Cyd and Skip Li relocated from Mercer Island to their 16th Avenue NE home in December 1992, aspiring to engage more with university students. Post-move, they commenced praying for like-minded individuals to join them in the U District.

In 1996, close friends—Jack McMillan, Tom Jonez, and Morrie Pigott—approached the Lis about co-investing in a U District house. The idea was to create a space where students could live in community, learning leadership principles inspired by Jesus. This initiative led to the establishment of Vision 16 as a legal entity, purchasing the North House next to the Lis. During the inaugural school year (1996-97), 12 young men, a blend of UW students and recent graduates, resided in the house.

The success of the first Vision 16 house sparked substantial interest, resulting in a waiting list for the following year. Requests from women prompted Vision 16 to explore a women's house, leading to the acquisition of the 17th Avenue House. Although some deemed it too large, Jack's unwavering faith facilitated the purchase.

By the start of the 97-98 school year, the Ave House accommodated 47 men, while the North House housed the first group of women. Wes and Nancy Anderson, serving as "house parents" in the Ave House, had a room named the "Anderson Suite" in their honor. In 1999, Vision 16 purchased the South House, hosting graduate women during the 99-00 school year. The following year, the 5031 house was rented by some grad women, and the South House accommodated undergrad women. Don and Heather Valencia and Theresa Schulz joined Vision 16 with the South House acquisition. In 2008, Vision 16 bought the Trio House, renovated by George and Alyssa Petrie and Adam and Jaime Hestad for occupancy by the first group of women that fall.