Use these links to rapidly review the document
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus Supplement dated May 28, 2013

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT   FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(5)
(To Prospectus dated October 12, 2012)   REGISTRATION NO. 333-181164

LOGO

9,000,000 Shares

Inland Real Estate Corporation

Common Stock

              We are offering 9,000,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "IRC." On May 24, 2013, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE was $11.33 per share.

              On May 17, 2013, we declared a cash distribution of $0.0475 per share on the outstanding shares of our common stock, payable on June 17, 2013 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 31, 2013. Because it is anticipated that the shares sold as part of this offering will not be delivered until after May 31, 2013, you will not be entitled to receive the dividend payment associated with this record date. See "Description of Capital Stock" in the accompanying prospectus.

              To preserve our status as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes we impose certain restrictions on the ownership of our common stock. See "Description of Capital Stock—Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares of Capital Stock" in the accompanying prospectus.

              Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents we incorporate by reference, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and our subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").



 
 
Per Share
 
Total
 

Public Offering Price

  $            $           

Underwriting Discounts and commissions

  $            $           

Proceeds to Inland Real Estate Corporation from this Offering to the Public (before expenses)

  $     $    

              We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 1,350,000 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement.

              Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

              The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on or about June     , 2013. The underwriters are offering the common stock as set forth under "Underwriting."

Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Merrill Lynch

 

Wells Fargo Securities

 

BMO Capital Markets

 

KeyBanc Capital Markets

   

The date of this prospectus supplement is May     , 2013


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

  S-1

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  S-1

SUMMARY

  S-2

RISK FACTORS

  S-5

CAPITALIZATION

  S-7

USE OF PROCEEDS

  S-8

SUPPLEMENTAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

  S-8

UNDERWRITING

  S-9

LEGAL MATTERS

  S-15

EXPERTS

  S-15

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  S-15

PROSPECTUS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  1

ABOUT US

  1

RISK FACTORS

  2

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

  2

STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

  2

USE OF PROCEEDS

  3

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

  3

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

  12

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

  15

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS

  22

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

  25

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

  26

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

  51

EXPERTS

  53

LEGAL MATTERS

  53

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

  53

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  54

S-i


Table of Contents


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

              Before you invest in our common stock, you should read this prospectus supplement along with the accompanying prospectus, as well as the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, carefully. These documents contain important information you should consider before making your investment decision. Generally, when we refer to this "prospectus," we are referring to this prospectus supplement and the prospectus. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain the terms of this offering of common stock. The accompanying prospectus contains information about our securities generally, some of which does not apply to the common stock covered by this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus. If the information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with any information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus supplement will apply and will supersede the inconsistent information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus.

              You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any relevant free writing prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or any relevant free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than its respective date.

              Unless we have indicated, or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus supplement to "the Company," "we," "us," "our," or similar terms are to Inland Real Estate Corporation and its subsidiaries.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

              This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and our Current Reports filed on Form 8-K, contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, including statements regarding management's intentions, beliefs, expectations, representations, plans or predictions of the future, and are typically identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "may," "will," "should" and "could." We intend that such forward looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and in our subsequent periodic reports filed with the SEC for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties.

S-1


Table of Contents


SUMMARY

              This summary highlights selected information about us. The summary is not complete and may not contain all of the information that may be important to you in deciding whether to invest in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, as well as the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference, including the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus supplement and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequent reports filed with the SEC, before making an investment decision.


The Company

              We are a self-managed, publicly traded real estate investment trust ("REIT") that owns and operates neighborhood, community, power and single tenant retail centers. We also construct or develop properties and render services in connection with construction or development. Through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Inland Commercial Property Management, Inc. and Inland TRS Property Management, Inc., we manage all properties in which we own interests as well as properties for certain related parties and third parties. Our investment properties are typically anchored by grocery, drug or discount stores, which provide everyday goods and services to consumers, rather than stores that sell discretionary items. As of March 31, 2013, we owned interests in 154 investment properties, including 48 properties that we owned indirectly through our unconsolidated joint ventures. Our development joint venture properties are not included as investment properties until they reach what we believe is a stabilized occupancy rate.

              We have qualified as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for federal income tax purposes commencing with the tax year ended December 31, 1995. So long as we qualify for treatment as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent we meet the requirements of the tests imposed by the Code. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, without the benefit of certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to federal and state income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income, property or net worth and federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

              We maintain our principal executive and management office at 2901 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523. Our phone number is (630) 218-8000.


Recent Developments

              Pending Acquisition.    On May 24, 2013, we entered into an agreement with our joint venture partner, New York State Teachers' Retirement System ("NYSTRS"), to acquire NYSTRS' 50% ownership interest in the IN Retail Fund, L.L.C. ("IN Retail") for $121.0 million, subject to the potential adjustments disclosed below (the "Acquisition"). The closing must occur by June 14, 2013; provided, however, that the purchase price will increase by $22,500 for each day after May 31, 2013 that closing does not occur up until June 14, 2013. If the closing does not occur on or before this date, for any reason (including, but not limited to, the willful failure or refusal of either party to close the Acquisition transaction), the agreement will terminate and each party would continue to own their respective interest in IN Retail. We expect to fund the Acquisition initially by drawing on our line of credit or by using our existing cash or some combination of the two. As described below, we will use the net proceeds from this offering to repay any draws on our line that we make to fund the Acquisition.

              Upon the closing of the Acquisition transaction, we will own 100% of the outstanding membership interests in IN Retail and the assets, liabilities and results of operations of IN Retail will be included in our consolidated financial statements. IN Retail owns 13 shopping centers, aggregating approximately 2.3 million square feet of gross leasable area, with an estimated fair value (agreed upon

 

S-2


Table of Contents

by the parties for purposes of the Acquisition transaction) of approximately $395.6 million and total outstanding mortgage debt of approximately $152.2 million, plus other related assets and liabilities. On a pro forma basis, by acquiring NYSTRS' ownership interest in IN Retail, we will increase the amount of total assets on our wholly owned, consolidated balance sheet to $1.6 billion from $1.2 billion, as of March 31, 2013. Total weighted average consolidated debt would have increased to $877.5 million from $725.0 million and the ratio of total debt to gross assets for the consolidated portfolio would have decreased to 45.5 percent from 47.3 percent, as of March 31, 2013. In connection with the Acquisition, we have agreed to indemnify NYSTRS from and against all losses, liabilities, expenses and obligations in respect of the joint venture to the extent first accruing after the date of the acquisition agreement.

 

S-3


Table of Contents


The Offering

Common stock offered

  9,000,000 shares (10,350,000 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full)

Shares Outstanding After the Offering

 

                shares(1)

Recent Dividend Declaration

 

On May 17, 2013, we declared a cash distribution of $0.0475 per share on the outstanding shares of our common stock, payable on June 17, 2013 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 31, 2013. Because it is anticipated that the shares sold as part of this offering will not be delivered until after May 31, 2013, you will not be entitled to receive the dividend payment associated with this record date. See "Description of Capital Stock" in the accompanying prospectus.

Use of proceeds

 

We intend to use the net proceeds to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding on our line of credit that are drawn to fund the purchase price of the Acquisition. The purchase price of the Acquisition is approximately $121.0 million, subject to the potential adjustments disclosed herein. See "Summary—Recent Developments." Pending our use of the net offering proceeds for this purpose, we will invest the net proceeds of this offering in short-term marketable securities. See "Use of Proceeds" in this prospectus supplement.

Restriction on Ownership

 

In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, ownership, actually or constructively, by any person of more than 9.8% in number of shares or value of the outstanding shares of any class of our stock is restricted by our charter unless the restrictions are waived by our board. See "Description of Capital Stock—Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares of Capital Stock" in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding this limitation.

Risk factors

 

See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement and our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequent periodic reports filed with the SEC.

NYSE Symbol

 

IRC

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

Registrar & Transfer Company


(1)
Based on 90,443,472 shares outstanding on May     , 2013. This number excludes: (i) 295,000 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our 2005 Equity Award Plan and (ii) 15,000 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our Independent Director Stock Option Plan, each as of May 28, 2013.

              Unless expressly stated otherwise, the information set forth above and throughout this prospectus supplement assumes the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option.

 

S-4


Table of Contents


RISK FACTORS

              An investment in our common stock involves significant risks. You should consult with your own financial and legal advisers and carefully consider, among other matters, the risks described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequent reports filed with the SEC. You should carefully consider the risks described in that report and the other information in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus before you decide to buy our common stock. The value of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you could lose all or part of your investment. In addition, you should consider the additional risk factors set forth below.

We may fail to consummate the Acquisition and have to find alternative uses for the net proceeds of this offering.

              We expect to complete this offering prior to closing the Acquisition. The closing of the Acquisition must occur by June 14, 2013; provided, however, that the parties may terminate the agreement if the closing does not occur on or before June 14, 2013 for any reason (including, but not limited to, the willful failure or refusal of either party to close the transaction). We expect to fund the Acquisition with funds drawn from our line of credit and intend to apply all of the net proceeds of this offering to repay a portion of the funds drawn under our line of credit that were used to fund the Acquisition.

              This offering is not, however, conditioned on us completing the Acquisition. By purchasing our common stock in this offering, you are investing in us on a standalone basis and recognize that we may not consummate the Acquisition or realize the expected benefits from it if we do. In the event that we do not complete the Acquisition, we will have issued a significant number of additional shares of our common stock and will have to identify alternative investment opportunities and make investments, which may or may not produce the earnings and cash flow we anticipated from the Acquisition. As a result, failure to consummate the Acquisition could adversely affect our earnings per share and our ability to make distributions to shareholders. Additionally, the market price of our common stock may decline to the extent that market prices reflect an assumption that the Acquisition will be completed.

Even if we complete the Acquisition, the properties may not perform as expected

              Even if we complete the Acquisition, we may be subject to additional risks, including the risk that the properties acquired may not perform as we expect or as they have performed historically.

Our shareholders may experience dilution as a result of this offering and they may experience further dilution if we issue additional common stock.

              The issuance of common stock in this offering may have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share. Any additional future issuances of common stock will reduce the percentage of our common stock owned by investors purchasing common stock in this offering who do not participate in those future issuances. Shareholders will not be entitled to vote on whether or not we issue additional common stock. In addition, depending on the pricing of the issuances in this offering, the terms and pricing of any additional offerings of our common stock and the value of our properties and other assets, including any properties and other assets that may be acquired with the net proceeds of this offering and any future offerings, our shareholders may experience dilution in both the book value and fair value of their common stock.

S-5


Table of Contents

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

              The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to many factors, many of which are out of our control, including:

              These factors may cause the market price of our common stock to decline, regardless of our financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects.

S-6


Table of Contents


CAPITALIZATION

              The following table sets forth our estimated cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of March 31, 2013, as adjusted to give effect to:

              The capitalization table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

March 31, 2013
  Actual   Adjustments   Pro Forma
As Adjusted
 
 
  ($ in thousands)
  ($ in thousands)
  ($ in thousands)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

    8,903              

Mortgages Payable

    390,774              

Convertible Notes

    28,442              

Unsecured credit facilities (including line of credit and term loan)

    305,000              

Total debt:

    724,216              

Stockholders' equity:

                   

Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share

    110,000              

Common stock $.01 par value per share

    900              

Additional paid in capital

    789,632              

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (8,278 )            

Accumulated distributions in excess of net income

    (484,285 )            

Total stockholders' equity

    407,969              

Noncontrolling Interest

    (1,810 )            

Total Equity

    406,159              

S-7


Table of Contents


USE OF PROCEEDS

              We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering, after deducting estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $        (approximately $        if the underwriters exercises their option to purchase additional shares in full). We intend to use the net proceeds to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding on our line of credit that are drawn to fund the purchase price of the Acquisition. If we do not close the Acquisition, we will use the net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The purchase price of the Acquisition is approximately $121.0 million, subject to the potential adjustments disclosed herein. See "Summary—Recent Developments." Outstanding balances drawn on our line of credit accrue interest at a variable rate equal to up to 125 basis points over the prime rate or 165 to 225 basis points over LIBOR. This line matures on August 20, 2016. Pending application of the net proceeds from this offering as described above, we will invest such proceeds in short-term marketable securities that are consistent with our intention to qualify as a REIT.


SUPPLEMENTAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

              This discussion is a supplement to, and is intended to be read together with, the discussion contained under the heading "Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC on October 12, 2012 and which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. This discussion is for general information only and is not tax advice.

              The following discussion should replace the discussion under the heading "Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders—Additional Withholding and Reporting Requirements Relating to Foreign Accounts" in the October 12 Form S-3.

              Recently enacted amendments to the Code generally impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain types of payments made to a foreign financial institution or a non-financial foreign entity. The required withholding would not begin until January 1, 2014 with respect to dividends paid on our capital stock, and January 1, 2017 with respect to gross proceeds from sales or exchanges of our capital stock. After the applicable effective date with respect to a payment, the 30% withholding tax will apply (i) to a foreign financial institution unless the foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to undertake to obtain and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding certain direct and indirect U.S. accountholders and to collect the withholding tax on payments to certain accountholders (generally where the actions of the accountholders prevent compliance with reporting and other requirements), and the foreign financial institution meets certain other specified requirements or (ii) to a non-financial foreign entity unless the non-financial foreign entity certifies that it does not have any direct or indirect substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each direct and indirect substantial U.S. owner, and the non-financial foreign entity meets certain other specified requirements. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of any withholding taxes. Non-U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these new provisions of the Code on their investment in our capital stock.

Recent Legislative Changes

              The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, or ATRA, was enacted on January 2, 2013. Certain provisions of U.S. federal income tax law relating to individual ordinary income tax rates, capital gain taxation (including the taxation of capital gain dividends) and the applicability of capital gain rates to dividends designated as "qualified dividend income" were scheduled to "sunset" and revert to provisions of prior law for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. ATRA has modified those rules. For taxable years beginning after 2012, for noncorporate taxpayers, the highest ordinary income tax rate is 39.6% and both the maximum capital gain tax rate (for gain other than "unrecaptured section 1250 gain") and the maximum rate applicable to qualified dividend income generally is 20%, without taking into account the 3.8% Medicare tax, discussed in "Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Taxation of U.S. Holders—Net Investment Income" in the October 12 Form S-3.

S-8


Table of Contents


UNDERWRITING

              We intend to offer the shares of our common stock through the underwriters. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and BMO Capital Markets Corp. are acting as the representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions described in the underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and the underwriters severally have agreed to purchase from us, the number of shares listed opposite their names below.

                      Underwriter
 
Number
of Shares
 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                      Incorporated

                  

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

                  

BMO Capital Markets Corp. 

                  

KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. 

                  

                      Total

                  
       

              The underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

              We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

              The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.


Option to Purchase Additional Shares

              We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to 1,350,000 additional shares at the same price per share as they are paying for the shares shown in the table below. The underwriters may exercise this option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, within 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement. To the extent that the underwriters exercise this option, each underwriter will purchase additional shares from us in approximately the same proportion as it purchased the shares shown in the table above. We will pay the expenses associated with the exercise of this option.

Commissions and Discounts

              The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $            per share. After the public offering, the public offering price and concession may be changed.

S-9


Table of Contents

              The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.

 
  Per Share   Without Option   With Option

Public offering price

           

Underwriting discount

           

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

           

              The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $        and are payable by us.

No Sales of Similar Securities

              We and our executive officers and directors have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 60 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and BMO Capital Markets Corp. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly

              This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. In the event that either (x) during the last 17 days of the lock-up period referred to above, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs or (y) prior to the expiration of the lock-up period, we announce that we will release earnings results or become aware that material news or a material event will occur during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the lock-up period, the restrictions described above shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.

New York Stock Exchange Listing

              Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "IRC."

Price Stabilization and Short Positions

              Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters from bidding for and purchasing our shares. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the shares, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.

S-10


Table of Contents

              In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. "Naked" short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

              Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters' purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

              Neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our shares. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distributions

              In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by electronic means, such as e-mail. Certain of the underwriters may facilitate Internet distribution for this offering to certain of their respective Internet subscription customers. In addition, certain of the underwriters may allocate a limited number of shares of common stock for sale to their respective online brokerage customers. An electronic prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made available on the Internet Website maintained by any such underwriter. Other than the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format, the information on any such Internet Website is not part of this prospectus supplement.

Conflicts of Interest

              Affiliates of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and certain of the other underwriters are lenders under our line of credit and our term loan. As we intend to use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering to reduce amounts outstanding under such line of credit and may use the net proceeds of this offering for the repayment of our term loans, these affiliates may receive a portion of the net proceeds of this offering proportionate to their respective commitments under such line of credit and term loans. The amount received by any underwriter and its affiliates from the repayment of those borrowings may exceed 5% of the proceeds of this offering (not including underwriting discounts). Nonetheless, in accordance with Rule 5121 of FINRA, the

S-11


Table of Contents

appointment of a qualified independent underwriter is not necessary in connection with this offering because REITs are excluded from that requirement.

Other Relationships

              Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

              In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the "Relevant Implementation Date"), no offer of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

              Each person in a Relevant Member State who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that (A) it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive, and (B) in the case of any shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, the shares acquired by it in the offering have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant Member State other than "qualified investors" as defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been given to the offer or resale. In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of any shares to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant Member State to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

S-12


Table of Contents

              The Company, the representatives and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representation, acknowledgement and agreement.

              This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of shares in any Relevant Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither the Company nor the underwriters have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for the Company or the underwriters to publish a prospectus for such offer.

              For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression "an offer to the public" in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in the Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in the Relevant Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member States) and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

              In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

              The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange ("SIX") or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

              Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes ("CISA").

S-13


Table of Contents

The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

              This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA"). This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

S-14


Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS

              Shefsky & Froelich Ltd., Chicago, Illinois, has passed upon certain tax matters for us, including those described under "Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the accompanying prospectus. Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the securities offered under this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. The underwriters are represented by Sidley Austin LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

              The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule of Inland Real Estate Corporation as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the accompanying prospectus in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, also incorporated by reference herein and in the accompanying prospectus, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

              The consolidated balance sheet of IN Retail Fund, L.L.C. as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, members' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the accompanying prospectus in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent auditors, which are also incorporated by reference herein and in the accompanying prospectus, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

              We file current, quarterly and annual reports, proxy statements and other information required by the Exchange Act with the SEC. You may read and copy any of these filed documents at the SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC's internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

              We have filed with the SEC a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration File No. 333-181164) under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement does not include all the information contained or incorporated by reference in that registration statement and its exhibits. For further information with respect to us and our securities, you should consult the registration statement and its exhibits.

S-15


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

Inland Real Estate Corporation

Debt Securities, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares, Common Stock and Securities Warrants

        We may from time-to-time offer to sell our common stock, preferred stock (which we may issue in one or more series), depositary shares representing shares of preferred stock, debt securities (which we may issue in one or more series) or warrants entitling the holders to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities, at an initial aggregate offering price which will not exceed $606,121,000. We may also offer units comprising one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. We will determine when we sell securities, the amount of securities to be sold and the prices and other terms on which such securities will be sold. We may sell securities to or through underwriters, through dealers, through agents, directly to purchasers on a continuous or delayed basis and as otherwise described in this prospectus.

        We will describe in a prospectus supplement, which we will deliver with this prospectus, the terms of particular securities which we offer in the future. We may describe the terms of those securities in a term sheet, which will precede the prospectus supplement.

        In each prospectus supplement we will include the following information:

        Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "IRC." Our 8.125% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "IRC.PRA."

        Investment in these securities involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" on page 2.



        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



The date of this prospectus is October 12, 2012


Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

    1  

ABOUT US

    1  

RISK FACTORS

    2  

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

    2  

STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    2  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    3  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

    3  

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

    12  

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

    15  

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS

    22  

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

    25  

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

    26  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    51  

EXPERTS

    53  

LEGAL MATTERS

    53  

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

    53  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    54  

        We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus filed by the Company. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any such free writing prospectus. This prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any such free writing prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any such free writing prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any such free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate only as of their respective dates. When we deliver this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any such free writing prospectus or make a sale pursuant to this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any such free writing prospectus, we are not implying that the information is current as of the date of the delivery or sale.

ii


Table of Contents

        When used in this prospectus "the Company," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Inland Real Estate Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a "shelf" registration process for the delayed offering and sale of securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Using this shelf registration statement, we may sell any combination of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares representing shares of preferred stock, debt securities or warrants entitling the holders to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units in one or more offerings for an aggregate initial public offering price of up to $606,121,000. In addition, we may use this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement in a remarketing or other resale transaction involving the securities after their initial sale. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration statement, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that particular offering. That prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus filed in connection with that offering may also add, update or change information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The rules of the SEC allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." You should read both this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus together with additional information described below in the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information."


ABOUT US

        We are a Maryland corporation formed on May 12, 1994. We are a self-managed, publicly traded real estate investment trust ("REIT") that owns and operates neighborhood, community, power and single tenant retail centers. We also may construct or develop properties or render services in connection with such development or construction. As of June 30, 2012, we owned interests in 149 investment properties, including 38 owned through our unconsolidated joint ventures. Our development joint venture properties are not included as investment properties until they reach what we believe is a stabilized occupancy rate.

        We engage in certain activities through Inland Venture Corporation and Inland Exchange Venture Corporation, each of which is a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS") entity. These entities engage in activities that produce income that otherwise would not be REIT qualifying income, such as managing properties owned by ventures in which we are not a partner. The TRS entities are subject to federal and state income and franchise taxes from these activities.

        We have qualified and elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with the tax year ended December 31, 1995. Since we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on taxable income that is distributed to stockholders. As a REIT, we are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we distribute at least 90% of our taxable income to our stockholders, subject to certain adjustments. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, without the benefit of certain relief provisions, we will be subject to federal and state income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income, property or net worth and federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

1


Table of Contents

        Our principal executive offices are located at 2901 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, and our telephone number at that address is (630) 218-8000. Our web site is located at www.inlandrealestate.com. We also post our key corporate governance documents, including our board committee charters, our ethics policy and our principles of corporate governance on this web site. The information on, or linked to from, the web site is not part of and is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our securities involves various risks. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider any risk factors set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2011, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as other information and data set forth in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated.

        For the purpose of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends, and the amount of coverage deficiency, earnings (loss) have been calculated by adding fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest, to net income (loss). Fixed charges and preferred dividends consist of interest costs, whether expensed or capitalized, amortization of deferred financing costs, whether expensed or capitalized, preferred dividends and estimated interest within rental expense. This information below is given on an unaudited historical basis.

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30
  Year Ended December 31  
 
  2012   2011   2010   2009   2008   2007  

Ratio of earnings (loss) to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends(1)

    0.85 (2)   1.02     1.16     1.65     1.54     1.80  

(1)
The company did not have any preferred stock outstanding for the periods prior to the year ended December 31, 2011.

(2)
For this period, earnings were less than fixed charges. The amount of the deficiency, or the amount of fixed charges in excess of earnings, was approximately $3,283,000.


STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

        In addition to historical information, we have made forward-looking statements in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including those pertaining to anticipated closings of transactions and uses of proceeds and our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and should not be relied upon as predictions of future events and there can be no assurance that the events or circumstances reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology including "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates," or "anticipates" or the negative of these words and phrases or other variations of these words and phrases or

2


Table of Contents

comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and may be incapable of being realized.

        The factors that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in the risk factors incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect only our management's analysis. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes. If we identify any specific use for the net proceeds from the sale of securities, we will describe such use in the accompanying prospectus supplement.


DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        Our authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 12,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 4,400,000 of which are classified as 8.125% Series A Preferred Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). As of October 12, 2012, we had 89,257,877 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and 4,400,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

        With respect to payment of dividends and amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, our preferred stock will rank senior to our common stock. Our common stock and our Series A Preferred Stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbols "IRC" and "IRCPRA," respectively. Registrar and Transfer Company is the transfer agent and registrar of our common stock and our Series A Preferred Stock.

        Voting Rights.    Each share of common stock has the same rights and is identical in all respects with every other share of common stock. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote per share on each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders except (1) to the extent voting rights may be limited as discussed in "Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares" and (2) that, with respect to shares of common stock owned by members of our board of directors or an "Affiliate" (as that term is defined in our charter, as amended ("charter")), neither the members of our board of directors, nor any Affiliate, can vote or consent on matters submitted to the stockholders regarding the removal of any member of our board of directors or any Affiliate or any transaction between us and any member of the board of directors or any Affiliate. With respect to the preceding clause (2) only, shares of common stock held by any member of our board of directors or any Affiliate will not be included in determining the number of outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote on the matters described in that clause. Stockholders are entitled to vote by written or electronic or telephonic proxies and do not have cumulative voting rights.

        Distributions.    We currently pay distributions to our stockholders on a monthly basis in an amount determined by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. Our preferred stockholders have priority over the common stockholders with respect to receiving distributions. Notwithstanding the

3


Table of Contents

foregoing, holders of shares of "Excess Stock" (as that term is defined in "Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares" below) are not entitled to receive distributions paid by us.

        Liquidation.    If we liquidate or dissolve, each issued and outstanding share of common stock would be entitled to participate, pro rata, in any assets remaining after paying, or providing for payment of, all of our known debts and liabilities. Our preferred stockholders will have priority over the common stockholders to any assets distributed in a liquidation or dissolution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, holders of shares of Excess Stock are not entitled to receive liquidating distributions.

        Restrictions on Acquisition of the Common Stock.    See "Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares" and "Certain Provisions of the MGCL, Our Charter and Our Bylaws" below for discussions of the restrictions and other limitations on the acquisition of shares of common stock.

        Other Characteristics.    Holders of the common stock do not have preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of common stock or any other security that may be issued by us. Shares of common stock generally are not subject to calls for redemption. Shares of Excess Stock will, however, be deemed to have been offered for sale to us, or our designee, in accordance with the terms of the charter. See "Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares" below.

        Issuance of Additional Shares.    Our board of directors is authorized to issue additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock and to classify or reclassify, as the case may be, any unissued shares of common stock without prior stockholder approval subject to complying with the rules of the NYSE.

        Authorized and Outstanding.    Under our charter, the board of directors is authorized, subject to certain limitations prescribed by reference to Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") and the New York Stock Exchange rules, without further stockholder approval, from time to time to issue up to an aggregate of 12,000,000 shares of preferred stock, 4,400,000 of which are classified as Series A Preferred Stock. 4,400,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding.

        Series A Preferred Stock.    The Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.125% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equal to $2.0313 per annum per share). Generally, we may not redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock until October 6, 2016. On and after October 6, 2016, we may, at our option, redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, for cash, in whole or from time to time in part, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption. In addition, upon the occurrence of a change of control the result of which our common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("common stock"), and the common securities (or their equivalent, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") representing such securities) of the acquiring or surviving entity are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), the NYSE Amex Equities (the "NYSE Amex") or the NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ") or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, we may, at our option, redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, for cash, in whole or in part and within 120 days after the first date on which such change of control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption. If we exercise any of our redemption rights relating to any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of those shares of Series A Preferred Stock will no longer have the conversion rights with respect to those shares as described in the next sentence. The Series A Preferred Stock has no maturity date and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless redeemed by us or converted in connection with a change of control by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights. However, if we do not pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for eighteen or more monthly periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, voting

4


Table of Contents

as a single class with the holders of any other Parity Preferred Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to serve on our Board of Directors until we pay or set aside for payment all undeclared and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for all prior dividend periods and the then current dividend period. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock is required for us to authorize, create or increase shares ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock or to amend our charter in a manner that materially and adversely affects the rights of the Series A Preferred Stock. Among other things, we may, without any vote of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, issue additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock and preferred stock ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "IRCPRA."

        General.    The statements below describing the preferred stock are in all respects subject to and qualified by reference to the applicable provisions of our charter and bylaws and any applicable articles supplementary to our charter classifying and designating the terms of a series of preferred stock.

        Authorized but unissued preferred stock may be issued in one or more series. Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock or shares of each other outstanding class of our capital stock in excess of the aggregate stock ownership limits per class, each series may have different preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption that may be established by our board of directors without approval from the stockholders. Unless provided in a supplement to this prospectus, the shares of preferred stock to be issued will have no preemptive rights. Reference is made to any supplement to this prospectus relating to the preferred stock offered thereby for specific items, including:

5


Table of Contents

        Rank.    Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable supplement to this prospectus, shares of our preferred stock will rank, with respect to payment of distributions and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:

        Distributions.    Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding stock or series of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock or shares of each other outstanding class of our capital stock in excess of the aggregate ownership limits per class, preferred stockholders, if any, will be entitled to receive distributions, when and as authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, out of legally available funds, and will share in these distributions pro rata with other outstanding parity equity securities, if any.

        Voting Rights.    Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable supplement to this prospectus, holders of preferred stock will not have voting rights.

        Liquidation Preference.    Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, before any distribution or payment is made to the holders of any common stock or any other class or series of stock ranking junior to the preferred stock, the holders of each series of preferred stock are entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of our debts and other liabilities, out of our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders, liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable supplement to this prospectus), plus an amount, if applicable, equal to all distributions accrued and unpaid thereon (which will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid distributions for prior distribution periods if the preferred stock does not have a cumulative distribution provision). After paying the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets.

        Conversion Rights.    The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of preferred stock are convertible into other securities will be set forth in the applicable supplement to this prospectus. Such terms will include the amount and type of security into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of the preferred stock or us, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such preferred stock.

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

        Registrar and Transfer Agent.    The registrar and transfer agent for our preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable supplement to this prospectus.

6


Table of Contents

        If our board of directors decides to issue any preferred stock, it may discourage or make more difficult a merger, tender offer, business combination or proxy contest, assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities or the removal of incumbent management, even if these events were favorable to the interests of stockholders. The board of directors, without stockholder approval, may issue preferred stock with voting and conversion rights and dividend and liquidation preferences which may adversely affect the holders of common stock.

        The following summary of certain provisions of the MGCL, our charter and our Amended and Restated bylaws ("bylaws") does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, applicable MGCL provisions, our charter and our bylaws.

        As a Maryland corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions concerning certain "business combinations" (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between us and an "interested stockholder" or an affiliate of an interested stockholder. Interested stockholders are persons (1) who beneficially own ten percent or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock, or (2) who are Affiliates or associates of us who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, were the beneficial owners of ten percent or more of the voting power of our outstanding stock. A person is not an interested stockholder if the board of directors approved in advance, the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors may condition its approval by making it subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board. Business combinations are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder. Thereafter, business combinations must be recommended by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (1) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the outstanding voting shares voting together as a single voting group, and (2) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the outstanding voting shares other than voting shares held by the interested stockholder or an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, the corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.

        The MGCL also provides that "control shares" of a Maryland corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares owned by the acquirer or by officers or by employees who are directors of the corporation. "Control shares" are shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquirer or shares of stock for which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

        Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A "control share acquisition" means, subject to certain exceptions, the acquisition of, ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, issued and outstanding control shares.

7


Table of Contents

        The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation. Our charter states that the control share acquisition statute will not apply to any acquisition of shares of each class of capital stock by an existing holder that is not prohibited or restricted by the restrictions on transfer, acquisition and redemption of our shares contained in Article VIII of our charter. Our charter defines an "existing holder" as (1) a person who was, upon the exchange of any security of the Company, the beneficial owner of a class of our capital stock in excess of the Ownership Limit, as defined below in "Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares," both upon and immediately after our initial public offering so long as, but only so long as, the person beneficially owns, or would beneficially own, upon the exchange of any security of the Company, any class of our capital stock in excess of the Ownership Limit and (2) any person to whom such an existing holder transfers, subject to the limitations provided by our charter, beneficial ownership of capital stock causing the transferee to beneficially own any class of our capital stock in excess of the Ownership Limit.

        Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation that has a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and that has at least three directors who (1) are not officers or employees of the corporation, (2) are not acquiring persons, (3) are not directors, officers, affiliates or associates of any acquiring person or (4) are not nominated or designated as a director by an acquiring person, may elect in its charter or bylaws or by resolution of its board of directors, notwithstanding any contrary charter or bylaw provision, to be subject to certain provisions of the MGCL that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the corporation. These provisions relate to a classified board of directors, removal of directors, establishing the number of directors, filling vacancies on the board of directors and calling special meetings of the corporation's stockholders. We have not made the election to be governed by these provisions of the MGCL. However, our charter and our bylaws permit our board of directors to determine the number of directors subject to a minimum and maximum number, among other provisions.

        The following discussion is a general summary of certain provisions of our charter and our bylaws that may be deemed to have an "anti-takeover" effect. The description of these provisions is necessarily general and reference should be made in each case to the charter and bylaws.

        Availability of Preferred Stock.    Our charter authorizes the issuance of up to 12,000,000 shares of preferred stock, which may be issued with rights and preferences that could impede an acquisition. This preferred stock, together with authorized but unissued shares of our common stock, could also represent additional capital stock required to be purchased by an acquirer.

        Advance Notice Requirement for Nominations.    With respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, our bylaws require that nominations of persons for election to our board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to the notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (3) by any stockholder who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving the notice required by our bylaws, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. These advance notice procedures generally require stockholders to submit written notice, in the form set forth in our bylaws, to our corporate secretary at our principal executive offices not less than forty-five days before the anniversary of the date on which we first mailed the notice of meeting for the prior year's annual meeting. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to our board of directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to the notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (3) provided that our board of directors has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of

8


Table of Contents

record at the time of giving the notice required by our bylaws, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws.

        Board of Directors.    Pursuant to our charter, we must have at least three but not more than nine directors, a majority of which must be "independent directors." An "independent director" for purposes of our charter means a director who performs no other services for us, except as a director. Our charter requires that at least one of our independent directors must have had at least three years of relevant real estate experience demonstrating the knowledge and experience required to successfully acquire and manage the type of assets being acquired by us. For purposes of our bylaws, we have adopted the definition of director "independence" required for independence by the Listed Company Manual of the New York Stock Exchange.

        Amendment of Bylaws.    Our bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed in a manner not inconsistent with the charter or the MGCL at any properly constituted meeting of our board of directors by a majority vote of the directors present at the meeting except for matters requiring a greater vote; provided that any bylaw adopted by the stockholders may not be altered, amended or repealed without a stockholder vote.

        Amendment of the Charter; Extraordinary Actions.    We reserve the right from time to time to amend our charter; provided that the concurrence of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock must be obtained for the board to (1) amend the charter, except for amendments to change our name, to change the name or other designation or the par value of any class or series of our stock and the aggregate par value of our stock or to effect certain reverse stock splits, including amendments to provisions relating to director qualifications, fiduciary duty, liability and indemnification, conflicts of interest, investment policies or investment restrictions, (2) sell all or substantially all of our assets other than in the ordinary course of business or in connection with liquidation and dissolution, (3) cause a merger or other reorganization of the Company or (4) dissolve or liquidate the Company, other than before the initial investment in a property by us. For purposes of the preceding clause (2), a sale of all or substantially all of our assets means the sale of two-thirds or more of our assets based on the total number of properties or the current fair market value of those assets.

        Conversion Transactions and Roll-Ups.    Our charter requires that certain exchange offers, mergers, consolidations or similar transactions involving us in which the holders of shares of common stock receive securities in a surviving entity having a substantially longer duration or materially different investment objectives and policies, or that provides significantly greater compensation to management be approved by all of our independent directors and by the holders of 66% in interest of the shares of common stock, except for any transaction effected because of changes in applicable law, or to preserve tax advantages for a majority in interest of the holders of common stock. Standards such as "substantially longer life," "materially different investment objectives and policies" or "provides significantly greater compensation to management" are not defined and are by their nature potentially ambiguous. Any ambiguities will be resolved by our board of directors, a majority of whom are independent.

        In connection with a proposed "Roll-Up" (as that term is defined below and in the charter), an appraisal of all of our assets must be obtained from an "Independent Expert" (as that term is defined in the charter). The appraisal must be included in a prospectus used to offer the securities of a "Roll-Up Entity" (as that term is defined in the charter) and filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement for the offering. Accordingly, an issuer using the appraisal will be subject to liability for violating Section 11 of the Securities Act and comparable provisions under state laws for any material misrepresentations or material omissions in the appraisal. Our assets must be appraised in a consistent manner and the appraisal must be based on an evaluation of all relevant information indicating the value of our assets as of a date immediately prior to the announcement of the proposed Roll-Up transaction. The appraisal must assume an orderly liquidation of our assets over a

9


Table of Contents

twelve-month period. The terms of the engagement of the Independent Expert must clearly state that the engagement is for our benefit and our holders of common stock. A summary of the independent appraisal, indicating all material assumptions underlying the appraisal, must be included in a report to our stockholders in connection with a proposed Roll-Up. A "Roll-Up" is a transaction involving the acquisition, merger, conversion or consolidation, either directly or indirectly, of us and the issuance of securities of a Roll-Up Entity. A Roll-Up does not include (1) a transaction involving any of our securities that have been listed on a national securities exchange for at least twelve months or (2) a transaction involving the conversion by us to corporate, trust or association form if, as a consequence of the transaction, there will be no significant adverse change in any of the following: (a) voting rights of holders of common stock; (b) our term and existence; or (c) our investment objectives.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may not participate in any proposed Roll-Up which would:

        We may participate in a proposed Roll-Up if the holders of common stock would have rights, and be subject to restrictions, comparable to those contained in the charter, with the prior approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock.

        Stockholders who vote "no" on a proposed Roll-Up must have the choice of (1) accepting the securities of the Roll-Up Entity offered in the proposed Roll-Up or (2) one of either: (a) remaining as our stockholders and preserving their interests therein on the same terms and conditions as previously existed; or (b) receiving cash in an amount equal to the stockholders' pro rata share of the appraised value of our net assets.

        The foregoing provisions in the charter and bylaws could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of some, or a majority, of the shares might receive a premium for their shares over the then-prevailing market price or which these holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interests.

10


Table of Contents

        The following discussion is a general summary of certain provisions of our charter that restrict the transfer and acquisition of our capital stock. The description of these provisions is necessarily general and reference should be made in each case to our charter.

        For us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), our shares of capital stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months (other than the first year) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Further, not more than 50% of the value of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock may be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year.

        Because our board of directors believes it is essential for us to continue qualifying as a REIT and for other purposes, our charter provides that no person may beneficially own, or be deemed to beneficially own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (the "Ownership Limit") of the number or value of shares of our common stock or shares of any other outstanding separate class of our capital stock, unless approved by the board. Our board of directors, upon receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), an opinion of counsel or other evidence satisfactory to our board of directors and upon other conditions as our board of directors may direct, may also exempt a proposed transferee from the Ownership Limit. As a condition of this exemption, the intended transferee must give us written notice of the proposed transfer no later than fifteen days prior to any transfer which, if effected, would result in the intended transferee owning shares of a class of our capital stock in excess of the Ownership Limit. Our board of directors may require any opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements it deems necessary or advisable to determine or ensure our status as a REIT. Any transfer of shares that would:

will be null and void, and the intended transferee will acquire no right to these shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any purported transfer of shares of a class of our capital stock that would result in a person beneficially owning such shares in excess of the Ownership Limit or cause us to become "closely-held" under Code Section 856(h) that is not otherwise permitted as provided above will constitute excess stock ("Excess Stock"). In addition to other consequences provided in our charter, shares of Excess Stock will be deemed to have been offered for sale to us. We have the right to accept the offer for a period of 90 days after the later of (a) the date of transfer which resulted in the Excess Stock, and (b) the date our board of directors determines, in good faith, that a transfer resulting in Excess Stock has occurred if we do not receive a notice of the transfer pursuant to the terms of our charter. These ownership limitations could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of some, or a majority, of the shares of capital stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price or a price which these holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interest.

11


Table of Contents


DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

        We may issue depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of a particular class or series of our preferred stock, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement which will more fully describe the terms of those depositary shares. Shares of a class or series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement among us, the depositary named therein and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued by the preferred stock depositary which will evidence the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional interest of a share of a particular class or series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares evidenced by that depositary receipt, to all the rights and preferences of the class or series of preferred stock represented by those depositary shares (including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights).

        The depositary shares to be issued will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the applicable deposit agreement. Immediately following the issuance and delivery of a class or series of preferred stock by us to the preferred stock depositary, we will cause the preferred stock depositary to issue, on our behalf, the depositary receipts. The following description of the depositary shares, and any description of the depositary shares in a prospectus supplement, may not be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the underlying deposit agreement and the depositary receipt, which we will file with the SEC at or prior to the time of the sale of the depositary shares. You should refer to, and read this summary together with, the deposit agreement and related depositary receipt. You can obtain copies of any form of deposit agreement or other agreement pursuant to which the depositary shares are issued by following the directions described under the caption "Where You Can Find More Information."

        The preferred stock depositary will distribute all dividends (cash or otherwise) received in respect of a class or series of preferred stock to the record holders of depositary receipts evidencing the related depositary shares in proportion to the number of those depositary receipts owned by those holders, subject to certain obligations of holders to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and expenses to the preferred stock depositary.

        Upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the preferred stock depositary (unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption or converted into excess preferred stock or otherwise), the holders thereof will be entitled to delivery at that office, to or upon that holder's order, of the number of whole or fractional shares of the class or series of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares evidenced by those depositary receipts. Holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to receive whole or fractional shares of the related class or series of preferred stock on the basis of the proportion of preferred stock represented by each depositary share as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, but holders of those shares of preferred stock will not thereafter be entitled to receive depositary shares therefor. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the preferred stock depositary will deliver to that holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares.

12


Table of Contents

        If we redeem shares of a class or series of preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will redeem, as of the same redemption date, the number of depositary shares representing shares of the class or series of preferred stock so redeemed, provided we must have paid the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the corresponding proportion of the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to that class or series of preferred stock. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional depositary shares) or by any other equitable method determined by us that will not result in the issuance of any excess preferred stock.

        From and after the date fixed for redemption, all dividends in respect of the shares of a class or series of preferred stock called for redemption will cease to accrue, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares called for redemption will cease, except the right to receive any moneys payable upon their redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of those depositary receipts were entitled upon their redemption and surrender thereof to the preferred stock depositary.

        Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of a class or series of preferred stock deposited with the preferred stock depositary are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will mail the information contained in that notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares which represent that class or series of preferred stock. Each record holder of depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for that class or series of preferred stock) will be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of preferred stock represented by that holder's depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will vote the amount of that class or series of preferred stock represented by those depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action which may be deemed necessary by the preferred stock depositary in order to enable the preferred stock depositary to do so. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from voting the amount of that class or series of preferred stock represented by those depositary shares to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instruction to vote, or for the manner or effect of any vote made, as long as that action or non-action is in good faith and does not result from negligence or willful misconduct of the preferred stock depositary.

        If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each depositary receipt will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares evidenced by that depositary receipt, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The depositary shares will not be convertible directly into our common stock or any other of our securities or property, except in connection with exchanges to preserve our status as a REIT. Holders of depositary receipts evidencing convertible preferred stock may surrender the depositary receipts to the

13


Table of Contents

depositary with instructions directing us to convert the class or series of preferred stock represented by the related depositary shares into whole shares of common stock, other shares of a class or series of preferred stock or other securities if specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the depositary shares. Upon receipt of these instructions, and payment of any applicable fees, we will convert or exchange the preferred stock using the same procedures we use for delivery of preferred stock. If a holder is converting only part of the depositary shares represented by a depositary receipt, new depositary receipts will be issued for any depositary shares that are not converted. We will not issue any fractional shares of our common stock upon conversion, and if a conversion would result in a fractional share being issued, we will pay in cash an amount equal to the value of the fractional interest based upon the closing price of our common stock on the last business day prior to the conversion.

        The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares which represent the preferred stock and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between us and the preferred stock depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts or that would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the related class or series of preferred stock will not be effective unless that amendment has been approved by the existing holders of at least two thirds of the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts then outstanding. No amendment may impair the right, subject to certain exceptions in the deposit agreement, of any holder of depositary receipts to surrender any depositary receipt with instructions to deliver to the holder the related class or series of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with law. Every holder of an outstanding depositary receipt at the time any of those types of amendments becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold that depositary receipt, to consent and agree to that amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended thereby.

        We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days' prior written notice to the preferred stock depositary if:

        In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:

        We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit agreement. In addition, we will pay the fees and expenses the preferred stock depositary

14


Table of Contents

incurs while performing its duties under the deposit agreement. However, holders of depositary receipts will pay the fees and expenses of the preferred stock depositary for any duties requested by those holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement.

        The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by delivering notice to us of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the preferred stock depositary, upon the appointment of a successor preferred stock depositary. A successor preferred stock depositary must be appointed within sixty days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.

        The preferred stock depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts any reports and communications from us which are received by it with respect to the related preferred stock.

        Neither we nor the preferred stock depositary will be liable if it is prevented from or delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its control, performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and those of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performing our respective duties thereunder in good faith and without negligence (in the case of any action or inaction in the voting of a class or series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares), gross negligence or willful misconduct, and neither we nor the preferred stock depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary receipts, depositary shares or shares of a class or series of preferred stock represented thereby unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the preferred stock depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting shares of a class or series of preferred stock represented thereby for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give that information, and on documents believed in good faith to be genuine and signed by a proper party.

        In the event the preferred stock depositary will receive conflicting claims, requests or instructions from any holders of depositary receipts, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand, the preferred stock depositary will be entitled to act on those claims, requests or instructions received from us.


DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        We may issue debt securities under one or more trust indentures to be executed by us and a specified trustee. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.

        The following description sets forth certain anticipated general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement (which terms may be different than those stated below) and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the debt securities so offered will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, investors should review both the prospectus supplement relating thereto and the following description. A form of the indenture (as discussed herein) has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

15


Table of Contents

        The debt securities will be our direct obligations and may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The indebtedness represented by subordinated securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of our senior debt (as defined in the applicable indenture).

        Except as set forth in the applicable indenture and described in a prospectus supplement relating thereto, the debt securities may be issued without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series, secured or unsecured, in each case as established from time to time in or pursuant to authority granted by a resolution of the board of directors or as established in the applicable indenture. All debt securities of one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series, for issuance of additional debt securities of such series.

        The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will contain their specific terms, including, without limitation:

16


Table of Contents

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

        The applicable indenture may contain provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or in the event of a change of control.

        Restrictions on ownership and transfer of our common stock and preferred stock are designed to preserve our status as a REIT and, therefore, may act to prevent or hinder a change of control. See "Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares." Investors should review the applicable prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

        The applicable indenture will provide that we may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other corporation, provided that:

17


Table of Contents

        The applicable indenture will contain covenants requiring us to take certain actions and prohibiting us from taking certain actions. The covenants with respect to any series of debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Each indenture will describe specific "events of default" with respect to a series of debt securities issued under the indenture. These "events of default" are likely to include (with grace and cure periods):

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

18


Table of Contents

        Each indenture also will provide that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, as the case may be) may waive any past default with respect to the series and its consequences, except a:

        Each trustee will be required to give notice to the holders of debt securities within a certain number of days of a default under the applicable indenture unless the default has been cured or waived; provided, however, that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default with respect to the series (except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security of the series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of the series) if specified responsible officers of the trustee consider withholding the notice to be in the interest of the holders.

        Each indenture will prohibit the holders of debt securities of any series from instituting any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the applicable trustee, for a certain period of time after the trustee has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, as well as the furnishing of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it. This provision will not prevent any holder of debt securities from instituting a suit to enforce the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities at the respective due dates thereof.

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

        Within a certain period of time of the close of each fiscal year, we will be required to deliver to each trustee, a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers, stating whether or not the officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture and, if so, specifying each default and the nature and status thereof.

        The indenture will likely be modified or amended, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each series of the outstanding debt securities issued under the indenture affected by the modification or amendment, provided that no modification or amendment may, without the consent of each affected holder of the debt securities:

19


Table of Contents

        A record date may be set for any act of the holders with respect to consenting to any amendment.

        The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected thereby will have the right to waive our compliance with certain covenants in the indenture. Each indenture will contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series to take permitted action. Under certain circumstances, we and the trustee may make modifications and amendments to an indenture without the consent of any holders of outstanding debt securities.

        The debt securities may be redeemed at any time at our option, in whole or in part, to protect our status as a REIT. The debt securities will also be subject to optional or mandatory redemption on terms and conditions described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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

        Upon any distribution to our creditors in a liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on any subordinated securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the applicable indenture to the prior payment in full of all senior securities. No payment of principal or interest will be permitted to be made on subordinated securities at any time if any payment default or any other default which permits accelerations exists. After all senior securities are paid in full and until the subordinated securities are paid in full, holders of subordinated securities will be subrogated to the right of holders of senior securities to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to holders of subordinated securities have been applied to the payment of senior securities. By reason of any subordination, in the event of a distribution of assets upon our insolvency, some of our general creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of subordinated securities. The accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated herein by reference will contain the approximate amount of senior securities outstanding as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter.

20


Table of Contents

        The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in global form. The global securities will be deposited with a depositary, or with a nominee for a depositary, identified in the prospectus supplement. In this case, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by the global security or securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for the global security to a nominee of the depositary or by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary or by the depositary or any nominee to a successor of the depositary or a nominee of the successor.

        The specific material terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a global security will be described in the prospectus supplement. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

        Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for the global security will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of persons, or participants, that have accounts with the depositary. The accounts to be credited will be designated by any underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the debt securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary for the global security, with respect to interests of participants, or by participants or persons that hold through participants, with respect to interests of persons other than participants. So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the global security, the depositary or the nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the indenture; provided, however, that for purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by the holders of the debt securities, we, the trustee and our agents will treat a person as the holder of the principal amount of debt securities as specified in a written statement of the depositary. Except as set forth herein or otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of the debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture.

        Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security. Neither we, the trustee nor any paying agent for the debt securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.

        We expect that the depositary for any debt securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street names" and will be the responsibility of the participants.

        If the depositary for any debt securities represented by a global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within the period of

21


Table of Contents

time set forth in the indenture, we will issue the debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any time, and in our sole discretion, determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more global securities and, in that event, will issue debt securities of the series in definitive form in exchange for all of the global security or securities representing the debt securities.

        The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in debt securities represented by global securities.

        The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.


DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS

        The following describes the securities warrants we may issue and outlines some of the general terms and provisions that each of the warrant agreement, the warrants and the warrant certificates are likely to contain. The description is not complete and is qualified entirely by reference to the relevant prospectus supplement describing the terms of any securities warrants we actually propose to issue. The terms may differ materially from the description of terms below.

        We may issue warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities. These warrants may be issued independently or together with common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities. The warrants may be attached to, or separate from, the other securities.

        Each series of securities warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as set forth in the relevant prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the securities warrant certificates relating to the securities warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for, or with, any holders of securities warrant certificates or beneficial owners of securities warrants.

        The relevant prospectus supplement relating to a series of warrants will disclose the name and address of the warrant agent, describe the terms of the warrant agreement and the series of warrants including:

22


Table of Contents

        Prior to exercise, warrant holders will not have any rights as holders of the securities issuable on exercise, including, in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to receive principal, premium, if any, or interest payments, or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture or, in the case of warrants to purchase preferred stock or common stock, the right to receive any dividends, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise any voting rights.

        Where appropriate, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the warrants.

        Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities specified in the relevant prospectus supplement at the exercise price mentioned in, or calculated as described in, the relevant prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the relevant prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the expiration date mentioned in that prospectus supplement. After 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

        Warrants may be exercised by delivery of the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be exercised, or in the case of global securities, as described under "Description of Debt Securities—Global Securities," by delivery of an exercise notice for those warrants, together with certain information, and payment to the warrant agent in immediately available funds, as provided in the relevant prospectus supplement, of the required purchase amount. The information required to be delivered will be on the reverse side of the warrant certificate and in the relevant prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate or exercise notice properly executed at the warrant agent's corporate trust office or any other office indicated in the relevant prospectus supplement, we will, in the time period the relevant warrant agreement provides, deliver the securities issuable upon exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants unless the unexercised warrants have become void.

        In the case of warrants to purchase common stock, the exercise price payable and the number of shares of common stock to be purchased upon warrant exercise may be adjusted in certain events, including:

23


Table of Contents

        No adjustment in the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon warrant exercise will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% of such number. No fractional shares will be issued upon warrant exercise, but we will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable.

        We and the relevant warrant agent may amend any warrant agreement and the terms of the related warrants by executing a supplemental warrant agreement, without any such warrant holder's consent, for the purpose of:

        We and the warrant agent may also amend any warrant agreement and the related warrants by a supplemental agreement with the consent of the holders of a majority of the unexercised warrants for the purpose of adding, modifying or eliminating any of the warrant agreement's provisions or of modifying the holders' rights; provided that the consent of such warrant holder will be required for any amendment that:

        Each warrant agreement will provide that we may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any other corporation, provided that:

24


Table of Contents

        Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the relevant warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for any warrant holder. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case we default in performing our obligations under the relevant warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any legal proceedings or to make any demand upon us. Any warrant holder may, without the warrant agent's consent or the consent of any other warrant holder, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, that warrant.

        We will replace any destroyed, lost, stolen or mutilated warrant certificate upon delivery to us and the relevant warrant agent of evidence satisfactory to us and them of the ownership of that warrant certificate and of the destruction, loss, theft or mutilation of that warrant certificate, and (in the case of mutilation) surrender of that warrant certificate to the relevant warrant agent, unless we or the warrant agent has received notice that the warrant certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser. The warrant holder will also be required to provide indemnity satisfactory to the relevant warrant agent and us before a replacement warrant certificate will be issued.

        We, the warrant agents and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any warrant certificate as the absolute owner of the warrants evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person or entity entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the warrants so requested, despite any notice to the contrary. See "Description of Debt Securities—Global Debt Securities."


DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

        We may issue units comprising one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Units may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time or at any time before a specified date.

        The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:

        The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any units. The preceding description and any description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such units.

25


Table of Contents


MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

        The following summarizes (1) the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to our qualification and taxation as a REIT and (2) the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of our capital stock that are likely to be material to a holder of our capital stock. Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. has acted as our counsel, has reviewed this summary, and is of the opinion that the description of the law and the legal conclusions contained herein are correct in all material respects. This summary is not tax advice from us.

        This information is based on:

in each case, as of the date of this prospectus. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings that are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings. Future legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations and practices or court decisions may adversely affect the tax consequences contained in this discussion. Any change of this type could apply retroactively to transactions preceding the date of the change. We have not requested, and do not plan to request, any rulings from the IRS concerning our tax treatment with respect to matters contained in this discussion, and the statements in this prospectus are not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, we can provide no assurance that the tax consequences contained in this summary will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if challenged by the IRS. This summary does not discuss any state, local or foreign tax consequences.

        This summary applies only to persons who hold our capital stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (that is, generally for investment purposes). This summary does not discuss all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to holders in light of their special circumstances or to holders subject to special tax rules (such as financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations (except as specifically discussed below), regulated investment companies, REITs, partnerships (including any entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes), dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, persons who hold our capital stock through a partnership or other pass-through entity, persons subject to alternative minimum tax, persons holding our capital stock as a part of a hedge, straddle, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction, U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar or persons who have ceased to be U.S. citizens or to be taxed as resident aliens). This summary also does not discuss any tax consequences arising under the United States federal estate and gift tax laws or the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction.

        You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to you of:

26


Table of Contents

        As used in this summary, the term "U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of shares of our capital stock, that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (including an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or of any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or if a valid election is in place to treat the trust as a United States person (as defined under the Code).

        As used in this summary, the term "non-U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of shares of our capital stock (other than a partnership, including any entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. holder.

        If a partnership (including any entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of shares of our capital stock, the tax treatment of a partner in that partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Holders of shares of our capital stock that are partnerships and partners in those partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the United States federal income tax consequences of holding shares of our capital stock.

        THIS SUMMARY OF MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES IS NOT TAX ADVICE FROM US. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF HOLDING SHARES OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK ARISING UNDER U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

        General.    We were formed on May 12, 1994 and elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code commencing with the tax year ended December 31, 1995. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner which allows us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with the tax year ended December 31, 1995. We currently intend to continue to operate in this manner. However, qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, including through actual annual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership. Given the complex nature of the REIT qualification requirements, the importance of ongoing factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, no assurance can be given that we have operated or will continue to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. See "—Failure to Qualify" below.

        The sections of the Code and the corresponding Treasury Regulations that relate to the qualification and operation of a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following sets forth the material aspects of the sections of the Code that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and related administrative and judicial interpretations thereof.

        Provided we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be required to pay federal corporate income taxes on our net income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" that typically results from investment in a C corporation. A C corporation generally is required to pay tax at the corporate level. Double taxation generally means taxation once at the corporate level when income is earned and once again at the

27


Table of Contents

stockholder level when the income is distributed. For tax years through 2012, stockholders who are individual United States stockholders generally are taxed on corporate dividends at a maximum rate of 15% (the same as the maximum rate applicable to long-term capital gains), thereby substantially reducing, though not completely eliminating, the double taxation that has historically applied to corporate dividends. With limited exceptions, however, dividends received by individual United States stockholders from us or from other entities that are taxed as REITs will continue to be taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, which will be as high as 35% through 2012. As long as we qualify as a REIT we generally will not be required to pay federal corporate income taxes on our net income that is currently distributed to our stockholders; however, we will be required to pay federal income tax as follows:

28


Table of Contents

        Requirements for Qualification as a REIT.    The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:

29


Table of Contents

        The Code provides that conditions (1) through (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than twelve months. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply until after the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. For purposes of condition (6), specified tax-exempt entities generally are treated as individuals; other entities, including pension funds, are subject to "look-through" attribution rules to determine the individuals who constructively own the stock held by the entity.

        We believe that we have been organized, have operated and have issued sufficient shares of capital stock with sufficient diversity of ownership to allow us to satisfy conditions (1) through (7) inclusive, during the relevant time periods. In addition, our charter provides for restrictions regarding ownership and transfer of our shares. These restrictions are intended to, among other purposes, assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. These stock ownership and transfer restrictions are described above under the heading "Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Shares." These restrictions, however, may not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, except as provided in the following sentence, our status as a REIT will terminate. If, however, we comply with the rules contained in the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations that require us to ascertain the actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we failed to meet the requirement described in condition (6) above, we will be treated as having met this requirement. See "—Failure to Qualify" below.

        In addition, we may not maintain our status as a REIT unless our taxable year is the calendar year. We have and will continue to have a calendar taxable year.

        Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.    We own and operate one or more properties through partnerships and limited liability companies. Treasury Regulations provide that if we are a partner in a partnership, we are deemed to own our proportionate share of the assets of the partnership based on our interest in partnership capital, subject to special rules relating to the 10% REIT asset test described below. Also, we are deemed to be entitled to our proportionate share of the income of the partnership. The assets and gross income of the partnership retain the same character in our hands for purposes of Section 856 of the Code, including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. In addition, for these purposes, the assets and items of income of any partnership in which we own a direct or indirect interest include the partnership's share of assets and items of income of any partnership in which it owns an interest. We have included a brief summary of the rules governing the federal income taxation of partnerships and limited liability companies below in "—Tax Aspects of Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies." The treatment described above also applies with respect to the ownership of interests in limited liability companies or other entities that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        We have direct or indirect control of certain partnerships and limited liability companies and intend to continue to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for qualification as a REIT. From time to time we may be a limited partner or non-managing member in certain partnerships and limited liability companies. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our status as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in the entity. In addition, a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a REIT income or asset test, and we might not become aware of the action in time to dispose of our interest in the applicable entity or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In this case, unless we are entitled to relief, as described below, we will fail to qualify as a REIT.

30


Table of Contents

        Ownership of Interests in Qualified REIT Subsidiaries.    We may from time to time own and operate certain properties through wholly owned corporate subsidiaries (including an entity which is treated as an association classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that we intend to be treated as "qualified REIT subsidiaries" under the Code. A corporation will qualify as our qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of the corporation's outstanding stock, and if we do not elect with the subsidiary to treat it as a "taxable REIT subsidiary," as described below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. All assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit (as the case may be) of the parent REIT for all purposes under the Code, including the REIT qualification tests. Thus, in applying the federal tax requirements described herein, any corporations in which we own a 100% interest (other than any taxable REIT subsidiaries) are disregarded, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of these corporations are treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not required to pay federal income tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary does not violate the restrictions against ownership of securities of any one issuer which constitute more than 10% of the voting power or value of the issuer's securities or more than 5% of the value of our total assets. See "—Asset Tests" below.

        Ownership of Interests in Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.    A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation other than another REIT in which a REIT directly or indirectly holds stock, and that has made a joint election with the REIT to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. A taxable REIT subsidiary also includes any corporation other than a REIT with respect to which a taxable REIT subsidiary owns, directly or indirectly, securities possessing more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the securities of the corporation. A taxable REIT subsidiary generally may engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants of its parent REIT, except that a taxable REIT subsidiary may not directly or indirectly operate or manage a lodging or healthcare facility or directly or indirectly provide to any other person (under a franchise, license or otherwise) rights to any brand name under which any lodging or healthcare facility is operated, except in certain limited circumstances permitted by the Code. A taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to federal income tax as a regular C corporation. In addition, a taxable REIT subsidiary may be prevented from deducting interest on debt funded directly or indirectly by its parent REIT if certain tests regarding the taxable REIT subsidiary's debt-to-equity ratio and interest expense are not satisfied. We currently own interests in three taxable REIT subsidiaries, and may acquire interests in additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. Our ownership of securities of our taxable REIT subsidiaries will not be subject to the 5% or 10% asset tests described below. See "—Asset Tests" below.

        Unlike a qualified REIT subsidiary, the income and assets of a taxable REIT subsidiary are not attributed to us for purposes of the conditions that we must satisfy to maintain our REIT status. Accordingly, the separate existence of a taxable REIT subsidiary is not ignored for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Rather, for REIT asset and income testing purposes, we take into account our interest in a taxable REIT subsidiary's securities and the income and gain we derive therefrom. A taxable REIT subsidiary or other taxable corporation generally is subject to corporate income tax on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow that we and our subsidiaries generate in the aggregate, and may reduce our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. A taxable REIT subsidiary may engage in activities or hold assets that are not permitted to be performed or held directly by us or a partnership in which we are a partner without affecting REIT compliance, such as providing certain services to tenants or others (other than in connection with the operation or management of a lodging or healthcare facility). However, certain restrictions are imposed on our ability to own, and our dealings with, taxable REIT subsidiaries. These restrictions are intended to ensure that taxable REIT subsidiaries comprise a limited amount of our business (the securities of our taxable REIT subsidiaries cannot comprise more than 25% of the value of our total assets) and that taxable REIT subsidiaries

31


Table of Contents

remain subject to an appropriate level of federal income taxation. See "—Income Tests," "—Penalty Tax," and "—Asset Tests" below.

        Ownership of Interests in Subsidiary REITs.    We have interests in INP REIT I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and INP REIT II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, each of which elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010. INP Retail, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, owns 100% of the common interests in each of INP REIT I and INP REIT II. We own 100% of the interests in the general partner of INP Retail, L.P., INP Retail Management Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and we own 55% of the limited partner interests in INP Retail, L.P.

        INP REIT I, LLC and INP REIT II, LLC are subject to the various REIT qualification requirements and other limitations described herein that are applicable to us. We believe that they are organized and have operated and will continue to operate in a manner to permit each of them to qualify for taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes from and after the effective date of its REIT election. However, if either of them fails to qualify as a REIT, then (i) it will become subject to regular U.S. corporation income tax, as described herein, see "—Failure to Qualify" below, and (ii) our ownership of its interests (through INP Retail, L.P.) will cease to be a qualifying real estate asset for purposes of the 75% asset test and will become subject to the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test, and the 10% value test generally applicable to our ownership in corporations other than REITs, qualified REIT subsidiaries and TRSs. See "—Asset Tests" below. In such a case, it is possible that we would not meet the 10% vote test and the 10% value test with respect to our indirect interest in the entity, and we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions. We may implement protective arrangements intended to avoid such an outcome if either INP REIT I, LLC or INP REIT II, LLC fails to qualify as a REIT, but there can be no assurance that such protective arrangements will be effective to avoid the resulting adverse consequences to us. In this event, we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we or unless INP REIT I, LLC or INP REIT II, LLC, as applicable, could avail itself of certain relief provisions.

        Income Tests.    We must satisfy two gross income requirements annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT. First, in each taxable year we must derive directly or indirectly at least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging transactions, from certain investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including income from investments in other real estate investment trusts and "rents from real property" and, in certain circumstances, interest, or income from certain types of temporary investments. Second, in each taxable year we must derive at least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging transactions, from the real property investments described above, dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities not held for sale to customers, or from any combination of the foregoing. For these purposes, the term "interest" generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of all or some of the amount depends in any way on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term "interest" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Furthermore, an amount that depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of a debtor is not excluded from the term "interest" to the extent the amount is attributable to qualified rents received by the debtor if the debtor derives substantially all of its income from the real property securing the debt from leasing substantially all of its interest in the property.

        Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as "rents from real property" for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements described above only if all of the following conditions are met:

32


Table of Contents

        We generally do not intend to take actions we believe will cause us to fail to satisfy the rental conditions described above. However, we may have taken and may continue to take actions which fail to satisfy one or more of the above conditions to the extent that we determine, based on the advice of our tax counsel, that those actions will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT.

        Income we receive that is attributable to the rental of parking spaces at our properties constitutes rents from real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests if certain services provided with respect to the parking spaces are performed by independent contractors from whom we derive no

33


Table of Contents

revenue, either directly or indirectly, or by a taxable REIT subsidiary, and certain other requirements are met. We believe that the income we receive that is attributable to parking spaces meets these tests and, accordingly, constitutes rents from real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests.

        From time to time, we enter into hedging transactions with respect to interest rate exposure or currency rate fluctuations on one or more of our assets or liabilities. The hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Any income we derive from a hedging transaction entered into on or prior to July 30, 2008, is nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Except to the extent provided by Treasury Regulations, however, income from a hedging transaction, including gain from the sale or disposition of a transaction, entered into prior to January 1, 2005, is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but only to the extent that the transaction hedges indebtedness incurred or to be incurred by us to acquire or carry real estate. Income from a hedging transaction entered into on or after January 1, 2005, and not after July 30, 2008, that is clearly identified as specified in the Code and that hedges indebtedness incurred by us to acquire or carry real estate does not constitute gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, and therefore is exempt from this test. Income from a hedging transaction entered into after July 30, 2008, that is clearly identified as specified in the Code and that either (i) hedges indebtedness incurred or to be incurred by us to acquire or carry real estate or (ii) manages risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income that qualifies under the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, in each case, does not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as applicable, and therefore is exempt from these tests. The term "hedging transaction," as used above, generally means any transaction we enter into in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made by us or to manage risk of currency rate fluctuations with respect to our income or gain. To the extent that we hedge with other types of financial instruments, the income from those transactions is not likely to be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.

        We believe that the aggregate amount of our nonqualifying income, from all sources, in any taxable year will not exceed the limit on nonqualifying income under the gross income tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. We generally may make use of the relief provisions if:

        It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we will be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally accrue or receive exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS may conclude that our failure to satisfy the tests is not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions do not apply to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. As discussed above in "—Taxation of the Company—General," even if these relief provisions apply, and we retain our status as a REIT, a tax will be imposed with respect to our nonqualifying income. We may not always be able to comply with the gross income tests for REIT qualification despite our periodic monitoring of our income.

34


Table of Contents

        Prohibited Transaction Income.    Any gain that we realize on the sale of property held as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business (but excluding foreclosure property), including our share of any gain realized by partnerships, limited liability companies that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or qualified REIT subsidiaries in which we own an interest is treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. This prohibited transaction income may also adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. The Code includes a safe-harbor provision that treats a sale as not constituting a prohibited transaction, the income from which is subject to the 100% penalty tax, if the following requirements are met:

        We intend to hold our properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning our properties and to make occasional sales of the properties consistent with our investment objectives. We do not intend to enter into any sales that are prohibited transactions. However, the IRS may contend that one or more of these sales is subject to the 100% penalty tax or income from prohibited transactions.

        Penalty Tax.    Any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions or excess interest we generate are subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of any services furnished to any of our tenants by one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries, and redetermined deductions and excess interest represent any amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm's length negotiations. Rents we receive do not constitute redetermined rents if they qualify for certain safe harbor provisions contained in the Code.

35


Table of Contents

        We believe that, in all instances in which our taxable REIT subsidiaries provide services to our tenants, the fees paid to our taxable REIT subsidiaries for these services are at arm's length rates, although the fees paid may not satisfy the safe harbor provisions referenced above. These determinations are inherently factual, and the IRS has broad discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to reflect their respective incomes clearly. If the IRS successfully makes such an assertion, we will be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on the excess of an arm's length fee for tenant services over the amount actually paid.

        Asset Tests.    At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we also must satisfy four tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets, including assets held by our qualified REIT subsidiaries and our proportionate share of the assets held by the partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest, must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items and U.S. government securities. For purposes of this test, the term "real estate assets" generally means real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property) and shares (or transferable certificates of beneficial interest) in other REITs, as well as any stock or debt instrument attributable to the investment of the proceeds of a stock offering by us or a public debt offering by us with a term of at least five years, but the stock or debt instrument qualifies as a "real estate asset" only for the one-year period beginning on the date that we receive the proceeds of the offering.

        Second, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities other than those securities included in the 75% asset test.

        Third, except for securities included in the 75% asset test and investments in our qualified REIT subsidiaries and our taxable REIT subsidiaries, the value of any one issuer's securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the total vote or value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer, except, in the case of the 10% value test, certain "straight debt" securities. Certain types of securities are disregarded as securities solely for purposes of the 10% value test, including, but not limited to, any loan to an individual or an estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a partnership or limited liability company classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership or limited liability company (rather than solely our interest in the capital of the partnership or limited liability company), excluding for this purposes certain securities described in the Code. For years prior to 2001, the 10% limit applies only with respect to voting securities of any issuer and not to the value of the securities of any issuer.

        Fourth, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries.

        We and three of our direct or indirect subsidiary corporations have elected to treat these subsidiaries as our taxable REIT subsidiaries. We may have additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. So long as these corporations qualify as taxable REIT subsidiaries, we will not be subject to the 5% value limitation, the 10% voting limitation or the 10% value limitation with respect to our ownership of their securities. We or one or more of our taxable REIT subsidiaries may acquire securities in other taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. We believe that the aggregate value of our taxable REIT subsidiaries will not exceed 25% of the aggregate value of our gross assets. With respect to each issuer in which we currently own an interest that does not qualify as a REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary, we believe that our ownership of the securities of any issuer has complied with the 5% asset test, the 10% voting test and the 10% value test. No independent appraisals have been obtained to support these conclusions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with our determinations of value. We also own, and may continue to make,

36


Table of Contents

loans which must qualify under the "straight debt safe harbor" in order to satisfy the 10% value test described above. We believe that all existing loans have qualified under this safe-harbor. However, there is relatively little authority interpreting this safe-harbor and, as a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS would not take a contrary position.

        The asset tests described above must be satisfied at the close of each quarter of our taxable year in which we (directly or through our partnerships, limited liability companies or qualified REIT subsidiaries) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, increase our ownership of securities of the issuer (including as a result of increasing our interest in a partnership or limited liability company which owns the securities), or acquire other assets. For example, our indirect ownership of securities of an issuer through a partnership or limited liability company classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes may increase as a result of our capital contributions to the partnership or limited liability company. After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter as a REIT, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If we fail to satisfy an asset test because we acquire securities or other property during a quarter (including as a result of an increase in our interests in a partnership or limited liability company), we may cure this failure by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We believe that we have maintained and intend to maintain adequate records of the values of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. In addition, we intend to take any actions within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.

        Certain relief provisions may be available to us if we discover a failure to satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30-day cure period. Under these provisions, we are deemed to have met the 5% and 10% asset tests if (1) the value of our nonqualifying assets does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the applicable quarter or (b) $10 million and (2) we dispose of the nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy these tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) a different period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued. For violations of any of the asset tests due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and that are, in the case of the 5% and 10% asset tests, in excess of the de minimis exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a REIT after the 30-day cure period by taking certain required steps, including (1) the disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions, which allow us to meet the asset test within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) a different period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued, (2) paying a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 or (b) the highest corporate tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets, and (3) disclosing certain information to the IRS.

        Although we expect to satisfy the asset tests described above and plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy these tests for each quarter with respect to which we are required to apply the tests, there can be no assurance that we will always be successful or will not require a reduction in our overall interest in an issuer (including in a taxable REIT subsidiary). If we fail to cure any noncompliance with an asset test in a timely manner and the relief provisions described above do not apply, we will cease to qualify as a REIT.

        Distribution Requirements.    To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to the sum of:

37


Table of Contents

        For these purposes, our "REIT taxable income" is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding our net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test, non-cash income means income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount on purchase money debt, cancellation of indebtedness, and any like-kind exchanges that are later determined to be taxable.

        In general, we must pay these distributions in the taxable year to which they relate or in the following taxable year if they are declared before we timely file our tax return for the year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment following their declarations. Except as provided below, these distributions generally are taxable to our stockholders, other than tax-exempt entities, in the year in which paid. This rule applies even with respect to these distributions that relate to the prior year for purposes of our 90% distribution requirement. Notwithstanding this general rule, however, distributions that we declare in October, November, or December of any year and payable to a stockholder of record on a specified date in any of these months will be treated as both paid by us and received by the stockholder on December 31 of that year, provided we actually pay the distribution on or before January 31 of the following calendar year. The amount distributed must not be preferential (specifically, every stockholder of the class of stock to which a distribution is made must be treated the same as every other stockholder of that class, and no class of stock may be treated otherwise than according to its distribution rights as a class). To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our "REIT taxable income," as adjusted, we will be required to pay tax on the undistributed amount at regular ordinary or capital gain (as applicable) corporate tax rates. We believe we have made, and intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements.

        Our REIT taxable income might be less than our cash flow as a result of depreciation and other non-cash charges included in computing REIT taxable income. In that event, we anticipate that we generally will have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above. However, from time to time, we might not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due to timing differences between the receipt of income and payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses in determining our taxable income. If these timing differences occur, we may need to borrow funds or pay dividends in the form of taxable stock dividends in order to meet the distribution requirements.

        Under certain circumstances, we may be permitted to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to our stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. We will be required, however, to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.

        Furthermore, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent the amounts we actually distribute during each calendar year (or in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in October, November, and December of the calendar year, by the end of January immediately following that year) are less than the sum of 85% of our REIT ordinary income for the year, 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the year and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. Any REIT ordinary income and capital gain net income on which an income tax is imposed for any year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for purposes of calculating the amount of this tax.

        Like Kind Exchanges.    We may dispose of properties in transactions intended to qualify as like-kind exchanges under Section 1031 of the Code. Like-kind exchanges are intended to result in the deferral of gain for federal income tax purposes. The failure of any transaction to qualify as a like-kind

38


Table of Contents

exchange could subject us to federal income tax, possibly including the 100% prohibited transaction tax, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.

        Specified cure provisions are available to us in the event that we discover a violation of a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT. Except with respect to violations of the REIT income tests and assets tests (for which the cure provisions are described above), and provided the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, these cure provisions generally impose a $50,000 penalty for each violation in lieu of a loss of REIT status. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be required to pay tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at the applicable regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT are not deductible by us, and we will not be required to distribute any amounts to our stockholders. As a result, we anticipate that our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. In this event, stockholders taxed as individuals currently will be taxed on these dividends at a maximum rate of 15% (the same as the maximum rate applicable to long-term capital gains) for tax years through 2012 (for tax years beginning after 2012, the maximum rate applicable to dividends (other than capital gain dividends) are scheduled to increase to the maximum rate then applicable to ordinary income), and corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we also will be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we lost our qualification. We cannot determine whether, under all circumstances in which we discover a violation of any of these provisions of the Code, we will be entitled to this statutory relief.

        General.    We own, directly or indirectly, interests in various partnerships and limited liability companies which we believe are classified properly as partnerships (or disregarded entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We may own additional partnerships and limited liability companies in the future. In general, entities that are classified as partnerships (or disregarded entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes are "pass-through" entities which are not required to pay federal income tax. Rather, partners or members of these entities are allocated their pro rata shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the entity, and are potentially required to pay tax thereon, without regard to whether the partners or members receive a distribution of cash from the entity. We include in our income our allocable share of the foregoing items, based on the partnership or operating agreement, for purposes of computing our REIT taxable income. For purposes of applying the REIT income and asset tests, we include our proportionate share of the income generated by and the assets held by the partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest, including their shares of the income and assets of any subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies, based on our capital interests in these entities, subject to special rules relating to the 10% asset test described above. See "—Taxation of the Company" above.

        Our ownership of interests in partnerships and limited liability companies involves special tax considerations. These special tax considerations include, for example, the possibility that the IRS might challenge the status of one or more of the partnerships or limited liability companies in which we own an interest as partnerships (or disregarded entities), as opposed to associations taxable as corporations, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest, or one or more of its subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies, is treated as an association for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the entity will be taxable as a corporation and will be

39


Table of Contents

required to pay an entity-level tax on its income. In this situation, the character of our assets and items of gross income will change, and might prevent us from satisfying the asset tests or the income tests described above. See "—Taxation of the Company—Asset Tests" and "—Taxation of the Company—Income Tests" above. This failure might prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See "—Failure to Qualify" above. In addition, a change in the tax status of one or more of the partnerships or limited liability companies in which we own an interest might be treated as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability at the time of this change without any related cash distributions.

        Treasury Regulations provide that a domestic business entity not otherwise organized as a corporation (an "eligible entity") may be classified as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Unless an eligible entity elects to be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the entity will be classified as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (subject to special rules applicable to entities classified as publicly traded partnerships). All of the partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest do not intend to elect to be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and intend to claim classification as partnerships or disregarded entities under these Treasury Regulations (and do not intend to operate in a manner to qualify as publicly traded partnerships). As a result, we believe that these partnerships and limited liability companies will be classified as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and not as publicly traded partnerships).

        Allocations of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction.    A partnership or limited liability company operating agreement generally determines the allocation of income and losses among partners or members. These allocations, however, are disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes if they do not comply with the provisions of Section 704(b) of the Code and the related Treasury Regulations. Generally, Section 704(b) of the Code and the related Treasury Regulations require allocations of tax items from a partnership or limited liability company classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to respect the economic arrangement of the partners or members, as applicable. If an allocation is not recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the relevant item is reallocated in accordance with the interests of the partners or members in the partnership or limited liability company, as applicable. This reallocation is determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners or members with respect to the item. The allocations of taxable income and loss in each of the partnerships and limited liability companies classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which we own an interest are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. As discussed under "—Prohibited Transaction Income" above, under certain circumstances, allocations of income to us attributable to the sale of property held as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business may subject us to a 100% penalty tax on this income.

        Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties.    Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership or limited liability company classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in exchange for an interest in the partnership or limited liability company, as applicable, must be allocated in a manner so that the contributing partner or member is charged with the unrealized gain or benefits from the unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or loss generally is equal to the difference between the fair market value and the adjusted tax basis of the contributed property at the time of contribution. These allocations are made solely for federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners or members. Some of the partnerships or limited liability companies classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which we own an interest were formed by way of contributions of appreciated property. The relevant partnership or limited

40


Table of Contents

liability company operating agreements require that allocations be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. These allocations might cause us to be allocated (1) lower amounts of depreciation deductions for U.S. federal income tax purposes than would be allocated to us if each contributed property has a tax basis equal to its fair market value at the time of the contribution and (2) taxable gain in the event of a sale of a contributed property in excess of the economic or book income allocated to us as a result of the sale, with a corresponding benefit to the contributing partner or member. As a result, these allocations might make it more difficult for us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above. See "—Taxation of the Company—Distribution Requirements" above.

        The following summary describes the U.S. federal income tax consequences that are likely to be material to U.S. holders of owning and disposing of our capital stock. This summary deals only with our capital stock held as a "capital asset" (generally, property held for investment within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code). A U.S. holder's tax treatment will vary depending upon the holder's particular situation, and this discussion does not address all the tax consequences that may be relevant to each holder in light of the holder's particular circumstances.

        Distributions.    Distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits are treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, other than with respect to capital gain dividends and certain amounts that have been previously subject to tax at the corporate level, discussed below, are taxable to U.S. holders as ordinary income. See "—Tax Rates" below. In determining the extent to which a distribution with respect to shares of our capital stock constitutes a dividend, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to distributions with respect to shares of our preferred stock, if any, and then to shares of our common stock. As long as we qualify as a REIT, these distributions are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. holders that are corporations.

        To the extent that we make distributions on shares of our capital stock in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the amount of these distributions are treated first as a tax-free return of capital to a U.S. holder. This treatment reduces the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the U.S. holder's shares of our capital stock by the amount of the distribution, but not below zero. The amount of any distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the holder's shares are taxable as capital gain. The gain is taxable as long-term capital gain if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of the distribution. Distributions that we declare in October, November, or December of any year and that are payable to a U.S. holder of record on a specified date in any of these months are treated as both paid by us and received by the holder on December 31 of that year, provided we actually pay the distribution on or before January 31 of the following calendar year. U.S. holders may not include in their own income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

        In the event that we pay a portion of a dividend to U.S. holders of our capital stock in shares of our capital stock, U.S. holders receiving the distribution of our capital stock may be required to pay tax on the entire amount distributed, including the portion paid in shares of our capital stock, in which case the holders might be required to pay the tax using cash from other sources. If a U.S. holder sells the shares of our capital stock that the holder receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the distribution, depending on the market price of our shares of the class or series of our capital stock at the time of the sale.

        Capital Gain Dividends.    Dividends that we properly designate as capital gain dividends are taxable to our U.S. holders as a gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for more than one year, to the extent that the gain does not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the U.S. holder has held our capital stock. We are required to designate which maximum rate bracket is applicable to each category of capital gain dividends, which

41


Table of Contents

currently (for tax years through 2012) are taxable to non-corporate U.S. holders at a 15% or 25% rate. If we fail to designate the applicable bracket, all capital gain dividends are taxable to non-corporate U.S. holders at the 25% rate. Corporate stockholders, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of capital gain dividends as ordinary income.

        Retention of Net Capital Gains.    We may elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain dividend, all or a portion of our net capital gain. If we make this election, we will pay tax on our retained net capital gains. In addition, to the extent we so elect, a U.S. holder generally will:

        Qualified Dividend Income.    A portion of distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits may constitute "qualified dividend income" to the extent that the amount is attributable to amounts described below, and we properly designate the amount as "qualified dividend income." See "—Tax Rates" below. The maximum amount of our distributions eligible to be designated as qualified dividend income for a taxable year is equal to the sum of:

        Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations.    Income or gain to a U.S. holder from distributions we make or arising from the sale or exchange by the U.S. holder of shares of our capital stock is not treated as passive activity income. As a result, a U.S. holder generally is not permitted to apply any "passive losses" against this income or gain. A U.S. holder generally may deduct investment interest only to the extent of the amount of the holder's investment income. A U.S. holder may elect to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of shares of our capital stock and qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of computing this investment interest limitation, but in this case, the holder is taxed at ordinary income tax rates on the amount of this income or gain. Income from other distributions made by us, generally is treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation (without regard to whether the holder makes an election).

42


Table of Contents

        Dispositions of Shares of Our Capital Stock.    If a U.S. holder sells or disposes of shares of our capital stock to a person other than us, the holder recognizes gain or loss for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and (2) the holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares at the time of the sale or other disposition. This gain or loss, except as provided below, is long-term capital gain or loss if the holder has held shares of our capital stock for more than one year at the time of the sale or other disposition. If, however, a U.S. holder recognizes loss upon the sale or other disposition of shares of our capital stock that the holder has held for six months or less, after applying certain holding period rules, the loss recognized is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent the U.S. holder has received distributions from us which have been required to be treated as long-term capital gains.

        Conversion of Shares of Our Preferred Stock.    Except as provided below, (i) a U.S. holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of shares of our preferred stock into shares of our common stock, and (ii) a U.S. holder's tax basis and holding period in shares of our common stock received upon conversion generally will be the same as those of the converted shares of our preferred stock (but the tax basis will be reduced by the portion of adjusted tax basis allocated to any fractional share exchanged for cash). Any of shares of our common stock received in a conversion that are attributable to accumulated and unpaid dividends on the converted shares of our preferred stock will be treated as a distribution that is potentially taxable as a dividend. Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional share generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for the fractional share, and gain or loss will be recognized on the receipt of cash in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the adjusted tax basis allocable to the fractional share deemed exchanged. This gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the shares of our preferred stock for more than one year at the time of conversion. U.S. holders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the federal income tax consequences of any transaction by which the holder exchanges shares of our common stock received on a conversion of shares of our preferred stock for cash or other property.

        Redemption of Shares of Our Preferred Stock.    A redemption of shares of our preferred stock will be treated under Section 302 of the Code as a distribution that is taxable as dividend income (to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits), unless the redemption satisfies one or more of certain tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the Code enabling the redemption to be treated as a sale of the shares of our preferred stock (in which case the redemption will be treated in the same manner as a sale described above in "—Disposition of Shares of Our Capital Stock"). The redemption will satisfy one of these tests if it (1) is "substantially disproportionate" with respect to the U.S. holder's interest in shares of our capital stock, (2) results in a "complete termination" of the U.S. holder's interest in all shares of our classes or series of capital stock, or (3) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the U.S. holder, all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the Code. In determining whether one of these tests has been met, shares of our capital stock considered to be owned by the holder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code, as well as shares of our capital stock actually owned, generally must be taken into account. Because the determination as to whether any of the three alternative tests of Section 302(b) of the Code described above will be satisfied with respect to any particular U.S. holder of shares of our preferred stock depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the determination must be made, prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors to determine the tax treatment to the prospective investor of a redemption of shares of our preferred stock. If a redemption of shares of our preferred stock does not meet any of the three tests described above, the redemption proceeds will be treated as a taxable distribution, as described in "—Taxation of U.S. Holders—Distributions" above. In that case, a U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the redeemed shares of our preferred stock will be transferred to the U.S. holder's remaining share holdings in us. If the U.S. holder does not retain any

43


Table of Contents

shares of our capital stock, the tax basis could be transferred to a related person that holds shares of our capital stock or the tax basis may be lost.

        Under proposed Treasury Regulations, if any portion of the amount received by a U.S. holder on a redemption of shares of any class or series of our preferred stock is treated as a distribution with respect to shares of our capital stock but not as a taxable dividend, then this portion will be allocated to all shares of the redeemed class or series of our preferred stock held by the redeemed U.S. holder just before the redemption on a pro rata, share-by-share, basis. The amount applied to each share will first reduce the redeemed U.S. holder's tax basis in that share and any excess after the tax basis is reduced to zero will result in taxable gain. If the redeemed U.S. holder has different tax bases in the holder's shares, then the amount allocated could reduce some of the tax basis in certain shares while reducing all the tax basis and giving rise to taxable gain in other shares. Thus the redeemed U.S. holder could have gain even if the holder's tax basis in all of the holder's shares of the redeemed class or series of our preferred stock exceeded the applicable portion.

        The proposed Treasury Regulations permit the transfer of tax basis in the redeemed shares of our preferred stock to the redeemed U.S. holder's remaining, unredeemed shares of our preferred stock of the same class or series (if any), but not to any other class or series of shares of our capital stock held (directly or indirectly) by the redeemed U.S. holder. Instead, any unrecovered tax basis in the redeemed shares of our preferred stock would be treated as a deferred loss to be recognized when certain conditions are satisfied. The proposed Treasury Regulations would be effective for transactions that occur after the date the regulations are published as final Treasury Regulations. There can, however, be no assurance as to whether, when and in what particular form the proposed Treasury Regulations ultimately will be finalized.

        If a redemption of shares of our preferred stock that is not otherwise treated as a dividend occurs when there is a dividend arrearage on the shares of our preferred stock, a portion of the cash received by a U.S. holder might be treated as a dividend distribution taxable as ordinary income. If the dividend arrearage has been declared or if the facts show that we were legally obligated to pay the dividend, then the U.S. holder will have ordinary dividend income to this extent. On the other hand, if the arrearage has not been declared as a dividend and the facts do not show that we were legally obligated to pay the dividend, then, even though the dividend arrearage is included in the redemption price, the entire payment is treated as a part of the sales proceeds of the shares of our preferred stock and not as ordinary dividend income.

        Net Investment Income.    Recently enacted amendments to the Code generally impose a tax of 3.8% on certain individuals for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, on the lesser of (a) the individual's "net investment income" for the taxable year or (b) the excess of (i) the individual's modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over (ii) a threshold amount. Net investment income generally is specified types of income earned by the individual, including gross income from dividends on and net gain from a sale or exchange of shares of our capital stock, less certain deductions. The threshold amount applicable to an individual generally is equal to $250,000 for married individuals filing jointly or $200,000 for other individuals. This new tax generally applies to certain estates and trusts with net investment income based on rules similar to the rules applicable to individuals to determine the amount of income subject to the tax. U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these new provisions of the Code on their investment in our capital stock.

        Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.    A U.S. holder may be subject to backup withholding with respect to income from distributions on shares of our capital stock or with respect to proceeds received from a disposition of shares of our capital stock. Certain holders (including, among others, corporations and certain tax-exempt organizations) generally are not subject to backup withholding. Each U.S. holder is subject to backup withholding if the holder is not otherwise exempt

44


Table of Contents

and the holder (1) fails to furnish the holder's TIN, which, for an individual, is ordinarily his or her social security number; (2) furnishes an incorrect TIN; (3) is notified by the IRS that the holder has failed to report properly payments of interest or dividends; or (4) fails to certify, under penalties of perjury, that the holder has furnished a correct TIN and that the IRS has not notified the holder that the holder is subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax but, rather, is a method of tax collection. A U.S. holder generally is entitled to credit any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules against the holder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

        Additional Withholding and Reporting Requirements Relating to Foreign Accounts.    A U.S. holder that beneficially owns shares of our capital stock directly or indirectly through a foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity might be affected by recently enacted amendments to the Code, as supplemented by IRS Notice 2011-53, prior IRS notices and proposed Treasury Regulations, that impose additional withholding and reporting requirements on foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities described under "—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders—Additional Withholding and Reporting Requirements Relating to Foreign Accounts" below. U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these new provisions of the Code on their investment in our capital stock.

        Tax Rates.    The maximum tax rate for U.S. holders that are non-corporate taxpayers for (1) capital gains, including certain "capital gain dividends," generally has been reduced to 15% for tax years through 2012 (although depending on the characteristics of the assets which produce these gains and on designations which we may make, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a 25% rate) and (2) "qualified dividend income" generally has been reduced to 15% (for tax years through 2012) provided that the holder has held the capital stock with respect to which the distribution is made for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which this capital stock became ex-dividend with respect to the relevant distribution. In general, income from distributions paid by REITs is not eligible for the reduced tax rate on corporate dividends, except to the extent that certain holding requirements have been met and the income is attributable to dividends received from taxable corporations (such as its taxable REIT subsidiaries) or to income that has been subject to tax at the corporate/REIT level (for example, if the REIT distributed taxable income that it retained and paid tax on in the prior taxable year). See "—Taxation of U.S. Holders—Qualified Dividend Income" above. The provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws relating to the reduced 15% tax rate currently are scheduled to "sunset" or revert to the provisions of prior law effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, at which time the maximum rate applicable to long-term capital gains tax rate will be increased to 20%, and the maximum rate applicable to dividends (other than capital gain dividends) will be increased to the maximum rate then applicable to ordinary income.

        A tax-exempt stockholder generally is not subject to U.S. federal income taxation, except to the extent of income that constitutes unrelated business taxable income. Income from distributions paid by us and gain of a tax-exempt stockholder arising upon a sale of shares of our capital stock generally is not unrelated business taxable income to the tax-exempt stockholder, except as described below. This income or gain is unrelated business taxable income, however, if a tax-exempt stockholder holds its shares as "debt-financed property" within the meaning of the Code or if the shares are used in a trade or business of the tax-exempt stockholder. Generally, "debt-financed property" is property, the acquisition or holding of which is financed through a borrowing by a tax-exempt stockholder.

        For tax-exempt stockholders which are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, or qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) or (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, income

45


Table of Contents

from an investment in shares of our capital stock constitutes unrelated business taxable income unless the organization is able to claim properly a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in shares of our capital stock. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these "set aside" and reserve requirements.

        Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the income from distributions paid by a "pension-held REIT" may be treated as unrelated business taxable income as to certain tax-exempt organizations or trusts that hold more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. A REIT will not be a "pension-held REIT" if the REIT is able to satisfy the "not closely held" requirement without relying on the "look-through" exception with respect to certain trusts or if the REIT is not "predominantly held" by "qualified trusts." As a result of limitations on the transfer and ownership of stock contained in our charter, we believe that we currently are not, and expect that we will continue not to be, classified as a "pension-held REIT," and as a result, the tax treatment described in this paragraph should be inapplicable to our tax-exempt stockholders. Because shares of our capital stock are publicly traded, however, we cannot guarantee that this treatment always will be the case.

        The following discussion addresses the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of the ownership and disposition of shares of our capital stock by non-U.S. holders. These rules are complex, and no attempt is made in this discussion to provide more than a brief summary of the rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of the holder's particular circumstances and does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences. We urge each non-U.S. holder to consult the holder's tax advisor to determine the impact of federal, state, local and foreign income tax laws on the purchase, ownership, and disposition of shares of our capital stock, including any reporting requirements.

        Distributions.    Income from distributions paid by us to a non-U.S. holder that is neither attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of United States real property interests nor designated by us as capital gain dividends is treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that the distributions are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Income from distributions paid by us ordinarily is subject to withholding of U.S. federal tax at a 30% rate or a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty unless the income from the distributions is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non- U.S. holder of a United States trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder). Under certain income tax treaties, however, lower withholding rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from a REIT. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be satisfied to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected income exemption (and, if certain tax treaties apply, permanent establishment exemption). Income from distributions that is treated as effectively connected with a trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder) is subject to federal tax on a net basis at graduated rates, in the same manner as dividends paid to U.S. holders are subject to federal tax, and this income generally is not subject to withholding. Income from distributions paid by us to a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to a 30% rate (or lower rate as may be prescribed under an applicable income tax treaty) of the holder's earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to adjustments, that are attributable to income that is effectively connected with the holder's conduct of a United States trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder). In the event that we pay a portion of a distribution to holders of a class or series of our capital stock in shares of our capital stock, any withholding requirement

46


Table of Contents

applicable with respect to the income from the distribution to a non-U.S. holder applies to the portion of the distribution that is paid in shares of our capital stock, in addition to any amount paid as cash.

        We are required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on any income from distributions paid by us to a non-U.S. holder unless:

        Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits are not taxable to a non-U.S. holder to the extent that the distributions do not exceed the non-U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the holder's shares of our capital stock, but rather the amount of these distributions reduces the adjusted tax basis of the holder's shares of our capital stock. To the extent that the amount of these distributions exceed a non-U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the holder's shares of our capital stock, this amount is taxable as gain from the sale or exchange of the holder's shares of our capital stock. The tax treatment of this gain is described below.

        For withholding purposes, we generally have treated and expect to continue to treat all distributions as made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. A portion of amounts withheld, however, generally should be refundable to a non-U.S. holder if the amount is determined subsequently to be a distribution that was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. A distribution in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and a non-U.S. holder's tax basis in the shares of our capital stock to which the distribution relates is treated as gain from the sale of exchange of the shares. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of this gain is described under "—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders—Sale of Shares of Our Capital stock" below.

        Capital Gain Dividends and Distributions Attributable to a Sale or Exchange of United States Real Property Interests.    Income from distributions paid by us to a non-U.S. holder that we properly designate as capital gain dividends, other than income arising from the disposition of a United States real property interest, generally should not be subject to U.S. federal taxation, unless:

        Pursuant to FIRPTA (the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980), income from distributions paid by us to a non-U.S. holder that is attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of United States real property interests (whether or not designated as capital gain dividends) is treated as income effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Non-U.S. holders generally are taxed on the amount of this income at the same rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. We also are required to withhold and to remit to the IRS 35% of the amount treated as gain from the sale or exchange of United States real property interests. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability. Income from a distribution paid by a REIT to a non-United States stockholder

47


Table of Contents

with respect to any class of stock which is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States, however, is not subject to taxation under FIRPTA, and therefore, is not subject to the 35% U.S. withholding tax described above, but only if the non-United States stockholder does not own more than 5% of the class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Instead, this income is treated as ordinary dividend distributions, generally subject to withholding at the 30% rate or lower treaty rate discussed above. Shares of our common stock and our Series A Preferred Stock currently are, and we expect the shares to continue to be, regularly traded on a market that we believe qualifies as an established securities market. If we issue an additional class or series of preferred stock, we would expect to apply to list the shares of that class or series on what we believe will qualify as an established securities market with the intent that such shares will be regularly traded. Thus, income from distributions paid by us to non-U.S. holders who do not own more than 5% of the shares of the applicable class or series of our capital stock generally should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA, or the corresponding 35% withholding tax, but rather, income from distributions paid by us to such a non-U.S. holder that is attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of United States real property interests is treated as ordinary dividend distributions.

        Retention of Net Capital Gains.    Although the law is not clear on the matter, we believe that amounts designated by us as retained capital gains in respect of the shares of our capital stock held by U.S. holders generally should be treated with respect to non-U.S. holders in the same manner as the treatment of actual distributions by us of capital gain dividends. Under this approach, a non-U.S. holder is permitted to offset as a credit against the holder's U.S. federal income tax liability resulting from the holder's proportionate share of the tax we pay on retained capital gains, and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent the holder's proportionate share of the tax paid by us exceeds the holder's actual U.S. federal income tax liability.

        Sale of Shares of Our Capital stock.    Gain recognized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale or exchange of shares of our capital stock generally is not subject to United States taxation unless the shares constitute "United States real property interests" within the meaning of FIRPTA. Shares of our capital stock constitute "United States real property interests" if we are not a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity." A "domestically controlled qualified investment entity" includes a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of the shares of its stock is held directly or indirectly by non-United States stockholders. We believe, but cannot guarantee, that we have been and are a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity." Even if we have been and currently are a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity," because shares of our capital stock are publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity."

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale or exchange of shares of our capital stock not otherwise subject to taxation under FIRPTA is taxable to a non-U.S. holder if either (1) the investment in shares of our capital stock is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder's United States trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder) or (2) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met. In addition, even if we are a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity," upon disposition of shares of our capital stock (subject to the 5% exception applicable to "regularly traded" stock described below), a non-U.S. holder may be treated as having gain from the sale or exchange of United States real property interests if the non-U.S. holder (1) disposes of the holder's shares of our capital stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, other shares of our capital stock within a 61-day period beginning with the first day of the 30-day period described in the immediately preceding clause (1).

48


Table of Contents

        Even if we are not a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity" at the time a non-U.S. holder sells or exchanges the holder's shares of our capital stock, gain arising from a sale or exchange of a non-U.S. holder's shares of a class or series of our capital stock is not subject to taxation under FIRPTA as a sale of "United States real property interests" if:

        Shares of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock currently are, and we expect the shares to continue to be, regularly traded on an established securities market. If we issue an additional class or series of preferred stock, we would expect to apply to list the shares of that class or series on what we believe will qualify as an established securities market with the intent that such shares will be regularly traded. Thus, even if we are not a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity" at the time a non-U.S. holder sells or exchanges the holder's shares of a class or series of our capital stock, as long as that class or series continues to be regularly traded on an established securities market at that time and the non-U.S. holder does not own more than 5% of the shares of the class or series of our capital stock, gain arising from the sale of the holder's shares of our capital stock should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA as a sale of "United States real property interests." If gain on the sale or exchange of a non-U.S. holder's shares of our capital stock is subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder is subject to regular U.S. federal income tax with respect to the gain in the same manner as a U.S. holder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). In addition, if at the time of the sale or exchange of shares of a class or series of our capital stock, the shares of the class or series are not regularly traded on an established securities market, then the purchaser of the shares of the class or series of our capital stock will be required to withhold and remit an amount equal to 10% of the purchase price to the IRS.

        Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting.    A non-U.S. holder, in general, is not subject to backup withholding with respect to payments that we make to the holder provided that we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a United States person, as defined under the Code, and the holder has given us the statement described above under "—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders—Distributions." In addition, a non-U.S. holder is not subject to backup withholding with respect to the proceeds of the sale of shares of our capital stock within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, if the payor receives the statement described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a United States person, as defined under the Code, or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. However, we may be required to report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of, and the tax withheld with respect to, the income from any distributions paid to the holder, regardless of whether any tax actually is withheld. Copies of these information returns also may be made available under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the holder resides.

        Additional Withholding and Reporting Requirements Relating to Foreign Accounts.    Recently enacted amendments to the Code generally impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain types of payments made to a foreign financial institution or a non-financial foreign entity after December 31, 2012, including distributions made with respect to our capital stock and gross proceeds from the sale or exchange of shares of our capital stock. The IRS released a notice and the Treasury Department has promulgated proposed Treasury Regulations, however, delaying implementation of these rules with

49


Table of Contents

respect to payments such as distributions made with respect to our capital stock until January 1, 2014, and with respect to payments such as gross proceeds from sales or exchanges of our capital stock until January 1, 2015. After the applicable effective date with respect to a payment, the 30% withholding tax will apply (i) to a foreign financial institution unless the foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to undertake to obtain and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding certain direct and indirect U.S. accountholders and to collect the withholding tax on payments to certain accountholders (generally where the actions of the accountholders prevent compliance with reporting and other requirements), and the foreign financial institution meets certain other specified requirements or (ii) to a non-financial foreign entity unless the non-financial foreign entity certifies that it does not have any direct or indirect substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each direct and indirect substantial U.S. owner, and the non-financial foreign entity meets certain other specified requirements. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of any withholding taxes. Non-U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these new provisions of the Code on their investment in our capital stock.

        Brokers are subject to information reporting requirements relating to certain transactions involving shares of our capital stock acquired on or after January 1, 2011 by a stockholder other than an exempt recipient ("covered stock"). Specifically, upon the transfer or redemption of shares of covered stock, the broker must report certain information to the stockholder and the IRS, including the adjusted tax basis of the shares and whether any gain or loss recognized on the transfer or redemption is long-term or short-term. Unless the stockholder informs a broker otherwise, shares to be transferred or redeemed will be chosen using the broker's default method. You are encouraged to consult your tax adviser about what method is best in your particular circumstances.

        If we take an organizational action such as a stock split, merger, or acquisition that affects the tax basis of shares of covered stock, we will report to each stockholder and the IRS (or post on our primary public Web site) a description of the action and the quantitative effect of that action on the tax basis of the applicable shares. Although corporations generally qualify as exempt recipients, an S corporation will not qualify as an exempt recipient with respect to shares of our capital stock that the S corporation acquires on or after January 1, 2012. Thus, the transfer or redemption of shares of our capital stock acquired by an S corporation on or after January 1, 2012 will be subject to the reporting requirements discussed above.

        Brokers may be subject to transfer statement reporting on certain transactions not otherwise subject to the reporting requirements discussed above (excluding transactions involving shares acquired before January 1, 2011). Transfer statements, however, are issued only between "brokers" and are not issued to stockholders or the IRS.

        Stockholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting rules discussed above to their investment in our capital stock.

        State, local and foreign tax laws may differ substantially from the corresponding federal tax laws, and this discussion does not purport to describe any aspect of the tax laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction. Each of our stockholders should consult the stockholder's tax advisor regarding the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws with respect to our tax treatment as a REIT and on an investment in shares of our capital stock.

50


Table of Contents


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus to investors directly or through agents or to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them. Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities offered by this prospectus will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have reserved the right to sell securities directly to, or exchange securities directly with, investors on our or their behalf in those jurisdictions where we are authorized to do so.

        We may sell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:

        We will describe the method of distribution of the securities and the terms of the offering in the prospectus supplement.

        If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions described above. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters' obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities being distributed if they purchase any of the securities.

        We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.

        We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment.

        If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or other persons to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase offered securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date or dates. Institutions with which these contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others. The obligations of any purchasers under any delayed delivery contract will not be subject to any conditions except:

51


Table of Contents

        The underwriters, dealers and other persons will not have any responsibility for the validity or performance of these contracts. The prospectus supplement relating to the contracts will set forth the price to be paid for securities under the contracts, the commission payable for solicitation of the contracts and the date or dates in the future for delivery of offered securities under the contracts.

        Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments made by the underwriters, dealers or agents, under agreements between us and the underwriters, dealers and agents.

        We may grant underwriters who participate in the distribution of securities an option to purchase additional securities in connection with the distribution.

        Underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from us or our purchasers, as their agents in connection with the sale of securities. These underwriters, dealers or agents may be considered to be underwriters under the Securities Act. As a result, discounts, commissions or profits on resale received by the underwriters, dealers or agents may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions. The prospectus supplement will identify any underwriter, dealer or agent and describe any compensation received by them from us. In no event will the aggregate discounts, concessions and commissions to any underwriters, dealers or agents exceed eight percent of the gross proceeds. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

        Shares of our common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Any common stock sold pursuant to this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplement will be approved for trading on the New York Stock Exchange upon notice of issuance. Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, all securities we offer, other than common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriter may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We may apply to list any series of debt securities, preferred stock or warrants on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. Therefore, there may not be liquidity or a trading market for any series of securities.

        In connection with an offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell securities in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of securities than they are required to purchase in an offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while an offering is in progress.

        The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the underwriters have repurchased securities sold by or for the account of that underwriter in stabilizing or short-covering transactions.

        These activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. As a result, the price of the securities may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected on an exchange or automated quotation system, if the securities are listed on that exchange or admitted for trading on that automated quotation system, or in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

52


Table of Contents

        Underwriters, dealers or agents who may become involved in the sale of our securities may engage in transactions with and perform other services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they receive compensation.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule of Inland Real Estate Corporation as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the securities offered under this prospectus and any supplement hereto will be passed upon for us by Venable LLP. Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. has passed upon certain tax matters for the Company, including those described under "Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" in this prospectus. Venable LLP will pass upon certain matters of Maryland law. Counsel for any underwriter, dealers or agents will be noted in the applicable prospectus supplement and will be advised by their own legal counsel. Certain shareholders of Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. and their families own collectively less than 0.1% of our common stock.


INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the information that we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information about us to you by referring you to those documents. Any information referred to in this way will be regarded as appearing in this prospectus. To the extent that information appearing in a document filed later is inconsistent with prior information, the later information will modify and supersede the prior information, and the prior information, except as modified, will no longer be a part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents:

53


Table of Contents

        We are also incorporating by reference into this prospectus all documents that we have filed or will file with the SEC as prescribed by Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the filing of the initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement.

        We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. Requests should be directed to Inland Real Estate Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, 2901 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 (telephone (630) 218-8000). You may also obtain copies of these filings, at no cost, by accessing our website at http://www.inlandrealestate.com; however, the information found on our website is not considered part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549.

        You may also obtain copies of our SEC filings at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call l-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operations at the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

        Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of that contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by that reference and the exhibits and schedules to that contract or other document. For further information about us and the securities offered by this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and such exhibits and schedules which may be obtained from the SEC at its principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of any fees prescribed by the SEC.

54


Table of Contents

LOGO

9,000,000 Shares

Inland Real Estate Corporation

Common Stock



PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT



BofA Merrill Lynch
Wells Fargo Securities
BMO Capital Markets
KeyBanc Capital Markets

May     , 2013