Russell Weiner, the founder of Rockstar Energy Drink, has filed a lawsuit against the project manager and contractors responsible for his Miami Beach estate. The suit alleges that work on the $100 million-plus property was completed without proper permits or approvals and that there are widespread construction defects.
The complaint was filed by Pine Tree Development, Weiner’s company, against Andrea D’Alessio and his firm Inspirata Management Company, as well as Deere Construction/Deere Industries and Baco Engineering Contractor. The lawsuit focuses on two adjacent properties at 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive in Miami Beach.
Weiner plans to build a 30,000-square-foot main mansion at 5011 Pine Tree Drive as part of what he described to The Real Deal as “the most incredible estate in Miami.” According to the complaint, some structures were built without required building permits or zoning approvals. It also details alleged problems such as improperly installed piles, poor site preparation leading to sinkholes and erosion after rainfall, incorrectly installed sewer lines resulting in a stop-work order, and an unapproved generator pad.
Additional allegations include issues with reconstructing a historic boat house from the 1920s, discrepancies between approved plans and what was built at the Collins estate—deemed architecturally significant by the city—and missing drainage infrastructure.
Inspirata Management Company and D’Alessio have filed a motion to dismiss the case. A judge has not yet ruled on this motion.
“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 legal fees from Weiner.
Weiner declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
The Collins estate’s relocation efforts were previously documented by preservation groups in Miami Beach. Designed by Russell Pancoast in the 1920s for Irving Collins—son of city founder John Collins—the structure was moved within the property boundaries last year.
Last year, neighbors raised concerns about construction activity at Weiner’s properties. They cited an allegedly forged notice of commencement—a document marking official start of construction—which had been filed with county officials alongside permit applications.
This latest suit follows an earlier legal action initiated last fall after The Real Deal reported potential problems with construction management at Weiner’s assemblage. An amended complaint submitted in December accused D’Alessio’s companies of overbilling and self-dealing during their role overseeing development work.
D’Alessio has denied all allegations. He maintains that Weiner knew he was not licensed as a general contractor during much of their collaboration; state records show D’Alessio obtained his Florida general contractor license only this May.
Francisco Touron III, attorney for Deere Construction/Deere Industries, declined to comment but stated via email that his client would “aggressively defend against Plaintiff’s spurious claims.”
Records indicate that Weiner acquired both lots from David and Leila Centner in 2021 before hiring Inspirata Management Company as project manager for design and construction oversight under an agreement paying nearly $41,000 per month tied to project progress.
The current lawsuit alleges breach of contract, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty against those involved. Attorneys representing Inspirata argue that Pine Tree Development failed to meet Florida law requirements for bringing a breach-of-contract claim; they also say their agreement clearly states Inspirata was not responsible for actual construction activities.
The two main properties are separated by another home at 5101 Pine Tree Drive—also owned by Weiner after foreclosure proceedings involving previous owners Richard and Maria Meruelo. Demolition is underway at this middle parcel following recent approval filings with local authorities. Under Miami Beach rules homeowners may combine up to three contiguous parcels if additional lots are used for amenities such as pools or sports courts.
