GPatti Enterprises, owner of the former W.T. Grant building at the corner of Third and Washington streets and future site of the Jamestown Brewing Company, released a statement to The Post-Journal on Wednesday defending itself in the wake of a 13-page claim filed in state Supreme Court in Erie County.

The pending lawsuit lays out a case alleging delays in the project that have cost Jamestown Brewing Co. investors John and John McClellan, a father-son brewing team, more than a million dollars.

GPatti Enterprises said it is aware of the allegations made in the complaint by Jamestown Brewing Co. and “vehemently” denied any wrongdoing.

“GPatti and its principals are disappointed that their tenant, JBC, resorted to filing a lawsuit when the project is on the verge of being complete, instead of working with GPatti to resolve any perceived project issues,” the statement read. “GPatti expended a great deal of time, energy, and monetary resources to bring this project to fruition with a number of community and other partners. This is a long-term investment that GPatti made in its home town of Jamestown.

“The construction delays encountered on a project of this magnitude are not unusual when you consider that it involves the renovation of a 50-year-plus-old building in an urban area, which is precisely the reason that no completion or delivery date was ever guaranteed by GPatti. JBC was aware of this and took on that business risk as part of its lease. JBC was made aware of the progress of the work at all times. JBC acknowledged the delays. GPatti believed that its intended business partner understood the need to complete the work the correct way so that all parties benefited from this significant, long-term investment. GPatti, as it has all along, continues to do everything in its power to complete the project to all applicable codes, and in a timely manner.

“If JBC intends to move forward with litigation in court, GPatti will vigorously defend against the allegations, and it will assert claims of its own. GPatti’s position, however, will be based on the actual terms of the parties’ contract and the actual events that took place on the site. Despite JBC’s actions, GPatti remains dedicated to the renovation project on Third Street, to its construction and community partners, and to Jamestown.”

Jamestown Brewing Co. was supposed to open in April 2018, but environmental delays with the project have resulted in a series of setbacks to the project. Work continues on the site as GPatti Inc. contractors work to make the building ready for the McClellans to occupy what will be a a three-floor brewery and restaurant which will serve pub food and high-end menu items as well as beer distributed in the form of growlers and kegs.

John McClellan II, Jamestown Brewing Company Inc. co-owner, said the company could be brewing as early as March 4 if things go according to schedule.