BellSouth representatives wouldn't disclose the value of the deals; however, area brokers familiar with both the Downtown office sector and the suburban markets tell GlobeSt.com the Peachtree Tower transaction is valued at about $30 million and the Chastain property at about $27 million.

Databank, a locally based real estate research house, estimates the Peachtree deal at $35 million and the Chastain sale at $28.5 million, according to a published report.

Locally based Carter & Associates has held an equity interest in both properties for several years. BellSouth's decision to sell its interests in the two properties follows the company's 1999 plan to consolidate its employee bases near three MARTA stations, the company previously announced.

The Peachtree Tower is across the street from BellSouth's Campanile headquarters building. Chastain Center, which housed BellSouth's customer operations and network units, is on Chastain Center Boulevard, near Town Center at Cobb.

The 71-year-old USAA owns or manages assets valued at $66 billion, according to its website. The company's real estate arm, USAA Real Estate Co., which figured in the BellSouth deal, owns or manages assets valued at $3 billion.