1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectuses constituting part of the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-46699), Form S-3 (No. 333-48555) and Form S-3 (No. 333-52879) of American Industrial Properties REIT of our reports dated December 10, 1998 relating to the combined statement of revenue and certain expenses of The A&A Portfolio Properties and The A&A Virginia Properties, both of which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K/A of American Industrial Properties REIT dated October 14, 1998. /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Cleveland, Ohio December 28, 1998