Russell Weiner, the billionaire founder of Rockstar Energy Drink, has filed a lawsuit alleging construction defects at his Miami Beach estate project valued at over $100 million. The suit targets project manager Andrea D’Alessio, his company Inspirata Management, Deere Construction/Deere Industries, and Baco Engineering Contractor for allegedly performing work without proper permits or approvals.
The complaint, filed by Weiner’s Pine Tree Development, outlines several alleged problems at 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive. These include structures built without necessary building permits or zoning approvals. While some construction used a private provider under a phased permit system—allowing owners to use third-party reviewers instead of city inspectors—the complaint maintains that requirements were not met.
Additional issues cited in the lawsuit involve the improper installation of more than 400 foundation piles and inadequate site preparation leading to sinkholes and soil erosion after rainfall. The complaint also mentions incorrectly installed sewer lines that resulted in a stop-work order requiring major rework, as well as an unapproved generator pad installation.
The suit raises concerns about reconstruction work on the historic boat house dating back to the 1920s and notes discrepancies between approved plans and actual construction at the Collins estate located at 5011 Pine Tree Drive. This property is considered architecturally significant by local authorities. Other allegations include missing drainage infrastructure and other examples of what are described as improper construction practices.
Inspirata Management and D’Alessio responded with a motion to dismiss the lawsuit earlier this week. The court has yet to rule on this request.
“Andrea [D’Alessio] is one of the most talented architects I’ve ever seen,” said Glen Waldman, attorney for Inspirata and D’Alessio. “We welcome the opportunity to have the court determine not only did he do nothing wrong, but this is personal vendetta by Mr. Weiner for reasons we can’t understand.”
Waldman added that he expects his clients will be cleared of wrongdoing and will seek reimbursement for legal costs from Weiner.
Weiner declined to comment on ongoing litigation.
The Collins estate’s relocation was documented last year by preservationists; it was moved westward on its lot after being designed in the 1920s by Russell Pancoast for Irving Collins—a member of Miami Beach’s founding family.
Previously, anonymous neighbors raised concerns about project management when they reported an allegedly forged notarized notice of commencement filed with county officials—documents typically required before beginning permitted construction work.
Last fall, Weiner’s company initiated its first lawsuit against D’Alessio following reporting by The Real Deal regarding alleged irregularities with the project. An amended complaint submitted in December accused D’Alessio, Inspirata Management, and another related entity of schemes involving overbilling and self-dealing during development activities.
According to court documents from December, D’Alessio presented himself as a “renowned architectural designer” despite lacking relevant licenses or certifications in Florida until May of this year when he obtained his general contractor license. He denies these allegations and maintains that Weiner was aware he was not acting as general contractor throughout their arrangement.
Francisco Touron III, representing Deere Construction/Deere Industries, stated via email that his client would “aggressively defend against Plaintiff’s spurious claims,” but declined further comment.
Records show Weiner purchased both lots from David and Leila Centner in 2021 before hiring Inspirata Management as project manager with monthly compensation set near $41,000 tied to design and development milestones for both properties.
In their motion seeking dismissal of the latest suit—which alleges breach of contract, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty—attorneys for Inspirata argue Pine Tree Development failed to meet state requirements for such claims while noting their agreement specified Inspirata bore no responsibility for actual construction work.
Weiner also owns an adjacent home at 5101 Pine Tree Drive acquired through foreclosure; demolition began recently according to public filings signed last week. Under local rules property owners may combine up to three contiguous parcels if extra land is used for accessory structures like pools or cabanas.
