Disputes over contractors’ compensation appear to be at the crux of the closure of Steaming Bean Coffee Co.’s former location at 915 Main Ave.

Steaming Bean is due to reopen Wednesday in the basement space at 900 Main Ave., and boards block the windows of the building across the street where the business vacated two weeks ago.

The closure of the former space left saddened Bean-loving patrons in its wake, but also a slew of disgruntled contractors who say they weren’t paid for remodeling the coffee shop.

According to contractors, business owner Erica Fendley ran up an unpaid tab on the Steaming Bean’s makeover last spring.

Court documents show companies have sought to foreclose mechanic’s liens, which is an almost assured route to compensation. If the property goes to lien sale, the mechanic’s lien is attached and the contractor will most likely receive due payment.

Johnny Bickel of Affordable Welding & Fabrication provided materials for the Steaming Bean remodel, and court filings reflect a bill of about $4,500, plus interest. Bickel said he ultimately worked out the issue privately with building owner James Giorgio, of New York, and settled for about $2,000.

“I received a check from him last week,” Bickel said. “Ms. Fendley wanted a remodel, and I gave her a bill and told her what it was going to cost. I did the steel work, and had to pay employees out of pocket.”

Rob Kolter with Mac Source Durango said he was owed $450 from the Steaming Bean, and offered to take repayment through trade, but an agreement was never reached.

Fendley bought the business in 2014. The property owner said she signed a seven-year lease.

Besides Affordable Welding & Fabrication, companies named in court documents include plumbing service Ferguson Enterprises, Boss Mechanical and Skywalker Construction. Some are settling out of court with Giorgio, who said Fendley allowed workers to make more than $50,000 in improvements to the building, which was more than he authorized.

“I didn’t hire these guys,” Giorgio said. “I understood she was going to undertake this work. You could buy two types of cars, an economical car to get from point A to point B, or do all the add-ons you want. Same thing with construction.”

When he bought the building two years ago, Giorgio said he thought he was buying a piece of history in a town he grew to love when he was living in Durango 20 years ago. He said it was never his intent to see the Steaming Bean close.

“A lot of people were negatively affected, and to not pay them has a bigger economic impact than a couple of kids who can’t drink coffee anymore,” Giorgio said.

But Fendley, who said part of the problem was her lack of expertise about contracting, contended the workers also did not communicate with her about the cost.

“There has been ongoing litigation, which was part of the scenario that caused doors to shut at Steaming Bean,” she said. “Part of the difficulty is the disputed bill for construction. Attempts to settle were never successful.”

Fendley said she tried unsuccessfully to offer workable solutions, including selling the business to a buyer who could financially salvage the Steaming Bean.

“I have taken responsibility for the role I played, and those intimately involved with the situation can hopefully learn from this,” Fendley said. “I was there every day during the renovations, and I was never trying to take advantage of anyone. It’s an unfortunate situation, and no one wins at this point.”

Fendley said disagreements with Giorgio about hosting live music at the Bean also played into the closure.

jpace@durangoherald.com