NEWS: Roger Williams University leases 38 Studios office

One Empire Plaza_Roger

Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News


WPRO News

The empty offices which once housed failed video game company 38 Studios will be filled once again after Roger Williams University sets up shop at One Empire Plaza.

The university intends to move its teaching programs, faculty, and administrative offices by next May. The current Roger Williams Providence campus is held at 150 Washington Street.

Mayor-elect Jorge Elorza, a Professor at Roger Williams University’s School of Law, described the university’s leasing of the building as “bold” and “collaborative” and in the best interests of the city.

Roger Williams will occupy the four-and-a-half floors of the six-story building to provide more space for the University’s School of Law, School of Continuing Studies and other programs like the Latino Policy Institute and HousingWorks RI.

“This building obviously has had its ups and its downs, but its going up and it’s a symbol I think of what is going on in our city and what’s going on in our state,” said Mayor Angel Taveras.

The Providence Journal reports the University signed a 12-year lease, which will generate $23 million in rent through 2028. The current owner of the building, Berkeley Investments Inc., has agreed to renovate the building to the tune of $11 million before it is ready for operation.

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