Ep 9. Historic Pain Or Economic Gain?

Windy City Rehab Season 1 Episode 9: Historic Pain Or Economic Gain?

As the end of the season approaches, Alison and her team face what could be their biggest challenge yet: renovating a century-old mansion in Chicago's Ukrainian Village neighborhood. The house has fallen into disrepair over the years and is in desperate need of a complete overhaul. But the historic significance of the property presents unique challenges that Alison and Donovan must navigate as they work to transform the space into a modern family home without losing its character and charm.

Alison and Donovan start by tearing down the existing addition at the back of the house, which has been poorly constructed and does not meet local building code requirements. This proves to be a difficult task, as the addition was propped up by a makeshift foundation that had to be demolished before work could begin. Alison and Donovan finally clear the space and start work on the new addition, which will feature a modern kitchen, an open-plan living area, and a master suite.

Meanwhile, Alison looks for ways to add value to the property and increase its appeal to potential buyers. She decides to create a rooftop deck on top of the new addition, providing a space for outdoor entertaining with sweeping views of the city skyline. She also plans to create a legal rental unit in the basement, which will generate additional income for the property owners once the house is sold.

However, Alison soon discovers that the historic nature of the house presents a number of unexpected challenges. The local community is fiercely protective of its architectural heritage and has strict rules in place regarding the preservation of historic properties. As Alison begins to make changes to the house's exterior, she realizes that she may be in violation of these rules and could face fines or legal action. She must navigate a delicate balance between preserving the house's historic character and making necessary improvements to increase its value.

As the renovation progresses, Alison faces numerous setbacks and challenges, including issues with the plumbing and electrical systems, difficulties with the new foundation, and setbacks with the rooftop deck. The timeline for the project starts to slip, and Alison and Donovan find themselves working around the clock to keep up with construction deadlines. The pressure mounts as the end of the season approaches, and Alison realizes that she may have bitten off more than she can chew with this historic renovation.

Despite these challenges, Alison remains determined to see the project through and create a beautiful, functional family home that honors the history and character of Chicago's Ukrainian Village. Can she and Donovan overcome the numerous obstacles and complete the renovation in time for the end of the season? Tune in to find out in this gripping episode of Windy City Rehab.