------------------------

                                    By:            /s/ Michael A. Totoriei
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Its:      Vice President, Controller
                                             ---------------------------------

TENANT:

                                    NANOPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware
                                    corporation

                                    By:            /s/ Jess Jankowski
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Its:      Secretary and Treasurer
                                             ---------------------------------



<PAGE>   57


                                   EXHIBIT "A"

                                LEGAL DESCRIPTION

     Lots 33, 34, 41 and 42 in Marquette Center Business and Industrial Park
Resubdivision No. 3, being a Subdivision of part of Sections 22 and 27, Township
37 North, Range 10 East of the Third Principal Meridian in Will County,
Illinois.



<PAGE>   58



                                    EXHIBIT C

             SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT

THIS DOCUMENT PREPARED
BY AND AFTER RECORDING
RETURN TO:



                         SUBORDINATION, NON-DISTURBANCE
                            AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT

     NOTICE: THE SUBORDINATION PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT RESULTS IN YOUR
LEASEHOLD ESTATE IN THE PROPERTY BECOMING SUBJECT TO AND OF LOWER PRIORITY THAN
THE SECURITY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY CREATED BY SOME OTHER OR LATER INSTRUMENT.

     THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made as of the ___ day of
______________ among _______________________________ ("Lender"), NANOPHASE
TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Tenant"), and ____________________
("Landlord").

WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the Property (as hereinafter defined) is to be encumbered by a
certain Mortgage (hereinafter called the "Mortgage") covering the real property
described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof for all
purposes, and the buildings and improvements thereon (collectively, the
"Property") securing the payment of a promissory note payable to the order of
Lender (the "Note"); and

     WHEREAS, by that certain Industrial Building Lease entered into as of
_________, 2000 between Landlord and Tenant (collectively, the "Lease"),
Landlord has leased all or portion of the Property (the "Premises") to Tenant;
and

     WHEREAS, Lender will not make the loan secured by the Mortgage unless
Tenant subordinates the Lease and Tenant's rights thereunder to the lien and
provisions of the Mortgage; and

     WHEREAS, Tenant and Lender desire to confirm their understanding with
respect to the Lease and the Mortgage.


<PAGE>   59



     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the covenants,
conditions, provisions and agreement set forth herein, and other good and
valuable consideration, receipt and sufficiency of which whereof is hereby
acknowledged, Lender, Tenant and Landlord do hereby mutually represent,
acknowledge, covenant and agree as follows:

     1. THE LEASE. The Lease is in good standing and full force and effect
without any modification or amendment as of the date hereof. The Lease shall not
be amended without the written approval of Lender and shall not be terminated or
canceled except as expressly provided in the Lease.

     2. SUBORDINATION. Tenant hereby subordinates in all respects and at all
times its interests in the Lease and to the Premises under and pursuant to the
Lease to all of the terms, conditions and provisions of the Mortgage insofar as
it affects the Property of which the Premises form a part, to all advances made
or to be made thereunder, to the full extent of the principal sum and interest
thereon from time to time secured thereby, and to any renewals, modifications
and extensions or modifications thereof including any increase in the
indebtedness secured thereby or supplements thereto, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or
anything else contained herein to the contrary, the Lender shall be subject to
the terms of the Lease with respect to the availability of insurance proceeds
for repair or restoration in the event of a casualty.

     3. NON-DISTURBANCE. So long as Tenant is not in default (beyond any
periods) given under the Lease to Tenant to cure such default) in (i) the
payment of any monetary obligation under the Lease, or (ii) the performance of
any of the other terms, covenants or conditions with which Tenant is obligated
to comply pursuant to the Lease, then:

        (a) The right of possession of Tenant to the Premises shall not be
affected or disturbed by Lender in the exercise of any of its rights under the
Mortgage or the Note; nor shall Tenant be named as a party defendant to any
foreclosure of the lien of the Mortgage, nor in any other way be deprived of its
rights under the Lease except in accordance with the terms of the Lease.

        (b) In the event Lender succeeds to the interest of Landlord under the
Lease, the Lease shall not be terminated or affected thereby, and any sale of
the Premises by Lender or pursuant to the judgment of any court in an action to
enforce the remedies provided for in the Mortgage, shall be made subject to the
Lease and the rights of Tenant thereunder.

     4. RECOGNITION AND ATTORNMENT. If Lender succeeds to the interest of
Landlord under the Lease and all terms therein, and the rights of Tenant
thereunder, the Lease shall continue in effect, shall not be altered,
terminated, or disturbed, and Tenant shall be bound to Lender under all of the
terms, covenants and conditions of the Lease for the balance of the term of the
Lease as specified in the Lease (the "Term"), with the same force and effect as
if Lender were the landlord under the Lease except that, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein or in the Lease, the provisions of the Mortgage
will govern with respect to the disposition of proceeds of insurance policies or
condemnation or eminent domain awards. In such event, Tenant shall attorn to
Lender as its landlord, such attornment to be effective and self-operative
without the execution of any other instruments on the part of Lender or Tenant,
immediately


<PAGE>   60



upon Lender succeeding to the interest of Landlord under the Lease. Provided,
however, Tenant shall be under no obligation to pay any monetary obligation set
forth in the Lease to Lender until Tenant receives written notice from Lender
that Lender has succeeded to the interest of Landlord under the Lease. Upon
receipt by Tenant of such notice from Lender, Tenant shall make all payments due
by Tenant under the Lease to Lender or as Lender may in writing direct. The
respective rights and obligations of Tenant and Lender upon such attornment, to
the extent of the then remaining balance of the Term, shall be and are the same
as are then in existence, as set forth in the Lease.

     5. RIGHTS UNDER THE LEASE. If Lender shall succeed to the interests of
Landlord in and to the Premises or under the Lease, Lender shall not be:

        (a) liable for any acts or omissions of any prior landlord (including,
but not limited to, Landlord); or

        (b) subject to any offsets, deductions or defenses which Tenant might
have arising out of acts or omissions of any prior landlord (including, but not
limited to, Landlord); or

        (c) liable to Tenant for any security deposit under the Lease not
actually transferred and paid over to Lender; or

        (d) obligated to give Tenant a credit for and/or acknowledge any rent
or additional rent which Tenant has paid to Landlord or any prior landlord which
is in excess of the rent or additional rent due under the Lease preceding the
effective date of the notice wherein Lender gave Tenant notice of Lenders
succeeding to the Landlord's interest under the Lease, unless such payment is
provided for in the Lease as presently existing or as amended in accordance with
this Agreement; or

        (e) bound by any agreement or modification of the Lease made after the
date hereof without Lenders consent, except as permitted by the Mortgage.

     The foregoing provisions shall be self-operative and effective without the
execution of any further instruments on the part of either party hereto.
However, Tenant agrees to execute and deliver to Lender or to any person to whom
Tenant herein agrees to attorn such other instruments as either shall request in
order to effectuate said provisions.

     Any option to purchase or right of first offer with respect to the Property
in favor of Tenant shall not be deemed to (i) include a transfer to Lender or
Lender's nominee in the event of a foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure;
(ii) be a waiver of any rights of Lender with respect to any prohibition on
prepayment or transfer as contained in the Mortgage or any other document
evidencing or securing the Loan; or (iii) include a transfer by Lender to an
affiliate of Lender.

     6. COLLECTION OF RENTS AND/OR POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES BY LENDER. Upon
receipt of written notice from Lender, Landlord and Tenant agree that Tenant
shall pay all rent and other amounts owing under the Lease to a bank account or
accounts designated by Lender. Any such payment by Tenant made in the manner
directed by Lender shall be credited against the rental obligations of Tenant
under the Lease in the direct order of maturity of the rental and other
installments due thereunder, and Landlord hereby releases Tenant from all claims
and



<PAGE>   61


liabilities as to the payment of rent or any other amount due under the
Lease if such payment is made pursuant to the written direction of Lender.

     7. NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO CARE LANDLORD DEFAULT. Tenant shall furnish to
Lender copies of all notices which Landlord is entitled to receive under the
Lease, and upon request by Lender, Tenant agrees to certify in writing to Lender
whether or not any default on the part of Landlord exists under the Lease and
the nature of any such default. Furthermore, Tenant shall notify Lender in
writing of the occurrence of any default by Landlord and shall permit Lender a
period of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice (the "Cure Period") in
which to cure such default prior to proceeding to exercise any of the rights or
remedies of Tenant under the Lease, including termination of the Lease,
abatement of rental payments due thereunder, or performance of Landlord's
covenants or obligations which Tenant asserts to be in default; provided,
however, that the Care Period granted to bender herein (i) shall be extended by
any period of time during which Lender is diligently pursuing the cure of a
default which can not reasonably be expected to be cured within the initial
thirty (30) day Care Period, and (ii) shall not be deemed to commence until
after any period of time during which Lender is pursuing acquisition of title to
the Premises through foreclosure or otherwise, such period to include, without
limitation, any period of time (a) during which Lenders acquisition of title to
the Premises is stayed by any proceeding in bankruptcy, any injunction or other
judicial process, and (b) after acquisition of title by Lender during which
Landlord or any other party is contesting the validity of the acquisition of
Lenders title to the Premises. With respect to defaults which are personal to
Landlord, such as bankruptcy, and thus not capable of being cured by Lender, or
with respect to defaults which are not capable of being cured without possession
of the Premises, then Lender shall be deemed to be diligently pursuing a cure of
such default if, within the above described thirty (30) day Cure Period, Lender
commences and thereafter pursues (subject to any judicial stays, injunctions or
other delays) foreclosure proceedings for the Premises. Furthermore, in the case
of defaults personal to Landlord, Lender shall be deemed to have cured such
defaults upon final foreclosure of the Premises.

     8. LIMITATION OF LENDER LIABILITY. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Agreement or the Lease, in the event of any default or breach
by Lender with respect to any of the terms, covenants and conditions of the
Lease to be observed, honored or performed by Lender as Landlord, Tenant shall
look solely to the estate and property of Lender in the Premises fob the
recovery of any judgment (or any other judicial procedures requiring the payment
of money by Lender) from Lender, it being agreed that Lender shall never be
personally liable for any such judgment and that no property or assets of Lender
other than Lenders interest in the Premises shall be subject to levy, execution
or other procedures for satisfaction of Tenant's remedies. Lender shall not be
required to respond in monetary damages from any of its properties or assets
other than Lenders interests in the Premises.

     9. SUCCESSION IN INTEREST. For purposes of this Agreement, Lender will be
deemed to have succeeded to the interest of Landlord under the Lease upon (i)
the transfer of title to the Premises to Lender, whether by virtue of
foreclosure, sale or transfer in lieu of foreclosure, or pursuant to the
exercise of any rights and remedies under the Mortgage or otherwise, or (ii) the
occurrence of any other event as a result of which Lender may acquire the right,
title and interest of Landlord in and to the Lease or the Premises.



<PAGE>   62


     10. NOTICES. All notices, requests and communications ("Notice") hereunder
shall be given in writing or by telegram confirmed in writing, and shall be
delivered or mailed by first class registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested to Lender, Landlord or Tenant, as the case may
be, at the addresses listed next to the signature of each of the foregoing
parties. Any Notice provided for herein shall become effective only upon and at
the time of receipt by the party to whom it is given, unless such Notice is
mailed by registered or certified mail, in which case it shall be deemed to be
received on the earlier of (i) the second business day observed by Lender
following the mailing thereof, or (ii) the day of its receipt if such day is a
business day of Lender (or if not a business day, the first business day
thereafter). Any party may, by proper written notice hereunder to the other
parties, change the individual address to which such Notice shall thereafter be
sent to such party.

     11. BINDING AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors,
administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns where permitted by
the Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, all references herein to "Lender"
shall be deemed to include also any subsequent holder of the Mortgage who has
given notice to Tenant of its ownership of the Mortgage and who has furnished to
Tenant its mailing address and/or any other person succeeding to title to the
Premises and/or the Lease encumbered by the Mortgage or any part thereof and who
claims by, through or under Lender, whether by virtue of foreclosure, or sale or
transfer in lieu of foreclosure, or pursuant to the exercise of any rights and
remedies under the Mortgage or otherwise.

     12. ATTORNEY'S FEES. In the event any legal action or proceeding is
commenced to interpret or enforce, the terms of, or obligations arising out of
this Agreement, or to recover damages for the breach thereof; the party
prevailing in any such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover from
the nonprevailing party all reasonable attorney's fees, costs and expenses
incurred by the prevailing party as shall be plead and proven by such party and
awarded by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     13. SEVERABILITY. In case anyone or more of the provisions contained in
this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Agreement shall be
construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been
contained herein.

     14. HEADINGS. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only.

     15. MODIFICATION. This Agreement may not be modified other than by an
agreement in writing signed by the parties hereto or their respective
successors.

     16. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts.


     17. TERMINATION. From and after payment in full of the loan secured by the
Mortgage and the recordation of a release or satisfaction thereof, without the
transfer of the



<PAGE>   63



Properly to Lender as a purchaser, this Agreement shall become void and of no
further force or effect.

     18. GOVERNING LAW. THE INTERPRETATION, VALIDITY AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
ILLINOIS.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be
duly executed effective as of the day and year first above written although
actually executed on the dates) set forth in the acknowledgments below:

LENDER ADDRESS:                     LENDER:
--------------                      ------



                                    BY:
                                       ---------------------------------------


LANDLORD ADDRESS:                   LANDLORD:
----------------                    --------



                                    BY:
                                       ---------------------------------------


TENANT ADDRESS:                     TENANT:
--------------                      ------



                                    BY:
                                       ---------------------------------------


<PAGE>   64


                                    EXHIBIT B

                              PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS

(1)  ACTS OF TENANT OR ANY PARTY ACTING BY, THROUGH OR UNDER TENANT.

(2)  REAL ESTATE TAXES NOT THE DUE OR PAYABLE.

(3)  DECLARATION OF PROTECTIVE COVENANTS DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 1981 AND RECORDED
     SEPTEMBER 21, 1981 AS DOCUMENT NO. R81-23291 MADE BY FORD MOTOR CREDIT
     COMPANY, WHICH PROVIDE AMONG OTHER THINGS FOR DEFINITIONS OF TERMS, PURPOSE
     OF RESTRICTIONS, PERMITTED USES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, REGULATION OF
     IMPROVEMENTS, ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE, ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS,
     AND TERM, TERMINATION, MODIFICATION AND ASSIGNMENTS.

(4)  DECLARATION OF PROTECTIVE COVENANTS DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 1981 AND RECORDED
     SEPTEMBER 21, 1981 AS DOCUMENT NO. R81-23291 MADE BY FORD MOTOR CREDIT
     COMPANY, WHICH PROVIDE AMONG OTHER THINGS FOR DEFINITIONS OF TERMS, PURPOSE
     OF RESTRICTIONS, PERMITTED USES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, REGULATION OF
     IMPROVEMENTS, ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE, ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS,
     AND TERM, TERMINATION, MODIFICATION AND ASSIGNMENTS.

     (FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS SEE RECORDED DOCUMENT).

(5)  10 FOOT PUBLIC UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENTS AS SHOWN ON THE PLAT OF
     MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO. 3 RECORDED
     JANUARY 17, 1989, AS DOCUMENT NO. R89-02594

(6)  EASEMENT IN FAVOR OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS GAS COMPANY, THE ILLINOIS BELL
     TELEPHONE COMPANY, THE COMMONWEALTH EDISON COMPANY, FRANCHISED CABLE
     TELEVISION AND ITS/THEIR RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AND OTHER
     PUBLIC OR QUASI PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN ALL
     EQUIPMENT NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF SERVING THE LAND AND OTHER PROPERTY,
     TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO SAID EQUIPMENT, AND THE PROVISIONS
     RELATING THERETO CONTAINED IN THE PLAT OF MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND
     INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT TWO RECORDED JANUARY 27, 1975 AS DOCUMENT NO.
     R75-2230, THE PLAT OF MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK
     RESUBDIVISION NO. 2 RECORDED SEPTEMBER 9, 1976 AS DOCUMENT NO. R76-29157
     AND PLAT OF MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO.
     3 RECORDED JANUARY 17, 1989 AS DOCUMENT NO. R89-02594.


<PAGE>   65




     (AFFECTS THE NORTH 10 OF UNDERLYING OUTLOTS C AND D IN MARQUETTE CENTER
     BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO.
     R76-21957; AFFECTS THE NORTH 10 FEET OF LOT 42 AND THE NORTHERLY 10 FEET OF
     LOT 33 IN MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION UNIT
     NO. 3 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. 889-02594)

     (AFFECTS THE WESTERLY 10 FEET OF UNDERLYING OUTLOT C IN MARQUETTE CENTER
     BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO.
     R76-21957; AFFECTS THE WESTERLY 10 FEET OF LOT 33 IN MARQUETTE CENTER
     BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 3 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT
     NO. R89-02594)

     (AFFECTS THE WEST 10 FEET OF UNDERLYING LOT 66 IN MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS
     AND INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. R75-2230; AFFECTS
     THE WEST 10 FEET OF LOT 34 IN MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK
     RESUBDIVISION UNIT 3 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. R89-02594)

(7)  10 FOOT PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AS SHOWN ON PLAT OF SUBDIVISIONS.

     (AFFECTS THE NORTH 10 OF UNDERLYING OUTLOTS C AND D IN MARQUETTE CENTER
     BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO.
     R76-21957; AFFECTS THE NORTH 10 FEET OF LOT 42 AND THE NORTHERLY 10 FEET OF
     LOT 33 IN MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION UNIT
     NO. 3 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. R89-02594)

     (AFFECTS THE WESTERLY 10 FEET OF UNDERLYING OUTLOT C IN MARQUETTE CENTER
     BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO.
     R76-21957; AFFECTS THE WESTERLY 10 FEET OF LOT 33 IN MARQUETTE CENTER
     BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION UNIT 3 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO.
     R89-02594)

     (AFFECTS THE WEST 10 FEET OF UNDERLYING LOT 66 IN MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS
     AND INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. R75-2230; AFFECTS
     THE WEST 10 FEET OF LOT 34 IN MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK
     RESUBDIVISION UNIT 3 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. R89-02594)

(8)  25 FOOT RAILROAD EASEMENT AS SHOWN ON PLAT OF SUBDIVISIONS.

     AFFECTS 25 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF UNDERLYING OUTLOT D MARQUETTE CENTER
     BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO.
     R76-21975; 25 FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF UNDERLYING OUTLOT C MARQUETTE
     CENTER BUSINESS AND



<PAGE>   66



     INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. R76-21975; 25
     FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF UNDERLYING LOT 66 AND 25 FEET ALONG THE WEST
     LINES OF UNDERLYING LOTS 64 AND 65 MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL
     PARK UNIT NO. 2 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. R75-2230 (APPROXIMATE LOCATION:
     AFFECTING THE EAST 50 FEET OF LOTS 41 AND 42 IN MARQUETTE CENTER BUSINESS
     AND INDUSTRIAL PARK RESUBDIVISION 3 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NQ R89-2594)

     NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS PROVIDED FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND IS NOT A PART OF
     THIS COMMITMENT/POLICY.



</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
