Therein lies one of the Xroads biggest problems right now. Property values are way too high for what you get, in the western xroads...high enough to drive out artists and the DIY crowd, as well just about any urban minded younger folks...and yet there is little if any development on the radar, and new construction lofts are rental is unjustifiable, because property values aren't that high yet, and retail sits empty, etc. etc. As cool as the area is, it (to me) is sitting in limbo between a true, organic arts district and a more high end urban chic loft district...and it's not pulling off either one with any spectacular results. The west edge is no longer scrappy, but it's a long way from being a real hot spot, yet.i think there's still plenty of momentum on the east edge. it's scrappy, just like the west edge was 10 years ago.
Problem 2 lies in the xroads spread out nature, but that's a whole 'nother issue. I'm more concerned that the neat indie stuff is being driven out...but the big money that should follow in it's wake is nowhere to be found. Exhibit A, of course, is the failed Broadway tower.