Roger Williams inks 12-year, $23M lease for expansion at Empire Plaza in Providence

Roger Williams University is expanding in Providence in the building that housed ex-Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's now-defunct 38 Studios.

The Bristol-based university is announcing Friday a 12-year, $23-million lease for 77,000 square feet at One Empire Plaza. The space will be used by the law school, School of Continuing Studies, Latino Policy Institute and HousingWorks RI and will nearly double Roger Williams' presence in the capital.

The space will replace the school's current Washington Street location. It's expected to open in spring 2016 after an $11 million renovation by owner Berkeley Investments.

The school will occupy the first four floors and a portion of the fifth floor.

University President Donald Farish will formally announce the news Friday with Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and other city and state officials.