Archtober (pronounced: ark-tober) is a month-long celebration of design and architecture through programming and festivities. It’s one of the few times in the year when a New Yorker could be spotted on a group walking tour with an audio-equipped guide. On one of these tours, led by the American Institute of Architects, urban enthusiasts explored the streets of the West Village and the Meatpacking District, identifying hidden gems along with prominent buildings that served as examples of adaptive re-use, or the transformation of a structure to accommodate a new use for the space.

Here are highlights from our very own neighborhood: 

Designed by Morris Adjmi and developed by Taconic, the twisted steel structure atop an original Meatpacking building is a nod to the area’s industrial past. Today 837 Washington Street is home to Samsung 837, a three-level experiential hub dedicated to art installations, virtual reality experiences, and one-of-a-kind events.

The newest kid on the block is RH Gallery, designed by Backen, Gillam & Kroeger and developed by Aurora Capital Associates and William Gottlieb Real Estate. Once home to the beloved restaurant Pastis (returning to Meatpacking next year), the 90,000 square-foot flagship at 9 Ninth Avenue features luxury home furnishings and a skylit rooftop restaurant.

Here the old seamlessly blends into the new, with the dark, glazed bricks meeting the original facade. 415 West 13th Street is currently home to brands like AllSaints, Bumble and bumble, and Canali.

Notable in all three buildings are the metal awnings, previously meat racks, preserved through the historic designation of the Gansevoort Market Historic District back in 2003.

Redesigned in 2008, this old garage at 1 Gansevoort Street was converted into a minimal structure with one dramatic modification – a curved corner, making it one especially attractive flagship store for Marni. What’s left of the once 90 degree corner is an outline by bricks on the ground.

It would be remiss not to mention Chelsea Market and the High Line, but they each deserve their own tour. With one more week left in Archtober, there’s still a lot to see and learn. Check out the full schedule for upcoming events.