Bristol-based Roger Williams University is significantly expanding its presence in Providence with a move to the building that once housed ex-Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's 38 Studios.

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

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 Berkeley Investments, the building's owner. The lease begins in May of that year. bankruptcy in 2012.

Roger Williams will have the first four floors and a portion of the fifth floor — about three-quarters of the building.