Shanghai-based Greenland Group on Friday broke ground for King Blue, a mixed-use development at King Street and Blue Jays Way that will include a 122-room Primus hotel, two residential towers (44 and 48 storeys) and a 10k SF theatre museum. It will involve the revitalization of several sides of the Westinghouse Building, which the developer says is the highest heritage facade ever retained in this country. The project is Greenland’s first Canadian foray; it acquired the development last year from Easton's Group of Hotels and The Remington Group. Greenland also has projects in the US (New York’s $4.9B Pacific Park), UK and Australia.

Greenland Group is no stranger to big buildings. It's currently constructing four of the top 10 tallest towers in the world and has 23 ultra high-rises in its portfolio. President Henry Cao said the firm was attracted to Canada because it's a "growing, highly stable market." Residential sales on King Blue, which has been approved by the city, launched last October. The project includes 910 units; occupancy is slated for 2018. Primus Toronto, the hotel chain’s first Canadian location, will be based in the 48-storey tower; the theatre museum will be located in the shorter tower.