Miami Beach Mega-Mansion Fallout: Weiner Hits D’Alessio with Fresh Lawsuit
Homeowner Files $50 Million Lawsuit Against Andrea D’Alessio, The Inspirata Group, Deere Construction, and Others Over Pine Tree Drive Projects
A new lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County has intensified scrutiny on luxury developer Andrea D’Alessio and his company The Inspirata Group, with billionaire Russell G. Weiner, founder of Rockstar Energy Drink, alleging widespread fraud, misrepresentation, and construction failures at two large-scale estate projects on Pine Tree Drive.
The complaint, filed by Pine Tree Development, LLC, seeks over $50 million in damages and describes the situation as “one of South Florida’s most significant high-end construction breakdowns in recent memory.”
The Rise and Collapse of a High-End Partnership
According to the filings, Weiner hired D’Alessio after being assured he was a licensed, elite luxury builder capable of managing the acquisition, design, and construction of estates located at 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive.
The complaint states, however, that:
- D’Alessio failed the Florida General Contractor exam multiple times
- He did not hold the necessary licenses to design or construct homes in Florida
- He nevertheless positioned himself as a fully qualified luxury home builder
The Management Agreement
In November 2021, Inspirata signed a fixed-fee project management contract for $40,833 per month, covering all phases—from demolition and engineering to full construction. Plaintiffs say these assurances were central to Weiner’s decision to proceed.
The Deere Construction Connection
A major component of the lawsuit involves the alleged improper substitution of contractors.
According to the complaint, D’Alessio and Inspirata:
- Installed Deere Construction, LLC as General Contractor of Record without obtaining owner approval
- Installed Deere Industries, LLC as the Marine Contractor of Record, also without approval
- Paid both Deere entities—controlled by licensed contractor Ryan Prendes—up to $40,000 per month each, drawn from Weiner’s project funds
- Continued to bill Inspirata’s own project management fees simultaneously
- Represented both Deere companies as “alter egos,” with overlapping scopes and little operational separation
Extensive Structural Defects and Code Violations
The suit outlines a series of alleged construction defects and regulatory failures considered significant in scope and cost.
Examples listed in the complaint include:
Foundation and Site Preparation Issues
- Over 400 pilings installed without proper site preparation; dozens later abandoned
- Improper compaction and grading, leading to soil instability, erosion, and sinkholes
- Foundations poured without permits, resulting in stop-work orders
Utility and Infrastructure Defects
- Sewer lines installed incorrectly and left exposed or filled with debris
- Entire drainage system errors requiring redesign
- Unauthorized generator pad installation
Structural and Mechanical Concerns
- Guest house allegedly built using excessive gauge steel and incorrect materials
- Resulting complications with mechanical systems and drywall installation
- Elevator shafts reported as non-compliant, with out-of-plumb walls and misplaced conduits
Historic Boathouse Work
- Reconstruction carried out with unapproved variances
- Potential zoning violations noted in the filings
Several structures were allegedly built without proper building permits or approvals.
Historic Preservation Issues
The dispute also involves the Collins Estate, a historic 1920s structure designed by architect Russell Pancoast.
Weiner relocated the landmark within the property, but the complaint alleges that unpermitted and improper construction activity jeopardized its preservation.
Legal Claims in the Case
The complaint asserts multiple causes of action, including:
- Breach of Contract (against Inspirata)
- Negligence (against Inspirata, Deere Construction, Deere Industries, and BACO Engineering)
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty (against D’Alessio and Inspirata)
Weiner seeks damages for:
- Direct financial losses
- Reconstruction and remediation costs
- Expert and engineering expenses
- Delay-related damages
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
Potential Impact on Miami’s Luxury Development Market
Industry observers note that if the allegations are proven, the case may have broader implications for Miami’s multimillion-dollar estate construction sector. The filings highlight the risks associated with complex projects where clients rely heavily on developer representations regarding licensure, contractor selection, and oversight.
The claims of undisclosed contractor substitutions, structural failures, and financial damages underscore how even well-funded projects may be vulnerable when transparency and compliance are not strictly maintained.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until the court rules otherwise.