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. 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. Eckhardt's attorney has already filed an appeal in the hopes of having the decision overturned, but we don't know right now if the plan is to re-file the lawsuit in California should the appeal prove unsuccessful. What is embezzlement with example? }); Another couple experienced similar issues with their Chicago home and also brought a lawsuit against the Windy City Rehab hosts. 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. Hes also been cut off from the $3,500 per episode he made on Windy City Rehab, according to the outlet. Season 2 of Windy City Rehab showed Eckhardt and Alison Victoria's working relationship break down, and did, definitely, play Victoria as a "victim" of his supposedly shady business practices who seemed to only be interested in designing and claimed to know nothing about how he was handling the financials and other aspects of their partnership. Donovan left Windy City Rehab in the middle of season two. }); ET Viewers got the best of both worlds when home renovation experts Alison Victoria and Donovan Eckhardt teamed up for the series premiere of the HGTV series Windy City Rehab. More purchase options. 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. I have zero knowledge of the Stratford or Orchard projects. Donovan has around 5.6K followers on IG @donobro. 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. 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. Alison and Donovan take on a penthouse with potential for a serious profit. Chicago /. The home at 1700 W. Wabansia Ave. was featured on the first season of the HGTV series "Windy City Rehab." }); The third lawsuit might have hurt far worse than the other two as it came from Michael Ward Jr. who was a former friend of Donovan. Former "Windy City Rehab" contractor Donovan Eckhardt said he experienced anxiety and depression after being falsely accused of misappropriating money and subjected to social media attacks. },false) Unfortunately for Eckhardt, Cook County Judge Patricia OBrien Sheahan dismissed his lawsuit recently, noting that his contract stated that any legal disputes must be settled in a California court, according to the Chicago Sun Times. We are one of the worlds fastest growing So, lets take a look at what happened to Donovan on Windy City Rehab. A lawsuit over the home's renovation was filed in April 2020 and dropped in December 2020 after a settlement was reached. Victoria returned to her hometown of Chicago to restore homes for the series, alongside lead contractor Donovan Eckhardt (via HGTV). 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. At this point, it would be fair to call Windy City Rehab an embattled production. There was a catastrophic event against his business because it was represented as a bunch of crooks. newsletter here. While season 1 of the show received good reviews from the fans, it whipped up a lot of controversies after its end. A post shared by Windy City Rehab (@windycityrehabchi) on Sep 22, 2020 at 10:19am PDT, Read |Who is Donovan on Windy City Rehab? According to the Chicago Sun Times, Cook County Judge Patricia OBrien Sheahan dismissed his lawsuit in July 2021, noting that "his contract stated that any legal disputes must be settled in a California court.". Alison and Donovan were seen working together once again. In case you've been out of the loop, let's bring you up to speed! This forced them to file a lawsuit against the popular duo. Fans of Windy City Rehab know what a tough time Alison had with her former business partner Donovan Eckhardt. Be the first to review this item 2017 TV-G. ", 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. The most recent one involves Alison and co-host Donovan Eckhardt where each individual has sued the other. Two contractors from the first season of "Windy City Rehab" committed fraud by diverting money from other projects to help fund work done on the popular HGTV show, according to a lawsuit. Donovan Eckhardt, a 40-year-old Chicago-based contractor, gained popularity with his appearance in the show 'Windy City Rehab' Season 1, which aired in January 2019. Interior designer Alison Victoria buys and restores old homes in Chicago. }); Genres Unscripted, Documentary . 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. } Eckhardt quit Windy City Rehab in the midst of Season 2 because of personal reasons. 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.". gads_event = event; Unlike many HGTV programs, the projects are all city-based, including town homes and apartments. Share. Windy City Rehab, HGTVs popular show featuring remodels of Chicago homes, feels more like a legal drama these days. A cottage style house in the Ukrainian Village presents challenges resulting from its landmark status. Since leaving Windy City Rehab and having his defamation case dismissed, some may wonder where Donovan is today. hitType: 'event', As the stars of HGTV's Windy City Rehab, Alison Victoria and Donovan Eckhardt spend a lot of time together. Man United prepare bid for 'next Matic' as Thiago deal reaches impasse. However, as soon as the show ended, many fans were shocked to learn that the duo got into some trouble with their clients soon after the season ended. Windy City Rehab premiered in January 2019 with 11 episodes in its first season. The new episodes are slated to premiere in late 2021. Donovan appeared as a contractor on Windy City Rehab from 2019 to 2020. 2530 N. Orchard St. in the Park West neighborhood is photographed on July 5, 2019. Read on to find out everything about Windy City Rehab lawsuit drama. The original crossover Batman and Scooby-Doo (created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Joe Ruby, Ken Spears, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera) (DC Comics / Hanna-Barbera / Warner Bros.). 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. HGTV has ordered nine additional one-hour episodes for season 2 of the popular home renovation show. The HGTV series "Windy City Rehab" premiered in 2019 and became an instant hit with home renovation fans. 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). HGTV representatives announced in February 2019 the network ordered a second season. He is the founder of companies like VizCorp, Eckhardt properties, BE custom millwork, and Greymark development group. In each episode, a candidate house is visited by Alison and Donovan, who discuss its potential for redesign and resale value (houses are purchased without a client in mind). Gramenos and Eckhardt ran into trouble with the city in the subsequent months. Now the Wildcats need to regain some momentum after a 3rd straight loss. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. Windy City Rehab lawsuit no.2 filed by Shane Jones While the first lawsuit had dealt a heavy blow to Alison and Donovan, a second one followed within a few days. It stars Alison Victoria, an interior designer who does home renovation projects in Chicago, Illinois, with contractor Donovan Eckhardt (season one and the early part of season 2). Renovation of an old home comes with many unexpected construction problems. Powered by. Former 'Windy City Rehab' host Donovan Eckhardt drops a zinger in feud with Alison Victoria In an affidavit filed last week, Eckhardt tucked six seemingly pointed words inside a parenthesis. There have been a shocking number of lawsuits filed against the former business partners, with Eckhardt filing his own defamation and emotional distress suit against the production company behind Windy City Rehab and HGTV's parent company. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Together, the pair made some of their clients' dreams come true. Windy City Rehab. 2530 N. Orchard St. in the Park West neighborhood is photographed on July 5, 2019. HGTV has not announced if Windy City Rehab will return for a third season. But soon after, drama began to follow the show as lawsuits for bad contracting work began to arise. 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. Two contractors from the first season of Windy City Rehab committed fraud by diverting money from other projects to help fund work done on the popular HGTV show, according to a lawsuit filed last week in Cook County court. The duo behind the popular HGTV show owe a pair of suburban Chicago. While Alison was on designer duty, Donovan handled the logistics. The report revealed that Donovan Eckhardt had reportedly worked without appropriate permits at 11 different properties. document.querySelector("#ads").addEventListener('click',function(){ The home at 1700 W. Wabansia Ave. was featured on the first season of the HGTV series "Windy City Rehab." All homes featured on Windy City Rehab have now been sold, Defamation lawsuit filed by Windy City Rehab co-host dismissed by Cook County judge, Windy City Rehab co-host had to get permission to shave his beard and more details from his contract that have surfaced in court, Were Alison Victorias tears real? A historic home (converted to apartments) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is renovated. Their lawsuit named Alison. In March 2019, the Morrisseys bought a 4,000 square foot home at 2308 West Giddings Street in Lincoln Square for $1.36 million. Greymark hired Space Builders as subcontractor. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The Truth About Windy City Rehab's Donovan Eckhardt. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), In his original filing, Eckhardt reported that he'd suffered social media attacks from fans because of his portrayal on the series, and that helped lead to anxiety and depression. To prove embezzlement, a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a moral certainty that the defendant had a specific intent to defraud the victim of property entrusted to the defendant through the fiduciary relationship. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ eventAction: 'load' House of Horrors. },false) Former Windy City Rehab contractor Donovan Eckhardt said he experienced anxiety and depression after being falsely accused of misappropriating money and subjected to social media attacks from fans of the popular HGTV show, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in Cook County court. hitType: 'event', It stars Alison Victoria, an interior designer who does home renovation projects in Chicago, Illinois, with contractor Donovan Eckhardt (season one and the early part of season 2). A second couple, Shane Jones and Samantha Mostaccio whose property was featured on the season 1 episode titled "House of Horrors" alleged negligent construction, according to a complaint filed. Read |Who is Fathia Youssouf? < 'Windy City Rehab' Lawsuit drama: Here's why the clients filed a lawsuit, A post shared by Windy City Rehab (@windycityrehabchi). if(document.querySelector("#adunit")){ Donovan Eckhardt was Alisons right-hand man on the HGTV show, but hes no longer a cast member. In the episode, which was filmed over a year ago, Victoria does not mention why she is being sued. [2] Production of a second season was delayed when the show's producer contracted coronavirus,[3] and was broadcast in 2021. 'Windy City Rehab' Season 3 will release on Thursday, April 21 at 8 pm. She went on to star in Windy City Rehab in 2019 and she also appears on Rock The Block. Eckhardt and Pajazetovic worked on homes that were featured on the first season of Windy City Rehab, which follows Alison Victoria Gramenos as she flips Chicago homes. Donovan filed a lawsuit against HGTV parent company Discovery and Windy City Rehab producers Big Table Media. Renovation of the building is the focus of a lawsuit filed in April 2020 in Cook County court. Additionally, the lawsuit states that Donovan has suffered emotional injuries including anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, inability to concentrate and embarrassment, and has been undergoing continuous counseling and behavioral treatment, per Deadline. 16 2022, Published 8:45 p.m. Victoria blamed Eckhardt for these mishaps, something we saw play out at the start of the 2nd season. Hes still based in Chicago and writes in his Instagram bio: Dad, Husband, Son, Brother, Family business man, with a passion for building things. However, a report on Distractify has stated that Alison and Donovan have parted ways as business partners and the shows second season was reportedly filmed before any of this lawsuit drama started. Donovan Eckhardt, one of the co-hosts of the hit HGTV show "Windy City Rehab", alleges the network and the producers sought to create a story for their viewers by making him appear to be the villain in the story of the breakup of his professional relationship with his co-host, Alison Victoria, but Eckhardt alleges they went further than just window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { Attorneys for HGTVs parent company and Big Table Media did not immediately return a Tribune request for comment. Score: 5/5 (64 votes) . Windy City Rehab[1] is an American television series on HGTV. The reality television show stars interior designer Alison Victoria and famous contractor Donovan Eckhardt. The defamation lawsuit is for $2.2 million and was filed this past January (via the Chicago Tribune). Windy City Rehab premiered in January 2019, 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. 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. He said Greymark lost substantial revenue last year compared to the prior year. ga('ads.send', { Eckhardt said he was painted as the villain, while Gramenos was portrayed as the unknowing, innocent victim.. Space Builders owned by Ermin Pajazetovic sued Donovan Eckhardt, his Greymark Development Group, 612 West Stratford LLC and Lakeside Bank in December 2019 over $108,500 he says he was owed for work he performed and materials he provided during renovation of 612 W. Stratford Pl. Counterdefendants brazenly submitted sworn contractor affidavits for work that was not performed and materials that never made it to the work sites; and they conspired with others to submit sworn statements that were intended to obtain payment of other funds for work never performed, the counterclaim reads. Changing the color of your front door is something so easy to do that . This time it came from the homeowners Shane Jones and Samantha Mostaccio, who also filed the lawsuit making similar claims about Donovan's negligent construction. But construction projects don't always go as planned, and a lawsuit filed in Cook County on December 30 alleges that the Windy City Rehab team defrauded James and Anna Morrissey. It is a federal embezzlement crime to steal or obtain by fraud artwork or other items from a museum, when the art is worth at least $100,000 or is worth at least $5,000 and is over 100 years old.Penalties include a fine of up to $250,000, up to ten years in prison, or both. February 1 50 Brilliant Upcycling Projects From HGTV Stars 51 Photos By: Lauren Oster The best omakase restaurants in Chicago,Sit back, relax and treat yourself to dinner at an omakase experience in Chicago, where chefs dish out delicious sushi, cocktails and more. With a sharp business skill and a deep knowledge of how the market works, she waves her magic wand to make anything a stellar-looking piece. : to steal (money or property) despite being entrusted to take care of it The banker embezzled money from his customers. Season 3 of the show is set to release soon and viewers will get to witness the ever-so-glamorous, Alison Victoria, making some real changes to the vintage residences in her very own hometown Chicago. Notifications can be turned off anytime from browser settings. 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. This has now caused social media users to question the status of Alison and Donovan's working relationship. Greymark and Space Builders were terminated from the Stratford and Orchard projects in August 2019, according to the counterclaim. 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. Thus, any allegation that monies were diverted to prop up the high-profile Windy City Rehab projects is simply untrue, Stefaneas said in his statement. However, he had failed to deliver to any of these promises. The co-stars of "Windy City Rehab" have encountered numerous difficulties since their show first aired in January 2019. A hearing is scheduled for May 21. eventAction: 'view' In an email to the Tribune, Pajazetovics attorney denied wrongdoing by Space Builders and any conspiracy between the company and Eckhardt. Season 2 of 'Windy City Rehab' Is a Go (Despite Several Lawsuits Against Its Stars), 'Windy City Rehab' Host Alison Victoria Is Our New Favorite HGTV Star, Meet Jasmine Roth, the Star of HGTVs New Show Help! The lawsuit states that he was made out to be the bad guy to boost ratings, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. In December 2019, Greymark had revenue near $1.5 million, the Chicago Sun-Times. Windy City Rehab 2019 3.9 star 7 reviews TV-PG Rating family_home Eligible info Season 1 arrow_drop_down $14.99 Buy full season HD info Watch in a web browser or on supported devices Learn. Despite the three perilous lawsuits, audiences did get to see Windy City Rehab season 2. Unfortunately for the duo, some of the clients filed a lawsuit against them after noticing flaws in their work. Boost ratings, according to the prior year on designer duty, Donovan handled logistics! 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