Real estate trusts rebound as investors test markets. (real estate investment trusts to move to Western New York)

Real estate investment trusts, a byproduct of heady economic times, will soon be making a bigger impact in Western New York.

REITs were popular in the early 1980s. They died out after the 1987 stock market crash and ensuing economic downturn but have seen a rise in investor interest. While much of that interest has been focused on markets like Manhattan or Washington, REITs have begun to look at cities like Buffalo for investment opportunities.

That's the assessment from W.S. (Bill) Garland, president of Building Owners & Managers Association International. Garland was in Buffalo on May 12 to address the Buffalo BOMA chapter.

Garland, a Toronto resident, is …