The Obama Presidential Center is set to open Friday in Chicago, but several subcontractors who helped build the project say they are still struggling to recover millions of dollars in alleged unpaid costs.
"I haven't had eight hours or six hours sleep in over a year," Owen said. "I'm cooked emotionally.
"I feel like an aluminum can that's been thrown in front of a steamroller. We're crushed. And I have to fight for my company and for my people."
According to a Fox News Digital report published Wednesday, multiple subcontractors alleged losses ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions.
The report said the claims raise questions about one of the center's signature goals: creating economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses and local contractors.
Owen said it has been difficult to watch celebrations surrounding the center's opening while contractors continue to pursue compensation claims.
"It was kind of hard seeing some local and national celebrities high-fiving and back-slapping here about the work that's been done," Owen said.
"The backdrop of a coming celebration is kind of hard to swallow for me and for some of my peers at the moment."
The Obama Foundation said it paid Lakeside Alliance, the project's construction manager, and that Lakeside was responsible for hiring, managing, and paying subcontractors.
The foundation also said it has no outstanding disputed charges with Lakeside Alliance and no contractual relationship with subcontractors.
Foundation officials noted that the project exceeded diversity participation goals and implemented accelerated payment schedules and other financial support measures for smaller firms.
Owen said he decided to speak publicly only after months of unsuccessful attempts to recover losses he attributes to the project.
"As for me and my company, I'm at the end of my rope and I see no other choice than to have to tell my story," he said.
"This is not to embarrass anybody, but this is just to make sure that the truth gets told out here of what has happened to the companies that poured their heart and soul into getting this job complete and operational."
Despite the ongoing disputes, Owen said he remains proud of the finished project.
"The interior of this presidential center is quite beautiful and it's something to be proud of," he said. "And we are still proud to have been part of this job.
"We just wish it would have gone a different way financially."