Donovan Eckhardt is a renowned contractor and television personality best known for his work on HGTV’s Windy City Rehab. With a background in construction and real estate development, he has managed high-profile renovation projects across Chicago, earning recognition for his attention to detail and innovative design solutions. Donovan’s career has also included entrepreneurship through his company, Greymark Development Group, where he oversaw multiple luxury property flips. While he has faced controversies and legal challenges, his contributions to home renovation and design remain notable. Donovan Eckhardt continues to influence aspiring builders and fans of reality renovation shows through his expertise and experience.
Early Life & Education
Donovan grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where his interest in design and construction was influenced by his family background. His father worked in architecture and construction, which gave Donovan early exposure to the field. After graduating from Dundee Community High School, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture.
Career Breakthrough
After college, Donovan gained industry experience with construction firms before eventually founding Greymark Development Group, LLC in 2013, focusing on residential and commercial renovation projects in the Chicago area. His expertise in design‑build projects led to being cast as the general contractor on Windy City Rehab, which debuted on HGTV in 2019. On the show, he worked alongside interior designer Alison Victoria to renovate historic Chicago homes.
Television Fame & Controversy
While Windy City Rehab brought Donovan national recognition, his time on the series became controversial. Multiple projects featured on the show encountered stop‑work orders, permit issues, and legal disputes involving homeowners and city inspectors. In 2019, his contractor license was temporarily suspended due to construction without proper permits.
As tensions rose behind the scenes, Donovan departed the show during its second season. In 2021, he filed a $2.2 million defamation lawsuit against Windy City Rehab’s production company and network, alleging he was unfairly portrayed on television; the suit was later dismissed.
Net Worth & Income
Donovan’s primary income sources have included construction contracts, real estate development, consulting work, and television appearances. Various estimates place his net worth between $1 million and $3 million as of 2025, reflecting both his business ventures and ongoing project work.
Personal Life
Donovan is married to Erica Eckhardt, and the couple has four children. They have long maintained a private family life outside of television. As of 2026, Donovan continues to work in the construction and property development industry, focusing on smaller‑scale, client‑driven renovation projects rather than major televised builds.
Current Status
Though no longer active on reality TV, Donovan remains a skilled contractor and designer in the Chicago area. His professional focus has shifted toward customized renovations and private consulting, distancing his career from past controversies and focusing on rebuilding his business reputation.
Donovan Eckhardt Biography Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donovan Eckhardt |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1979 |
| Age (2026) | 46 years |
| Birthplace | Arlington Heights, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Contractor, Real Estate Developer, Television Personality (former) |
| Education | Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in Architecture – University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign |
| Height | Approx. 5′10″ (est.) |
| Weight | Approx. 78–82 kg (est.) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Religion | Christian (known belief; public comments) |
| Father | Ted Eckhardt |
| Mother | Melinda Eckhardt |
| Siblings | Brother Theodore; Sister Liz |
| Wife | Erica Eckhardt |
| Children | Four children |
| Company | Greymark Development Group, LLC |
| Known For | Windy City Rehab (HGTV) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $1M – $3M (approx.) |
| Current Status | Private construction & renovation work |
Final Thoughts
Donovan Eckhardt’s professional journey has been a blend of architectural training, hands‑on construction work, and reality television exposure. While his rise on Windy City Rehab brought him fame, it also brought public scrutiny and legal challenges that changed the course of his career. Today, he focuses on grounded, client‑centered work in real estate and construction, maintaining a quiet personal life and continuing to build on decades of industry experience.
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FAQs
What happened with Donovan Eckhardt?
Donovan Eckhardt’s partnership with Alison Victoria on Windy City Rehab ended after financial disputes and legal issues related to construction work and permits.
Why did Alison Victoria sue Donovan?
Alison sued him because she claimed he mishandled company finances, leaving her legally and financially exposed on renovation projects.
Are Alison and Donovan still partners?
No — Alison and Donovan are no longer business partners or friends, and they stopped working together after season 2 of Windy City Rehab.
Who is Donovan Eckhardt?
Donovan Eckhardt is a U.S. contractor and real estate developer who appeared on HGTV’s Windy City Rehab as a lead contractor and renovation partner.
How much does it cost to hire Alison Victoria?
Hiring Alison Victoria for speaking engagements can cost around $30,000–$50,000, and design work with a top-tier designer like her can run high, often hundreds per hour or tens of thousands total depending on project size.
