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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.45

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), is made and entered into
as of this 1st day of December, 2003, by and among CHRISTOPHER J. PAPA (the
"Executive"), and POST PROPERTIES, INC., a Georgia corporation (the "Company"):

REASONS FOR THIS AGREEMENT. The Company has identified Executive as an
individual with significant skills and experience critical to the business of
the Company. In view of the significant and growing demand for executive talent,
the potential impact on the Company's executives of the transformational changes
occurring within our industry and company, and the need to ensure continuity of
the Company's senior management team, the Company desires to provide Executive
through this Agreement with certain incentives to remain in the Company's
employment. This Agreement is also designed to provide additional motivation for
meeting the Company's goals and objectives, to address potential long term
employment concerns of Executive, and to impose certain reasonable restrictions
on Executive's activities designed to protect the Company's interests should
Executive's employment terminate.

         Executive acknowledges that the Company and Company Affiliates shall
disclose or make available Confidential Information and Trade Secrets to
Executive that could be used by Executive to the Company's or Affiliated
Companies' detriment. In addition, in connection with his employment, Executive
shall develop important relationships and contacts with employees valuable to
the Company and Affiliated Companies.

         Executive further acknowledges that Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this
Agreement are fair and reasonable, enforcement of the provisions of this
Agreement will not cause him undue hardship, and the provisions of this
Agreement are reasonably necessary and commensurate with the need to protect the
Company and Affiliated Companies and their business interests and property from
irreparable harm.

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires
to be employed by the Company on the terms and conditions contained in this
Agreement, and in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements contained
herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.

         1.1.     Board. The term "Board" for purposes of this Agreement shall
mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

         1.2.     Cash Compensation. The term "Cash Compensation" for purposes
of this Agreement shall mean the sum of

                  (a)      Executive's combined annual salary (as determined
         without regard to any salary deferral election) from the Company
         pursuant to Section 5.1 in effect on the day before Executive's
         employment terminates under Section 4 or Section 6.1 or Section 6.3 or,
         if greater, Executive's

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         average annualized combined annual salary (as determined without regard
         to any salary deferral election) from the Company pursuant to Section
         5.1 over the three (3) consecutive year period (or, if less,
         Executive's period of employment by the Company) which ends on the date
         that Executive's employment so terminates, and

                  (b)      the average annual bonuses which have been paid by
         the Company pursuant to Section 5.2 or which would have been paid
         pursuant to Section 5.2 but for a bonus deferral election with respect
         to Executive's performance over the three (3) consecutive year period
         which ends on the date that Executive's employment so terminates (or,
         if less, Executive's period of employment by the Company) whether such
         bonuses are paid (or would have been paid but for a bonus deferral
         election) in cash, in property, or in any combination of cash and
         property; provided, however,

                  (c)      neither the value of any stock option or restricted
         stock grants made by the Company to Executive in any calendar year, nor
         any income which Executive realizes in any calendar year from the
         exercise of any such stock options or the lapse of any restrictions on
         such restricted stock grants, nor any payments under the Company's
         Shareholder Value Plan or stock granted under Section 5.5(b) shall be
         treated as part of Executive's salary under Section 1.2(a), as part of
         Executive's bonuses under Section 1.2(b), or otherwise be considered or
         treated as Cash Compensation.

         1.3.     Cause. The term "Cause" for purposes of this Agreement shall
(subject to Section 1.3(d)) mean:

                  (a)      Executive is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or
         confesses or otherwise admits to the Company or a prosecutor, or
         otherwise publicly admits, any felony or any act of fraud,
         misappropriation, or embezzlement, or Executive engages in a fraudulent
         act or course of conduct;

                  (b)      There is any material act or omission by Executive
         involving malfeasance or negligence in the performance of Executive's
         duties to the Company to the material detriment of the Company; or

                  (c)      Executive breaches in any material respect any of the
         covenants set forth in Section 7, Section 8, Section 9 or Section 10 of
         this Agreement; provided, however,

                  (d)      No such act or omission or event shall be treated as
         "Cause" under this Agreement unless (i) Executive has been provided a
         detailed, written statement of the basis for the Company's belief such
         act or omission or event constitutes "Cause" and an opportunity to meet
         with the Compensation Committee (together with Executive's counsel if
         Executive chooses to have Executive's counsel present at such meeting)
         after Executive has had a reasonable period in which to review such
         statement and, if the allegation is under Section 1.3(b) or
         Section 1.3(c), has had at least a thirty (30) day period to take
         corrective action, and (ii) the Compensation Committee after such
         meeting (if Executive meets with the Compensation Committee) and after
         the end of such thirty (30) day correction period (if applicable)
         determines reasonably and in good faith and by the affirmative vote of
         at least a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee

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         then in office at a meeting called and held for such purpose that
         "Cause" does exist under this Agreement.

         1.4.     Change in Control. The term "Change in Control" for purposes
of this Agreement shall mean:

                  (a)      a "change in control" of the Company of a nature that
         would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule
         14A for a proxy statement filed under Section 14(a) of the Securities
         Exchange Act as in effect on the date of this Agreement;

                  (b)      a "person" (as that term is used in 14(d)(2) of the
         Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3
         under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly of securities
         representing 45% or more of the combined voting power for election of
         directors of the then outstanding securities of the Company;

                  (c)      the individuals who at the beginning of any period of
         two consecutive years or less (starting on or after the date of this
         Agreement) constitute the Company's Board cease for any reason during
         such period to constitute at least a majority of the Company's Board,
         unless the election or nomination for election of each new member of
         the Board was approved by vote of at least two-thirds of the members of
         such Board then still in office who were members of such Board at the
         beginning of such period;

                  (d)      the shareholders of the Company approve any
         reorganization, merger, consolidation, or share exchange as a result of
         which the common stock of the Company shall be changed, converted, or
         exchanged into or for securities of another organization (other than a
         merger with a Company Affiliate identified in Section 1.7(a), (b) or
         (c) of this Agreement or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), or
         any dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or the
         disposition of 50% or more of the assets or business of the Company; or

                  (e)      the shareholders of the Company approve any
         reorganization, merger, consolidation, or share exchange with another
         corporation unless (i) the persons who were the beneficial owners of
         the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Company immediately
         before the consummation of such transaction beneficially own more than
         60% of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the successor or
         survivor corporation in such transaction immediately following the
         consummation of such transaction and (ii) the number of shares of the
         common stock of such successor or survivor corporation beneficially
         owned by the persons described in Section 1.4(e)(i) immediately
         following the consummation of such transaction is beneficially owned by
         each such person in substantially the same proportion that each such
         person had beneficially owned shares of Company common stock
         immediately before the consummation of such transaction, provided (iii)
         the percentage described in Section 1.4(e)(i) of the beneficially owned
         shares of the successor or survivor corporation and the number
         described in Section 1.4(e)(ii) of the beneficially owned shares of the
         successor or survivor corporation shall be determined exclusively by
         reference to the shares of the successor or survivor corporation which
         result from the beneficial ownership of shares of common

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         stock of the Company by the persons described in Section 1.4(e)(i)
         immediately before the consummation of such transaction.

         1.5.     Code. The term "Code" for purposes of this Agreement shall
mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         1.6.     Company. The term "Company" for purposes of this Agreement
shall mean the Company and any successor to the Company.

         1.7.     Company Affiliate. The term "Company Affiliate" for purposes
of this Agreement shall mean (a) Post Apartment Homes, L.P. and any successor to
such organization, (b) Post Services, Inc. and any successor to such
organization, (c) Post GP Holdings, Inc. and any successor to such organization
and (d) any other organization if the Company, Post Apartment Homes, L.P., Post
Services, Inc. or Post GP Holdings, Inc. (i) beneficially own more than twenty
percent (20%) of the outstanding voting capital stock of such organization (if
such organization is a corporation) or more than twenty percent (20%) of the
beneficial interests of such organization (if such organization is not a
corporation) as of the date of this Agreement and (ii) possess the power to
direct or cause the direction of the day to day operations and affairs of such
organization, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract, in
the capacity of general partner, manager or managing member or otherwise as of
the date of this Agreement.

         1.8.     Compensation Committee. The term "Compensation Committee" for
purposes of this Agreement shall mean the Executive Compensation and Management
Development Committee of the Board.

         1.9.     Confidential or Proprietary Information. The term
"Confidential or Proprietary Information" for purposes of this Agreement shall
mean any secret, confidential, or proprietary information of the Company or a
Company Affiliate (not otherwise included in the definition of Trade Secret in
Section 1.18 of this Agreement) that has not become generally available to the
public by the act of one who has the right to disclose such information without
violating any right of the Company or a Company Affiliate.

         1.10.    Disability. The term "Disability" for purposes of this
Agreement shall mean that Executive, as a result of a mental or physical
condition or illness affecting a major life activity, is unable to perform the
essential functions of Executive's job at the Company for any consecutive
180-day period, even with reasonable accommodation, all as reasonably determined
by the Compensation Committee.

         1.11.    Effective Date. The term "Effective Date" for purposes of this
Agreement shall mean either the date which includes the "closing" of the
transaction which makes a Change in Control effective, if the Change in Control
is made effective through a transaction which has a "closing", or the date a
Change in Control is reported in accordance with applicable law as effective to
the Securities and Exchange Commission, if the Change in Control is made
effective other than through a transaction which has a "closing".

         1.12.    Exchange Act. The term "Exchange Act" for purposes of this
Agreement shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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         1.13.    Good Reason.

         (1)      The term "Good Reason" for purposes of Section 6 of this
Agreement shall (subject to Section 1.13(e)) mean:

                  (a)      there is a reduction after a Change in Control, but
         before the end of Executive's Protection Period, in Executive's salary
         from the Company pursuant to Section 5.1 or there is a reduction after
         a Change in Control, but before the end of Executive's Protection
         Period, in Executive's eligibility to receive any bonuses from the
         Company pursuant to Section 5.2 or incentive compensation from the
         Company pursuant to Section 5.3 or Section 5.4 substantially different
         from the eligibility of other senior Company executives to receive such
         bonuses or incentive compensation, all without Executive's express
         written consent; or

                  (b)      there is a reduction after a Change in Control, but
         before the end of Executive's Protection Period, in the scope,
         importance, or prestige of Executive's duties, responsibilities, or
         authority at the Company (other than as a result of a mere change in
         Executive's title, if such change in title is consistent with the
         organizational structure of the Company following such Change in
         Control) without Executive's express written consent; or

                  (c)      the Company at any time after a Change in Control,
         but before the end of Executive's Protection Period (without
         Executive's express written consent), transfers Executive's primary
         work site from Executive's primary work site on the date of such Change
         in Control or, if Executive subsequently consents in writing to such a
         transfer under this Agreement, from the primary work site that was the
         subject of such consent, to a new primary work site that is more than
         35 miles from Executive's then current primary work site, unless such
         new primary work site is closer to Executive's primary residence than
         Executive's then current primary work site; or

                  (d)      the Company fails (without Executive's express
         written consent) after a Change in Control, but before the end of
         Executive's Protection Period, to continue to provide to Executive
         health and welfare benefits, deferred compensation benefits, executive
         perquisites (other than the use of a company airplane for personal
         purposes), and stock option and restricted stock grants that are in the
         aggregate comparable in value to those provided to Executive
         immediately prior to the Change in Control Date; provided, however,

                  (e)      No such act or omission shall be treated as "Good
         Reason" under

         Section 1.13(1) unless

                           (i)      (A) Executive delivers to the Compensation
                  Committee a detailed, written statement of the basis for
                  Executive's belief that such act or omission constitutes Good
                  Reason, (B) Executive delivers such statement before the later
                  of (1) the end of the ninety (90) day period that starts on
                  the date there is an act or

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                  omission which forms the basis for Executive's belief that
                  Good Reason exists, or (2) the end of the period mutually
                  agreed upon for purposes of this  Section 1.13(1)(e)(i)(B) in
                  writing by Executive and the Chairman of the Compensation
                  Committee, (C) Executive gives the Compensation Committee a
                  thirty (30) day period after the delivery of such statement to
                  cure the basis for such belief, and (D) Executive actually
                  submits Executive's written resignation to the Compensation
                  Committee during the sixty (60) day period that begins
                  immediately after the end of such thirty (30) day period if
                  Executive reasonably and in good faith determines that Good
                  Reason continues to exist after the end of such thirty (30)
                  day period, or

                           (ii)     the Company states in writing to Executive
                  that Executive has the right to treat any such act or omission
                  as Good Reason under this Agreement and Executive resigns
                  during the sixty (60) day period that starts on the date such
                  statement is actually delivered to Executive;

                  (f)      If (A) Executive gives the Compensation Committee the
         statement described in Section 1.13(1)(e)(i) before the end of the
         thirty (30) day period that immediately follows the end of the
         Protection Period and Executive thereafter resigns within the period
         described in Section 1.13(1)(e)(i), or (B) the Company provides the
         statement to Executive described in Section 1.13(1)(e)(ii) before the
         end of the thirty (30) day period that immediately follows the end of
         the Protection Period and Executive thereafter resigns within the
         period described in Section 1.13(1)(e)(ii), then (C) such resignation
         shall be treated under this Agreement as if made in Executive's
         Protection Period; and

                  (g)      If Executive consents in writing to any reduction
         described in Section 1.13(1)(a) or Section 1.13(1)(b), to any transfer
         described in Section 1.13(1)(c) or to any failure described in Section
         1.13(1)(d) in lieu of exercising Executive's right to resign for Good
         Reason and delivers such consent to the Company, the date such consent
         is delivered to the Company thereafter shall be treated under this
         definition as the date of a Change in Control for purposes of
         determining whether Executive subsequently has Good Reason under this
         Agreement to resign under Section 6.1 or Section 6.3 as a result of any
         subsequent reduction described in Section 1.13(1)(a) or Section
         1.13(1)(b), any subsequent transfer described in Section 1.13(1)(c), or
         any subsequent failure described in Section 1.13(1)(d).

         (2)      The term "Good Reason" for purposes of Section 4 of this
Agreement shall mean:

                  (a)      the Company changes Executive's eligibility for
         compensation and benefits in a manner that results in Executive's
         compensation and benefits being reduced five percent (5%) more than the
         reduction of other senior Company executives' compensation and
         benefits; or

                  (b)      there is a significant reduction in Executive's level
         of responsibility or authority at the Company (other than a mere change
         in Executive's title) without Executive's express written consent; or

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                  (c)      the Company transfers Executive's primary work site
         from the Executive's primary work site on the date of this Agreement
         or, if the Executive subsequently consents in writing to such a
         transfer under this Agreement, from the primary work site that was the
         subject of such consent, to a new primary work site that is more than
         35 miles from Executive's then current primary work site, unless such
         new primary work site is closer to Executive's primary residence than
         Executive's then current primary work site or unless Executive provides
         his express written consent.

                  (d)      No such act or omission shall be treated as "Good
         Reason" under Section 1.13(2) unless

                  (i)      (A) Executive delivers to the Compensation Committee
         a detailed, written statement of the basis for Executive's belief that
         such act or omission constitutes Good Reason, (B) Executive delivers
         such statement before the later of (1) the end of the ninety (90) day
         period that starts on the date there is an act or omission which forms
         the basis for Executive's belief that Good Reason exists, or (2) the
         end of the period mutually agreed upon for purposes of this Section
         1.13(2)(d)(i)(B) in writing by Executive and the Chairman of the
         Compensation Committee, (C) Executive gives the Compensation Committee
         a thirty (30) day period after the delivery of such statement to cure
         the basis for such belief, and (D) Executive actually submits
         Executive's written resignation to the Compensation Committee during
         the sixty (60) day period that begins immediately after the end of such
         thirty (30) day period if Executive reasonably and in good faith
         determines that Good Reason continues to exist after the end of such
         thirty (30) day period, or

                  (ii)     the Company states in writing to Executive that
         Executive has the right to treat any such act or omission as Good
         Reason under this Section 1.13(2) and Executive resigns during the
         sixty (60) day period that starts on the date such statement is
         actually delivered to Executive.

         1.14.    Gross Up Payment. The term "Gross Up Payment" for purposes of
this Agreement shall mean a payment to or on behalf of Executive which shall be
sufficient to pay (a) any excise tax described in  Section 13 in full, (b) any
federal, state and local income tax and social security and other employment tax
on the payment made to pay such excise tax as well as any additional taxes on
such payment and (c) any interest or penalties assessed by the Internal Revenue
Service on Executive which are related to the payment of such excise tax unless
such interest or penalties are attributable to Executive's willful misconduct or
gross negligence.

         1.15.    Multifamily Property. The term "Multifamily Property" for
purposes of this Agreement and any renewal of this Agreement shall mean any real
property on which an upscale multifamily residential-use development has been
constructed or is under construction as of the date of this or any renewal of
this Agreement.

         1.16.    Protection Period. The term "Protection Period" for purposes
of this Agreement shall (subject to Section 1.13(1)(f)) mean the three (3) year
period which begins on the Effective Date for a Change in Control.

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         1.17.    Restricted Period. The term "Restricted Period" for purposes
of this Agreement shall mean the period which starts on the date Executive's
employment by the Company terminates for any reason or no reason and which ends
(i) on the first anniversary of such termination date for purposes of Section 9
and Section 10 and (ii) on the second anniversary of such termination date for
purposes of Section 7 and Section 8.

         1.18.    Trade Secret. The term "Trade Secret" for purposes of this
Agreement shall mean information, including, but not limited to, technical or
nontechnical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a
method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans,
product plans, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers that:

                  (a)      derives economic value, actual or potential, from not
         being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper
         means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its
         disclosure or use, and

                  (b)      is the subject of reasonable efforts by the Company
         or a Company Affiliate to maintain its secrecy.

SECTION 2. EMPLOYMENT.

         Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company hereby employs
Executive, and Executive hereby accepts such employment with the Company.
Executive shall initially serve as the Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company and initially shall have the duties, rights,
and responsibilities normally associated with such positions, including
oversight over all of the Company's accounting, reporting, budgeting, financing,
and investor relations, as well as such other comparable duties as assigned by
the Company. Executive shall devote his full business time, skills, and best
efforts to rendering services on behalf of the Company and shall exercise such
care as is customarily required by executives undertaking similar duties for
entities similar to the Company.

SECTION 3. TERM.

         Unless earlier terminated in accordance with  Section 4, the employment
of Executive under this Agreement shall commence as of the date of this
Agreement and shall continue up to, but not including, the first anniversary of
such date; provided, however, that, unless the Board or Executive decides
otherwise, and notifies the other party of that decision in writing before an
anniversary of the date of this Agreement, this Agreement shall renew on the
first anniversary of each successive anniversary of the date of this Agreement.

SECTION 4. TERMINATION.

         The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time; provided, that if
termination is without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, the Company
shall continue to pay Executive pursuant to its standard payroll practices his
base salary under Section 5.1 as if he were still employed for a period of one
year. In addition, if termination is without Cause or Executive resigns for Good
Reason, the Company shall pay Executive any bonus which he would be eligible to
receive under Section 5.2 were he to remain employed for a period of one year.
In addition,

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if termination is without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, the
Company shall, to the extent permitted, continue to provide to Executive for a
period of one year the same coverage and benefits as Executive was provided
under the Company's benefit plans pursuant to Section 5.10 of this Agreement on
the day before Executive's employment terminated. If the Company cannot provide
such coverage and benefits under the Company's employee benefit plans, the
Company shall either provide such coverage and benefits to Executive outside
such plans at no additional expense or tax liability to Executive or shall
reimburse Executive for Executive's cost to purchase such coverage and benefits
and for any tax liability for such reimbursements. In addition, notwithstanding
anything contained herein to the contrary, in the event that Executive is
terminated without Cause or resigns for Good Reason, (1) each outstanding stock
option granted to Executive by the Company shall become exercisable immediately
before his termination of employment to the full extent the option would have
become exercisable if Executive had remained employed by the Company for a
period of one year from the date Executive's employment terminates, and each
option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (a) the expiration of the
term of the option or (b) the date the option would have expired if Executive's
employment had terminated at the end of the term of this Agreement (as
determined immediately prior to the date Executive's employment terminates)
without Cause or for Good Reason; (2) Executive, immediately before his
termination of employment, shall vest in any outstanding restricted stock
granted by the Company to the full extent Executive would have vested in the
restricted stock had Executive remained employed by the Company for a period of
one year; and (3) Executive shall have the right to receive the bonus or
bonuses, if any, that Executive would have been entitled to receive under the
Shareholder Value Plan if Executive had remained employed by the Company for a
period of one year. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
Executive further agrees that termination for Cause shall result in the
immediate termination and forfeiture of all rights to compensation and benefits,
including any options to purchase Company stock which have not vested, as
provided herein.

SECTION 5. COMPENSATION.

         5.1. Base Salary. Commencing on the date of this Agreement, the Company
shall pay Executive during the term of Executive's employment under this
Agreement, an annual base salary of $275,000, less required deductions. The
Compensation Committee shall review Executive's Base Salary on an annual basis,
and the Compensation Committee, upon such review and in its sole discretion, may
increase or decrease Executive's Base Salary by an amount that the Compensation
Committee deems appropriate in light of the Company's and Executive's
performance during the period covered by such review; provided, however, that
Executive's Base Salary shall not be reduced below $275,000 per annum. The Base
Salary, less any required deductions, shall be paid to Executive in accordance
with the Company's standard payroll practices and procedures for salaried
employees.

         5.2. Bonus. In addition to the annual Base Salary, Executive shall be
eligible to receive an annual bonus, provided that certain personal and
corporate goals to be established by the Compensation Committee are met or
exceeded. In the event that Executive is paid a bonus under  Section 5.2 for any
period of time less than one year, Executive's bonus shall be a pro rata share
of the annual bonus.

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         5.3. Incentive Compensation. In addition to the annual Base Salary and
Bonus awarded under Section 5.1 and Section 5.2, Executive shall receive an
option to purchase shares of the Company's common stock each year in a number
and at a price to be determined by the Compensation Committee. Unless decided
otherwise by the Compensation Committee in a manner consistent with the
Company's practice with respect to other senior Company executives, any options
awarded pursuant to Section 5.3 shall vest over a three-year period in the
following manner:

         One year after options granted:     33% of options vest
         Two years after options granted:    33% of options vest
         Three years after options granted:  34% of options vest.

In the event Executive is granted an option for any period of time less than one
year, Executive shall receive a pro rata share of the annual option grant.

         5.4.     Restricted Stock Awards And Shareholder Value Plan. In
addition to any other compensation provided in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 of
this Agreement, Executive shall be eligible during the term of this Agreement to
receive an award of Restricted Stock and a Target Bonus under the Shareholder
Value Plan (the "Plan"). The terms and conditions of any award under this
section shall be determined by the Compensation Committee.

         5.5.     Signing Bonus. Within five business days following the date of
this Agreement, Executive shall receive:

         a)       a cash signing bonus of $95,000, less required deductions;

         b)       a grant of a certain number of shares of the Company's common
stock, such number to be determined by dividing $100,000 by the closing price of
the Company's common stock on the first business day following the date of this
Agreement (rounded down to the nearest whole number). Such stock grant shall
vest over five (5) years at the annual rate of 1/5 (or the nearest whole number
of shares rounded down) of the total number of shares of stock granted pursuant
to this paragraph; and

         c)       an option to purchase 50,000 additional shares of the
Company's common stock at the closing price on the first business day following
the date of this Agreement. Such options shall vest at the rate of 20% each year
over the five years following the date of this Agreement.

         5.6.     Automobile Allowance. In addition to any other compensation
provided in  Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 of this Agreement, Executive shall
receive an annual automobile allowance of $7,200.00 (Seven Thousand Two Hundred
Dollars). Executive shall have complete discretion with respect to the
expenditure of the Automobile Allowance.

         5.7.     Comparison With Other REIT's. At regular intervals the Company
shall continue to retain Compensation Consultants to assure that the total
compensation paid to Executive is comparable to that being paid to executives at
comparable Apartment REITs, and/or other REITs of a similar size, all as
determined by the Compensation Committee.

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         5.8.     Expenses. Executive shall be reimbursed for all reasonable
business-related expenses incurred by Executive at the request of or on behalf
of the Company, including, without limitation, first class travel expenses
incurred in connection with the performance of Executive's duties and
responsibilities hereunder.

         5.9.     Vacation. In addition to Company holidays, Executive shall be
eligible to take up to four (4) weeks (20 business days) of vacation during each
calendar year. Vacation days not taken in the year granted are forfeited and
Executive will not receive pay in lieu of vacation.

         5.10.    Benefit Plans. Executive shall be entitled to participate in
such medical, dental, disability, hospitalization, life insurance, and other
employee benefit plans as are maintained by the Company for the benefit of
senior executive officers.

         5.11.    Relocation Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for
all reasonable relocation expenses, including the cost of movers, a reasonable
period of storage, if necessary, and up to two separate house-hunting trips for
Executive, Executive's wife, and Executive's children. The Company will also
provide Executive with a temporary furnished apartment in Atlanta, Georgia and
reimbursement of all reasonable commuting expenses for a reasonable period prior
to Executive's permanent relocation. The Company will also provide a payment, if
necessary, to Executive in the amount of any federal, state or local taxes
assessed on Executive as a result of any reimbursement made under Section 5.11.

SECTION 6. CHANGE IN CONTROL.

         6.1.     General Rule.

         (1)      If there is a Change in Control and either (a) the Company
during Executive's Protection Period terminates Executive's employment without
Cause, (b) Executive during Executive's Protection Period resigns for Good
Reason, or (c) Executive resigns for any or no reason whatsoever at any time
during the 90 day period that (i) starts on the first anniversary of the
Effective Date, or if the Effective Date comes before July 1, 2004, which (ii)
starts immediately after the end of the 180 day period which begins on the
Effective Date, then the Company shall pay Executive three (3) times Executive's
then Cash Compensation in cash in a lump sum within thirty (30) days after the
date Executive's employment so terminates;

         (2)      (a) Each outstanding stock option granted to Executive by the
Company shall (notwithstanding the terms under which such option was granted)
become fully vested and exercisable on the date Executive's employment so
terminates and shall (notwithstanding the terms under which such option was
granted) remain exercisable for the remaining term of each such option (as
determined as if there had been no such termination of Executive's employment),
subject to the same terms and conditions as if Executive had remained employed
by the Company or a Company Affiliate for such term or such period (other than
any term or condition which gives the Company the right to cancel any such
option) and (b) any restrictions on any outstanding restricted stock grants to
Executive by the Company immediately shall

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(notwithstanding the terms under which such grant was made) expire and
Executive's right to such stock shall be non-forfeitable; and

         (3)      From the date of such termination of Executive's employment
until the end of Executive's Protection Period, the Company shall continue to
provide to Executive (i) the same coverage and benefits as Executive was
provided under the Company's employee benefit plans pursuant to Section 5.10 of
this Agreement on the day before Executive's employment terminated or, at
Executive's election, on any date in the one (1) year period which ends on the
date of such termination of employment and (ii) the same executive perquisites
(other than use of a company airplane for personal purposes) as Executive
enjoyed on the day before Executive's employment terminated or, at Executive's
election, on any date in the one (1) year period which ends on the date of such
termination; provided, however, if the Company cannot provide such coverage and
benefits under the Company's employee benefit plans, the Company either shall
provide such coverage and benefits to Executive outside such plans at no
additional expense or tax liability to Executive or shall reimburse Executive
for Executive's cost to purchase such coverage and benefits and for any tax
liability for such reimbursements.

         (4)      If Employee is entitled to and accepts benefits under Section
6 of this Agreement, Employee shall not be entitled to and shall not receive any
benefits under Section 4 of this Agreement.

         6.2.     No Increase In Other Benefits.

         If Executive's employment terminates under the circumstances described
in Section 6.1 or Section 6.3, Executive expressly waives Executive's right, if
any, to have any payment made under Section 6.1 taken into account to increase
the benefits otherwise payable to, or on behalf of, Executive under any employee
benefit plan, whether qualified or unqualified, maintained by the Company or a
Company Affiliate.

         6.3.     Termination In Anticipation Of A Change In Control.

         Executive shall be treated under  Section 6.1 as if Executive's
employment had been terminated without Cause or Executive had resigned for Good
Reason during Executive's Protection Period if:

                  (1)      Executive's employment is terminated by the Company
         without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason,

                  (2)      such termination is effected or such resignation is
         effective at any time in the sixty (60) day period which ends on the
         Effective Date of a Change In Control, and

                  (3)      there is an Effective Date for such Change In
         Control.

         6.4.     Death Or Disability.

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<PAGE>

         Executive agrees that the Company will have no obligation to Executive
or his estate under this Section 6 if Executive's employment terminates
exclusively as a result of Executive's death or a Disability.

SECTION 7. NO SOLICITATION OF CUSTOMERS.

         Executive will not, during the Restricted Period, for purposes of
competing with the Company or any Company Affiliate, solicit on Executive's own
behalf or on behalf of any other person, firm, or corporation which engages,
directly or indirectly, in the development, operation, management, leasing or
landscaping of a Multifamily Property, any customer of the Company or any
Company Affiliate with whom Executive had a personal business interaction at any
time during the two (2) years immediately prior to the termination of
Executive's employment by the Company. Section 7 shall not prohibit a general
solicitation not targeted at Company's customers and in which Executive has no
participation or involvement.

SECTION 8. ANTIPIRATING OF EMPLOYEES.

         Executive will not during the Restricted Period employ or seek to
employ on Executive's own behalf or on behalf of any other person, firm or
corporation that engages, directly or indirectly, in the development, operation,
management, leasing, or landscaping of a Multifamily Property, any person who
was employed by the Company or any Company Affiliate in an executive,
managerial, or supervisory capacity during the term of Executive's employment by
the Company and with whom Executive had business dealings during the two (2)
year period which ends on the date Executive's employment by the Company
terminates (whether or not such employee would commit a breach of contract), and
who has not ceased to be employed by the Company or any Company Affiliate for a
period of at least one (1) year. Section 8 shall not prohibit a general
solicitation not targeted at Company employees and in which Executive has no
participation or involvement.

SECTION 9. TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL OR PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.

         Executive hereby agrees to hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit
of the Company and each Company Affiliate, and will not directly or indirectly
use or disclose, any Trade Secret that Executive may have acquired during the
term of Executive's employment by the Company for so long as such information
remains a Trade Secret even if such information remains a Trade Secret after the
expiration of the Restricted Period.

         In addition, Executive agrees during the Restricted Period to hold in a
fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and each Company Affiliate,
and not to directly or indirectly use or disclose, any Confidential or
Proprietary Information that Executive may have acquired (whether or not
developed or compiled by Executive and whether or not Executive was authorized
to have access to such information) during the term of, in the course of, or as
a result of Executive's employment by the Company.

SECTION 10. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE.

                                       13
<PAGE>

         During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not serve as an employee,
independent contractor, or otherwise render any advice or services similar to
those listed in Section 2 of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, to any
person, firm, or corporation listed on Appendix A of this Agreement with respect
to its operations in markets where the Company is currently engaged in business.
Executive agrees that the entities listed on Appendix A are the Company's
principal competitors in the markets where the Company is currently engaged in
business. Executive further agrees that Executive and the Company will, in
return for additional consideration, agree to update Appendix A in connection
with the annual renewal of this Agreement in order to fairly include only the
Company's principal competitors.

SECTION 11. REASONABLE AND NECESSARY RESTRICTIONS.

         Executive acknowledges that the restrictions, prohibitions, and other
provisions set forth in this Agreement, including without limitation the
Restricted Period and those set forth in Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10, are
reasonable, fair and equitable in scope, terms, and duration; are necessary to
protect the legitimate business interests of the Company; and are a material
inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement. Executive covenants that
Executive will not challenge the enforceability of this Agreement nor will
Executive raise any equitable defense to its enforcement.

SECTION 12. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.

         Executive acknowledges that the obligations undertaken by him pursuant
to this Agreement are unique and that the Company likely will have no adequate
remedy at law if Executive shall fail to perform any of Executive's obligations
under this Agreement, and Executive therefore confirms that the Company's right
to specific performance of the terms of this Agreement is essential to protect
the rights and interests of the Company. Accordingly, in addition to any other
remedies that the Company may have at law or in equity, the Company will have
the right to have all obligations, covenants, agreements, and other provisions
of this Agreement specifically performed by Executive, and the Company will have
the right to obtain preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to secure
specific performance and to prevent a breach or contemplated breach of this
Agreement by Executive, and Executive submits to the jurisdiction of the courts
of the State of Georgia for this purpose.

SECTION 13. TAX PROTECTION.

         If the Company or the Company's independent accountants (which shall
consider such issue upon the reasonable request of the Executive) determine that
any payments and benefits called for under this Agreement, together with any
other payments and benefits made available to Executive by the Company or a
Company Affiliate, will result in Executive's being subject to an excise tax
under  Section 4999 of the Code or if such an excise tax is assessed against
Executive as a result of any such payments and other benefits, the Company shall
make a Gross Up Payment to or on behalf of Executive as and when any such
determination or assessment is made, provided Executive takes such action (other
than waiving Executive's right to any payments or benefits in excess of the
payments or benefits which Executive has expressly agreed to waive under this
Section 13) as the Company reasonably requests under the circumstances to
mitigate or challenge such

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<PAGE>


tax; provided, however, if the Company or the Company's independent accountants
make such a determination and, further, determine that Executive will not be
subject to any such excise tax if Executive waives Executive's right to receive
a part of such payments or benefits and such part does not exceed $25,000,
Executive shall irrevocably waive Executive's right to receive such part if an
independent accountant or lawyer retained by Executive and paid by the Company
agrees with the determination made by the Company or the Company's independent
accountants with respect to the effect of such reduction in payments or
benefits. Any determinations under this Section 13 shall be made in accordance
with Section 280G of the Code and any applicable related regulations (whether
proposed, temporary, or final) and any related Internal Revenue Service rulings
and any related case law and, if the Company reasonably requests that Executive
take action to mitigate or challenge, or to mitigate and challenge, any such tax
or assessment (other than waiving Executive's right to any payments or benefits
in excess of the payments or benefits which Executive has expressly agreed to
waive under this Section 13) and Executive complies with such request, the
Company shall provide Executive with such information and such expert advice and
assistance from the Company's independent accountants, lawyers, and other
advisors as Executive may reasonably request and shall pay for all expenses
incurred in effecting such compliance and any related fines, penalties,
interest, and other assessments.

SECTION 14. MISCELLANEOUS.

         14.1.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and shall be binding upon Executive and his executor, administrator, heirs,
personal representatives, and assigns, and the Company and its successors and
assigns; provided, however, that Executive shall not be entitled to assign or
delegate any of his rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written
consent of the Company.

         14.2.    Construction of Agreement. No provision of this Agreement or
any related document shall be construed against or interpreted to the
disadvantage of any party hereto by any court or other governmental or judicial
authority, including an arbitrator, by reason of such party having or being
deemed to have structured or drafted such provision.

         14.3.    Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

         14.4.    Survival of Agreements. All covenants and agreements made
herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
termination of Executive's employment hereunder for any reason.

         14.5.    Headings. The paragraph and section headings contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

         14.6.    Notices. All notices, requests, consents, and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be given
when delivered personally or mailed first class, registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, in either case, addressed as follows:

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<PAGE>

         (a)      If to Executive:

                  Mr. Christopher J. Papa
                  35 Wolf Hill Drive
                  Warren, New Jersey 07059

                  with a copy to:

         (b)      If to the Company:

                  Post Properties, Inc.
                  One Riverside
                  4401 Northside Parkway
                  Suite 800
                  Atlanta, GA 30327-3057
                  Attention: Corporate Secretary

                  with a copy to:

                  William A. Clineburg, Jr.
                  King & Spalding
                  191 Peachtree Street
                  Atlanta, GA 30303-1763

         14.7.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         14.8.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon the
Effective Date, will supersede and replace all prior agreements, written or
oral, between the parties hereto or with respect to the subject matter hereof.
This Agreement may be modified only by a written instrument signed by each of
the parties hereto.

         14.9.    Severability. In the event that any provision or portion of
this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any
reason, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be
unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest
extent permitted by law.

         14.10.   No Waiver. No waiver by either party of any breach by the
other party of any condition or provision contained in this Agreement to be
performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or
dissimilar condition or provision at the same or any prior or subsequent time.
Any waiver must be in writing and signed by Executive or an authorized officer
of the Company, as the case may be.

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<PAGE>

         14.11.   Reference; Non-Disparagement. In the event of Executive's
termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, the Company agrees to
provide Executive with a reference. The Company agrees not to disparage or
demean Executive, publicly or otherwise. Executive also agrees not to disparage
or demean the Company, Company Affiliates, Company officers or directors, or
Company shareholders, publicly or otherwise.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                            POST PROPERTIES, INC.

                                            By: /s/ David P. Stockert
                                                --------------------------------
                                            Name: David P. Stockert
                                            Title: President and Chief Executive
                                                   Officer

                                            EXECUTIVE

                                            /s/ Christopher J. Papa
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Christopher J. Papa

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.45

                                   APPENDIX A

AMLI Residential Properties Trust
Apartment Investment and Management Company (AIMCO)
Archstone-Smith
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
Camden Property Trust
Cornerstone Realty Income Trust Inc.
Equity Residential
Fairfield Properties, L.P.
Gables Residential Trust
Harold A. Dawson Company Inc.
JPI
Julian LeCraw & Co., Inc.
Lane Company
Lincoln Property Company
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
Summit Properties Inc.
The Finger Companies
The Hanover Company
Trammell Crow Residential
United Dominion Realty Trust
Wood Partners, LLC