'Windy City Rehab' Season 3: Alison Victoria thanks her team as they work on the final project
The final episode of 'Windy City Rehab' Season 3 aired on Thursday, June 16. The season came to an end on a bittersweet note for host Alison Victoria, who thanked her crew while wrapping up a project for a client in Chicago and also selling off her own Chicago home.
It's the last episode of Season 3 of 'Windy City Rehab,' but there's not much rehab going on. Host Alison's client recently purchased an old house in Chicago, but he plans to demolish it and wants her to build a new home from the ground up. She gathers her entire workforce to work on the million-dollar project. For a season finale, the designer provided an absolute knockout.
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Jim bought the old house on North Winchester Avenue, which had an extra-wide lot. There was no precise address revealed, but based on the images of the Damen Blue Line station, it was most likely in Wicker Park. Jim wanted to demolish the house and start again since it had structural issues and was considered too tiny. He envisaged a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom house with a wine vault, sauna, and bar in the basement. As an ardent gardener, he also wanted an atrium with big windows going up to the second level for his plants. He planned to spend $1.5 million. This turned out to be Alison's largest new construction project in Chicago.
Alison gathers her crew for the final project of the season
The demolition process began and the building crew dug a new basement for the house. Meanwhile, Alison made her way to the Golden Triangle, where she noticed an ancient horse barn dormer window from France. The curator of the showroom used it as a headboard but Alison chose to use it in the dining room, with bespoke cabinets created by artist Ari underneath. She also chose a Thai temple ceiling panel to place above the bed in the main suite. As the house's windows were being installed, Alison and her assistant Kristy debated how to illuminate the atrium. They phoned Jim and offered floor lights for $624 per light, which would cost him almost $20,000. Rather, he chose to utilize wall sconces.
Alison and her team decide to move the plants indoors because Jim mentioned having a fondness for plants. Alison visited South Loop Loft with owner Beth in search of statement lighting for the powder room on the main level. She discovered an antique three-light chandelier from the 1950s that would stand out. "Every powder room should be a moment," said the designer.
Kirsty informed Ari that she and Alison needed his assistance. He consented to the dining room cabinets and beams, built-in cabinets for the retreat room off the master suite, and a complete bar in the basement. Alison then took a crash lesson in cornices at Carol Stream's Architectural Mall. The business owner demonstrated how the imitation limestone material was molded and coated into the appearance she desired. Alison exclaimed after viewing the work that her intention is to always make sure that every single build, whether rehab or new construction, appears like it has been lived in. And it's through things like that she's able to do so.
Alison recruited the services of Mike of Aesthetic Metals, who delivered thin slabs of iron with leaves cut out to install in front of the windows to give more seclusion for the atrium and other first-floor windows. The metal would obscure vision while yet allowing for plenty of natural light. He also delivered the iron sheets with horizontal cuts that will be utilized for the fence. Ari arrived with the house virtually finished installing the built-ins for the dining area and talk about what to do about the living room mantle. Alison discovered the 150-year-old French mantle in Atlanta, but the concealed fireplace had to be hauled forward or the ornate mantle would have to be cut. Chris, the general contractor, agreed to raise the firebox.
Kristy and Alison brought Jim into his new house when the construction was completed. He admired the front yard's iron railing and pond, as well as the new front door, also from France, with its stained-glass window at the pinnacle. "Wow," Jim said as he saw his new décor. The barn window in the dining room added a rustic touch to the otherwise modern décor, while the doors ahead prompted into the sun-lit atrium, where the metal sheets in front of the windows allow for lots of natural light. Kristy and Alison were admiring the flora when they noticed the second-floor balcony peering down into the atrium.
Jim was blown away by Kristy's kitchen, which had a 129-inch-long island and a big pantry. Alison had an identical mural painted on the walls of the powder room with the vintage fixture. After exploring the bedroom and basement, the three poured wine and toast to Jim's new house at the bar.
Alison concludes the season by thanking every member of her crew and recalling all the "wins" she and her team had this year. She mentioned how she began her career working with clients and how glad she was to be working with them again. She also indicated that she has not limited herself to client work, implying that she has undertaken initiatives of her own, so expanding her territory. While always evolving "professionally and personally," the designer expresses excitement for what is to come.
'Windy City Rehab,' a home renovation series, is now available on Discovery+.