A major gateway project that will guide people from Metro into the Town of Herndon is moving forward with a leaner model.

The plan for Parkview by Lerner Enterprises — which includes three mixed-use buildings — is headed to the town’s Architectural Review Board for preliminary review tonight (Wednesday). The buildings will open up to the Herndon Station promenade on the nearly 5-acre site at 593 Herndon Parkway.

The site is directly next to the north entrance of Herndon-Monroe Metro Station and flanks the west corner of the proposed promenade. The promenade extends from Metro’s pavilion to Herndon Parkway and is intended to serve as a pedestrian gateway to the town.

The board is reviewing the third version of this project. The first version maxed out on allowable residential, office and retail densities, while the second option focused on office and retail only. This latest iteration proposes less density and slashes building heights significantly.

The first building, which stands 170 feet tall, has mostly retail and housing on the base, a parking garage in the middle section, and an upper section of office space. Facing the Dulles Toll Road and Metro, it is the tallest of the three buildings proposed.

The ARB described the parking garage as “imposing.”

“The architectural design of the garage and the office building are very different and visually express two different forms and means of articulation. Ways to better tie the two together should be explored,” a May 2 memo from staff states.

The second building is described as a mid-rise residential building. Both the second and third buildings are roughly 85 feet tall.

The board is expected to review the project at a meeting to 7:30 p.m. The proposal is in the pre-application phase and must go through a number of steps before any approval is made. The final version may incorporate previous versions of the project.