EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Grubb & Ellis
Company for the registration of $150,000,000 of debt securities, preferred
stock, common stock, equity warrants and debt warrants, and to the incorporation
by reference therein of our report dated August 18, 1997 (except for Note 1(k),
as to which the date is March 21, 1998), with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Grubb & Ellis Company included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K/A) for the year ended June 30, 1997, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 21, 1998