Where Are HGTV’s Alison Victoria and Donovan Eckhardt Now?

Alison Victoria’s Journey from Windy City to Sin City

Alison Victoria has made a name for herself in the world of home renovation, particularly through her work on Windy City Rehab, a show that aired on HGTV. The Chicago-based series ran for five seasons and was known for its dramatic moments, especially during its early years. One of the most significant conflicts involved Victoria and her former business partner, Donovan Eckhardt, who is no longer associated with her.

The split between Victoria and Eckhardt came to light in 2020, as documented in Season 2 of Windy City Rehab. Victoria decided to end their professional relationship after discovering that Eckhardt had mishandled company finances. This revelation was shared on an episode of the show, where she expressed her frustration over what she believed were unethical actions.

At the time, Eckhardt’s contractor’s license was suspended, which added another layer of complexity to the situation. Despite this, Victoria found out that he had still issued invoices to his own company. “What are you getting paid for?” she questioned, noting that he couldn’t have done the work due to his suspension. She also feared that other invoices were being approved for work that hadn’t actually been completed.

“You got the money off the top,” she said. “That means that’s my money too. Those are my houses. That’s my bank loan. And I received zero from those jobs. From most of them, I received zero profit.”

Victoria emphasized that the decision to end their partnership was not taken lightly. “This is the end with me and Donovan,” she said. “He’s gone, by his own right, by his own doing. I have lost a friend and I have lost a business partner. But I do know this … this happened for a reason, and I know that I am strong, and I know that I will get through this.”

In 2021, Eckhardt took legal action against Discovery Inc. and Big Table Media, the production companies behind Windy City Rehab. He claimed that the accusations about his financial practices were false. Although he did not sue Victoria directly, she was inadvertently drawn into the lawsuit due to claims of “defamation” and “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” According to reports from the Chicago Sun Times, Eckhardt alleged that the portrayal of him on the show led to “depression, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite,” as well as financial losses. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.

What Led to Donovan Eckhardt’s License Suspension?

Eckhardt’s contractor license was suspended for 45 days in 2019, according to the Chicago Sun Times. The suspension was due to violations involving the construction of three garages and garage decks without permits, as well as the removal of flooring at properties without safety barriers. Eckhardt claimed that he did not give the orders for these actions, stating that the work was carried out by individuals he authorized. However, the city held him accountable as the company owner.

Additionally, Eckhardt was accused of working on 11 properties without proper permits. These issues coincided with other legal challenges faced by Victoria and Eckhardt. In 2019, they received multiple stop-work orders due to building violations and were unable to file new permits. They also faced lawsuits from homeowners whose homes they renovated. One particular case involved a buyer who sued for fraud, claiming that their upstairs shower leaked water just one day after closing on the house, leading to further complications.

Eckhardt was also involved in a separate lawsuit with a subcontractor who claimed he was owed more than $100,000 for work done on a project.

Are Alison Victoria and Donovan Eckhardt Still Friends?

No, Victoria and Eckhardt no longer maintain a friendship or professional relationship. In interviews with People in 2023 and 2024, she confirmed that they are no longer friends. “Donovan who?” she said, indicating that the issue is far behind her. She noted that many people have reached out to her, expressing how the show has helped them through difficult times.

Eckhardt, meanwhile, continues to be active in the contracting industry, as seen on his Instagram page. Meanwhile, Victoria has moved forward with her career, now appearing on the new show Sin City Rehab, which premiered in Las Vegas.

About Sin City Rehab

Sin City Rehab is set to debut on Wednesdays at 9/8c on HGTV. The show marks a new chapter in Victoria’s career, showcasing her talents in a different setting. Fans can look forward to seeing how she adapts her skills to the vibrant city of Las Vegas.