After more than 135 years of withstanding extreme wind and weather conditions, the Thomas Point Shoals Lighthouse (TPSL) had some serious structural issues that needed attention. Structural Preservation Systems (SPS) was hired to preserve this designated National Historic Landmark and the only cottage-type screwpile lighthouse still in its original Chesapeake Bay location because of the firm's extensive experience with historical structures. The design-build job included inspection, repair and partial replacement of members within the existing steel and cast-iron substructure, and assessment and repair or replacement of deteriorated structural wood components.

TPSL presented numerous challenges, particularly because of its location in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. Craftsmen had to travel by boat to reach the jobsite; waves, wind, tide and temperature all had to be closely monitored to ensure a safe and accessible work environment. The size of boat to mobilize out to the jobsite was limited by the available docking area and shallow draft around the lighthouse. Because of this, work was often disrupted or postponed when the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Small Craft Advisory. In addition to official NWS weather warnings, if the tide or waves were too high or conditions too windy, work areas could be partially submerged with every wave.

Other challenges included the lighthouse's designation as a National Historic Landmark. Because of this designation, any items removed from the structure of the lighthouse had to be returned to the owner's representative. Several grant-providing organizations that were involved in the project, including the Maryland Historic Trust and the Getty Foundation, required project review and placed restrictions on the manner in which work must be performed - in some cases, time limits.