1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (No. 333-46699), the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.
333-48555), the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-52879), and the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-69625) of American Industrial
Properties REIT of our report dated February 10, 1999, except for Note 19, as to
which the date is March 26, 1999 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of the American Industrial Properties REIT included in
its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.




                                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 26, 1999