Highwoods Properties, Inc. is a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed equity real estate investment trust (REIT). It is engaged in the business of acquisition, development, and operation of rental real estate properties. The Company operates office, industrial, retail, and residential properties. The Company conducts virtually all of its activities through the Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (Operating Partnership). The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. During the year ended December 31, 2008, it owned or had an interest in 383 in-service office, industrial, and retail properties, encompassing approximately 35.3 million square feet and 514 rental residential units. In 2008, the Company acquired an aggregate of 8.3 acres of land in the Atlanta metropolitan area and 135,000 square foot office building in Memphis, TN.