Ways to Improve Maintenance/Sturdy Buildings

I understand why the mechanic works the way it does now but in a T2 or T3 game you can easily go from 98+ Maint. to 'OMG we're doomed!' is short order.
My suggestion is a way to upgrade buildings or improve them in some way so that they take less Maint.
1) Foundations: If you're willing to spend some Concrete Slabs (cost varies based on the size of the building of course) when the building is built, then the building should get a permanent 10% discount on Maint. cost. T2 idea.
2) Support Beams: This is similar to the Foundations idea above, only with Steel beams instead. Same basic idea...spend a bit of Steel when the building is built and get a reduction in the Maint. cost. Stackable with Foundations. T2 idea.
3) Rust-Proofing: This could be a possible result of Petroleum Research but would be added as an upgrade AFTER the building is built. T3 idea.
The idea is to spend more upfront and have the buildings cost less Maint. in the long run.