<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EQK REALTY INVESTORS I FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           3,661
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                               0
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  46,603
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       135,875
<OTHER-SE>                                    (138,896)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    46,603
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 6,174
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                      887
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 2,879
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,896
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (1,488)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (1,488)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (1,488)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     (.16)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     (.16)