<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>sv8</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>


<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


  <P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">As filed with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission on June 30, 2005
  <div align="right" style="font-size: 10pt">Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-________</div>



<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>








<P align="center" style="font-size: 14pt"><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>WASHINGTON, DC 20549</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 18pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 24pt"><B>Columbia Equity Trust, Inc.</B>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>Maryland</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>20-1978579</B></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(State or Other Jurisdiction of
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Incorporation or Organization)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>1750 H Street, N.W., Suite&nbsp;500<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20006<BR>
(202)&nbsp;303-3080</B><BR>
(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Columbia Equity Trust, Inc.<BR>
2005 Equity Compensation Plan</B><BR>
(Full title of the Plan)


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>




<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Oliver T. Carr, III<BR>
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
Columbia Equity Trust, Inc.<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20006<BR>
(202)&nbsp;303-3080</B>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number including area code, of agent for service)


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">With copies to:


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>David C. Wright, Esq.<BR>
Hunton &#038; Williams LLP<BR>
Riverfront Plaza, East Tower<BR>
951 E. Byrd Street<BR>
Richmond, Virginia 23219-4074<BR>
(804)&nbsp;788-8200</B>


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>




<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="37%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="11%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-bottom: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">Proposed maximum</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">Proposed maximum</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center">Title of securities</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">Amount to be</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">offering price</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">aggregate</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">Amount of</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center">to be registered</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">registered<SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(1)</SUP></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">per share<SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(2)</SUP></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">offering price</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2">registration fee</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
                    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Common Stock, $0.001
par value per share</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD colspan="3" align="center" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">1,331,880
          shares</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
        <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><div align="center">15.38</div></TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
        <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><div align="center">20,484,314</div></TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
        <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><div align="center">2,415</div></TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-top: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities
Act&#148;), this Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of the Company&#146;s
Common Stock that become issuable under the above-named plan by reason of any stock splits,
stock dividends or similar transactions.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD>Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act on the basis
        of $15.38&nbsp;per share, which was the average of the high and low prices
        of the Company&#146;s Common Stock as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange
        on June 29, 2005.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; margin-top: 10pt; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>





<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">








<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>PART I</B>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</B>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;).


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Columbia Equity Trust, Inc. (the &#147;Company&#148;) will provide participants, upon written or oral
request and without charge, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference in Item&nbsp;3 of Part&nbsp;II,
which are incorporated by reference in the Section 10(a) prospectus, and all documents required to
be delivered to employees pursuant to Rule 428(b) under the Securities Act. Request for such
documents should be directed to Columbia Equity Trust, Inc., 1750 H Street, N.W., Suite&nbsp;500,
Washington, D.C. 20006, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, telephone number (202)&nbsp;303-3080.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>PART II</B>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed with the Commission are incorporated herein by reference and
made a part hereof:


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;The Company&#146;s prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act on June&nbsp;30,
2005; and


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;The description of the Company&#146;s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, contained in the
Company&#146;s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;).


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act after the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement
contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration
Statement.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-1
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision
limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for
money damages except for liability resulting from:


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services;
or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is
material to the cause of action.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company&#146;s charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors&#146; and
officers&#146; liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. The Company&#146;s charter also
authorizes it, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to obligate the Company to
indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director or
officer of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served another corporation,
real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to
which that individual may become subject or which that individual may incur by reason of his or her
service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of
final disposition of a proceeding.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company&#146;s bylaws obligate it, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to
indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director or
officer of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served another corporation,
real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made, or threatened to be made, a
party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim
or liability to which that individual may become subject or which that individual may incur by
reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable
expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Company&#146;s charter and bylaws also
permit it to indemnify and advance expenses to any individual who served a predecessor of the
Company in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of the Company or a
predecessor of the Company.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the
Company&#146;s charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in
the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by
reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its
present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to
which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or
other capacities unless it is established that:


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding and (1)&nbsp;was committed in bad faith or (2)&nbsp;was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty, or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money,
property or services, or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable
cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse
judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the
basis of that


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-2
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification
and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable
expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation&#146;s receipt of:


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief
that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the
corporation and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left"><B>&#149;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>a written undertaking by him or her on his or her behalf to repay the amount
paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the
standard of conduct was not met.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="88%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Exhibit No.</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Description</B></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Company&#146;s Articles of Amendment and Restatement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1
of the Company&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-11 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-122644)).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Company&#146;s Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 of the
Company&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-11 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-122644)).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Columbia Equity Trust, Inc. 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit&nbsp;10.50 of the Company&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-11 (Registration No.
333-122644)).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Hunton &#038; Williams LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered
(filed herewith).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Hunton &#038; Williams LLP (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Deloitte &#038; Touche LLP (filed herewith).</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;The undersigned Company hereby undertakes:


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to include any prospectus required by Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the
most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in the registration statement; and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(iii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to include any material information with respect
to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration
statement.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-3
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<P><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">



</TABLE>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(3)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;The undersigned Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each filing of the Company&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan&#146;s
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in
the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be
the initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification
by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-4
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>SIGNATURES</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in Washington, D.C. on June&nbsp;29, 2005.


<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left"><B>COLUMBIA EQUITY TRUST, INC.</B><BR>
(Registrant)<BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Oliver T. Carr, III
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Oliver T. Carr, III&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">President and Chief Executive Officer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="33%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="43%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="14%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Signature</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Title</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Date</B></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD align="right">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Oliver T. Carr, III
<HR size="1" noshade color="#000000">
Oliver T. Carr, III</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
President, Chief Executive
Officer, and Chairman of our
Board of Directors
(Principal Executive Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">June 29, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD align="right">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ John A. Schissel
<HR size="1" noshade color="#000000">
John A. Schissel</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial
Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">June 29, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD align="right">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ John M. Novack
<HR size="1" noshade color="#000000">
John M. Novack</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting
Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">June 29, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-5
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="88%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Exhibit No.</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Description</B></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Company&#146;s Articles of Amendment and Restatement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1
of the Company&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-11 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-122644)).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Company&#146;s Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 of the
Company&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-11 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-122644)).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Columbia Equity Trust, Inc. 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit&nbsp;10.50 of the Company&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-11 (Registration No.
333-122644)).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Hunton &#038; Williams LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered
(filed herewith).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Hunton &#038; Williams LLP (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Deloitte &#038; Touche LLP (filed herewith).</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-6
</DIV>


</BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "w10376sv8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 39554}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "Columbia Equity Trust, Inc.", "cik": "0001316710", "assigned-sic": "6531", "irs-number": "201978579", "state-of-incorporation": "MD", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-126277", "film-number": "05928103"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1750 H STREET, N.W.", "street2": "SUITE 500", "city": "WASHINGTON", "state": "DC", "zip": "20006", "phone": "(202) 303-3060"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1750 H STREET, N.W.", "street2": "SUITE 500", "city": "WASHINGTON", "state": "DC", "zip": "20006"}}
sv8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission on June 30, 2005
Registration Statement No. 333-________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Columbia Equity Trust, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Maryland
20-1978579
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
Incorporation or Organization)
1750 H Street, N.W., Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 303-3080
(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)
Columbia Equity Trust, Inc.
2005 Equity Compensation Plan
(Full title of the Plan)
Oliver T. Carr, III
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Columbia Equity Trust, Inc.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 303-3080
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number including area code, of agent for service)
With copies to:
David C. Wright, Esq.
Hunton & Williams LLP
Riverfront Plaza, East Tower
951 E. Byrd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-4074
(804) 788-8200
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed maximum
Proposed maximum
Title of securities
Amount to be
offering price
aggregate
Amount of
to be registered
registered
(1)
per share
(2)
offering price
registration fee
Common Stock, $0.001
par value per share
1,331,880
          shares
$
15.38
$
20,484,314
$
2,415
(1)
Pursuant to Rule 416 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), this Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of the Company's
Common Stock that become issuable under the above-named plan by reason of any stock splits,
stock dividends or similar transactions.
(2)
Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act on the basis
        of $15.38 per share, which was the average of the high and low prices
        of the Company's Common Stock as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange
        on June 29, 2005.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
Item 1. Plan Information.
Not required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.
Columbia Equity Trust, Inc. (the "Company") will provide participants, upon written or oral
request and without charge, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference in Item 3 of Part II,
which are incorporated by reference in the Section 10(a) prospectus, and all documents required to
be delivered to employees pursuant to Rule 428(b) under the Securities Act. Request for such
documents should be directed to Columbia Equity Trust, Inc., 1750 H Street, N.W., Suite 500,
Washington, D.C. 20006, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, telephone number (202) 303-3080.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed with the Commission are incorporated herein by reference and
made a part hereof:
1. The Company's prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act on June 30,
2005; and
2. The description of the Company's common stock, $0.001 par value per share, contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act").
All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act after the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement
contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration
Statement.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
II-1
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision
limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for
money damages except for liability resulting from:
•
actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services;
or
•
active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is
material to the cause of action.
The Company's charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors' and
officers' liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. The Company's charter also
authorizes it, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to obligate the Company to
indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director or
officer of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served another corporation,
real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to
which that individual may become subject or which that individual may incur by reason of his or her
service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of
final disposition of a proceeding.
The Company's bylaws obligate it, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to
indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director or
officer of the Company and at the request of the Company, serves or has served another corporation,
real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made, or threatened to be made, a
party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim
or liability to which that individual may become subject or which that individual may incur by
reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable
expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Company's charter and bylaws also
permit it to indemnify and advance expenses to any individual who served a predecessor of the
Company in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of the Company or a
predecessor of the Company.
Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the
Company's charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in
the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by
reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its
present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to
which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or
other capacities unless it is established that:
•
the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty, or
•
the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money,
property or services, or
•
in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable
cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse
judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the
basis of that
II-2
personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification
and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable
expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of:
•
a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief
that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the
corporation and
•
a written undertaking by him or her on his or her behalf to repay the amount
paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the
standard of conduct was not met.
Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Company's Articles of Amendment and Restatement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-122644)).
4.2
Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-122644)).
4.3
Columbia Equity Trust, Inc. 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.50 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No.
333-122644)).
5.1
Opinion of Hunton & Williams LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered
(filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Hunton & Williams LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith).
Item 9. Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned Company hereby undertakes:
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i)
to include any prospectus required by Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)
to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the
most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in the registration statement; and
(iii)
to include any material information with respect
to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration
statement.
II-3
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in
the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be
the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification
by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in Washington, D.C. on June 29, 2005.
COLUMBIA EQUITY TRUST, INC.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ Oliver T. Carr, III
Oliver T. Carr, III
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Oliver T. Carr, III
Oliver T. Carr, III
President, Chief Executive
Officer, and Chairman of our
Board of Directors
(Principal Executive Officer)
June 29, 2005
/s/ John A. Schissel
John A. Schissel
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial
Officer)
June 29, 2005
/s/ John M. Novack
John M. Novack
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting
Officer)
June 29, 2005
II-5
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Company's Articles of Amendment and Restatement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-122644)).
4.2
Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-122644)).
4.3
Columbia Equity Trust, Inc. 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.50 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No.
333-122644)).
5.1
Opinion of Hunton & Williams LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered
(filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Hunton & Williams LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith).
II-6