Press Release

Wells REIT Extends Edelman Lease at Aon Center

Leading PR Firm to Remain at Chicago Landmark through 2020

NORCROSS, Ga. (Oct. 11, 2006) - Edelman, the world's largest independent public relations firm, has extended the lease for its co-headquarters offices at downtown Chicago's landmark Aon Center through 2020, the building's owner, Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, announced today.

Based in Chicago and New York, Edelman has some 350 employees on four floors of the Aon Center, Chicago's second-tallest building, in the East Loop. Under the new lease, Edelman will add approximately 6,700 square feet to its current 112,000, with additional future expansion rights.

"We're thrilled that Edelman has decided to extend its commitment at Aon Center for many years to come," said Bo Reddic, managing director, asset management, for Wells Real Estate Funds. "Our portfolio strategy is based on providing fine real estate for leading corporate tenants - and Edelman is an unquestioned world leader in its industry."

"In 1952, Dan Edelman began our operations here in Chicago, and we are very pleased to be able to continue to grow our presence here within the Aon Center with added space efficiency and a consolidated work environment for our employees," said Victor Malanga, U.S. Chief Financial Officer for Edelman.

This is the third landmark lease announced by Wells in downtown Chicago in recent weeks. Previously, advertising and marketing firm Leo Burnett and law firm Winston & Strawn signed lengthy renewals at the Leo Burnett Building.

Aon Center, built in 1972 as the Standard Oil Building, is a modern landmark on the city's skyline, with more than 2.6 million square feet. Wells REIT acquired the property in 2003.

Wells was represented in the transaction by Reddic, Bert Collins and Tina McCall of the asset management team, with Brad Despot and Steve Smith of Jones Lang LaSalle. Edelman was represented by Todd Lippman and Kyle Kamin of CB Richard Ellis.

Wells REIT, which closed to new investors in 2003, is a public, nontraded REIT specializing in Class-A office properties. Wells REIT owns 86 buildings in 24 states (including Washington, D.C.), totaling approximately $4.4 billion (based on purchase price) and covering more than 21 million square feet. Across the portfolio, Wells REIT properties are approximately 95 percent leased.

About Wells
Wells REIT is managed by Wells Real Estate Funds, a national real estate investment company based in suburban Atlanta. Since 1984, more than 200,000 people have invested in Wells-sponsored investment programs through their financial representatives. Collectively, these programs own more than $7.5 billion in assets totaling more than 35 million square feet of space. For more information, see www.wellsref.com.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including discussions regarding Wells' use of proceeds and certain other factors that may affect future earnings or financial results. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in general economic conditions, changes in real estate conditions, construction delays, increases in interest rates, lease-up risks, lack of availability of financing, and lack of availability of capital proceeds. Wells REIT is closed to new investors.

EDITORS NOTE: Photography of Aon Center is available.