The History of 92 Grove Street, Edinburgh & Architect Frederick Thomas Pilkington
From hidden gems to celebrated landmarks, Edinburgh's rich history shines through in its remarkable architecture. One of the most distinctive buildings in Fountainbridge is 92 Grove Street, a striking Victorian Gothic structure designed by the celebrated architect Frederick Thomas Pilkington.
For almost six years, from early 2019 until January 2025, 92 Grove Street was home to grow urban. During that time, countless customers stepped through its doors to discover houseplants, gifts and coffee while admiring one of Fountainbridge's most fascinating historic buildings.
Although grow urban. relocated to larger premises at St Vincent Street in Edinburgh's New Town in January 2025, 92 Grove Street remains an important part of our story and one of the most architecturally interesting buildings we've ever had the pleasure of occupying.
Frederick Thomas Pilkington and 92 Grove Street
92 Grove Street was designed by Frederick Thomas Pilkington (1832–1898), one of Scotland's most distinctive Victorian architects.
Pilkington became known for his highly decorative interpretation of the Gothic Revival style, often incorporating rich carvings, unusual window forms and dramatic architectural details. While he is best known for designing churches and institutional buildings throughout Scotland, his work can also be found across the UK.
One of his most famous Edinburgh buildings is the former Barclay Church on Viewforth, completed in the same year as 92 Grove Street: 1864.
Today, 92 Grove Street remains one of the lesser-known but most intriguing examples of Pilkington's work in Edinburgh.
Architectural Details Worth Looking For
Take a moment to look up and you'll quickly understand why the building attracts so much attention.
The façade features a remarkable mixture of architectural styles and window forms, including:
- Pointed arches
- Round arches
- Elliptical arches
- Horse-shoe arches
Botanical carvings decorate the stonework, while twisted columns frame several of the upper windows. Above the original shopfront sits a carved central figure, adding further character to the building.
One of the most interesting details can be found on the Fountainbridge-facing elevation, where a carved panel depicts a clenched hand holding a star, surrounded by foliage. Beneath sits a ribbon bearing the words:
Sola Virtus Nobilitat
Translated from Latin, this roughly means "Virtue alone ennobles."
Fountainbridge Then and Now
Modern Fountainbridge is almost unrecognisable from the industrial district that existed during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Hotels, offices and residential developments have transformed the area, replacing many of the factories, warehouses and tenement buildings that once dominated the neighbourhood.
Even the birthplace of Sir Sean Connery at 176 Fountainbridge has long since disappeared, marked today only by a commemorative plaque.
Against this backdrop of constant change, 92 Grove Street remains a rare survivor and an important link to Victorian Fountainbridge.
A Long History of Independent Businesses
The ground floor of 92 Grove Street was clearly designed with commercial use in mind. Its large display windows have welcomed a variety of businesses over the years.
Historical records and photographs show the premises operating as a grocer, carpet shop, stationers and wedding dress boutique at various points throughout its history.
In 2019, the space began a new chapter when grow urban. transformed it into a destination for plant lovers and coffee drinkers.
Visitors to the shop may remember the historic photograph of Fisher's General Store displayed inside, offering a glimpse into how the premises looked during the 1950s.
Where is grow urban. Now?
In January 2025, grow urban. consolidated its operations into its larger Edinburgh store at 8b St Vincent Street, EH3 6SH.
The move allowed us to expand our retail space, improve storage and delivery operations and continue growing the business while remaining firmly rooted in Edinburgh.
While we no longer occupy 92 Grove Street, we remain incredibly fond of the building and its place within Edinburgh's architectural history.
Visiting Fountainbridge
Fountainbridge remains one of Edinburgh's most rapidly changing neighbourhoods and is home to a wide range of independent businesses, cafés and creative spaces.
If you're exploring the area, make sure to pause outside 92 Grove Street and admire one of Frederick Thomas Pilkington's most distinctive Edinburgh buildings.
And if you're looking for houseplants, gifts or expert plant advice, you'll now find us at our Edinburgh store at 8b. St Vincent Street, New Town.