The sponsor for this development, The Independent Living Authority (ILA), is a non-profit organization formed with the sole purpose of developing housing for the physically challenged. Half of the members of the sponsor's board of directors are themselves physically challenged.

In 1991, with The Community Builders, Inc. and the rest of the project team, ILA set out to construct a multifamily facility for persons with a range of physical disabilities within a residential setting which would avoid any institutional feel. In a unique aspect of this project, potential residents were involved in the design process to ensure that all issues were considered.

Independence House provides 26 units of supportive housing for persons with disabilities, including special features such as wheel-in showers. The building also includes a community room, a laundry room, a sun room, and a management office.

In addition to providing a supportive environment to its new residents, Independence House is a national model for providing decent, affordable housing to persons with physical disabilities. The National Association of Home Builders echoed this sentiment when it awarded Independence House one of its 1994 Pillars of the Industry Awards.