I was born in Chicago and lived there till I was 63. Alison claims to be a native Chicagoan - I strongly suspect she is from the burbs. She has mispronounced the names of more than one Chicago street. Also, she needs to begin using "we" a bit more than "I" when she's showing off the homes during showings. Alison, it's not all about you. It would be nice if they expanded outside of the trendy north side areas they've worked in so far.
103 Reviews
Season 2 Takes An Interesting Turn
greg-beaulieu14 October 2020
I watched Season 1 of WCR with some interest because, unlike some of the other reviewers of this show who are lamenting that Alison isn't like Chip and Joanna, the Property Brothers or some of the other HGTV personalities, that is her greatest asset. She seems very real, warts and all, and not fake or trying to be a poor imitation of a comedian like most of the others on these shows. Some of her S.1 finished products I liked, some I did not. But what struck me most was that there were lots of "surprises" during the renos that seemed like they should have been caught early on, and that money did not seem to be a priority for either her or her partner. It all seemed quite laissez-faire. That came home when several episodes noted at the end that the finished product had not sold and was being pulled off the market.
Now we are into S.2 and things have taken a bizarre (for HGTV) turn. The proverbial has hit the fan as money has run out, there are investors asking tough questions as to where it went, the city has frozen issuing of permits, lawsuits are flying around, and her partner has apparently walked away from their deal. Amazingly, in the most recent episode I saw, he let his reputation be trashed on-camera at an acrimonious meeting before departing. According to news reports this is mostly real and not the typical made-up HGTV fake drama. I'm amazed the series is still in production and on the air. I wonder if HGTV is bankrolling them through all this, because we must be talking about multi-millions of dollars. Simply bizarre, but entertaining to watch for sure, even if it is a slow-motion train wreck.
ETA: It seems production has been suspended, at least temporarily, as following the last episode where work actually occurred, we got a pair of clip shows with Alison, Ari and the production staff talking about making the shows, and an episode where Alison hosted a clip show comparing Good Bones and Desert Flippers. The time slot was used for other things after that.
Now we are into S.2 and things have taken a bizarre (for HGTV) turn. The proverbial has hit the fan as money has run out, there are investors asking tough questions as to where it went, the city has frozen issuing of permits, lawsuits are flying around, and her partner has apparently walked away from their deal. Amazingly, in the most recent episode I saw, he let his reputation be trashed on-camera at an acrimonious meeting before departing. According to news reports this is mostly real and not the typical made-up HGTV fake drama. I'm amazed the series is still in production and on the air. I wonder if HGTV is bankrolling them through all this, because we must be talking about multi-millions of dollars. Simply bizarre, but entertaining to watch for sure, even if it is a slow-motion train wreck.
ETA: It seems production has been suspended, at least temporarily, as following the last episode where work actually occurred, we got a pair of clip shows with Alison, Ari and the production staff talking about making the shows, and an episode where Alison hosted a clip show comparing Good Bones and Desert Flippers. The time slot was used for other things after that.
I was okay with Series 3 until . . .
loisws3 June 2022
Some of the renovations of the Chicago property interiors have been interesting with some good ideas, even if they all looked similar in the end. But they lost me with the episode in which they pull apart the beautiful old Gold Coast floor-through apartment and convert it to a blank contemporary style. All the architectural beauty and warmth of the old apartment was lost. Maybe it had to do with the collaboration, but it felt insensitive to the style and legacy of the building. In the end, if it pleases the owner, I guess that's what matters. Redeeming features: the table top for the dining room table was gorgeous. And they did salvage the old fire hose cupboard.
Frustrated
davidy-3807020 February 2019
What's with the judgey reviews?
jshear-4966026 January 2019
I'm loving this show! There are enough kind, family type rehab shows. This one brings a different flavor to HGTV. While the style isn't my personal taste, I love seeing something different from rustic farm decor like the other shows. Yes, Chicago is expensive. Obviously not any normal person could put would spend this much on these shows!
Ari is awesome to watch.
dizzymonk-12 December 2022
I watch it just to see Ari work. If only he could have his own show and teaches us what he knows, it would be amazing.
He can do anything and make anything. She would be lost without him. He makes the whole show. Always calm and cool headed.
I want to see a show about him living on his farm and making stuff for clients always in a rush to get things done because they got themselves into situations they are in over their heads and needs him to bail them out. Haha.
The current show gives us a glimpse into his design process and how he goes about getting something done but it would be a lot more entertaining if I didn't have to see all the drama that the girl goes through. I just want to see Ari work his magic.
He's a star in his own right and he clearly over shadows her. He really needs his own show.
He can do anything and make anything. She would be lost without him. He makes the whole show. Always calm and cool headed.
I want to see a show about him living on his farm and making stuff for clients always in a rush to get things done because they got themselves into situations they are in over their heads and needs him to bail them out. Haha.
The current show gives us a glimpse into his design process and how he goes about getting something done but it would be a lot more entertaining if I didn't have to see all the drama that the girl goes through. I just want to see Ari work his magic.
He's a star in his own right and he clearly over shadows her. He really needs his own show.
Entertaining But Misleading, The Flips Seem Somewhat Unsuccessful
brwneyedgrl-372472 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In reading the reviews I've found way too many focus on the host herself. If Alison were a man, I wonder if we would even be having a conversation about what she wears or whether or not she's a diva. Whatever she is or is not I think she's talented and that's what I watch for.
The show is entertaining, even if it's drama seems highly dramatized. But she spends way too much on EVERYTHING. It seems against the Bible of flipping to consistently overspend. Her designs are beautiful but at times I wonder if a custom, $600 hood is way too ornate to install in rentals designed for college students.
I think these expensive, extensive flips are costly. Many of her properties haven't sold or they've just been sold- almost a year after reno was complete. That's almost a year of holding costs. That eats away at any profit remaining. Again- not how most flippers try to operate but she seems to always be just missing the peak market- darnit.
Lastly, I think she has misrepresented her success at times. Properties she said she sold I don't think she did unless it was top, top secret.
All in all, I think the show should be watched for entertainment purposes or even for design inspiration but I would not base my flipping career or dreams on this show.
The show is entertaining, even if it's drama seems highly dramatized. But she spends way too much on EVERYTHING. It seems against the Bible of flipping to consistently overspend. Her designs are beautiful but at times I wonder if a custom, $600 hood is way too ornate to install in rentals designed for college students.
I think these expensive, extensive flips are costly. Many of her properties haven't sold or they've just been sold- almost a year after reno was complete. That's almost a year of holding costs. That eats away at any profit remaining. Again- not how most flippers try to operate but she seems to always be just missing the peak market- darnit.
Lastly, I think she has misrepresented her success at times. Properties she said she sold I don't think she did unless it was top, top secret.
All in all, I think the show should be watched for entertainment purposes or even for design inspiration but I would not base my flipping career or dreams on this show.
Not this woman gentrifying neighborhoods
bl00dfl0w3rs24 April 2022
I love a good flip but this woman will go into poor neighborhoods, "flip" a house and is completely invading the space of a community. All her houses take away any uniqueness and they all look like the same bland white walls, marble countertops, built in headboards and throwing in "vintage" items to give it the warmth it once had. This woman is for sure from the suburbs and not from the city and i don't think she's very aware of different social classes and communities, ESPECIALLY in chicago. She seems so very ignorant and just focused on making herself money.
Disappointed.
brokencolumn30 January 2019
I have liked her previously, but on this show not so much. Her disregard for budget is ridiculous. I also do not like how it appears they are putting people out of their homes so she can profit. Much of the "before" footage shows personal belongings in the spaces. Where are these people living now? Gentrifying them out of their neighborhood?
Yawn
jmariani-5979928 December 2020
Alison says she's into saving historical buildings but 80% of what she does isn't that. Not particularly interesting - much more interesting reno shows out there. Another strike is Alison's personality. I like self-sufficient assertive people, but she's just an egomaniac and most issues she encounters are always blamed on someone else and we're supposed to feel bad for her. I try to be accepting of everyone but it's clear she's all about the money, not the historical value of the buildings. I saw her on another show competing against three other females and she was so glaringly obnoxious and self-aggrandizing in comparison to the other three. I've come to dislike even hearing her voice.
Keep it up HGTV
Change8713 February 2019
I love her authentic style. I especially like the fact that it veers from the traditional norms of HGTV and provides a more realistic perspective on the house renovation process, the relationship with her partner, and the many things that can go wrong during construction. I love that she's very passionate about her designs and at the same time she is about making money. I hope they keep her around because this show is a breath of fresh air!!
Train wreck of a show
lenzendesigns13 February 2019
Show could be SO interesting. The premise that she saves historical content is a SHAM. She might as well be building totally new houses and putting old things in them, because that's what she's doing. She doesn't save anything. SUCH a DIVA too. She could be taking these wonderful houses and not gutting them and still making them totally updated and good design, and make them affordable to real Chicagoans,but she's totally wrecking them!!!! In 20 years, someone will be tearing her rehabs down as they will be an eyesore. For the most part, her facades are despicable!! THE money she wastes is atrocious.
Loved this Flip Show
rtrhodes13 February 2019
Too many of the flip shows on HGTV are clones of one another with different cutsie couples doing the same thing.
What makes this show different is the scale and size of the flips and the willingness to show the challenges and things that can go wrong.
What makes this show different is the scale and size of the flips and the willingness to show the challenges and things that can go wrong.
Awesome! Wonderful! Outstanding! Watch Windy City Rehab!!
jcdunbar23 January 2019
This has quickly become my favorite show. Alison is just awesome. Her design style is flawless, modern, but respectful of history.
Her personality is charming and grand (like Chicago). She is, house by house, leaving Chicago a better place. A star is born! Please, watch this show!
A Train Wreck
susanagalvan29 January 2019
I watch HGTV flip shows religiously and this one is a train wreck that makes it worth watching. This team doesn't seem very well-informed, savvy, or competent. I feel concerned for their investors bc Allison seems a little unhinged and overly emotional with little respect for the economics of the job. She tries desperately to convince us that her over-designing will save the day when all it does is drain the bank for no reason. She also seems overly vain and superficial.
Love the Transformations
aj-7948113 February 2019
Love watching the ideas come to reality, The before and after of a project, with the revelations are awesome. The carpenter is amazing at what he does and he accomplishes any idea that's given to him. I love the real feelings involved between the two Alison and Donovan. I love the way Alison's brain just goes into attack mode for ideas before the project starts, she's amazing
I wanted to like this..
Louie30823 November 2019
Being from Chicago and being an HGTV fan I really wanted to like this. First of all, I realize personalities differ, but Alison is hard to warm up to. Her ego is huge, and that's always a turn off. Everything is I, me, my money, etc. I always cringe when people refer to themselves in the third person and she called one of her range hood covers an "Allison Victoria original". Huh? I also realize HGTV hosts can be repetitive with their design styles, but after the gut jobs the floor plans are all the same in all these Chicago homes, thus making each final reveal very predictable. Lots of brass, velvet, some old stuff thrown in and abstract art. The results are pretty and interesting at first, but the repetition combined with her ungracious attitude makes me not that interested anymore
Best Flip Show I've seen
fbmike29 January 2019
This is not your everyday flip series. This caters to Chicago and to the rich or semi rich home buyers. Allison is just fabulous. I've seen some of these reviews refer to her as Diva. I don't see Diva in her. I see an extroverted personality with a lot of charm and confidence. Amazing to see the transformation she makes to these houses. She spares no expense to get the results she sees and wants. Her creations are pretty exclusive. Not for the everyday Joe. When she leaves her mark on these homes she touches, the neighborhood benefits and homes within probably are instantly worth more money as a result. I always like watching how she envisions what she wants to do and the journey she takes to get there, and then seeing the end result. When I saw the opening intro of her busting the bricks with sledge and her then looking at the camera with her hair blowing, I knew I was going to like this show. I'd watch this girl all day.
A strong, talented woman without a goofy husband sidekick
hisdawlin16 February 2019
This show is for lovers of bold, edgy design and master crastmanship (the Carpenter is a genius). It is led by an independent woman without a goofy husband (Chip always made me cringe).
If you can't handle bold choices and assertive women, don't watch. But you'll be missing out.
Wonderful
gdeveno20 January 2019
I love this show!!! It shows the rehab-warts and all. These are not quick flips. The show is not a cookie cutter /imitation of Flip or Flop; it has its own voice. I highly recommend this show to anyone who loves houses, decorating and unique. Love the ting and yang of the hosts Alison and Donovan. Watch, you won't be disappointed!
Too much drama
dianestoliker10 February 2019
This women is a bad representation of women in business. It may not be her plan (perhaps she is being directed to play it this way). You don't see men on rehab shows yelling and flipping out. Most of these dramas would not realistically get to the point they did if one was overseeing the project responsibly. This all rings as fake to me.
GREAT RESTART!
suzpomz26 May 2023
I just saw Season 4 Episode 1, and want to commend you, Alison Victoria, and your team on a GREAT RESTART! After all the problems over the last few years, YOU have come through like your name - victorious!
The house you did for your friends including your furniture builds and placement and special "finds" along with Ari's amazing work is absolutely beautiful. You have the ability to, as you said, change people's lives for the better. Do not let any negative reviews or comments get to you; many people are just jealous that you do such an amazing job. You are on the right track, so as I have said to myself over many years in a totally different profession, I say to you now - NEVER EVER GIVE UP! Keep going, and I look forward to more in Season 4 and beyond...
The house you did for your friends including your furniture builds and placement and special "finds" along with Ari's amazing work is absolutely beautiful. You have the ability to, as you said, change people's lives for the better. Do not let any negative reviews or comments get to you; many people are just jealous that you do such an amazing job. You are on the right track, so as I have said to myself over many years in a totally different profession, I say to you now - NEVER EVER GIVE UP! Keep going, and I look forward to more in Season 4 and beyond...
not a fan
misskyla-6259225 February 2019
Allison is a ROCK STAR!
adeyenka17 February 2019
Alison is a Rock Star. LOVE her designs. I live in an old Brownstone,wish she was in Brooklyn. This show appears to be more realistic in the costs,timeframes and problems that can occur,unlike other fiy shows I've seen. One of my favorites, with Prop.Bros. and Fixer Upper. You're doing GREAT. Keep up the good work!
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