Alison Victoria and Donovan Eckhardt, former co-stars of HGTV’s Windy City Rehab, faced significant legal battles that rocked their professional partnership and the show’s reputation. These lawsuits, primarily stemming from allegations of shoddy construction and financial mismanagement, led to their business dissolution and public fallout. This article dives into the details of their legal disputes, offering updates, unique insights, and personal reflections, while addressing key search terms like age, net worth, married, salary, height, weight, and dating. Discover the timeline, outcomes, and current status of their legal woes, enriched with original analysis.
Background of Windy City Rehab and Its Stars
Windy City Rehab, premiered in 2019, follows Alison Victoria, an interior designer, and Donovan Eckhardt, a contractor, as they renovate historic Chicago homes. Their chemistry initially captivated audiences, but behind-the-scenes issues led to a dramatic split. Alison Victoria, born October 31, 1981 (age 43), has a net worth estimated at $3 million, earned through her design firm and TV career. Donovan Eckhardt, born November 25, 1979 (age 45), has a net worth of approximately $3.5 million, primarily from his Greymark Development Group. Their partnership crumbled under legal and financial strain, impacting their professional and personal lives.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Alison Victoria Full Name | Alison Victoria Gramenos |
| Alison Victoria Age | 43 (Born October 31, 1981) |
| Alison Victoria Net Worth | $3 million (Estimated) |
| Alison Victoria Salary | $38,932 per episode (Estimated) |
| Alison Victoria Height | 5’0” (152 cm) |
| Alison Victoria Weight | 119 lbs (54 kg) |
| Alison Victoria Marital Status | Married to Luke Harding (2013–present) |
| Alison Victoria Dating | Previously dated Michael Marks |
| Donovan Eckhardt Full Name | Donovan Eckhardt |
| Donovan Eckhardt Age | 45 (Born November 25, 1979) |
| Donovan Eckhardt Net Worth | $3.5 million (Estimated) |
| Donovan Eckhardt Salary | $3,500 per episode (Estimated) |
| Donovan Eckhardt Height | 6’0” (183 cm) |
| Donovan Eckhardt Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Donovan Eckhardt Marital Status | Married to Erica Eckhardt (2012–present) |
| Donovan Eckhardt Dating | No public information on recent dating |
| Education (Alison) | University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
| Education (Donovan) | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (B.A., M.A. in Architecture) |
| Business (Alison) | Alison Victoria Interiors |
| Business (Donovan) | Greymark Development Group |
| Show Debut | January 1, 2019 |
| Children (Alison) | One daughter (Name undisclosed) |
| Children (Donovan) | Two daughters (Charlotte, born 2014, and one other, born 2015) |
The Legal Battles: A Timeline of Lawsuits
2019–2020: Initial Lawsuits and Stop-Work Orders
The legal troubles began shortly after Windy City Rehab’s debut. Chicago homeowners, including James and Anna Morrissey, filed a lawsuit in December 2019, alleging defective construction on a $1.36 million Lincoln Square home. Issues included leaking showers, faulty windows, and a sewage odor, costing nearly $102,000 in repairs. Another couple, Shane Jones and Samantha Mostaccio, sued for similar issues on a $1.3 million property, citing negligent construction. The city of Chicago issued stop-work orders on 11 properties and suspended Eckhardt’s contractor licenses for 45 days due to unpermitted work and missed inspections. Victoria, primarily responsible for design, claimed she was unfairly held accountable as a 50% LLC owner.
2020: Alison Victoria’s Lawsuit Against Donovan Eckhardt
In October 2020, Victoria filed her first lawsuit against Eckhardt, alleging he mismanaged finances, leading to her spending $700,000 of her own money to cover project costs. She stated, “I’m 50% owner, but I don’t do construction. I’m being held accountable for his mistakes.” This lawsuit marked the end of their partnership, with Victoria emphasizing her focus on clearing her name. Their fallout was televised in Season 2, where Victoria expressed frustration, saying, “I want to rip his face off,” highlighting the emotional toll.
2021: Donovan Eckhardt’s Defamation Lawsuit
In January 2021, Eckhardt filed a $2.2 million defamation lawsuit against HGTV and Big Table Media, claiming the show portrayed him as a fraudulent villain. He argued that scripted scenes falsely depicted him mishandling funds, causing emotional distress, including depression and loss of appetite. His revenue dropped from $1.4 million in 2019 to $251,565 in 2020, which he attributed to the show’s portrayal. However, in July 2021, a Cook County judge dismissed the case, citing a contract clause requiring disputes to be settled in California. Eckhardt appealed, but no further updates confirm a refiling.
2021: Additional Lawsuits and Business Dissolution
In July 2021, Ferro Investment Fund LP and Mark Triffler Declaration of Trust sued Victoria and Eckhardt over unpaid loans for a Gold Coast condo renovation, demanding $56,267 and $117,231, respectively. This lawsuit highlighted their ongoing struggle to dissolve their 30+ joint LLCs, complicating their financial separation. By late 2021, some lawsuits, including the Morrissey case, were settled, allowing Victoria to move forward.
Current Status and Updates (2025)
As of September 2025, Alison Victoria has distanced herself from Eckhardt, focusing on new Windy City Rehab seasons (Season 5 premiered September 24, 2024). She told People, “Donovan who? It’s so far behind me.” Eckhardt has not returned to the show since Season 2 and maintains a low public profile, focusing on his Greymark Development Group. No recent lawsuits have surfaced, suggesting most legal issues are resolved. Victoria’s net worth remains stable, supported by her salary of approximately $38,932 per episode, while Eckhardt’s lower $3,500 per episode reflects his contractor role.
Personal Lives: Marriage, Dating, and More
Alison Victoria is married to Luke Harding, an insurance agent, since 2013. They met on Match.com and have a daughter. Despite rumors of a split due to her not posting about Harding, they remain together, often seen at events. Victoria’s height (5’0”) and weight (119 lbs) complement her vibrant on-screen presence. She previously dated Michael Marks, who supported her during the lawsuits. Donovan Eckhardt, married to Erica Eckhardt since 2012, has two daughters. His height (6’0”) and weight (180 lbs) align with his contractor persona. No recent dating information exists for Eckhardt.
Unique Insights and Reflections
Having followed Windy City Rehab since its inception, I’ve observed how the show’s raw portrayal of business conflicts resonates with entrepreneurs. The Victoria-Eckhardt fallout underscores the risks of partnerships without clear roles. Victoria’s resilience, navigating lawsuits and personal loss (her father’s death in 2021), highlights her strength. Eckhardt’s struggle with public perception reflects the challenges of reality TV’s narrative control. Data from the Chicago Department of Buildings shows 75% of stop-work orders in 2019 were due to unpermitted work, a common issue in high-pressure renovations, suggesting systemic industry challenges.
SEO-Optimized Tips for Home Renovation Fans
For fans searching for Alison Victoria age, net worth, or married status, her story offers lessons in perseverance. To avoid similar legal issues, ensure contractors are licensed and permits are secured. Check platforms like HGTV for updates on Windy City Rehab. Follow Victoria (@alisonvictoria) and Eckhardt (@donobro) on Instagram for personal insights. For more on their careers, visit Alison Victoria’s Wikipedia or Greymark Development Group.
Conclusion
The Windy City Rehab lawsuits exposed the complexities of Alison Victoria and Donovan Eckhardt’s partnership, marked by shoddy construction allegations, financial disputes, and a defamation lawsuit. Their story, intertwined with age, net worth, married status, and professional challenges, reflects the high stakes of reality TV and home renovation. Victoria has moved forward, leveraging her $3 million net worth and design expertise, while Eckhardt focuses on his business. Their saga serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring renovators, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
