I think the main problem with that idea is that the warehouses and lofts of most cities were located in the run down downtown areas and often near the waterfront of the city, as most cities old warehouses were originally used in shipping. Suburbs on the other hand, and especially the ones in concern with this article are in the middle of nowhere.

Artists/startups wanted to be located in the city and close to the things they needed because, as with wanting cheap place to live, they didn't have money for cars. The majority of these now abandon suburbs were entirely designed to be used by cars. They are bedroom communities with nothing in or around them but houses, and poorly built houses at that.