HISTORY
Built in 1921, Russell's Department Store in the McClurkan Building (now known as the Russles Department Store Building) is located on the southwest corner of Downtown Dentons’ Square. J.H. Russell managed Russell's Department Store, part of a family business that debuted in Denton in 1925. H. M. Russell Department Store occupied the entire lower first floor of this building with shoes, men's and women's clothes, handbags, hosiery, gloves, lingerie, jewelry, and fine stationery. The basement was used as the building and department store's storage and inventory. The first-tier balcony held patterns and piece goods (bolts of cloth), a custom drapery department, and bed/bath linens; the second-tier balcony held fine china, crystal, silver, and gifts. The third floor was for offices and administrative purposes.
J.H. Russell’s wife Samye and a small team of seamstresses made women’s underwear. Eventually, the company expanded to women’s lingerie and sleepwear for women and children. Russell-Newman became one of the largest manufacturers of sleepwear and intimate apparel in the United States, creating designs under their own Texsheen and Samye labels. They also designed for J. C. Penney’s, Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, and other department stores. The business expanded to a larger space in Denton in 1946 and opened a plant in Pilot Point in 1953. The building's history includes multiple owners, several additions, and updates over the years, with the present building landlord, Eric Schmitz, acquiring the building in 2011.
BECOMING A VENUE
A mysterious black door reading “The Bears Den” has piqued the interest of many passers-by over the years. In 2017 owner Sunita Narayana and ex-business partner stumbled onto and acquired the space for the original use of a dance studio. Sunita is a professional Bollywood / Indian dancer, and nationally acclaimed chreopher. Originally looking for a space to hold practices, dance inventory, and costume storage.
The abandoned basement was used as building storage, with no electricity, dilapidated, and decomposing. Rolling up their sleeves the owners went to work. The beautiful original exposed floor-to-ceiling brick walls, original concrete floors, and exposed wooden beams and ceilings came to life during clean-up and renovations. A beautiful vision had manifested itself in this hole-in-the-wall (literally). A year later the owners opened their doors to the public in 2018.
Studio E is located in the basement of the historic Hickory Building, previously known as the historic Russell’s Department Store, right on Denton’s Downtown Square. To engage the community the owners expanded the spaces’ use to art and music shows. Upon advice from a guest saying “I would get married here” the journey to become an all-purpose event venue was underway. Taking the opportunity to turn this abandoned basement into a community hot spot! Little did they think, this would become a unique, speakeasy, industrial-chic venue located in the heart of The Square. In 2022, Sunita Narayana assumed sole ownership of Studio E and has since been dedicatedly managing it single-handedly, ensuring every event is infused with warmth, care, and her passion for creating unforgettable memories.
Today, Studio E is an industrial, rustic, modern, all-purpose event venue. Hosting events of all calibers, from art shows, poetry readings, photography/film, weddings, private parties, and community events! Conveniently located on Denton’s Downtown Square, guests can walk around exploring Denton’s restaurants, bars, and shops! This historic speakeasy Denton venue is proud to host your next event adding to the building's history and diversifying Denton’s culture!
MEET THE OWNER
Hello!! I'm Sunita Narayana, and I'm thrilled to be one of the co-founders and the current sole owner of Studio E. Born in Mumbai, India, and being raised in Flower Mound, Texas, I've always had a connection to diverse cultures and vibrant communities. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Integrated Studies, while simultaneously being in the event industry from 2011, as an assistant event coordinator.
The journey to Studio E began with a simple desire: to find a space to teach Bollywood/Indian dance. It took some searching, but in April 2017, we stumbled upon what would become Studio E – a 100-year-old brick department store basement with endless potential. Despite initial doubts, I saw the beauty and character within those old walls and decided to take the leap. With determination and a lot of elbow grease, we transformed Studio E into the welcoming haven it is today. Preserving the historic charm while adding modern touches like exposed brick, concrete floors, and stunning lighting, I wanted to create a space where every event feels truly special.
In December 2018, I took another leap, leaving my job in ophthalmology to pursue Studio E full-time. Despite the challenges of renovating an old building, the support from the community was overwhelming. Hosting small events while still under construction showed us the potential of Studio E, and we've been grateful for every moment since. Studio E was founded on the idea of providing a cozy space for intimate gatherings, and we've been lucky to host some incredible weddings and events every month. None of this would be possible without the support of our amazing clients and the Denton community.
Outside of Studio E, I enjoy dancing, singing, traveling, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Denton. Whether it's attending local events, volunteering, or trying out new restaurants, I love exploring everything this city has to offer. I'm truly passionate about ensuring every guest feels confident and comfortable bringing their dream events to life at Studio E. Thank you for considering us for your next event or creative project – I can't wait to meet you and serve your family and friends! - Sunita
“You are what you believe in. You become that which you believe you can become” ― Bhagavad Gita