The idea of demolishing Aberdeen's former John Lewis store has been rejected by city planners - despite the council co-leader claiming it is the only option for the landmark.
The Press and Journal says a newly-released draft mini-masterplan for George Street confronts the question of what to do with Norco House.
On Monday, Mr Yuill declared it would make "absolutely no sense" to accept the building as a gift from the shopping giant.
He said: "The only thing that could be done would be to knock it down, and that would cost millions."
Although the draft mini-masterplan was written before Mr Yuill's remarks, the timing might leave the Lib Dem group leader red-faced.
The document features a number of ambitious ideas for what could be done with the 52-year-old building.
Creating an atrium
In one drawing, the former store has been hollowed out to create an atrium.
That would "provide natural light into the middle of the building" and make it suitable for residential living.
A second proposal shows the eastern wall almost entirely replaced with glass, to allow more light into the concrete-heavy structure.
This concept would have retail on the bottom floor, with flats above.
Both ideas would involve the creation of a new park - dubbed Greyfriars Square - to boost green space on George Street.
The mini-masterplan says: "Norco House in particular is a building with high embedded carbon due to its concrete construction.
Carbon emissions
"Demolition of this building, the removal and processing of the waste and the redevelopment of the site would all produce more carbon emissions."
It continues: "Demolition isn't just an environmental problem.
"It is frequently undesirable on social and economic grounds.
"Research by the London School of Economics identified that demolition is both costly and unpopular in many instances."
Mr Yuill agreed that knocking the building down was not desirable and would have an impact on the environment.
However, he added: "The council doesn't own the building - the partnership has no wish to acquire the building.
Substantial investment needed
"We cannot see any use to which it would be put without very substantial investment in it or demolishing it, and that remains our position."
The P&J says the idea for Greyfriars Square is part of a larger effort to get more plants, trees and green space along the full length of George Street.
Feedback from a consultation said, "the only decent green space" is the pocket park at the junction with Hutcheon Street.
The mini-masterplan sets out proposals for "green vehicular streets" featuring pollinator-friendly plants, trees on either side and grass verges.
If the mini-masterplan goes ahead as drafted, there could also be dramatic changes to the way people drive down George Street - or don't.
Similarly to the wider city centre masterplan, there is an increased focus on encouraging pedestrians and cyclists by reducing the number of cars.
The mini-masterplan will be discussed when Aberdeen City Council meets on Wednesday, and a decision will be made on whether it goes to a public consultation early next year.
The results would be presented to the council the following December, along with recommended revisions to the plan.