Mt. Washington Valley publisher plans upscale office condo

New Hampshire’s population is growing faster than anywhere else in New England, due in part to urban professionals moving their businesses and families to more rural areas. While other Northeastern states saw a 5.5 percent increase in population from 1990 to 2000, New Hampshire grew at a rate of more than 11 percent, and continues to grow.

The latest U.S. Census information, released in late June, shows a surprising population increase in areas like New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, largely known for its outdoor activities and natural beauty.

As newcomers arrive from places like Massachusetts and New York, the Mount Washington Valley is adapting in response to city dwellers seeking to relocate.

One of those newer settlers is Dale Lydigsen, owner of Penchant Publishing.

“I moved up here about seven years ago,” says Riversong developer Dale Lydigsen, “to get away from the congestion, and be closer to skiing and other recreational opportunities.”

Lydigsen has had office space in the New England Executive Park and Chestnut Green Office Condominiums, both near Burlington, Mass. Neither, he says, offered the quality of life he was seeking. Affordable property values, along with the advent of high-speed Internet access and availability of a highly professional work force have allowed his business to thrive in the Mount Washington Valley without the stress and crowds of a city, he said.

“Mount Washington Valley has always been a great place to live,” says Lydigsen. “Now people are realizing it’s a great place to work, too.”

But, what was missing in the valley, he said, were commercial properties that combined the valley’s small-town charm with a prestigious business environment.

That’s when he came up with the idea of Riversong Luxury Office Condominiums in Glen, converting what was previously a warehouse into upscale office space.

Unlike anything else in Mount Washington Valley, Lydigsen said, Riversong is situated just 20 feet from the Ellis River. “I’m looking out my sliding glass door here, and the river is literally 20 feet from my window, and there’s a man out there fly-fishing right now,” said Lydigsen. nhbr