AvalonBay: Announces Organizational Changes


For Immediate Release
February 16, 1999

                                
           AvalonBay Announces Organizational Changes



(Alexandria, VA)  AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE/PCX Symbol: AVB) announced
today that Charles H. Berman, its President, Chief Operating Officer and a
director, will be leaving the Company. Commenting on his departure, Mr. Berman
noted "Over the past year, our business focus has shifted considerably from
external portfolio growth to internal operations and recycling capital into
our development pipeline.  With that shift well underway, the Company no
longer requires the depth of talent and skill set for acquisitions and new
business that Mike Meyer, Executive Chairman, Dick Michaux, CEO and I
collectively bring to such a senior level.  The transition work related to my
departure is well underway and I will leave confident that the Company is in
good hands and that an orderly transition will occur.  I have enjoyed
participating in the formation and growth of AvalonBay. As a large
stockholder, I also look forward to seeing the Company continue in its
successes."

Commenting on the announcement, Mike Meyer noted, "We are grateful for Chuck's
contribution to the formation and integration of AvalonBay.  Chuck worked hard
to make the merger a success and then worked with management and the board in
making the adjustments needed to ensure a smooth transition.  We are confident
that this and other organizational realignments necessary during this
transitional period will be implemented smoothly."

Mr. Michaux added "Chuck joined a predecessor of the Company in 1986 which led
to his co-founding Avalon in 1993.  Without his energy, drive and
entrepreneurial spirit, this Company would not exist and be the success it is
today. Everyone at AvalonBay wishes Chuck well."

Mr. Michaux's title upon Mr. Berman's departure will be President and CEO.
Mr. Michaux noted that the Company expects to make other organizational
adjustments over the next several weeks to facilitate the transition and
align the organization's size and focus toward the goal of recycling capital
from asset sales into accretive new developments.

About AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

AvalonBay, named the NAHB Development Company of the year for 1998/1999 and the
Property Management Company of the Year for 1996/1997, owns or holds an
ownership interest in 141 apartment communities containing 41,172 apartment
homes in sixteen states and the District of Columbia, of which presently
fourteen communities are under construction and thirteen communities are under
reconstruction.  AvalonBay is an equity REIT in the business of developing,
redeveloping, acquiring and managing multifamily apartment communities in high
barrier-to-entry markets of the United States.  More information on AvalonBay
may be found on AvalonBay's Web Site at http://www.avalonbay.com. For additional
information regarding this news release, please contact Richard L. Michaux,
Chief Executive Officer at (703) 317- 4602.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The forward-looking statements contained in
this release are statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but
not limited to, the demand for apartment homes, the effects of economic
conditions, the impact of competition and competitive pricing, changes in
construction costs, the results of financing efforts, potential acquisitions
under agreement, the effects of the Company's accounting policies and other
risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.




End.