Donovan Eckhardt gained national attention as a TV personality and licensed contractor through the popular HGTV series Windy City Rehab. Known for his partnership with designer Alison Victoria, Eckhardt played a key role in managing the renovation projects showcased on the show. His hands-on expertise, project management skills, and on-screen presence contributed to the early success of the series.
However, his time in the spotlight came with controversy. Allegations of financial mismanagement and public fallout with his co-host led to both professional and personal challenges. Despite these setbacks, Donovan Eckhardt has continued to forge a path in the construction industry and remains active in his field.
This article explores what Donovan Eckhardt is doing now, how he has moved forward since Windy City Rehab, and where his career currently stands.
Early Career and Rise to Fame on HGTV
Before becoming a television personality, Donovan Eckhardt built his reputation in Chicago as a skilled contractor and real estate developer. He was the founder of Greymark Development Group, a construction and development firm focused on residential and commercial renovation.
His knowledge of design-build processes and property development made him a valuable collaborator for television. That opportunity came when he was cast alongside Alison Victoria on Windy City Rehab. The show, which premiered in 2019, followed their efforts to restore historic homes in Chicago’s urban neighborhoods.
Eckhardt served as the project manager and general contractor, overseeing the construction work while Victoria handled design. The show quickly gained a following due to its combination of real estate drama, beautiful renovations, and the charisma of its hosts.
Public Fallout and Departure from Windy City Rehab
The initial success of Windy City Rehab was soon overshadowed by legal and financial complications. Allegations surfaced about faulty construction, permit violations, and homeowner lawsuits tied to several of the show’s renovation projects. These legal challenges brought increased scrutiny to both Eckhardt and Victoria’s business practices.
In Season 2 of the series, viewers saw a dramatic fallout between the two co-hosts. Alison Victoria accused Eckhardt of financial mismanagement, including mishandling investor funds and hiding expenses. As a result, Eckhardt was removed from the series and became the subject of widespread media coverage.
The tension reached its peak when Eckhardt filed a defamation lawsuit against the production company and Victoria, claiming he was unfairly portrayed and emotionally distressed by the airing of the accusations. This marked a critical turning point in his public image and career trajectory.
Legal Disputes and Reputation Recovery
Following his departure from the show, Donovan Eckhardt took steps to address the damage to his professional reputation. His defamation lawsuit argued that the television portrayal was manipulated through editing and did not accurately reflect the real circumstances behind the business disagreements.
Although the lawsuit did not result in a widely publicized settlement or ruling, it brought attention to the complexities of reality television and how narrative control can impact real lives. Eckhardt also made public statements denying any intentional wrongdoing and emphasized his commitment to transparency and ethics in construction.
During this time, he focused on rebuilding trust with clients, partners, and industry peers. He began operating outside the limelight, taking on private projects that aligned with his original passion for high-quality, thoughtful renovation.
Current Business Ventures and Professional Activities
As of 2025, Donovan Eckhardt continues to work in the construction and property development sector. While he no longer operates Greymark Development Group under its original form, he has restructured his business interests and currently runs smaller, client-focused projects.
His approach now prioritizes custom renovations, boutique development, and direct client engagement, rather than large-scale, high-risk speculative builds. Colleagues and clients report that Eckhardt remains committed to craftsmanship, permits strict quality control, and prefers transparent project management practices.
He occasionally shares updates on professional projects through business listings and real estate platforms, though he maintains a lower public profile than during his TV career.
Public Image and Industry Reputation Today
Donovan Eckhardt’s public image has undergone a significant shift since his television days. While some viewers still associate him with the controversies of Windy City Rehab, others recognize that the reality TV format does not always offer a complete or fair portrayal of behind-the-scenes events.
In the construction and renovation industry, Eckhardt is viewed as a professional with deep expertise, particularly in Chicago’s complex housing market. While his name carries mixed recognition among the general public, his reputation among tradespeople and builders has gradually recovered, thanks to consistent work and a renewed focus on project integrity.
Importantly, he has taken steps to distance himself from reality television and avoid media exposure, choosing instead to let his work speak for itself.
Personal Life and Private Endeavors
Donovan Eckhardt has also focused on maintaining a private and grounded personal life. He resides in the Chicago area, where he continues to be involved in both residential and commercial renovations. Reports suggest he enjoys architecture, property design, and sustainable building practices.
Since his departure from the spotlight, Eckhardt has not re-entered reality television or any other public broadcasting platform. He has chosen to concentrate on personal and professional stability, staying out of social media discourse and public controversies.
This quiet lifestyle contrasts with the fast-paced, high-drama nature of his former TV role and reflects a conscious decision to reset his public and professional image.
Is Donovan Eckhardt Returning to TV?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for Donovan Eckhardt to return to television. He has not announced any new shows, appearances, or collaborations with networks like HGTV. Given his experience with the public fallout from Windy City Rehab, it appears that he is content focusing on business rather than media.
Some fans of the show have expressed interest in hearing his side of the story in more depth, but Eckhardt has remained largely silent in recent years. If he were to speak out or share more about his experiences, it would likely come through controlled, personal channels rather than televised media.
What Sets Donovan Eckhardt Apart?
Despite the controversy, Donovan Eckhardt’s knowledge of construction, zoning regulations, architectural planning, and historical renovations is widely respected. He has worked in some of Chicago’s most architecturally demanding neighborhoods, where navigating building codes and preservation ordinances is a significant challenge.
His commitment to urban development, when handled responsibly, continues to influence how mid-sized developers approach historic property renovations. While he may no longer be a TV personality, Eckhardt remains a voice of experience in a competitive industry.
FAQs
Who is Donovan Eckhardt?
Donovan Eckhardt is a licensed contractor and television personality best known for his role on HGTV’s Windy City Rehab. He later left the show following legal disputes and professional disagreements.
Why did Donovan Eckhardt leave Windy City Rehab?
He was removed from the show amid accusations of financial mismanagement and fallout with co-host Alison Victoria. He later filed a defamation lawsuit over how he was portrayed.
What is Donovan Eckhardt doing now?
He currently runs private renovation and development projects in the Chicago area and has stepped away from reality television and public appearances.
Is Donovan Eckhardt still in construction?
Yes, he continues to work in the construction and property development industry, focusing on smaller-scale projects and custom renovations.
Will Donovan Eckhardt return to television?
As of 2025, there are no public plans for Eckhardt to return to TV. He appears focused on rebuilding his business privately.