HGTVsWindy City Rehabrevolves around home renovation projects in Chicago. The designer-contractor duo was already walking on thin ice at this point when the third lawsuit inadvertently dealt the defeating blow to their partnership. Donovans lawsuit stated that he spoke with Alison several times a day and she was intimately involved in the creation of every budget., A post shared by Donovan Eckhardt (@donobro). We know that Alison and Donovan are no longer working together, and the design expert is now focused on starting fresh in Season 3. He is the founder of companies like VizCorp, Eckhardt properties, BE custom millwork, and Greymark development group. Donovan was a contractor on the show and the two decided to pitch Windy City Rehab to HGTV. Season 1. WICKER PARK In a Monday ruling, the city's Department of Buildings upheld its decision to strip "Windy City Rehab" co-stars Alison V. Gramenos and Donovan Eckhardt of their building privileges in Chicago. ga('ads.send', { Former 'Windy City Rehab' co-host Donovan Eckhardt, right, is suing HGTV's parent company Discovery Inc. and a production company for defamation over his portrayal before his exit in Season. eventAction: 'view' A conviction carries a jail sentence of up to one year (a misdemeanor). Have something to tell us about this article? In December 2019, Greymark had revenue near $1.5 million, the Chicago Sun-Times revealed; for the same time period in 2020, the company had just $251,565 in revenue. [2] Production of a second season was delayed when the show's producer contracted coronavirus,[3] and was broadcast in 2021. Column: March Madness is here for Northwestern. ga('ads.send', { The judge said Donovan Eckhardts contract with showrunners called for litigation to be handled in California courts. According to Deadline, the 2nd season of "Windy City Rehab" had a heavy focus on the lawsuits, with Alison Victoria often dropping Donovan Eckhardt's name as the reason for her troubles. Embezzlement is a Class A misdemeanor if the amount stolen is $500 to $1,500; the punishment is a fine of up to $4,000 and a jail sentence of up to one year. Eckhardt said he was painted as the villain, while Gramenos was portrayed as the unknowing, innocent victim.. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Interior designer Alison Victoria buys and restores historic Chicago homes. (Tracy Swartz/Chicago Tribune). eventAction: 'render' Alison Victoria's relationship with her business partner Donovan Eckhardt has imploded on season two of Windy City Rehab and on Tuesday's episode, the HGTV star ends things for good. Even though that would seem to be a worthwhile justification, especially with the current, tricky state of our ongoing health crisis, Judge OBrien Sheahan noted that video-recorded testimony and other remote forms of participation were possible, so she rejected the argument and dismissed Eckhardt's lawsuit. Chicago /. You cant do that and then not explain Its just a TV show because the viewers assume its all real. Renovation of an old home comes with many unexpected construction problems. By Mitch Dudek Jun 9, 2021, 3:20pm PST Former 'Windy City Rehab' host Donovan Eckhardt drops a zinger in feud with Alison Victoria Pocket Flipboard The "Windy City Rehab" star Alison Victoria is now selling her Chicago home for $2,295,000, People magazine reported. The original characters like Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Joker, Catwoman, and others. After taking a longer hiatus between seasons one and two to address multiple lawsuits, the second season has brought its fair share of drama. In December 2019, Anna and . Me, my businesses, my show and my network have nothing to do with them, Gramenos said in an email to the Tribune. . Donovan's lawsuit filed in California reveals that his business, Greymark Development Group, has taken a big hit. That statement refers to a scene in an episode where Alison wonders aloud what Donovan did with the money he was paid for construction services. Windy City Rehab Season 2, which premiered in September 2020, followed the breakdown in the relationship between Gramenos and Eckhardt over five episodes. Alison and Donovan take on a penthouse with potential for a serious profit. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, While Alison Victoria will continue to star, fans will not see Eckhardt appear in future episodes of the show (via House Beautiful). Know All About the lead actor in Netflix's 'Cuties'. One of the clients on the most wealthy clients shows season 1 were James and Anna Morrissey. ", Daywatch: Mayor runoff begins with mutual attacks, Cactus League report: Cubs unveil their energizing defense and a pair of White Sox head out for the WBC. pg.acq.push(function() { reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. Hes in counseling and seeking more than $2 million in damages, the outlet reported. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Alison Victoria of "Windy City Rehab" is being sued by former partner Donovan Eckhardt. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { TRD Staff. Windy City Rehab Star Files Defamation Lawsuit, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Read |Who is Uros Racic? Greymark and Space Builders were terminated from the Stratford and Orchard projects in August 2019, according to the counterclaim. While the first lawsuit had dealt a heavy blow to Alison and Donovan, a second one followed within a few days. According to Cinema Blend, Donovan was not only fired from Windy City Rehab in the spring of 2019, but he also filed a lawsuit against Big Table Media and Discovery the show's production and parent companies for $2.2 million. The most recent one involves Alison and co-host Donovan Eckhardt where each individual has sued the other. The reality television show stars interior designer Alison Victoria and famous contractor Donovan Eckhardt. However, it's not yet known if the lawsuit will be re-filed in California. Do. Donovan is not backing down and hes filed a second defamation lawsuit in California, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The show features Alison Victoria, who was previously known for her DIY Network show "Kitchen Crashers." }); No matter what challenges lie beneath decades of paint and plaster, she works to save unique features while updating the space with her luxurious style. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { The couple brought a lawsuit against Alison and Donovan and they werent the only ones to do so. Just how much legal drama causes the hosts to split up? Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "Despite costly structural damage, permit delays, failed inspections and other challenges, Alison is determined to create gorgeous homes and earn top profit," declared HGTV's press release. 3 Donovan Eckhardt from Windy City Rehab has come under fire (seen here with co-star Alison Victoria) Credit: HGTV Windy City Rehab returned for its second season this year and the show has been in the media spotlight following allegations against its star Donovan Eckhardt. The Chicago Tribune shares that Donovan's suit also claims that statements suggesting Donovan misappropriated, embezzled, or wrongfully derived money from past projects are false. Donovan also says that he was painted as the villain, while Alison was portrayed as the unknowing, innocent victim., A post shared by Donovan Eckhardt (@donobro), Unfortunately for Donovan, it appears that his lawsuit has officially been dismissed. Instead, the suit is specifically toward Discovery Inc. and Big Table Media, claiming the companies purposely edited the series to make Eckhardt look like a villain. Season 2 premiered with those lawsuits front and center clients from previous episodes were suing the team for defective work, with one even noting that a few days after closing, their upstairs bathroom flooded into their kitchen (via Republic World). Together, the pair made some of their clients' dreams come true. Victoria blamed Eckhardt for these mishaps, something we saw play out at the start of the 2nd season. hitType: 'event', media-tech companies with hubs around the world. The broadcasting of the foregoing Season 2 episodes was the most embarrassing, humiliating and traumatic event Donovan and his family ever endured, and damaged Donovans mental and physical health, the lawsuit reads. The Morrisseys had recently purchased their perfectly renovated home for $1.36 million. Where did the money go? July 13, 2021 01:51 PM. ga('ads.send', { Throughout Season 2, both Alison and lead contractor Donovan Eckhardt dealt with multiple lawsuits related to the projects that were featured on Season 1, which caused a fall-out between the former coworkers. Season 2 of the 'Windy City Rehab' saw the duo, Alison and Donovan fighting lawsuits. a " 2 A FIRST LOOK AT JOSEPH HELLERS FUNNIEST NOVEL SINCE "CATCH-22" WHO ARE WE? Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. While Alison was on designer duty, Donovan handled the logistics. document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ The Truth About Windy City Rehab's Donovan Eckhardt. It was back in January 2021 that Donovan Eckhardt, who was fired from Windy City Rehab in the spring of 2019, filed a lawsuit against Big Table Media (the show's production company) and Discovery (HGTV's parent company) for $2.2 million. Greymarks permit application suspension took effect May 29, 2019, according to building department records. Alison is not named in the lawsuit, per Deadline. As we were all told in the trailer that this season was going to be all about how Donovan Eckhardt and Alison Victoria's perfect workplace rapport will spiral out of control based on the allegations leveled against them. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Since leaving Windy City Rehab and having his defamation case dismissed, some may wonder where Donovan is today. A post shared by alisonvictoria (@thealisonvictoria) on Sep 13, 2020 at 4:32pm PDT. Donovan filed a lawsuit against HGTV parent company Discovery and Windy City Rehab producers Big Table Media. A onetime friend of the HGTV reality TV shows Donovan Eckhardt says his family put up $3 million based on false claims of flipping expertise and relationships with City Hall. Gramenos used a different general contractor for Season 2. Eckhardts attorney declined to comment beyond the suit. And since there has been no sign of Donovan in Season 3 so far, it's safe to say that Alison can put all the troubles from Seasons 1 and 2 behind her. During the season, the duo undertook different projects with the most famous one being the renovation of a 4,000-square-foot luxury home in Lincoln Square. Now the Wildcats need to regain some momentum after a 3rd straight loss. According to the counterclaim, Eckhardt had minority ownership interest in 612 West Stratford LLC at certain times in the past. His company, Greymark, was retained as general contractor for the renovation of the Stratford and Orchard buildings. Read |Who is Alison on Windy City Rehab? The former reality star's Instagram is filled of photos and videos of him working on renovation projects. A cottage style house in the Ukrainian Village presents challenges resulting from its landmark status. Unlike many HGTV programs, the projects are all city-based, including town homes and apartments. Thats when Alison discovered that the majority of their renovation budget for an unfinished project hundreds of thousands of dollars had apparently been paid out to Donovans company without her knowledge. }); On her part, Alison sued Donovan against HGTV. Alison Victoria Gramenos is asking $2.195 million for the. What you need to live your best life now. Judging by IG, Donovan appears to be doing well. Donovan appeared as a contractor on Windy City Rehab from 2019 to 2020. The lawsuit states that he was made out to be the bad guy to boost ratings, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. According to the outlet, he is suing HGTV parent company Discovery Inc. and Big Table Media, the production company being the hit show. In addition to focusing on home renovation projects, the season dealt with the break-up of Alison and Donovan's business over a dispute on contractor expenses. Embezzlement of property, money, or services, and many enumerated items, worth more than $950 is grand theft. [5], On March 28, 2022, a third season was announced. Donovans California-based attorney Ognian Gavrilov said via the Chicago Sun-Times,The facts, as I see them, are very strong. Judge Patricia O'Brien Sheahan. Fans of Windy City Rehab know what a tough time Alison had with her former business partner Donovan Eckhardt. On August 18, 2020, it was announced that the second season would premiere on September 15, 2020. The claims were made in a new filing Tuesday by former show co-host Donovan Eckhardt, who is seeking $2.2 million in a defamation lawsuit. The duo behind the popular HGTV show owe a pair of suburban Chicago lenders more than $170,000, according to a lawsuit filed in Cook County court this week. The episode alternates between scenes of the construction work and scenes of Alison sourcing and purchasing salvaged furniture and decorative components (appropriate to the historical period of the house). In March 2019, the Morrisseys bought a 4,000 square foot home at 2308 West Giddings Street in Lincoln Square for $1.36 million. Their lawsuit named Alison. From permit violations to stop-work orders to lawsuits alleging shoddy construction and fraud, the show has garnered plenty of controversy. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. A historic home (converted to apartments) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is renovated. let gads_event; Eckhardts contract with showrunners provides a glimpse behind the curtain of reality television. in Lakeview is photographed on March 3, 2020. Score: 5/5 (64 votes) . This time it came from the homeowners Shane Jones and Samantha Mostaccio, who also filed the lawsuit making similar claims about Donovans negligent construction. As matters got out of hand, the wealthy couple dragged Alison, the shows chief interior designer and her contractor partner Donovan to court, by filing a lawsuit. Windy City Rehab: With Alison Victoria, Donovan Eckhardt, Ari Smejkal, Kristy Yarbrough. Renovation of the building is the focus of a lawsuit filed in April 2020 in Cook County court. While season 1 of the show received good reviews from the fans, it whipped up a lot of controversies after its end. "Windy City Rehab" partners Alison Victoria Gramenos and Donovan Eckhardt find themselves in legal trouble once again. January 21, 2019. Although the show did relatively well, some of the fans had a bone to pick with the duo for having done a ropey job while renovating some of the residences for their clients. Obviously, both stars of Windy City Rehab have seen several setbacks when it comes to the show and all of the legal drama surrounding it for the past two years. 'Windy City Rehab' Returns to HGTV With 9 New Episodes By: Caroline Alkire Our favorite Windy City host, Alison Victoria, is back and better than ever. An inspector also found that nearly every window had been improperly installed. While it's clear that Victoria and Eckhardt are no longer friends or business partners, the suit does not mention Victoria by name. } Batman is created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Donovan Eckhardt was Alisons right-hand man on the HGTV show, but hes no longer a cast member. However, since filming wrapped, we have learned more about the cases. These days, it seems that Donovan is determined to move forward. }); The Morrisseys also complained about a leaky roof, poorly installed windows, and a host of other issues with they were facing with luxury home. A third season began broadcasting in April 2022. Eckhardt is suing HGTVs parent company and Big Table Media, which produces Windy City Rehab, for at least $2.2 million for defamation and emotional distress. I'm sure we'll see before much longer whether or not Donovan Eckhardt will decide to pursue his case on the west coast, until then, Windy City Rehab will be back for nine new Season 2 episodes later this year. GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes. He can be seen celebrating Mothers Day, spending time with his family, cold water dipping, renovating houses and attending weddings with his wife in 2022. Catch nine new episodes premiering April 21 on HGTV. This was because of alleged emotional distress he says he suffered after the show made it look, in Season 2, like "Donovan misappropriated, embezzled or wrongfully derived money from past projects," and showed Alison Victoria as the "unknowing, innocent victim.". Windy City Rehab is one of the popular reality TV series. A post shared by Windy City Rehab (@windycityrehabchi) on Sep 22, 2020 at 10:19am PDT, Read |Who is Donovan on Windy City Rehab? Buy HD $2.99. On Sep 13, 2020 from the fans, it whipped up a lot of controversies after its.! Quot ; partners Alison Victoria Gramenos and Donovan, a second defamation in... In Lakeview is photographed on March 3, 2020 at 4:32pm PDT, had... Historic home ( converted to apartments ) in the Ukrainian Village presents challenges resulting from its landmark.... While Gramenos was portrayed as the villain, while Gramenos was portrayed as the unknowing, innocent victim split?. 29, 2019, according to the counterclaim, Eckhardt had minority ownership interest in 612 Stratford... The villain, while Gramenos was portrayed as the villain, while Gramenos was portrayed as the unknowing, victim! Wildcats need to live your best life now just a TV show because the viewers assume its real! ', media-tech companies with hubs around the world Gramenos was portrayed as the,. 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