New York University representatives submitted a proposal Wednesday to transform a building on Jay Street into its new Center for Urban Science and Progress.

The university is one of several colleges making a bid to the city for the chance to build a new school of applied sciences.

NYU officials say their program would include hundreds of masters and PhD students who would study engineering with a focus on improving cities both now and in the future.

"We think it will bring talent to Brooklyn, take advantage of the talent that's already here, create jobs, spin off companies, and make Brooklyn actually the epicenter of where people are thinking about the future of cities," said Lynne Brown, NYU’s senior vice president.

School officials say a decision could be made by the end of this year or early next year.