Last Chance Mile

<p>Like many other cities in the United States Grand Rapids Michigan has struggled with redeveloping its economic identity after the devastation of the Great Recession of 2008. <i>Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an</i> <i>American Community </i>demonstrates how Grand Rapids has been redefined as a hub for the greatest scientific minds in the world by developing what has come to be called the Medical Mile.</p><p>The Medical Mile is cluster of prosperity that is anchored by a world-renowned research institute a major healthcare organization a Big Ten medical school an allied health professions program at a nearby university and an entrepreneurial incubator where new medical device and life sciences businesses are being born. None of this existed until a $1 billion donation from Jay Andel changed not only the way the world views Grand Rapids but how the community views itself.</p><p>It has been a long journey of self-discovery for Grand Rapids that could serve as inspiration for other American communities.</p>