QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

March 5, 2004
(Date of earliest event reported)


GREAT LAKES REIT
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland   1-14307   36-4238056
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)   (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

823 Commerce Drive
Suite 300
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(630) 368-2900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)



Item 5.    Other Events and Required FD Disclosure

        On March 5, 2004, Great Lakes REIT issued a press release announcing the closing of the sales of nine of its properties and the establishment of a record date for a special meeting of Great Lakes REIT shareholders. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 7.    Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

Exhibit
Number

  Description

99.1   Great Lakes REIT press release, dated March 5, 2004.

2



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.


 

 

GREAT LAKES REIT

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
JAMES HICKS      
Name: James Hicks
Title:    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Dated: March 5, 2004

 

 

 

 

3



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

  Description

99.1   Great Lakes REIT press release, dated March 5, 2004.



QuickLinks

SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX