<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EQK REALTY INVESTORS I FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
1998, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                           3,712
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                               0
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  44,701
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       135,875
<OTHER-SE>                                    (141,192)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    44,701
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 1,553
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                      158
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   718
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,012
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   (335)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               (335)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      (335)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (0.04)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.04)