Following the expansion of the city northwards, the street became increasingly popular as people began to use it more and more.

The routing of the Bankhead Highway, US 60, US 70, US 80, and US 89 also increased its popularity, turning the area into a center of life in the city.

[1] The demand for service on the street was so great that Arizona's first drive-in movie theater was sited on Van Buren, and motel owners introduced gimmicks to draw people to their attractions.

This led to a decline in commerce in the area, and the eventual shuttering of many businesses on the street.

In Phoenix, the city has taken an active role in redeveloping the East Van Buren Corridor.