The west side of the 175-year-old Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception has been closed to the public due to extensive termite damage.

The announcement about the damaged west end came on Friday from the Archdiocese of Mobile.

The archdiocese, in its news release, said there was no timetable as to when the west side can be used again. The rest of the Cathedral is safe to use, according to engineers who reported to the archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of Mobile has been in ongoing arbitration with a major termite control company regarding the damage to the Cathedral, the news release states.

The west end of the Cathedral stands parallel to Franklin Street, between Dauphin and Conti streets. The west end includes sacristies where priests prepare for Mass.

It is also where items that are used in worship are kept. The archdiocese says the items will be relocated as a precaution.

People entering the Cathedral must enter from the main entrance on the east side of Claiborne Street. The street is between the Cathedral and Cathedral Square.

The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was consecrated in 1850, by Bishop Michael Portier, the first bishop of Mobile. It was built over the course of 15 years, beginning in 1835.

Archbishop Oscar Hugh Lipscomb led the most recent restoration effort in the 2000s, which included restoration and repairs of the cast-iron fencing and an interior overhaul that included a new ceiling above the main aisle, new lighting and white marble flooring.