Russell Weiner, the founder of Rockstar Energy Drink, has filed a new lawsuit against the project manager and contractors responsible for his waterfront estate in Miami Beach. The complaint alleges that work on the $100 million-plus property was performed without proper permits or approvals.
The lawsuit, submitted by Weiner’s Pine Tree Development, names Andrea D’Alessio and his Inspirata Management Company, Deere Construction/Deere Industries, and Baco Engineering Contractor. It centers on alleged construction defects at 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive. According to the complaint, some structures were built without required building permits or zoning approvals. Some of the construction used private providers and phased permits as alternatives to standard city inspections.
Additional issues cited include more than 400 piles allegedly installed improperly; inadequate site filling, compaction, and grading that led to sinkholes and soil erosion after rainfall; sewer lines installed incorrectly, which triggered a stop-work order requiring a complete rework; and an unapproved generator pad installation. The lawsuit also mentions problems with the reconstruction of a historic boat house from the 1920s, discrepancies between approved plans and actual construction at the Collins estate (deemed architecturally significant by the city), missing drainage systems, and other examples of improper construction.
Inspirata and D’Alessio have responded by filing a motion to dismiss the case. A ruling has not yet been made.
“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 vindicated in court and intends to seek legal fees from Weiner.
Weiner declined to comment on ongoing litigation.
The Collins estate’s relocation efforts were documented last year by preservation groups. The property was designed by Russell Pancoast in the 1920s for Irving Collins—son of John Collins, who helped found Miami Beach.
Last year, neighbors raised concerns about alleged irregularities in construction filings with Miami-Dade County involving notarized notices of commencement—documents typically filed when permitted work begins.
Weiner’s company first sued D’Alessio last fall after The Real Deal reported on earlier allegations related to the project. An amended complaint later accused D’Alessio’s companies of overbilling and self-dealing. The December filing claimed D’Alessio misrepresented himself as a licensed contractor despite lacking relevant Florida credentials at that time; state records show he obtained his general contractor license in May 2025.
D’Alessio denied these claims previously, stating Weiner knew he was not acting as general contractor on the project.
Francisco Touron III, representing Deere Construction/Deere Industries, stated via email that they are “prepared to aggressively defend against Plaintiff’s spurious claims.”
Weiner bought both lots from David and Leila Centner in 2021 before hiring Inspirata as project manager under an agreement paying nearly $41,000 per month for services tied to design and development. The current lawsuit alleges breach of contract, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty. In response, attorneys for Inspirata argue Pine Tree Development failed to meet Florida law requirements for such claims; they also say their client was not contractually responsible for construction activities.
The two main properties are separated by another home at 5101 Pine Tree Drive—also owned by Weiner following foreclosure proceedings against its previous owners—which is now being demolished as part of potential future redevelopment plans.
