<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.2

                                 OFFICE LEASE

     THIS LEASE made this 1st day of January, 2001, by and between CENTRE
BUILDING COMPANY, a Michigan partnership, whose address is Suite 1, 18645 Canal
Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, hereinafter referred to as "Lessor", and
CHATEAU COMMUNITIES, INC., a Maryland corporation, whose address is 6160 South
Syracuse Way, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, hereinafter referred to as "Lessee".

     W I T N E S S E T H:

     The parties hereby mutually agree and covenant as follows:

1.   The Lessor in consideration of rents to be paid and covenants and
     agreements to be performed by Lessee does Lease unto Lessee, the following
     described premises, situated in the Charter Township of Clinton, State of
     Michigan, to-wit:

               Office space presently occupied at 19500 Hall Road, Clinton
               Township, Michigan 48038

2.   Lessee shall have a non-exclusive right to use of common areas, including
     the parking lot, building entrance and building foyer.

3.   Excluded from this Lease are areas presently occupied by other Lessees,
     including: Suite 120.

4.   The term of this Lease shall be for a period of three (3) years from and
     after the date of commencement, which shall be January 1, 2001.

5.   Lessee shall pay for rent of said premises for said term in lawful money of
     the United States, payable in monthly installments in advance upon the
     first day of each month and every month with the first payment to be due
     January 1, 2001, and thereafter rental payments shall be due in advance on
     the first of each month. Payments overdue on or after the 10th of each
     month shall result in the imposition of a late payment fee, payable
     forthwith of 1% of the monthly payment overdue in addition to overdue rent.

6.   Lessor shall maintain and keep clean all common areas including, but not
     limited to, bathrooms, parking lot, entranceways and sidewalks and shall in
     addition thereto remove snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking areas.
     Lessee shall provide janitor service within the office space area occupied
     by Lessee.

7.   Lessee shall pay to the Lessor upon demand, any increase in real estate
     taxes over the taxes assessed in 2000 any percentage increase in the
     Consumer Price Index compounded annually. The Consumer Price Index shall
     mean the "Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers,
     United States, All Items, and Major Group Figures, Revised 1988 (1982-
     1984=100)" which is now published monthly in the "Monthly Labor Review",
     the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor or
     its successor index.

8.   Lessor shall supply the premises with water, heat, and air conditioning.
     Heat and air conditioning shall be furnished during reasonable business
     hours, twelve (12) hours per day, Monday through Friday, and nine (9) hours
     on Saturday. Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee nor shall rent be abated
     in whole or in part for failure or delay in furnishing water, heat, air
     conditioning, electric current, or janitorial or maintenance service when
     such failure or delay is occasioned by repairs, renewals, improvements,
     strike, lock out, labor controversy, accident, or casualty, or by any cause
     beyond the reasonable control of Lessor. Such failure or delay shall not be
     deemed and active eviction or breach of covenant of quite enjoyment against
     Lessee, nor shall such failure or delay in any way operate as a release
     from the prompt and punctual performance of Lessee's covenants under this
     Lease, including payment of rent, nor shall such failure or delay serve as
     a basis for the escrow of Lease payments.

9.   The parties mutually agree that the net square footage at the time of
     commencement for the calculation rent is one thousand ninety-six (7,656)
     square feet. Rent shall be calculated as follows:

          Commencing January 1, 2001    $17.77/sq.ft.  $11,337.26/mo.

          Commencing January 1, 2002    $17.77/sq.ft.  $11,337.26/mo

          Commencing January 1, 2003    $17.77/sq.ft.  $11,337.26/mo
<PAGE>

10.  Lessor shall pay all charges made for water during the continuance of this
     Lease, except where water consumption is increased solely through the acts
     or omissions of Lessee, its agents, or contractors.

11.  If Lessee shall default in any payment or expenditure other than rent
     required to be paid or expended by Lessee under the terms hereof and shall
     default shall continue for thirty (30) days following written notice to
     Lessee of such default, the Lessor, at its option, may make payment of such
     expenditure, in which event the amount thereof shall be payable as rental
     to the Lessor by the Lessee on the next ensuing date for the payment of
     monthly installments, together with interest at eleven (11%) per cent per
     annum from the date of such payment or expenditure by Lessor. Such remedy
     shall be cumulative and Lessor shall have the same remedies as on default
     in payment of rent.

12.  The Lessee covenants not to assign or transfer this Lease or hypothecate or
     mortgage the same or sublet said premises or any part thereof without the
     written consent of Lessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably
     withheld. Any assignment, transfer, hypothecation, mortgage or subletting
     without said written consent shall give the Lessor the right to terminate
     this Lease and to reenter and repossess the leased premises and any other
     remedies provided by law.

13.  If the estate created by this Lease shall be taken in execution or by other
     process of law, or if Lessee shall be declared bankrupt or insolvent
     according to law, or any receiver be appointed for the business and
     property of Lessee, or if any assignment shall be made of the Lessee's
     property for the benefit of creditors, at the option of Lessor, this Lease
     may be cancelled or Lessor may accelerate the balance of funds due pursuant
     to the Lease.

14.  The Lessor reserves the right to subject and subordinate this least at all
     times. to the lien of any mortgage or mortgages, now or hereafter placed
     upon the Lessor's interest in the said premises or any portion thereof, and
     on the land and buildings of which the said premises are a part or upon any
     buildings hereinafter placed upon the land of which the leased premises
     form a part. The Lessee covenants and agrees to execute and deliver upon
     demand, such further instrument or instruments subordinating this Lease to
     the lien of any such mortgage or mortgages, as shall be desired by the
     Lessor and any mortgagees or proposed mortgagees, and hereby irrevocably
     appoints the Lessor the attorney in fact of the Lessee to execute and
     deliver any such instrument or instruments for and in the name of the
     Lessee.

15.  During the continuance of this Lease, the premises shall be used and
     occupied solely for general office and for no other purpose or purposes,
     without the written consent of the Lessor, and Lessee will not use the
     premises for any purpose in violation of any law, municipal ordinance, or
     regulation, or permit any nuisance, trade or occupation considered by
     insurers as increasing risks and/or resulting in premium increase, nor will
     Lessee perform any other acts or carry on any other practice which will
     injure the premises or the building in which it is located or be a menace
     to other tenants in said building. The Lessee shall, at its own expense,
     under penalty of forfeiture and damages, promptly comply with all laws,
     orders, regulations, and ordinances, of all municipal, county, state and
     federal authorities, affecting Lessee's use of the premises. On any breach
     of this agreement as determined by a court of law, the Lessor may at its
     option terminate this Lease forthwith and reenter and repossession the
     leased premises as a cumulative remedy.

16.  If the premises are damaged or destroyed in whole or in part by fire or
     other casualty, Lessor shall repair and restore the same to good tenable
     condition with reasonable dispatch. Rent as provided shall abate entirely
     for the entire premises are rendered untenable and prorata for the portion
     rendered untenable in case a part is only untenable until the same shall be
     restored to a tenable condition, provided that if Lessee shall fail to
     adjust his insurance or remove damaged goods, wares, equipment or property
     within a reasonable time, and as a result thereof, the repairing or
     restoration is delayed there shall be no abatement

                                       2
<PAGE>

     of rental during the period of such delay and provided further that there
     shall be no abatement of rental if such fire or other cause, damaging or
     destroying the leased premises shall result from the negligence or wilful
     act of the Lessee, its agents, or employees, and provided further that if
     Lessee shall use any part of the leased premises for storage during the
     period of repair, a reasonable charge shall be made therefor against the
     Lessee and provided further that in case the leased premises or the
     building in which they are part shall be destroyed to the extend of more
     than one-half of the value thereof, Lessor at its option may terminate this
     lease by written notice to the Lessee.

17.  Lessor, after written notice from Lessee, and having reasonable opportunity
     to obtain necessary workmen, agrees to keep in good repair the common areas
     of the premises, the foundation, roof, four outer walls and exterior
     windows and door in the premises, the Lessor shall not be required to make
     any repairs occasioned by the acts or omissions of Lessee, its officers,
     agents, employees or contractors. Lessee shall at its own expense replace
     any interior glass in doors and frames and hardware thereof which may
     become broken or damaged which relate to its premises.

18.  Lessee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lessor for any liability for
     damage to any person or property, in, on or about said leased premises from
     any cause whatsoever and Lessee shall procure and keep in effect during the
     term hereof public liability and insurance for the benefit of Lessor in the
     sum of One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars for damages resulting to one
     person and/or one occurrence and Five Hundred Thousand ($500,000.00)
     Dollars property damage resulting from any one occurrence. Such insurance
     shall provide for the Lessor as a named additional insured and shall be
     designated as primary. Such insurance shall further provide for thirty (30)
     days notice to Lessor prior to cancellation. Lessee shall deliver policies
     to Lessor and upon failure to do so, Lessor may at its option obtain such
     insurance and the cost thereof plus interest at the rate of seven (7%)
     percent per annum shall be paid as additional rent due and payable upon the
     next ensuing rent day.

19.  Except as provided in paragraph 17, Lessee will at its own expense during
     the continuation of this Lease keep the premises and every part thereof in
     as good repair and at the expiration of the term yield and deliver the same
     in like condition as when taken, reasonable use and wear and damage by the
     elements excepted. Lessee shall not make any alterations, additions, or
     improvements to said premises without the Lessor's written consent and
     alterations, additions, or improvements upon the premises, except movable
     office furniture and equipment installed at the expense of Lessee shall be
     the property of the Lessor and shall remain upon and be surrendered with
     the premises at the termination of this Lease without molestation or
     injury.

20.  Lessor may enter the premises at reasonable times and make repairs,
     installations, and replacements deemed by the Lessor essential to the use
     and occupancy of all tenants and occupants of the building.

21.  If the whole of the premises shall be taken by public authority under the
     power of eminent domain, then the term of this Lease shall cease as of the
     day of possession by such public authority and any rent shall be paid up to
     that day with a proper proportion of refund by Lessor of any prepaid rent.

          If the whole of any parking area of the office building site shall be
          taken by any authority under the power of eminent domain, then the
          term of this Lease shall cease as of the date possession shall be
          taken by such public authority, provided this Lease shall continue in
          full force and effect if, within ninety (90) days of such taking,
          Lessor provides other parking facilities abutting the office building
          site with a ratio substantially equal to the previously existing ratio
          between parking and office building.

          If less than the whole, but more than twenty-five (25%) percent shall
          be taken under eminent domain, either party shall have the right to
          terminate this Lease by notice in writing delivered to the other party
          within ten (10) days of such taking and Lessee shall have the further
          right by like notice to terminate in the event so much of the premises
          shall be taken and shall render a remaining portion unsuitable for
          Lessee's purposes. If neither party elects to terminate this Lease,
          Lessee shall continue in possession of the remainder of the premises
          and all of the terms of this Lease shall continue in full operative
          force and effect, except that the rent shall be reduced to the
          proportion of the value of the premises taken and Lessor at its own
          cost and

                                       3
<PAGE>

          expense shall make all repairs or alterations to the building
          necessary to constitute the remaining premises and complete
          architectural unit substantially like the original premises.

          All damages awarded for any taking under the power of eminent domain,
          whether for the whole or a part of the premises, shall belong to and
          be the property of the Lessor whether such damages shall be awarded as
          compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold or to the fee of
          the premises; provided, that Lessor shall not be entitled to any award
          made to Lessee for the loss of business or removal of furniture and
          other equipment installed on the premises by the Lessee.

22.  Upon mutual agreement of Lessor and Lessee, the name of the office building
     may be changed.

23.  Lessor shall not be responsible or liable to Lessee, its officers, agents,
     employees, invitees, or licensees, for any loss or damage that may be
     occasioned by or through the acts or omissions of persons occupying persons
     adjoining premises or any part of the building of which the leased premises
     are a part, nor for any theft or any damage or injury to person or property
     occasioned by failure to keep said premises heated, cooled or in repair or
     occasioned by way of illustration and not limitation, by failure or
     collapse of the building or any part thereof, or breakage of any plumbing,
     gas, water, steam, sewage or other pipes, or the bursting, leaking, or
     running of any water outlet, container, or fixture, in, above, upon, or
     about said building or premises, nor for injury or damage occasioned by
     wind, water, snow, or ice, being upon or coming through the roof, skylight,
     windows, doors, parking, road, and sidewalk areas, or otherwise, nor for
     any injury or damage arising from the omissions of any utilities or
     services supplied or to be supplied by Lessor hereunder or from acts of
     negligence or wilfulness of co-tenants or other occupants of persons in or
     about the building or service areas, or any owners or occupants in
     adjoining or contiguous property. Notwithstanding, any other provisions
     hereof or otherwise, neither party hereto shall be liable to the other and
     Lessee hereunder shall have no liability to or assert liability against any
     other Lessee in the building of which the herein demised premises are a
     part to the extent, if any, that the person damaged receive payment or
     reimbursement for or on account of any loss or damage caused or alleged to
     be caused by Lessor in whole or in part or any Lessee in whole or in part,
     in said building, under any contract or insurance, which at the time of
     loss permits waiver or bar of insurance subrogation in advance of loss
     without impairment of coverage.

24.  Lessor shall have the right to enter upon the leased premises during
     reasonable business hours for the purpose of inspecting the same and to
     enter upon the leased premises at all other times in the case of a need for
     emergency repairs.

25.  In the event any rent shall be due and unpaid or if any default shall be
     made in any of the agreements or covenants herein contained, or if said
     leased premises shall be deserted or vacated, as a cumulative remedy, it
     shall be lawful for the Lessor, its attorneys, representatives and assigns,
     upon fifteen (15) days written notice of said default to re-enter into and
     repossess the said premises and to remove and put out Lessee and each and
     every occupant of Lessee's premises.

26.  Lessor covenants that said Lessee, upon payment of all of the aforesaid
     installments, and performing all of the covenants aforesaid, shall and may
     peaceful and quietly have, hold, and enjoy the demised premises for the
     term aforesaid.


27.  If Lessor shall, during the period covered by this Lease, obtain possession
     of said premises by reentry, summary proceedings, or otherwise, the Lessee
     agrees to pay the Lessor the expense incurred in obtaining possession of
     said premises and also all expenses and commissions which may be paid in
     and about the reletting of the same and all other damages.

28.  It is agreed that each and every of the rights, remedies and benefits
     provided by this Lease shall be cumulative and shall not be exclusive of
     any other said rights, remedies and benefits allowed by law or equity.

                                       4
<PAGE>

29.  One or more waivers of any covenant or condition by the Lessor shall not be
     construed as a waiver of a further breach of the same covenant or
     condition.

30.  Lessor reserves the right to use in common with other persons and vehicles
     authorized by Lessor all driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, halls,
     lobbies, and other common areas and facilities. Lessee agrees to exercise
     reasonable diligence to prevent blocking of the ingress or egress to common
     areas by any vehicles belonging to its employees, licensees, or invitees.

31.  Lessor may from time to time and in its sole discretion make such
     reasonable rules and regulations as in the Lessor's judgment may be
     necessary or advisable for the safety, care and cleanliness of the
     premises, the building in which the same are located, the common areas and
     other tenants and occupants of said building and for the preservation of
     good order in said building and the use and occupancy of the demises
     premises shall be conditioned upon observance of and compliance with such
     rules and regulations.

32.  Lessee agrees that for a period commencing ninety (90) days prior to
     termination of this Lease, the Lessor may show the premises to prospective
     tenants and sixty (60) days prior to the termination of this Lease may
     display outside the premises the usual and ordinary "To Rent" signs.

33.  If Lessee herein holds over after termination of this Lease, tenancy shall
     be from month-to-month in the absence of a written agreement to the
     contract. Any month-to-month tenancy resulting from such holdover shall be
     subject to each and every condition of this Lease, other than fixing of the
     term.

34.  Lessee, at the time of execution of this lease agreement shall deposit with
     Lessor, a security deposit in the amount of Thirteen Thousand Five Hundred
     ($13,500.00) Dollars. A deposit will be held by Lessor without liability
     for interest as security for Lessee's faithful performance of all of the
     terms, covenants, and conditions of this lease. If tenant fails to keep and
     perform any of its covenants of this lease, Landlord at its option may
     appropriate and apply the entire deposit, or as much as may be necessary to
     compensate Landlord for losses or damages it sustains due to Tenant's
     breach. In the event the entire deposit or any portion is appropriated or
     applied to pay overdue rent or other sums due and payable pursuant to this
     lease, Lessee shall immediately remit to Lessor a sufficient amount of cash
     to restore the security to the original sum deposited.

35.  Lessor shall be liable pursuant to the Americans With Disabilities Act, or
     any other applicable federal or state laws, of a similar nature be liable
     solely for the parking lot, entrance door from the exterior into the east
     foyer, and restroom in the east foyer. Lessee shall be liable for any and
     all other areas of the building and premises, except for portions occupied
     by other Lessees.

36.  Lessor reserves the right to issue regulations regarding smoking including
     complete prohibition within the building and upon the premises.

37.  Whenever under this Lease a provision is made for notice of any kind, it
     shall be deemed sufficient notice and service thereof if such notice to
     Lessee is in writing and hand delivered or addressed to Lessee at Lessee's
     last known post office address or at the leased premises and deposited in
     the mail with postage prepaid and if such notice to Lessor is in writing
     and hand delivered to the last-known post office address of the Lessor and
     deposited in the mail with postage prepaid. Notice need to be sent to only
     one Lessee where the Lessee is more than one party.

38.  In this Lease words denoting gender shall be synonymous with each other.

39.  The covenants, conditions and agreements made and entered into by the
     parties are declared binding upon their respective heirs, successors,
     representatives and assigns.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set their hands and seals
this day and year first above written.

                                       5
<PAGE>

In the Presence Of:                  LESSOR:

                                     CENTRE BUILDING COMPANY, a
                                     Michigan Partnership

                                     By:
------------------------------          ------------------------------
                                        John A. Boll, Jr.,
                                        Agent for Centre Building Company

------------------------------


                                     LESSEE:

                                     CHATEAU COMMUNITIES, INC.
                                     a Maryland corporation


                                     By:
------------------------------          ------------------------------
                                        Gary McDaniel, Chief Executive Officer

------------------------------


STATE OF MICHIGAN  )
                         ) ss.
COUNTY OF MACOMB   )

     On this ______ day of __________________, 2001, before me personally
appeared John A.  Boll, Jr. the Agent of Centre Building Company, a Michigan
partnership and stated that he executed the foregoing Lease on behalf of the
Centre Building Company.


                                        ------------------------------------
                                                               Notary Public
                                              Macomb County, Michigan

My Commission expires:  _________________

STATE OF COLORADO  )
                         ) ss.
COUNTY OF          )

     On this ______ day of __________________, 2001, before me personally
appeared Gary McDaniel, Chief Executive Officer of Chateau Communities, Inc., a
Maryland corporation and stated that he executed the foregoing Lease on behalf
of Chateau Communities, Inc.


                                        ------------------------------------
                                                               Notary Public
                                                  County, Colorado

My Commission expires:  _________________

                                       6