<Page> EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc.: We consent to the use of our reports dated March 10, 2003 related to the balance sheet of Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. as of March 10, 2003 and our report related to the historical summary of gross income and direct operating expenses of Peoria Station for the year ended December 31, 2002, included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Registration Statement on Form S-11. Chicago, Illinois May 8, 2003