This may be the biggest news in the Lawrence office supply world since my unfortunate incident involving a “chain” of paper clips, our office mezzanine, and multiple additions to our employee handbook involving the words “prohibited” and “Tarzan.” Lawrence-based M&M Office Supply has closed its doors and transferred its customer list to a Wichita-based company after decades in business.

The closure of a longtime business — I’ve been told the business dates back to 1956, but haven’t yet confirmed that — is big enough news in itself, but this one has an added twist because it likely will create some interesting development scenarios in downtown Lawrence. M&M Office Supply owns a unique piece of property in downtown Lawrence. Its building at 623 Massachusetts St. has its own, private parking directly off Massachusetts Street. The building is one of the few that is set back off of Mass. Street, which allows for private parking right in front of the building’s main entrance.

Wichita-based Midwest Single Source has struck a deal to take over the customer list of M&M Office Supply, but the deal does not involve the real estate at 623 Massachusetts St. The property is owned by members of the Marsh family, owners of M&M. I’ve got a call into Craig Marsh, an owner of the business. My understanding is the Marsh family is exploring options for the future of the property. (Speculation that I’m going to purchase the building because it would be cheaper than continuing to pay the parking tickets of a certain someone in my house is not entirely accurate. I would prefer to lease.)

As for Midwest Single Source, it has taken over the phone number of M&M and has begun calling on the company’s customer list. The company is now looking for a new location to establish a retail presence in Lawrence. The 38-year old company is headquartered in Wichita and has had an office in Topeka for more than 20 years. Lawrence resident Sarah Strydom will serve as the branch manager for Midwest Single Source’s Lawrence operations. She said the company will establish itself as a local firm that serves as an alternative to the large national office supply chains.

“I think Lawrence is a developing community and is receptive to doing business locally,” Strydom said. “I think we can capitalize on that.”

Strydom said Midwest Single Source is significantly larger than M&M Office Supply and believes it will be able to be more competitive on price and selection. Strydom said the company expects to have a Lawrence storefront open by early 2015.

In other news and notes around town:

• I’ve had some readers submitting questions about the large amount of construction work that is underway at the southwest corner of Peterson Road and Monterey Way. As we reported about a year ago, a Missouri-based company is building a senior housing project on the corner. Officials with Americare have filed plans for a 46-unit complex that would would include 30 units of general assisted living, plus 16 units that specialize in assisted living for people who need memory care services. Plans also show a potential Phase II that includes another 16 units for memory care services and 22 units of “independent living cottage development.” I’m operating under the assumption that what is under construction currently is just Phase I. No word yet on when the project will be open for business.