The Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA has received the Prix du XXe siècle, an award that recognizes outstanding contribution to Canadian architecture of 20th century design.

The prize celebrates design quality and enduring excellence. It can be given to a building in Canada designed by an architect from any country, or a building anywhere in the world designed by a Canadian architect.

Completed in 1984, the Central Y is the flagship of the YMCA in Toronto. The Diamond Schmitt designed facility is considered one of the organization’s most successful in the world, with the highest membership utilization, according to metrics of YMCA International.

“Recognition for designing one of the best buildings of the 20th century is an honour and validation for the design principles we maintain to this day,” said Donald Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects.

The RAIC jury noted the building’s condition is in extremely good shape today. “This is a testament to the robust execution of the architecture, especially surprising given the number of users throughout the building,” said the jury.